Application Information
Pre-High School
Interested pre-high school students are encouraged to talk with their local veterinarians about volunteer or work opportunities and to develop strong academic skills in all coursework—especially math and science courses.
High School
Focused preparation for entering veterinary school can begin as early as high school. Students should take as many science classes (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics) as possible to prepare them for college courses. In addition, hours gained working or volunteering with a veterinarian will count towards the hours of veterinary experience necessary to qualify for admission.
Prerequisite Courses
A variety of college-level prerequisite courses must be completed before enrolling in the DVM program. These courses include biology, chemistry, physics, and humanities courses. Relevant AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) credits reflected on a college transcript will be accepted in fulfillment of prerequisites. Prerequisite courses must be completed by June 15, prior to entry into the DVM program in the fall.
More information on the prerequisite courses for the Auburn University DVM program
Academic Requirements
The minimum acceptable grade for required courses is a C-minus. If a course is repeated for a higher grade, both grades will factor into our overall grade point average (GPA) calculations. All coursework completed at any college or university will be used to calculate the applicant’s cumulative GPA. This includes dual enrollment credits earned in high school.
Alabama and Kentucky residents must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale. At-large applicants (those who are not Alabama or Kentucky residents) must have a 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale.
Experience Working with Veterinarians
In addition to completing the required pre-veterinary courses, students are required to work with one or more veterinarians to learn about the career opportunities and responsibilities within the profession. A minimum number of hours of experience is necessary to qualify for admission. Access the Auburn VMSAR page for up-to-date information.
Applying to the Program
VMCAS
All applications must be submitted through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Please pay careful attention to the application deadline as late applications will NOT be accepted by Auburn University.
Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
The GRE is not used to assess applicants for admission to Auburn’s DVM program.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted through VMCAS. One must be from a veterinarian. The other two should come from an employer (may be second veterinarian but does not have to be) and from a professor or advisor who is familiar with your academic work.
Transcripts
Transcripts from all colleges where academic credit was earned, including dual enrollment during high school, must be submitted through VMCAS.
Application Processing Fee
An application processing fee must be submitted through the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM) website. The link to pay the fee is available through the VMCAS application. Applications will not be processed until the processing fee is received.
Interviews
Qualified applicants will be invited to a 30-minute virtual interview with members of the Admissions Committee. The purpose of this interview is to optimize the committee’s understanding of the applicant’s communication skills, depth and breadth of experience working with veterinarians and professional potential.
Evaluation of Applicants
Auburn University has a three part admission procedure which entails an objective evaluation (academic credentials), a subjective review (personal credentials & work experience with animals), and a personal interview.
Applications are evaluated based on academic record and experience. Four GPAs will be calculated: an overall GPA combining all college-level coursework completed at every institution attended; a science GPA which will include science core and elective courses; a GPA combining organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics; and a trend GPA over the most recent 60 credits completed. Plus and minus grades are rounded to the full letter grade (an A- is calculated as an A, a B+ as a B, etc.).
Completion of Prerequisites
Any prerequisite courses which are in progress or which the student plans to take in the spring following submission of their application should be listed in VMCAS. Courses must be completed before June 15th prior to entry into the DVM program in the fall.
More information on the prerequisite courses for the Auburn University DVM program
Kentucky Residents
Please contact the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) before October 1 to document your Kentucky residency. If you have questions, please contact the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (KCPE) at 502-573-1555.
Apply for the Veterinary Contract Spaces program
Accepted Students
Applicants who are offered admission are required to submit the official application for admission and Auburn University application fee. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time.