Pre-Veterinary

Veterinary schools do not require a specific major. You should consider a major which you enjoy, in which you will perform well and which may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to veterinary school. Admissions committees expect variety in educational programs, so you should take courses in a wide variety of subject areas, no matter what you decide to declare as a major.

• Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
• General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
• Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
• Biochemistry: CHEM 3040 or MEDS 3020(F)
• Microbiology: BIOL 4011/4011L(F) or MEDS 3024C(F) or BIOL 2031C
• English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
• Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2001C & 2002C or BIOL 3020C(F,S) & 3021(F) or MEDS 4052C(F) & 3026(F,S)
• * Genetics: BIOL 2083(F,S) or MEDS 3021(S)
• * Physics I and II with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L
• * Math: MATH 1044 or 1061 and STAT 1034 or 1031 or MEDS 3023C
• * Public Speaking: COMM 1071

*Only some schools require

Veterinary schools typically require the GRE, while some accept the MCAT. Some veterinary schools require that you take the GRE prior to admission. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the GRE early on so that you can plan for the test. Understanding the test can positively affect what you learn in class and how you choose to retain that knowledge. Stretch yourself in your general education courses at UC and by reading beyond class requirements. The training will serve you well when you take the GRE.

The national mean GPA of first-year veterinary students is 3.6. It is particularly important that you perform well in your science courses.

Most veterinary programs require two to three letters of recommendation. Veterinary schools do not share the same recommendation requirements. Be prepared to secure at least one recommendation from a veterinarian and at least one from a faculty member.

Nationally: 10% (AAVMC, 2023).

• The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
• Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for veterinary school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
• Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
• If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.

For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college level work depends on ability, preparation, motivation, organization, and how well you learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-veterinary student demands tenacity and stamina.

Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Commons.

Having a parallel plan or alternative option to veterinary school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to finding your alternative career path.