Easiest Vet Schools to Get Into: Your Comprehensive Guide

Applying to veterinary schools has become a dream for many students. Plus, not to forget that the rising demand has created a lot of competition and increased expenses compared to 5 years ago.

However, I have spent some time researching and preparing a perfect guide, helping you understand the environment of Vet Schools and the names of the easiest vet schools to get into. 

Introduction to Vet School Admissions

Talking about Vet Schools in 2024, even though the competition is ever high, that doesn’t just drop your chances of becoming a veterinary student. A proper introduction to the study environment of veterinary schools will help you with the application process and increase your chances of acceptance. 

The Competition for Veterinary Schools

Generally speaking, the competition at the best vet schools is strong, as there are only 32 programs in the US, all with limited seats and hundreds of applicants.

But, as I mentioned earlier, it’s not impossible to join Veterinary schools. Understanding and implementing the following factors can easily get you into veterinary schools.

Key Factors in Vet School Acceptance

Ensuring that you can easily get into a vet school will need some hard work. And that is why,  I will be listing some effective tips that will help you increase your chances of acceptance. 

Understanding Prerequisites and GPA Requirements

When discussing GPA requirements, many students think that they need a superb result but in reality, admission reviewers do not expect perfection. In fact, most admission reviewers prioritize students who are eager to learn, have determination, and resilience and are well-equipped for the challenges coming in the future.

Similarly, good university grades will also play a part. We cannot ignore the Graduate Record Examination even when some universities have removed it as a requirement. 

Most importantly, before applying, double-check the requirements and attach all the needed documents. The documents are only half the part of the picture. Applicants need to show their determination, which can be done by;

Hands-on Experience

Getting hands-on experience along with a decent GPA, that’s what you will need to maximize your chances of getting into a veterinary school. 

For instance, Ross Vet requires a minimum of 150 hours of supervised experience with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). However, I often get counter-questioned on how to get hands-on experience. 

You can start by shadowing practicing vets or interning at a local animal clinic. These opportunities allow you to observe professionals in action and gain valuable insights into the field. You can also attend pre-veterinary symposiums organized by associations like the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA). 

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Presenting yourself as a suitable fit for the college is the most important part of your school application. As an applicant, you have to share your story, put a theme for the application and present your goals.

Moreover, consider sharing what exact point was the driving force in your life that has made you steer towards this career. Premeditate the questions interviewers might ask in the interviews and answer them in the application.

Some more tips include:

• Explain how you can contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.
• Describe why you are a good candidate for veterinary school.
• Convey your passion for veterinary medicine in your statement.
• Avoid repetition of information from your transcript.

Being Different:

Let’s be honest for a second, veterinary schools receive hundreds of applications and many applicants fail to impress the reviewers. 

Similarly, your vet school application should be unique. It should show work experience and important organizations you have been a part of. 

Many applicants make the mistake of not adding non-animal experience, thinking it’s irrelevant but it’s not. On the opposite side, the reviewer wants to know the applicant and prioritize students who have accountability, maturity, responsibility, and dedication to service. 

Easiest Vet Schools to Get Into

Now, as we are done with the basic tips, it’s time to discuss the list of the easiest veterinary schools you can get into. Starting with the list, we have the names:

1. Tuskegee University:

Source: Wikipedia

Tuskegee University, established in 1881, stands as a renowned historically black university located in Tuskegee, Alabama. 

The university’s Veterinary Medicine program is known for its tough training and research opportunities. Tuskegee’s College of Veterinary Medicine also holds accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), attesting to its high standards of education and training.

Prerequisites (Semester Hours)

Course	Credit Hours
English or Written Composition	6
Humanities & Social Studies (History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology)	6
Liberal Arts (Arts, Any Language, Music, etc.)	6
Mathematics (Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, Trigonometry)	6
Medical Terminology	1
Advanced Biology Courses (300 Level & Above)	9
Biochemistry with Lab	4
Chemistry with Lab	4
Organic Chemistry with Lab	4
Physics I & Physics II with Labs	8
Electives (Genetics, Marine Biology, etc.)	8
Introduction to Animal Science	3
Physical Education (If no B.S.)	2 (Optional)
Total	67

2. Oregon State University:

Source: Wikipedia

Oregon State University is also known to be a decent choice for veterinarians students in 2024. And since the university doesn’t have a huge program for vet students, it is quite easy to get admissions.

Moreover, OSU boasts a highly acclaimed College of Veterinary Medicine renowned for its innovative research, exceptional clinical training, and commitment to animal health and welfare.

Prerequisites (Semester Courses)

Course Code	Course Title	Hours
VMC 501	Research	1-16
VMC 503	Thesis	1-12
VMC 505	Reading and Conference	1-16
VMC 507	Seminar	1-16
VMC 509	Teaching Practicum for Veterinary Professional Curriculum	1-6
VMC 601	Research	1-16
VMC 603	Thesis	1-16
VMC 605	Reading and Conference	1-16
VMC 606	Projects	1-16
VMC 607	Seminar	1-16
VMC 632	Postgraduate Medicine	3-7
VMC 634	Postgraduate Surgery	3-7
VMC 682	Topics in Internal Medicine	2-4
VMC 684	Topics in Surgery	2-4
VMC 701	Research	1-16
VMC 705	Reading and Conference	1-16
VMC 706	Projects	1-16
VMC 711	Clinical Cardiology	1-4
VMC 712	Clinical Oncology	1-4
Total Courses/Hours	19	210

3. Oklahoma State University

Source: Wikipedia

Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a well-known university and has a higher acceptance rate (13.1%) compared to many other vet schools in the United States. The college offers specialized tracks or elective courses in areas such as shelter medicine, wildlife medicine, and food animal production, allowing students to select courses of their choice.

Similarly, the hospital provides veterinary care to the local community while offering students opportunities for hands-on learning in areas such as primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and speciality services.

Prerequisites (Semester Hours)

Year	Semester	Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
Year One	Fall	VME 7111	Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, & Communication I	1
		VME 7121	Professional Skills I	1
		VME 7136	Physiology & Histology I	6
		VME 7144	Gross & Developmental Anatomy	4
		VME 7153	Immunology	3
		VME 7161	Epidemiology & Evidence-Based Medicine	1
		VME 7171	Nutrition	1
		Subtotal		17
	Spring	VME 7211	Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, & Communication II	1
		VME 7221	Professional Skills II	1
		VME 7236	Physiology & Histology II	6
		VME 7243	Comparative Anatomy	3
		VME 7253		3
		VME 7264	General Pathology	4
		Subtotal		18
	Total Hours			35
Year Two	Fall	VME 7312	Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, & Communication III	2
		VME 7325	Parasitology	5
		VME 7333	Pharmacology I	3
		VME 7343	Diagnostic Imaging	3
		VME 7353	Virology	3
		VME 7363	Toxicology	3
		Electives	Select 2 hours of electives	2
		Subtotal		21
	Spring	VME 7412	Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, & Communication IV	2
		VME 7421	Professional Skills III	1
		VME 7433	Food Safety & Public Health	3
		VME 7444	Bacteriology & Mycology	4
		VME 7452	Pharmacology II	2
		VME 7463	Anesthesiology & Analgesia	3
		VME 7472	Hemolymphatics & Oncology	2
		VME 7481	Exotics	1
		Electives	Select 2 hours of electives	2
		Subtotal		20
	Total Hours			41
Year Three	Fall	VME 7512	Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, & Communication V	2
		VME 7522	Junior Surgery	2
		VME 7533	Musculoskeletal	3
		VME 7543	Theriogenology	3
		VME 7552	Endocrinology	2
		VME 7564	Cardiopulmonary	4
		VME 7572	Primary Care I	2
		Electives	Select 2 hours of electives	2
		Subtotal		20
	Spring	VME 7612	Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, & Communication VI	2
		VME 7621	Professional Skills IV	1
		VME 7631	Junior Surgery	1
		VME 7644	Alimentary	4
		VME 7652	Ophthalmology	2
		VME 7662	Urinary	2
		VME 7672	Neurology	2
		VME 7682	Primary Care II	2
		VME 7692	Dermatology	2
		Electives	Select 1 hour of elective	1
		Subtotal		19
	Total Hours			39
Year Four	Rotations	VCS 7002	Anesthesiology I	2
		VCS 7042	Small Animal Wellness & Disease Prevention	2
		VCS 7072	Diagnostics I	2
		VCS 7082	Equine Medicine I	2
		VCS 7142	Externship I	2
		VCS 7152	Externship II	2
		VCS 7162	Externship III	2
		VCS 7172	Externship IV	2
		VCS 7222	Food Animal Medicine and Surgery I	2
		VCS 7342	Ophthalmology II	2
		VCS 7372	Radiology I	2
		VCS 7442	Surgical Fundamentals in Shelter Patients I	2
		VCS 7612	Small Animal Medicine	2
Total Hours			165

4. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Source: Wikipedia

UIUC is also a well-reputed university that looks for candidates who possess qualities such as leadership, empathy, and a dedication to serving animals and communities. UIUC’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program provides comprehensive educational programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

The average GPA of students at UIUC is 3.7, with the average class size around 135 students. And since the program is at the University of Illinois, students get to explore a lot and get hands-on experience.

Prerequisites (Semester Hours)

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
VM 290	Undergraduate Research	1 to 5
VM 601	Clinical Practice I	4
VM 602	Structure and Function I	9.5
VM 603	Structure and Function II	9
VM 604	Structure and Function III	9.5
VM 605	Pathobiology I	9.5
VM 606	Clinical Practice II	4
VM 607	Pathobiology II	10
VM 608	Pathobiology III	9
VM 609	Medicine and Surgery I	10.5
VM 610	Medicine and Surgery II	10.5
VM 611	Medicine and Surgery III	9.5
VM 612	Clinical Practice III	8
VM 613	Clinical Practice IV	13
VM 614	Clinical Practice V	8
VM 615	Clinical Practice VI	8
VM 616	Clinical Practice VII	8
VM 617	Professional Development	8
VM 620	Canine Feline Behavior	1 or 3
VM 622	Research Project I	2
VM 623	Research Project II	2
VM 626	The Basics of Business	1
VM 627	Fundamentals of Finance	1
VM 635	Veterinary Medical Spanish	2
VM 642	Contemporary Issues in Vet Med	1
VM 643	Fundamentals of Management	1
VM 645	Communications in Practice	1
VM 651	Small Animal Medicine and Surgery I	4.5
VM 652	Large Animal Medicine and Surgery I	5
VM 653	Small Animal Medicine and Surgery II	7
VM 654	Large Animal Medicine and Surgery II	3.5
VM 655	Small Animal Medicine and Surgery III	7
VM 656	Large Animal Medicine and Surgery III	3.5
VM 694	Veterinary Medicine	1 to 4
Total Hours		230.5

5. North Carolina State University

Source: Wikipedia

Talking about how easy to get into veterinary universities, we cannot forget North Carolina State University. The Veterinary Hospital at NCSU is one of the largest and most advanced veterinary medical complexes in the country, offering specialized care for a wide range of animals.

The Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center, and the Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Medical Center provide students with opportunities to work with various species. Research areas at NCSU encompass a wide range of topics, including infectious diseases, comparative medicine, genomics, and regenerative medicine, offering students the chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in veterinary medicine.

Prerequisites (Semester Hours)

The total semester hours for DVM/PHD aren’t mentioned or explained by NCSU.

Year	Program Structure	Subjects	Hours	Total Hours
Year 1	Begin taking graduate courses, complete lab rotations	Graduate Courses, Lab Rotations	N/A	N/A
Year 2	Enter DVM program. Complete first year of DVM curriculum.	DVM Curriculum, Thesis Lab Research, Programmatic Activities	N/A	N/A
Year 3	Complete second year of DVM curriculum.	DVM Curriculum, Programmatic Activities	N/A	N/A
Year 4	Re-enter graduate school to finish classwork and complete thesis research.	Graduate Classwork, Thesis Research, Programmatic Activities	N/A	N/A
Year 5	Complete remaining DVM curriculum once thesis is defended.	DVM Curriculum, Thesis Defense, Programmatic Activities	N/A	N/A
Year 6	Complete remaining DVM curriculum once thesis is defended.	DVM Curriculum, Thesis Defense, Programmatic Activities	N/A	N/A

Some Other Veterinary Schools in the U.S

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Source: Wikipedia

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine holds a prestigious reputation in the field of veterinary medicine. It is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), ensuring the quality and standards of education provided.

Plus, the university is situated in California and this gives an amazing opportunity for the students to explore different research centers and sharpen their skills. 

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Overall, the DVM Program from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is built on 104 weeks of didactic coursework and 54 weeks of clinical experience.

The Admission Requirements are as follows:

• Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must complete specific prerequisite coursework to be considered for admission. These courses typically include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English composition. 
• Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission. While there is no specific major requirement, applicants are encouraged to pursue coursework in relevant areas such as biological sciences, animal science, or pre-veterinary studies.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their academic abilities, character, and suitability for the veterinary profession. 
• Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement or essay that outlines their motivation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
• Interview (if selected): Competitive applicants may be invited for an interview as part of the admissions process. 
• Residency Requirements: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine gives preference to California residents, although a limited number of out-of-state and international students are admitted each year. 

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Source: Wikipedia

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to global outreach and engagement, offering international veterinary experiences. The university’s veterinary curriculum is designed to integrate classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience from the very beginning. 

Moreover, a great point about CSU is that the university provides comprehensive career services and support to help students transition smoothly into their professional careers. From resume-building to job placement assistance, the college offers guidance to ensure students are well-prepared for success after graduation.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Overall, the DVM program by Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine is built on around 40 weeks of coursework and clinical experience.

• Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must complete specific prerequisite coursework to be eligible for admission. 
• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are typically required to submit letters of recommendation as part of their application. 
• Personal Statement: A well-written personal statement or essay is a crucial part of the application. 
• Interview: CSU CVMBS requires applicants to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

Talking about the expenses of veterinary schools, it’s a fact that these schools cost a huge sum of money. However, many universities have announced financial aid for the students who study in their respective studies and perform well.

Veterinary Scholarships

As a student, you can secure veterinary scholarships from many sources, including universities, professional organizations, private foundations, and government agencies. These scholarships may be based on academic merit, financial need, specific career interests, or demographic criteria.

Generally, most universities provide scholarships with the following criteria:

Scholarship Requirements:

• Academic Achievement: Many scholarships prioritize academic excellence, so maintaining a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies is a strong requirement.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, employers, or veterinarians who can attest to your academic abilities, character, and potential as a future veterinarian can increase your chances of securing a scholarship.
• Personal Statement or Essay: Many scholarship applications require a well-written personal statement or essay where you can show your academic and career goals, passion for veterinary medicine, and why you are deserving of the scholarship.
• Financial Need: Some scholarships are need-based, meaning they consider your financial circumstances when awarding funds. In such cases, you may need to provide documentation of your financial situation, such as tax returns or a statement of financial need.

Financial Aid 

In addition to scholarships, veterinary students can explore various forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many universities have financial aid offices that can assist students in navigating the application process for federal aid programs, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Realities of Vet School Education:

Veterinary school education is an intensive and demanding process that requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong commitment to the field of veterinary medicine. When reading these words, the whole procedure sounds quite easy but in reality, it’s tough!

Tough Curriculum:

One of the key realities of vet school education is the rigorous academic curriculum. Veterinary students are required to master a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, and preventive medicine. The coursework is challenging and often requires long hours of study and preparation.

Not to forget, veterinary education involves extensive hands-on training in clinical settings. Students gain practical experience through rotations in veterinary hospitals and clinics, where they work under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. 

Emotional Stress

Another reality of vet school education is the emotional toll it can take on students. Veterinary medicine often involves working with sick or injured animals and coping with the emotional strain of dealing with animal suffering and euthanasia. Students must develop resilience and coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges while maintaining their mental well-being.

Financial Strain:

Most importantly, veterinary school education isn’t for everyone. The course requires significant financial investment. Tuition, fees, books, and living expenses can add up quickly, leading to substantial student debt for many graduates. 

Is Vet School Harder Than Medical School?

Well, the question of whether vet school is harder than medical school is subjective and depends on various factors, including individual preferences, academic strengths, and career aspirations. Both veterinary school and medical school are tough fields that require dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Different Focuses:

As for the differences, one significant difference between vet school and medical school is the scope of the study. 

The medical school focuses exclusively on human medicine, while the vet school covers a broader range of species, including companion animals, livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals. As a result, veterinary students must learn about the anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical conditions of multiple species, which can be challenging.

Focus on Practical Skills:

Generally, veterinary medicine is more focused on practical skills and hands-on training. Veterinary students gain a lot of clinical experience working with live animals in veterinary hospitals and clinics, performing surgeries, conducting physical examinations, and diagnosing and treating medical conditions. This hands-on approach requires strong technical proficiency and clinical judgment.

On the other hand, medical schools focus more on coursework in certain areas of study, such as human anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology. Medical students also undergo clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare settings, where they learn to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions in human patients.

Earning Rewards:

Finally, discussing the earning potential, I have to say that while both fields require a lot of hard work, usually veterinarians make a lot less than physicians. This is only because of the lower demand for pet healthcare when compared with humans.

However, we cannot label veterinarians with low income as the average salary for a veterinarian doctor in the US is $125,986 annually (more than 2x of the average US national). 

Wrap-Up:

In short, joining a veterinary school comes with many challenges. And let’s not forget the huge competition and short acceptance rate which becomes a major reason for many schools to become demotivated and quit this field.

Most importantly, before you apply to any of the vet schools, research the overall place to see if the study environment matches with your mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is Vet School Generally?

The veterinary school typically lasts for four years. This includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. After completing the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) program, graduates may choose to pursue additional training through internships, residencies, or specialized fellowships in specific areas of veterinary medicine.

Can You Reapply to Vet Schools If Initially Unsuccessful?

Yes, you can reapply to veterinary schools if you are initially unsuccessful. Many applicants reapply after taking steps to strengthen their application, such as gaining additional experience, improving academic credentials, or enhancing their personal statement. 

Do You Need a Bachelor’s Degree for Vet School?

Yes! Almost all the universities have made Bachelor’s degree mandatory for their DVM courses. However, some veterinary programs offer combined bachelor’s and DVM programs, allowing students to earn both degrees simultaneously.