A curriculum based on chemistry, biology, physics and liberal arts is required. Pre-veterinary advisors should be contacted for specifics, as they vary from college to college.
A good background in biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and English is of utmost importance since both pre-veterinary and veterinary medicine programs are based on these subjects. Furthermore, these subjects should allow students to score well on comprehensive college entrance examinations so they have a better chance of attending their college of choice.
Most successful applicants attain a BS or BA degree prior to entrance to veterinary school. However, a majority of veterinary schools require 75+ credit hours in specific courses.
Once accepted into veterinary school, four years of course work are required to complete DVM degree requirements.
No. However, the majority of people accepted have completed four or more years of college.
In any professional program where the number of applicants exceeds the available seats, it is advisable to choose a degree program to complete concurrently with the pre-veterinary program. It is strongly recommended that a person in pre-veterinary studies select a degree goal early in their college career in a degree of their interest.
No. Any degree program that is of interest to the student is fine, as the required pre-vet courses are completed.
Students should choose a degree program about which they are passionate! This area of study should be selected based on future career interests in case the student does not become a veterinarian. While a majority of UK’s pre-vet students are pursuing science-based degrees (Animal Science, Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, Equine Science, Biology, etc.), individuals have been accepted into veterinary schools with UK degrees in Music, Business, Finance, Psychology, and History!
Under the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Plan, the Commonwealth of Kentucky cooperates with schools of veterinary medicine at Auburn University where Kentucky's quota is 38 entering students each fall and Tuskegee where the quota is two. Both veterinary schools are in Alabama. Legal Kentucky residents pay in-state tuition at Auburn, and a discounted tuition at Tuskegee.
There are currently 33 schools of veterinary medicine in the United States and five in Canada. Other American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited schools are across the globe.
Yes, providing that the student has met course requirements for each school. The average overall college GPA for accepted students is 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
No. In fact, because of the keen competition for the available positions, it is recommended that applicants have at least a 3.2 grade point average on all work attempted. Many veterinary schools have required minimum GPA’s which may be different for in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Veterinary schools are also looking for individuals who have an understanding of the profession based on at least 500+ hours of experience working with both small and large animal veterinarians; community service; leadership activities; excellent communication skills; and a strong work ethic!
Only legal residents of Kentucky (no matter where they attend undergraduate school) who meet the academic requirements may apply under the contractual plans to Auburn and Tuskegee. Legal residency is determined by the Kentucky Council on Post-secondary Education at the time of veterinary school application (a year prior to anticipated entry). Contact your pre-vet advisor for details.
Legal Kentucky residents can also apply to any of the other 31 US veterinary schools as long as they meet the schools’ requirements!
As of 2022, students have been accepted to 32 of the 33 US veterinary schools as well as AVMA accredited veterinary schools in Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, Europe, and the Caribbean!
A comprehensive study of an applicant is carried out by the selection committee in determining those who will be accepted. In order for a student to be competitive in gaining admission to a veterinary school it is necessary that a grade point average of 3.2 or higher be maintained on all college work. Courses in physical sciences, biology and mathematics are closely scrutinized by selection committees. A high grade point average is important but not the sole criterion. The student must be mature and able to work with people, as demonstrated by community and leadership activities. Animal and veterinary experience is necessary; large and small animal veterinary experience is highly desirable. In general, applicants must have one letter of recommendation from a veterinarian, one from an academic person, and one from a person of the student's choice.
Yes. Reapplication exhibits a continuing determination to be a veterinarian. Reapplication does not ensure acceptance, but students have been accepted after applying three consecutive years.
Yes. All financial aid is administered by the Office of Financial Aid at each of the veterinary schools, with many students attending veterinary school obtaining graduate student loans.
No. There are no current plans for the establishment of a veterinary school in Kentucky.
Yes! An upperclassman pre-vet advisor will guide students through the VMCAS application process and maintains a separate listserv for each year’s applicants to answer questions. However, each student is responsible for complying with deadlines and application instructions!
In general, for contract or in-state applicants there are 3-4 students for every veterinary seat. For out-of-state applicants, the competition can be 7+ applicants per veterinary seat!
UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
(Pre-Vet studies is NOT a degree program.)