DVM Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DVM students receiving instruction in a laboratory and a male dvm student with a cow
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+ - 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.

+ - 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— qualify for general animal hours. Performing specific duties directly aligned within research protocol is distinct. While overlap might exist, candidates are expected to responsibly estimate when one interactivity ends and another begins.

+ - 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 selections process?

No. Undergraduate students from Texas A&M receive no preference in the selections process to our veterinary program. Our program supports and promotes diversity from an array of undergraduate schools and degree plans.

+ - Is there a specific undergraduate major that is preferred when considering admission to veterinary school?

Completion of 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 veterinary 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.

+ - I am 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 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. In the second year, students may select specific elective classes targeted for career-focus 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 veterinary school allows students to choose clinical rotation experiences (both on and off campus) with emphasis in exotic animal medicine.

+ - 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 can be found at tx.ag/DVMPrereq. These listings also include acceptable online nutrition courses.

+ - 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 a number of universities.

While the list is extensive, it’s not exhaustive. For questions regarding substitutions from other institutions, please contact our admissions office at 979.845.5051 or admiss@cvm.tamu.edu. Admissions consideration prefers traditional course completion over online courses, especially for classes including a laboratory component.

+ - 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 professional program. Undergraduate programs involving animal handling, husbandry, or genetics also serve the professional student well.

+ - What do I do if I do not get accepted?

While your first attempt at admission may not be successful, try again! There are many candidates who 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 on the next admission 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.

+ - Can I visit the vet school?

Yes. Touring our facilities is scheduled through tx.ag/CVMtours.

We also host the VMBS Open House each spring. More information is available at tx.ag/CVMOpenHouse. Additionally, our Veterinary Enrichment Camp is available for high school students who have completed their sophomore year. Details are available at tx.ag/VETCamp.

+ - I don’t have a pre-vet advisor at my school. Who should I talk to in order to make sure I am on the right track?

Education counselors have access to numerous resources at the VMBS. In addition to printable materials offered on the website, we provide information regarding admissions, prerequisite courses, cost of attendance, scholarships and financial aid, and other topics. We also have helpful personnel in the Professional Programs Office to provide clarification for specific questions. They can be reached at 979.845.5051.

Information for prospective students can be found at tx.ag/JoinTheCVM.

+ - 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.

+ - How much does it cost to go to veterinary school?

The cost of education at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences historically is among the most value-ranked in our state and nation. In other words, the value received for the price is among the very best! The VMBS is consistently one of the least expensive of all veterinary programs. You may find current tuition costs per semester at tx.ag/DVMTuition.

+ - Are there scholarships available in veterinary school?

Numerous scholarship opportunities exist throughout our veterinary program. The welcome packet each new/incoming student receives contains information regarding scholarship opportunities.

+ - Is there a way to see if I am competitive for veterinary school application?

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 professional program remain fairly consistent. Please review the information at tx.ag/DVMStats.

Of course, the best way to evaluate your competitiveness is to apply!
We look forward to receiving your application!

three female dvm students with a female clinician in the hospital, a female researcher, a male researcher with a beagle dog, and students receiving instruction in the lab

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Posted: Summer 2020