Pre-Veterinary Medicine Preparation

Here is a guide of recommended courses that students take at Michigan Tech to prepare for veterinary school. This is not an exhaustive list. You are responsible to check with the schools you wish to apply for specific requirements. Students should also check with individual schools if they intend to use AP or community college credits to see if those are accepted.

Most veterinary schools require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as the entrance exam. However, some schools accept the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) in place of the GRE.  

The GRE is offered as a computer-based test year-round. Register for the GRE here. On average, students should spend 50 to 200 hours preparing for the GRE. It largely depends on how efficiently you study; the more time you spend the more confident you will be. Competitive GRE scores average 300-310 or higher. Students should aim to be above the 50th percentile.

• Official ETS GRE Resources 
• Top 8 Tips for the GRE
• GRE FAQs
• GRE Vocabulary Flash Cards
• Kaplan Test Prep

The MCAT is offered from January and March through September. Register for the MCAT here. It is recommended that students spend 300-350 hours studying to prepare for the MCAT, over several months. MCAT scores range from 472 to 528. The average MCAT score is a 500; competitive score is 508 or more.

• MCAT Essentials Guide
• MCAT Key Dates
• Top 10 Tips for MCAT Examinees
• General MCAT FAQs
• When Should I Take The MCAT?
• What’s on the MCAT?
• AAMC MCAT Resources
• Khan Academy
• Kaplan Test Prep
• UWorld MCAT Prep

Kaplan Test Prep Discounts

Many veterinary programs have a minimum cumulative GPA requirement. Most require a 3.0 GPA or more to apply. On average, students who get into veterinary school have a 3.6 GPA or higher.

Apart from your pre-requisites and entrance exam score, most veterinary schools require three letters of recommendation, a written personal statement or essay, and if selected, an in-person interview. Experience working with animals in a veterinary medicine setting may be required by some schools or highly recommended by others. This can be in the form of job shadowing, volunteering and/or employment.

Veterinary School Admission 101

The professional association for veterinary school is AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges).

Most schools go through a centralized application called the VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service).