Prepare
Where should I go for my undergraduate education? Is it true that you have a better chance of being accepted if you attend Texas A&M for an undergraduate degree? Do Aggie undergraduates receive preference in the veterinary school selection process?
No. Undergraduate students from Texas A&M receive no preference in the selection process for our veterinary program. Our program supports and promotes a range of applicants from various undergraduate schools and degree plans.
Which schools in the Texas A&M System have partner MOAs with the DVM Professional Program?
The VMBS has formed formal partnerships via a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with four Texas A&M University System universities to further the study of veterinary medicine across the State of Texas. The four universities are Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University -Kingsville and West Texas A&M University. For more information, visit vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions/tamus-partner-moas.
Is there a specific undergraduate major that is preferred when considering admission to veterinary school?
Completing prerequisite courses remains the minimum admissions requirement, regardless of the undergraduate field of study. Undergraduate studies with an intensive focus on science and mathematics not only provide an excellent foundation on which to build the science of veterinary medicine but also introduce students to the academic rigor required within a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum. However, choosing a field of study that holds a particular interest for an individual student may facilitate outstanding scholastic performance and complement the required prerequisite courses. For more information on prerequisites, visit tx.ag/DVMPrereq, and on DVM eligibility, visit tx.ag/DVMEligibility.
My school does not have an undergraduate agriculture program. What do I do about the “Animal Nutrition” credit? May I take a human nutrition course?
Animal nutrition courses that meet prerequisite standards are listed at tx.ag/DVMPrereq. These listings include acceptable animal nutrition courses by correspondence/online from Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University and Purdue University.
I don’t have a pre-vet advisor at my school. Who should I speak with to make sure I’m on the right track?
Information for prospective DVM students can be found at FutureAggieVet.tamu.edu. Education counselors have access to numerous resources, such as information regarding admissions, prerequisite courses, cost of attendance (COA), scholarships and financial aid, and other topics. Our staff can also answer specific questions and can be reached at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu.
I began my undergraduate studies at a community college. Do I need to retake science courses at a four-year university? Does attending a community college hurt my chances of being accepted to veterinary school?
Candidates successfully matriculate into our program each year with community college course credits on their transcripts. Please visit tx.ag/DVMPrereq for a list of accepted prerequisite courses from many universities. While the list is extensive, it’s not exhaustive. For questions regarding substitutions from other institutions, please contact our admissions office at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu. Admissions consideration prefers traditional course completion over online courses, especially for classes including a laboratory component.
What are the prerequisites to apply to the DVM program?
Visit vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions/prerequisites for all prerequisite information. Please note: By the application deadline, applicants must have completed, or be enrolled to be completed by December of the application year, Organic Chemistry I with lab, Physics I with lab, and Biochemistry I. For a full list of the eligibility requirements, please visit vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions/eligibility.
Beyond the required prerequisites, what other courses are recommended to aid in successfully completing the veterinary curriculum?
Students with academic backgrounds that include anatomy, physiology, biology, microbiology, and other foundational science courses tend to transition and perform successfully in the DVM professional program. Undergraduate programs involving animal handling, husbandry, or genetics also serve the DVM professional student well.
How do I know I am taking the “right” prerequisite course?
Visit vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions/prerequisites for all prerequisite information for community colleges in the state of Texas (Texas Common Course Numbering System), as well as for other four-year universities in the state of Texas. The TMDSAS website also has course equivalencies listed at tmdsas.com/course-listings/index.html. If you do not find your course in either location, contact us at admiss-dvm@tamu.edu and provide a syllabus for the course to be reviewed for acceptability.
I’m not applying this cycle. Are there any prerequisite changes that are forthcoming?
Visit vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/prerequisite-updates to see updates as they occur.
My classes are over 10 years old. What do I do?
To meet the high academic performance standards in the DVM Professional Program, any required coursework taken more than 10 years ago must be retaken. Individuals who feel they may qualify for an exception due to continued education or work environment may appeal. Please contact us at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu.
Can I visit the vet school?
Yes. Information about touring our facilities can be found at tx.ag/VMBStours. Applicants who are offered admission or alternate admission status are invited to participate in our DVM Program Visitation Day. The event is held in both College Station and Canyon each Spring.
What are some opportunities veterinary students have at your institution?
Texas A&M veterinary students have opportunities to perform research in the Veterinary Medical Scientist Research Training Program (VMSRTP), study abroad in South Africa (Education Abroad), learn with the Veterinary Emergency Team (VET), and become a member of one of over 35 student organizations. During the final year of the curriculum, students learn in the only Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) in Texas, in private practices during their externships, and opportunities with the Houston SPCA and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) (Curriculum).
How much does it cost to go to veterinary school?
Texas A&M is consistently ranked as an affordable university, providing a high level of value at an affordable price. To help anticipate your expected expenses, including tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other miscellaneous costs, the university has estimated the COA. More information can be found at tx.ag/DVMTuition.
Are there scholarships available for veterinary school?
Numerous scholarship opportunities exist throughout our veterinary program. The welcome packet each new/incoming student receives contains information regarding scholarship opportunities.
Apply
What is the deadline for application?
All application components and deadlines are listed at vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/deadlines.
What is the DVM 2+2 Program?
The DVM 2+2 Program provides selected students the opportunity to spend the first two years of the four-year veterinary program in Canyon, Texas, before completing the final two years in College Station. Housed at the Veterinary Education, Research, and Outreach (VERO) facility on the West Texas A&M University (WT) campus, the DVM 2+2 Program is available to only a small cohort of veterinary students each year. This location has the best student-to-faculty ratio in the country, and we’re the only veterinary school with a 2+2 program where the second campus is within the same state. Learn more about VERO at vetmed.tamu.edu/vero.
What are the steps to apply to the DVM Professional Program?
The list of application components can be found at vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions/eligibility. Please also see our DVM Admissions webpage, which includes the pre-application process, financial information, application videos, and more, at vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions.
I have questions about residency.
I’ve heard I can gain “early admissions” to vet school. What does this mean?
The VMBS has no formalized early admissions programs for the DVM degree. Students who complete prerequisite requirements prior to completing a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply.
Is there a way to see if I am competitive for veterinary school applications?
Yes. While the admissions process considers much more than grades, our website contains academic statistics from student cohorts recently admitted into the program. While the application pool varies each cycle with each new set of candidates, the statistics for students matriculating into the DVM professional program remain fairly consistent. Please see the information for the last several entering classes at tx.ag/DVMStats.
Of course, the best way to evaluate your competitiveness is to apply. We look forward to receiving your application!
My family runs a business working with animals (hunting dog training, horse riding lessons, grooming business, doggy daycare, etc.). May I list the hours that I spend working with the animals in my family business on my application?
Yes. It’s important to realize, however, that it may become difficult to separate hours when/if animals are also considered pets. Sometimes, an animal in training may also be considered a pet. For example, time spent training a horse or dog might overlap with more casual or play times. Therefore, candidates should commit to separating, as best as possible, “pet-focused” activities from “training” hours.
May I count work with bees under animal handling experience?
Yes, you may count bee experience like ownership of a pet. As indicated in the TMDSAS Veterinary Guidebook information for Animal Experience (https://tmdsas.com/application-guide/bio-activities.html ), you may count 100 hours of pet ownership per species (with a maximum of 2 species) toward your Animal Experience. You should include a brief description of the experience (500-character limit).
I have fostered an animal. Where should I include this experience in my application?
Foster animals are considered similarly to pets. As indicated in the TMDSAS Veterinary Guidebook information for Animal Experience (https://tmdsas.com/application-guide/bio-activities.html ), you may count 100 hours of pet ownership per species (with a maximum of 2 species) toward your Animal Experience. You should include a brief description of the experience (500-character limit).
I’m interested in exotic animal medicine. Can I pursue this career path at Texas A&M?
All veterinary students enroll in foundational science courses and courses focusing on clinical and professional skills during the first three years of the DVM professional program. In the second year, students may select specific elective classes targeted for career-focused areas, including exotic animal medicine. This flexibility increases during the third year, during which additional courses are offered for those with an exotic animal medicine focus. The final clinical year of the veterinary curriculum allows students to choose clinical rotation experiences (both on and off campus) with an emphasis on exotic animal medicine.
I know that research is a part of the application. Do I have to do research to be accepted to veterinary school?
No. Research experience is not a prerequisite. Candidates having research experience are encouraged to share those details.
I have research experience that also involves working with animals. Should I list that as research or animal experience?
Time devoted to general husbandry care—including handling, feeding, cleaning, or otherwise providing animal welfare—qualifies for general animal hours. Performing specific duties directly aligned with research protocol is distinct. While overlap might exist, candidates are expected to responsibly estimate when one interactivity ends, and another begins.
What is classified as “veterinary experience?”
Veterinary versus animal experience is described at vetmed.tamu.edu/dvm/admissions/eligibility.
Application videos may also help. There is one titled “Veterinary Experience, Animal Experience, Veterinary Experience Environments” here: Application videos.
Should I place work with a veterinarian under “employment” or “veterinary experience” in my application?
“Veterinary Experience” is hours spent working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, whether in a clinical or research environment, paid or volunteer. Therefore, please put it in the “Veterinary Experience” section of your application. Visit tmdsas.com/application-guide/bio-activities.html for more information located under the “Veterinary Supervised Experience” section.
“Employment Experience” should be non-animal care employment. DO NOT list veterinary supervised or animal experience under “Employment!” Failure to put experiences in the proper place will result in the applicant not receiving proper credit for the application.
All my employment is in the veterinary environment, does this make it look like I’ve not had a job if the employment section is blank?
It does not. Experience with a veterinarian should always go under the “Veterinary Experience” category of your application. It will be clear, from that section, the type of experiences you have completed. Please see tmdsas.com/application-guide/bio-activities.html “Veterinary Supervised Experience” and “Employment” for distinctions.
“Employment Experience” should be non-animal care employment. DO NOT list veterinary supervised or animal experience under employment! Failure to put experiences in the proper place will result in the applicant not receiving proper credit for the application.
The supplemental application asks for my UIN (University Identification number). What is this number?
Please note that the supplemental application asks for the UIN and then notes this is for Texas A&M University (TAMU) students only. If you are not a TAMU student, you may leave this spot blank. You do not need to place your TMDSAS number or other university identifier in this spot. This is required of TAMU students for security reasons.
Why does the supplemental application ask again about my animal hours?
The supplemental application question about animal experience is asked in such a way as to gain additional details about your animal experiences. Please make sure to be as thorough as possible in answering the question.
My supplemental application says it has not been submitted, yet I have submitted it.
1. Log into your VMBS Dashboard.
2. Click on the box + arrow that says, in maroon, “Supp App”.
3. Enter your TMDSAS User ID and TMDSAS email.
4. Confirm they are entered correctly and then hit “Link Account”.
5. If, after two days, you still do not see them linked, please contact us at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu.
I have submitted my supplemental application, but the dashboard says I have not paid.
On your VMBS Dashboard, click on “Instructions on How to Pay” in the upper right. If you have completed the payment, save your receipt. It can take up to two weeks for us to process the payments. Please note, the supplemental application fee is nonrefundable.
My VMBS Dashboard says the TMDSAS packet is received, and the user ID is “linked but not verified.” What do I do?
Usually, this means there is a mismatch between your TMDSAS email, TMDSAS ID, or name and the one you entered in the supplemental application. Please check that the correct information is present in your VMBS Portal Supplemental Application, and if not, make a correction. If you are still receiving the error, please contact us at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu.
Please note: Corrections may take overnight to show, as we batch-run changes in the evenings. If a different error is seen on the “TMDSAS Linked to User” location on the VMBS Dashboard, please contact us.
I have submitted my supplemental application. Is there an additional fee for this submission, or does the fee paid to TMDSAS cover my supplemental application as well?
There is an additional fee for the supplemental application. That fee can be paid to Flywire here . This nonrefundable fee is due by the same deadline as the TMDSAS and supplemental applications each year and is a requirement for the application packet to be reviewed. Please put your TMDSAS number on your payment when asked.
My VMBS Dashboard says, “Interview not offered,” or “Interview not received.”
If you were offered and completed an interview, this will be updated over the month of December. It will take time for us to receive the interview packets from KIRA TalentTM for scoring purposes.
When is the Casper assessment due?
The Casper assessment must be completed prior to the deadline for the TMDSAS application,. It is offered by a third party, Acuity Insights TM , and the testing dates are set by the third party. Please make sure to take one of the 18 tests offered well ahead of the deadline. Also note, applicants should sign up for a Casper assessment three business days prior to testing. Finally, make sure you note the test time and time zone. https://my.acuityinsights.app/dates-times
My Casper test score is not showing yet in the VMBS Portal.
Like your TMDSAS application, it can take time for the score to show. If, after four weeks your scores have not shown, please contact us at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu.
Can I take the Casper test again?
No, the Casper test can only be completed once per cycle. It does need to be taken fresh each cycle.
Is there a way to practice for the Casper test?
Visit acuityinsights.app/test-prep-casper for information such as computer requirements and practice test information.
Who should I ask to fill out evaluations for my application?
Information regarding evaluations can be found here and on the TMDSAS website here. Support for evaluators can be found here: Evaluators. At least one evaluator must be a D.V.M. All evaluations must be completed by individuals other than family members. Evaluations are due on the application deadline.
I don’t know how to calculate my last 45-hour GPA.
Your three GPAs—overall, BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math), and the last 45-hour GPA—are calculated and transmitted by TMDSAS. More information can be found at tmdsas.com/application-guide/coursework.html by clicking on “GPA Information.”
To calculate your last 45-hour GPA: Start with the last semester you attended college and count back until you reach the semester in which your 45th hour lands. Include the hours from the semester in which the 45th hour lands. (The total could equal exactly 45 hours, but it could also be up to 60 hours.) Total (+) your grade points, and divide (÷) by your total hours (45 to 60 hours).
I have an error in my GPAs, OR I corrected an error with TMDSAS; now what?
Please work with TMDSAS to correct any perceived errors in your three GPAs. Once a correction is made, please contact us at 979.862.1169 or admiss-dvm@tamu.edu to apprise us of the correction.
My friend has received an email update from the VMBS, but I have not. What do I do?
Please ensure that your email is set to receive emails from dvmadmissionsnotification@tamu.edu. Please note: This is a “no-reply” email.
Questions may be sent to admiss-dvm@tamu.edu.
I received an email that reminds me about the prerequisites that are required at the time of application: OCHEM I, Physics, Biochemistry. I have completed these courses, or am scheduled to complete them, by the required deadline. Why did I receive this email?
The email you received is a reminder to all applicants about the deadline for completion of these prerequisites so individual applicants can make sure to enroll in courses accordingly. If you have met the requirement, then no further actions are required.
Why does Texas A&M do virtual, asynchronous Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)?
The MMI format is designed to increase fairness to applicants, as well as to increase the reliability and measurability of characteristics such as communication skills, critical thinking, cultural competency, problem-solving, empathy, and ethics. Applicants are given scenarios at six different stations, which are graded by a total of 12 individuals (two per station). Benefits of asynchronous MMIs include:
· a decrease in travel costs for applicants,
· the ability for reviewers to watch and score videos multiple times (increasing score reliability),
· a proven increase in interrater reliability,
· a decrease in bias by using a rubric and
· the ability to decrease scorer fatigue by rating applicants over an extended time period, rather than two to three days.
What should I do if I do not get accepted?
While your first attempt at admission may not be successful, don’t hesitate to try again! Many candidates matriculate into the program after more than one attempt. We offer a workshop during the spring semester for candidates to review their scores in specific areas of the application. This workshop provides information from the average scores of the incoming students from the previous admissions cycle, and members of the admissions committee are available to provide insight for strengthening areas related to your application. The workshop is intended to help prospective candidates identify areas for improvement and focus on the tools necessary for success in the next admissions cycle.
I know that my college/undergraduate grades are not high enough to get into veterinary school. What can I do to improve them if I have already graduated?
Some students enter post-graduate studies, including master’s programs. Others retake specific courses to achieve better grades. It is important to remember that retaking a course does not erase the original grade from your transcript.
