The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) is the primary mode of applying to veterinary school. Think of VMCAS as the "common app" for vet school! It is a centralized application where you can submit your personal information, veterinary experiences, and chosen schools!

***Be sure to check out the list of VMCAS-supported schools here!

• As you go through undergrad, it is a good idea to note who may be a good candidate to write your LOR. A key to this is that you want to ask someone who can write a GOOD letter. In other words, someone who knows you very well and can speak about your experiences personally.

• Recommenders should consist of (1) veterinarian, (2) a science professor, and (3) an advisor. VMCAS allows for a total of 6 letters, so the remaining 3 is up to you (volunteer, research, another veterinarian, etc.).

• It is good practice to ask your recommenders EARLY! There is nothing more stressful than waiting for your recommenders to upload their letter even when your VMCAS is all submitted.

• VMCAS asks you to input all your extracurricular activities. This is broken into: (1) veterinary or experiences under the supervision of a veterinarian, (2) animal or experiences dealing with animals without a veterinarian, and extracurricular or experiences outside of the previous two (clubs, research, volunteer, etc).

• Many vet schools suggest keeping a journal of your experiences and track your hours. VMCAS asks you to input an hour count for every experience, so regardless keep track!

• Arguably the most time consuming part of the application process, get started on the VMCAS personal statements ASAP. It's never too early to glance at the questions and begin to formulate possible answers.

• It's important to also know that almost every school has a supplemental application which includes more essays. So expect to write anywhere from 3 to 10 essays.

• Applying to veterinary school is an expensive endeavor. VMCAS has its own fees along with each school requiring a separate supplemental fee. This is without including the travel and hotel costs when visiting schools for interviews. Therefore, be prepared financially prior to applying.