Pre-Veterinary

Students who self-identify as “Pre-Veterinary” may consult with Health Professions Advising about matters pertaining to their academic studies, extracurricular activities, and applications. Western does not offer a “Pre-Veterinary” major and no specific formula exists for getting into veterinary schools. Applicants are evaluated across multiple areas through a holistic review process. All aspects are important: GPA (both cumulative and science), admission test scores (commonly the GRE), volunteer experience within the field, letters of recommendation, extracurricular and community activities, interview, and personal characteristics as well as background checks (including legal, conduct, and social records).

Western offers undergraduate coursework addressing most DVM prerequisites but programs vary in their admissions requirements. In general, applicants must have strong academic backgrounds in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English. Research schools of your choice to confirm all required courses. These are summarized at aavmc.org/data/files/vmcas/prereqchart.pdf. Veterinary schools do not recruit students from one specific major or discipline but rather emphasize a liberal arts education. Examples of majors popular among students are Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Kinesiology, Psychology, and Business.