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Preparing for Veterinarian Medicine Programs

Pre-vet bullet points

  • Pick a major:  While there are specific courses required to apply to most veterinary schools, you can major in anything; pick something you are passionate about.  By taking courses you love, you will earn better grades and be more competitive in your applications.  Click here to see courses required and recommended by most medical schools.

  • Earn good grades:  Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher in your science classes and overall; the higher your GPA, the more competitive your application will be.

  • Get veterinary related experience:  Learn what it is like to be a veterinarian through activities like shadowing, volunteering, and working with veterinarians.  Try to get experience working with a variety animals (big and small).   

  • Identify people to write recommendations:  You will need four to six recommendations for your application.  One should come from Roanoke's Health Careers Advising Board and at least one needs to come from a veterinarian.  Start trying to identify professors, veterinarians, and others who will be able to write good recommendations for you that emphasize your strengths.

  • Prepare for your interviews:  A strong application will earn you interviews.  Prepare for these well in advance.  Google "veterinary school interview questions" and start thinking about answers to the questions you find.

  • Prepare for the GRE:  Veterinary schools require you to take a standardized exam called the GRE.  Most students take this exam in late spring of their junior year.  Consider taking a lighter load in that semester and use the extra time to take a GRE preparation course or study on your own. 

  • Apply to veterinary schools:  Most students submit their applications early in the summer following their junior year.  Veterinary schools have a rolling admissions system.  The earlier they receive your application, the better your chances of getting in.