Getting into veterinary school is competitive and requires planning. Here's everything you need to know— from GPA calculations to prerequisites and key admissions steps.
VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) is the centralized application platform managed by AAVMC. You submit one application to apply to multiple U.S. and Canadian DVM programs.
VMSAR (Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements) is the official resource listing each school’s prerequisites and criteria for applicants.
Most U.S. veterinary schools consider four GPA categories as calculated by VMCAS, including:
Cumulative GPA – all letter-graded courses
Science (BCPM) GPA – biology, chemistry, physics, math
Last 45-semester credit GPA (or 60-quarter credits) – your most recent academic performance
Required prerequisite courses GPA – science & math prerequisites only Example: NC State, WSU, and UC Davis all use similar GPA breakdowns.
Minimum GPAs vary by school. For example, Mississippi State requires ≥ 3.0 overall and limited missing prerequisite grades. Oklahoma State requires ≥ 3.0 overall and ≥ 2.8 in required courses.
Penn Vet recommends at least a 3.0 GPA; average enrolled cumulative GPA is around 3.6.
Prerequisite courses must typically be completed before or by matriculation, with minimum grades of C or C‑ depending on school.
Most schools require a minimum number of animal or veterinary experience hours—for example, Penn Vet recommends 600+ hours.
GRE may be required by some programs, but averages around 300–301 for enrolled students; schools like Ross Vet and MSU report no fixed minimum GRE scores.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Grade points: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc.
Science GPA uses only BCPM courses
Last 45-credit GPA uses your most recent 45 semester credits
| GPA Type | Courses Counted | GPA Calculation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative GPA | All letter-graded courses | Total grade points ÷ credits |
| Science (BCPM) GPA | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math | Only those courses |
| Last 45 Credit GPA | Most recent 45 semester credits | Sorted chronologically |
| Required Course GPA | Science & math prerequisites | Only those course grades |
Suggested graph idea: A bar chart comparing your Cumulative, Science, Last-45 and Prerequisite course GPAs visually.
Want to estimate your GPAs like VMCAS would? Use the Vet School GPA Calculator to track your academic progress across all key GPA categories. Enter your courses, credits, and grades to see cumulative, BCPM, and last‑45 GPAs calculated just as admissions readers would.
Most schools expect ≥3.0 overall, but competitive applicants often have ≥3.5 cumulative and prerequisite GPAs.
VMCAS averages all attempts—including repeats—so a lower earlier grade still factors into the calculated GPA.
Courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math as defined by VMCAS (BCPM).
Most schools only accept pass/fail for Spring 2020 coursework due to COVID-19; otherwise letter grades are required.
Not all. Some, like Penn Vet and Ross Vet, have dropped GRE requirements or use them optionally.
Include the Vet School GPA Calculator link early and mention it again in section 6.
Offer guidance on prerequisites charts via VMSAR and individual school websites.
Suggest journaling veterinary experience hours or using spreadsheets.
Include links to:
Vet School Experience Hours Tracker
Veterinarian Shadowing & Volunteer Planner Tool
Cost of Attendance Estimator for vet programs
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