Pre-Veterinary Resources
Learn About Veterinary Medicine
"Veterinarians play a major role in the health of our society by caring for animals and by using their expertise and education to protect and improve human health as well. It’s likely that you are most familiar with veterinarians who care for our companion animals, but there is more than that one career to choose from if you decide to become a veterinarian.
There are many opportunities for veterinarians, and it’s worth exploring them to discover which is the best fit for you. There is a growing need for veterinarians with post-graduate education in particular specialties, such as molecular biology, laboratory animal medicine, toxicology, immunology, diagnostic pathology or environmental medicine. The veterinary profession is also involved in aquaculture, comparative medical research, food production and international disease control." Learn more from ExploreHealthCareers.org
Dr. Katie Avelar, a veterinarian, shares her entire daily routine—including all the measures she takes to protect her skin, hair, and clothes from the elements while treating patients. From waking up with her dogs for an early walk to protecting her skin from heavy chemicals and fragrances for the sake of her furry patients, Katie shows just us how hectic and fulfilling days on the job as an animal doctor can be.
Hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), this podcast features guest veterinarians about the journeys and challenges that got them to where they are today. Click here to listen to their 100+ episodes to give you a fresh look at the veterinary community.
Applying to Veterinary School
January
VMCAS application opens (you cannot select a program yet, but can access other sections of the application)
Customer Service: Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm 617-612-2884 | vmcasinfo@vmcas.org
May
Applicants can select and formally submit applications for veterinary schools
September
VMCAS closes and will no longer accept documents (letters, transcripts, etc.)
October - Spring
You may receive a supplemental application depending on the school and may be invited to interview during this time
March
Some schools may provide rolling decisions, but this is the required notification date for all U.S. veterinary schools
Resources for Applicants:
Admitted Student Statistics (entering Fall 2019, class of 2023) - including mean overall GPA
Veterinary School Admission 101 about grades, prerequisites, majors, leadership skills, communication skills, letters of recommendation, standardized tests
Financial Decisions & Veterinary School
Veterinary Schools & Requirements
*NEW* VMSAR provides veterinary school information, including entrance requirements, admissions process, evaluation criteria, acceptance data, tuition/cost, prerequisite coursework required, and other relevant information.
AAVMC's Tuition Cost Comparison Tool Students who attend a veterinary program in the state they reside will graduate on average with 50% less debt than their out of state peers if they choose their state school. If you are a resident of a state where there is no veterinary program, this can help you evaluate important factors when considering the cost of veterinary school.
General Information Chart (Updated May 2020) comparing veterinary schools across the world regarding tuition, application deadline, seats for residents/non-residents, test requirements (GRE, CASPer), etc.
Summary of Course Prerequisites (Updated May 2020)
Pre-Vet Opportunities - more coming soon!
Penn Vet's Ryan Veterinary Hospital
We specialize in delivering the most advanced care available to an array of companion animals from dogs and cats to lizards and ferrets in more than 20 specialty areas. Volunteers may assist the medical staff with patient needs as well as stocking, cleaning, delivering and retrieving medications and supplies. They are required to work a minimum of 8 hours per week. Applications are reviewed in May, September, and December for the summer, fall and winter semesters.
Our volunteers support their education programs in an on-going basis, teaching Zoo visitors about animals and conservation projects as well as providing office assistance and professional services. Volunteer experiences have a range of commitment levels and training, including one-time opportunities for seasonal programming. We also have internships, providing individuals with experience in a variety of fields including animal care, education and business administration.
Project MEOW is an all-volunteer, animal welfare group that helps West Philadelphia residents in zip codes 19104, 19139, and 19143 humanely reduce their feral and stray cat populations through Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) of un-owned stray and feral (wild) cats.