Veterinary Medicine
Want a career as veterinarian? Most students choose to major in biology or chemistry from UNC before going to veterinary school, but you can choose any undergraduate major.
Choosing a major outside of the sciences might extend the time it takes you to earn your degree as you'll also need to complete the graduation requirements for that major.
Course Requirements
Course requirements vary depending on your veterinary school, the following are usually required for most schools:
- Two semesters biology with lab
- Two semesters introductory chemistry with lab
- Two semesters organic chemistry with lab
- Two semesters physics with lab
- One semester genetics with lab
- One semester microbiology with lab
- One semester biochemistry
- Two semester or three semesters English
- One semester public speaking
- One semester nutrition
- One semester statistics
Timeline
During your time here, you should do your best to stick to this timeline. It will help make sure you're ready for veterinary school.
How to apply to veterinary school
Start by completing the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application. This will then be sent to the veterinary schools of your choice.
We've outlined the general process below, but you can also learn more about the VMCAS admissions process.
- You will need to complete and submit your application along with your official transcripts to VMCAS. Each application includes a space for your personal essay, coursework history, list of activities, GRE scores and the names of your recommenders (letters of recommendation are typically sent directly to each veterinary school).
- After receiving your application you will be sent a secondary application. This require more information and a series oof short answer/essay questions. Complete and submit secondary applications to each school.
- After reviewing your secondary application and letters of recommendation, veterinary schools may then invite you for interviews.
- From here, you will either be accepted, denied or placed on a waitlist for each school. The next choice is all yours!
General information about applicants
Students accepted to veterinary school typically have an overall GPA of 3.6, science GPA of 3.5 and an GRE score of 64.8 (verbal) and 54.2 (quantitative)
