Prospective Veterinary Students

View Our Prospective Student Brochure

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum is a rigorous four-year program which provides a broad-based education to all students. This prepares them to enter a variety of career opportunities within veterinary medicine. Students take 20 to 24 credit hours per term. This course load requires an average of 36 hours per week in the classroom or laboratory for students seeking to become a doctor of veterinary medicine.

The curriculum is designed as a modified “systems approach.” The first year deals primarily with structure and function of the normal animal. This year includes gross and microscopic anatomy, imaging, physiology, and other related courses. During the first semester of the second year, several principles courses are taught, such as immunology, infectious diseases, and pathology. Students then begin courses based on a body system (for example, gastrointestinal or cardiovascular systems). Each system includes appropriate pathology, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic measures for both large and small animal diseases. Each semester also includes a case-based course related to topics currently being taught.

All students are required to take at least four hours of electives. Most take one elective course per semester beginning with the second semester. Available elective courses include:

- Disaster medicine
- Wildlife diseases
- Advanced reproductive techniques
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Financial management
- Small oceanarium management
- Equine lameness
- Applied anatomy

Preparing to Apply

High School

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 500 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. A full list of the courses is available in our Prospective Students Brochure above on pages 8-9. 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.

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 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 joint enrollment credits earned in high school.

To qualify for an admissions interview, 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 of 500 hours of experience is necessary to qualify for admission.

“Pre-Vet” Information

“Pre-vet” is not a major but an educational track a student may select within a major. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in an undergraduate major that is of particular interest to them. Popular majors for those admitted to the DVM program include animal science, poultry science, biology, and biochemistry, but students with such varied degrees as public relations or psychology have been admitted. Students need only complete all the prerequisite courses and obtain appropriate experience to fulfill the admissions requirements.

Three of Auburn’s colleges or schools offer majors with pre-vet tracks. Please contact the following schools/advisors for specific pre-vet curricula and advising.

College of Agriculture
Lauren Cline
334/844-3202

College of Science and Math
Student Services
334/844-4269

School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
Dr. Jodie Kenney
334/844-1050

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 Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test is required as part of your application. Test scores must be received by September 15 and the exam must have been taken within the previous five calendar years. To submit your GRE scores, please use the Auburn University code 1005.

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 joint enrollment during high school, must be submitted through VMCAS.

Application Processing Fee

An application processing fee must be submitted through AUCVM’s 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 an on-site 30-minute interview with multiple 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, GRE, 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 two science electives; 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.).

The highest score achieved in the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE are combined to calculate the overall score.

In 2016, the average GPA of admitted students was 3.61, and the average GRE score (combined verbal and quantitative) was 309.

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 15^th prior to entry into the DVM program in the fall.

Kentucky Residents

Please contact your Kentucky pre-veterinary advisors 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.

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.

Visit the College

Estimated Expenses and Financial Aid

The estimated cost of attendance for a nine-month academic year is outlined below. Although modest, these budgets are seen as adequate for the typical student. However, your general spending habits will determine your actual expenses. Please be aware that the estimated cost of attendance is higher for the third academic year when a third, summer semester is required because of the continuous year of clinical training. Students attend nine semesters during the four-year program.

Expense	AL/KY Resident	Nonresident
Tuition & Fees	$20,060	$46,748
Books, Supplies, & Ins.	$3,329	$3,329
Room & Board	$12,898	$12,898
Personal Expenses	$2,766	$2,766
Transportation	$2,898	$2,898
Total	$41,951	$68,639

Costs are based on the 2017-2018 academic year. Educational costs may increase from year to year.

Note: First-year students must purchase a standardized tablet (notebook computer). The cost is currently $1,885.39 (plus tax).

Tablet Program

The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is focused on preparing its students for the future of veterinary medicine. In addressing this goal, Auburn is committed to teaching students how to use information technology in the veterinary profession. From digital radiography, electronic medical records, video conferencing, and digital microscopy, every facet of the veterinary profession relies on the use of information technology.

All incoming freshman are required to purchase a tablet through AUCVM. Students are trained to use these tablets starting on day one of their education. Course material is presented in electronic formats and students use the tablets in class to take notes, record lectures, and to collaborate with their peers. As students enter their clinical rotations they will use the computers on the hospital floor to record observations, review diagnostic findings, gather medical information, and access our digital radiography system.

The college fully supports students as they adapt to a new way of learning, and we are committed to teaching students that computer usage should become a natural part of their professional life.

Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Services at Auburn University provides assistance to students who need financial aid in order to attend the university. The amount of aid granted is based on financial need and cost of attendance as determined by the university. To determine need, Auburn University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is completed online here. Students seeking assistance (including scholarships) are required to complete the FAFSA. Aid programs available to professional students are limited to student loans with varying interest rates: Health Professions, Federal unsubsidized loans, and the Grad PLUS loan for graduate and professional students.

Please contact call 334/844-2685 if you have any questions.

Residency

Alabama residents receive priority for 41 seats in each class. Auburn contracts with Kentucky for 38 seats. These students are considered to be in-state students for tuition purposes. An additional 41 non-resident students are accepted. The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine does NOT offer admission to international students or transfer students from another College of Veterinary Medicine.

Alabama Residents: A person who is a citizen of the United States, or a resident alien, and who has resided and had habitation, home, and permanent abode in the State of Alabama for at least 12 months immediately preceding current registration is considered an Alabama Resident. In applying this regulation, “applicant” means a person applying for admission to the institution, if applicant is married or at least 19 years of age, and financially independent. Otherwise, it shall mean parent(s), or legal guardian of the student. If the parents are divorced, residence will be determined by the residency of the parent to whom the court has granted custody.

No person who moves to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college shall be considered to have demonstrated intent to establish domicile in the State of Alabama, and will generally not be considered eligible for classification as a resident student. For additional information or to ask specific questions, contact the Auburn University Registrar’s Office at residency@auburn.edu.

Kentucky Residents: Please contact your Kentucky pre-veterinary advisors 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.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are made available annually to veterinary students after their first semester through the Office of Academic Affairs.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call (334) 844-2685 or email admissions@vetmed.auburn.edu.

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