Pre-Vet Application Timeline
I. Freshman and Sophomore Years
-Take as many vet school prerequisite classes as possible, i.e.:
Chem 5-6Physics 3-4
Bio 11, recommend also Bio 13 (genetics) and Bio 14 (Physiology) 2 Humanities/Social Science Courses
Math (any calculus-based class)2 English Courses
Chem 51-52
**In order to take most bio courses, you must first take Bio 11.
**Remember: Each veterinary school has slightly different pre-requisites. Make sure to visit each school’s website or chapter in the AAVMC guide for specific requirements.
-Get to know professors- especially professors in your major- so you can get recommendations from them later
-Get recommendations or promises of recommendations from employers who you may want to use as references for vet school
-Check the Pre-vet binder in Career Services for vet school details and other pertinent information
-Get summer and leave term jobs that are scientific research oriented and/or directly related to animal care. Definitely try to work/volunteer in a veterinary clinic for at least a few months
II. Junior and Senior Years
-Finish pre-requisites by taking more specific biology classes, i.e.:
Bio 64 (Microbiology)
Bio 40 (Biochemistry)
Other advanced bio courses of interest (Neurobiology, Physiology, Animal Behavior)
Consider taking a statistics course
-At end of Junior year, decide who you want to write your recommendations and contact them.
Warn professors in the Spring term that you will need recommendations filled out as soon as you return to campus in the fall, as they are due by Oct. 1. For most schools, get recommendations from:
1 professor (preferably your major or science dept.)
1 veterinarian you have worked for
Another person who knows your work with animals
-Take the General GRE before September of Senior year. The GRE is now offered on computers and can be taken any day of the week. Call your local testing center at least 3 weeks in advance to schedule a testing session. Plan to take it as early as possible so you have time to take it again if necessary (results must be received by Oct. 1 for most schools). Check specific schools to ensure they do not require other testing.
III. Summer Between Junior and Senior Years
- Check out the common application on the web ( and open an account in late June/early July.
-Check the websites of individual schools for their applications if not using the common application.
-Fill out as much of the application as possible over the summer, as it is due almost immediately after classes start (Oct. 1).
IV. Senior Year
-September: as soon as you return to campus give recommendations to any remaining people. Order transcripts (one per application, plus one for yourself) from the Registrar. Most schools require the transcript is sent directly to them.
-Finish VMCAS application by October 1
-Finish supplemental applications ASAP.
-Last day of Fall term classes: place order for Fall term transcript to be sent to all schools
-Schools will begin contacting you in late January/early February for interviews. Vet schools do not pay for airfare, travel expenses, hotels, etc., but they provide information for reduced rates.
-Financial Aid information will be sent in Janurary- complete forms as soon as possible (by Feb. 15/March 1) if you plan on requesting Financial Aid.
-Most schools will let you know about admittance in March. You must make your decision by April. Some schools require you to send them an original transcript upon acceptance.
RNL 8/09
LNH 11/03