Selection Process

Academic Performance

The Selections Committee uses a point system to evaluate applicants for admission to the DVM Professional Program. Academic performance is heavily weighted because it is a predictor of academic success, as well as being a reflection of the applicant’s work ethic and determination—characteristics that are necessary to be a successful veterinarian.

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Professional Preparation Criteria

Professional preparation criteria include:

• Veterinary experience
• Animal experience
• Honors courses

Veterinary and animal experience is considered to evaluate the applicant’s personal qualities and motivation to be a veterinarian.

Veterinary experience is hours spent working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, whether in a clinical or research environment, paid or volunteer. 

Animal experience includes caring for and handling animals in a kennel or animal shelter. It also includes any other experience that was not under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, such as FFA and 4-H projects.

Points are assigned based on the number of hours worked and the variety of environments in which the hours were obtained. These two experiences are scored separately, so applicants should obtain experience in both areas. For example, an applicant who worked for a veterinarian should include time spent cleaning stalls or cages as animal experience and time spent with the veterinarian as veterinary experience.

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Other Factors

Texas law requires that socioeconomic factors also be considered. This includes factors such as whether or not the applicant was the first in his or her family to attend college, whether English was the primary language spoken at home, if the applicant had to work to support the family while in high school, or was responsible for the care of a sibling. The points assigned for these factors account for less than three percent of the total 300 points.

Members of the Selections Committee are responsible for evaluating an applicant’s extracurricular activities, leadership experience, personal statement, and evaluations. Extracurricular activities and leadership experience are evaluated to determine the applicant’s ability to work with other people—an essential characteristic for a successful veterinarian.

Evaluations are an important part of the selection process and must be completed by individuals other than family members who have known the applicant for an extended period of time. The applicants are strongly encouraged to read the questions that are asked on the evaluation form and select as evaluators those individuals who can provide the most thorough answers to the questions. At least one evaluation must be completed by a (non-family member) veterinarian with whom the applicant has worked with or for. The veterinarian should address what the applicant did while working for them. They should also honestly evaluate the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.

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Qualifying for an Interview

The above criteria are scored for each applicant and the scores are added together. The applicants are then ranked based on their total score. Once it is determined how many interviews will be conducted, interviews are scheduled.

Interviews are structured in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Selected applicants participate in a series of virtual, asynchronous, mini interviews. The applicant has four minutes to answer each question, with 2 minutes of preparation time and 2 minutes between questions.  Two different, independent evaluators score each question. The process takes approximately one hour and does not require travel.  Applicants who are offered admissions are invited to a visitation day during the spring semester. 

The MMI format, including the ability to review and score applicants by video, is designed to increase fairness to applicants as well as increase the reliability and measurability of characteristics such as communication skills, critical thinking, cultural competency, problem-solving, empathy, and ethics.

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Final Selection

The admissions formula is used to calculate a final score of all interviewed applicants, and acceptance letters are emailed. Extracurricular activities and leadership experience are evaluated to determine the applicant’s ability to work with other people—an essential characteristic for a successful veterinarian.

Evaluations are an important part of the selection process and must be completed by individuals other than family members who have known the applicant for an extended period of time. The applicants are strongly encouraged to read the questions that are asked on the evaluation form and select as evaluators those individuals who can provide the most thorough answers to the questions. At least one evaluation must be completed by a (non-family member) veterinarian with whom the applicant has worked with or for. The veterinarian should address what the applicant did while working for them. They should also honestly evaluate the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.

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Admissions Formula

The Admissions Formula  reflects the relative weight placed on the factors considered when applications are reviewed.

Academic Ability

• 38% – 43% GPA
  • GPA Overall
  • Last 45 hours GPA
  • Science GPA

Other Skills & Achievements

• 10% – 15% Veterinary and Animal Experience
• 20% – 25% Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)
• 20% – 25% All other achievements, activities, and evaluations

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Deadlines & Transfers into the DVM Professional Program

• **NOTE: THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2025 11:59 pm CT.**
• See DVM Application Deadlines.
• See Transfers into the DVM Professional Program.

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See Transfers into the DVM Professional Program.