What does it mean to be Pre-Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Vet)?
Pre-vet is not a specific major. The term is used to describe students who plan to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) after completing their undergraduate degree. Pre-vet students must complete courses required for admission to veterinary school, acquire the capacity to perform well on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and gain the depth of knowledge necessary to be successful in a veterinary program.
Each veterinary program has its own specific prerequisites. All require two semesters of physics, two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Most require two semesters of introductory biology, at least two more laboratory courses (which may include microbiology, genetics, or physiology), math (college algebra or calculus), and statistics. Some require additional coursework such as animal nutrition or medical terminology. Because students will generally apply to more than one veterinary school, a degree program that provides a strong background in the natural sciences and “covers all the bases” is essential.
The Biology, Pre-Professional (Pre-Veterinary Medicine), B.S. is designed to provide prerequisite coursework and opportunities to acquire sufficient foundational knowledge to prepare pre-vet students for the rigor of veterinary school. Pre-vet students are encouraged to begin a discussion with their academic advisor during the first year (to develop a plan) and continue these discussions throughout their undergraduate career (to receive information and advice on the timing and execution of that plan).
What Other Courses Should Pre-Vet Students Take?
Because prerequisites vary among schools, we recommend that pre-vet students (in consultation with their academic advisor) conduct careful research on their preferred veterinary programs to ensure that they are using Electives in the Major or General Electives to select courses that will meet or exceed each school’s prerequisites.
What Else Should Pre-Vet Students Do Before Applying to Veterinary Schools?
Experience working with animals is a prerequisite for most veterinary schools. Some schools require a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian with whom you have worked. These experiences may be volunteer or paid. Examples include shadowing or working under the supervision of a veterinarian, volunteering in an animal shelter or with an animal rescue organization, and animal-based research experiences. Students completing relevant work, volunteer, or shadowing experiences may be eligible to receive credit toward their degree program (BIOL 493 – Cooperative Internship Experience).
- Take the GRE (if appropriate)
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required by most veterinary schools. For those schools that require the GRE, it will be an important component of a competitive veterinary school application.
The GRE General Test three sections.
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
Criteria for Admission to Program
Students pursuing a degree in biology are officially admitted to the program upon satisfying the following criteria:
2.0 GPA for all university work completed at time of admission to program.
Grades of C or better in the following core courses:
GPA 2.00
