Becoming a Veterinarian
Undergraduate Curriculum
Most veterinary schools require a Bachelor's degree with coursework in these areas:
- Biology/Zoology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry/Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- English
- Statistics/Calculus
- Humanities/Social Sciences
University of Akron students who are preparing for veterinary school most often pursue our pursue a Biology degree. View all UA degree programs here. Students pursuing a veterinarian degree (D.V.M.) will complete four years of coursework at the undergraduate level (bachelor's degree), four years of coursework at the veterinary school level (doctor of veterinary medicine degree); additional education may be required if choose a specialty area.
Being a Competitive Applicant
In addition to strong academic credentials, veterinary schools evaluate non-cognitive factors related to interpersonal skills, character and motivation. Also, veterinary schools strongly encourage that you shadow veterinarians and volunteer at an animal shelter. Shadow a veterinarian by contacting a local veterinarian's office of animal hospital.
Entrance Exam
Curriculum at The University of Akron prepares you well to sit for the GRE. Although the Veterinary College Admissions Test was once utilized by veterinary schools, no veterinary school currently requires it, and instead requires the GRE. The GRE is typically taken during the spring of your junior year of college, and it is important to have taken the GRE before applying to veterinary school as most veterinary schools will not consider students who have not received their GRE score.
Application Process
Although each veterinary school has different application deadlines, admissions applications tend to be available in May/June and close Mid September. It is imperative that you check the application deadlines for the veterinary schools in which you are interested. All veterinary schools require applicants to apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) and some veterinary schools will have a secondary application. As part of the application, you will be required to submit recommendation letters. Therefore, it is important that you develop professional relationships with natural science faculty and veterinarians. You will also submit a personal essay.
Veterinary schools will invite applicants to an on-campus interview with their teaching and clinical faculty. It is important to do several mock veterinary school interviews. To assist with preparing for this interview, schedule a meeting with a BCAS career liaison by calling 330-972-7880.
To learn more about U.S. veterinary schools, visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
For additional information about pre-veterinary advising, contact the pre-health adviser and faculty mentor. Also, please carefully review the websites of the pharmacy schools in which you are interested.