Veterinary Medicine

Did you know there are only 28 veterinary schools in the United States? Admission is extremely competitive. Here's how the University of Minnesota Morris and the power of the liberal arts can help you prepare.

Morris Advantages

In addition to outstanding teaching, the Morris campus offers an early assurance agreement, known as VetFAST, with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Students interested in veterinary medicine should also consider taking advantage of the following opportunities.

  • Undergraduate research: Participating in undergraduate research can give veterinary school applicants a competitive edge. Morris offers multiple stipend programs for students who want to conduct undergraduate research and an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at which to present findings.
  • Office of Community Engagement: Taking advantage of undergraduate service opportunities demonstrates the kind of commitment sought by many professional school admissions boards.
  • Study Abroad: Our noted Study Abroad program helps prepare students to participate in professional veterinary service opportunities with international wildlife conservation and sustainability projects.

Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine

  • Small or large animal clinical practice
  • Wildlife or exotic (zoo) animal medicine
  • Teaching and research
  • Government or public health work
  • Livestock disease control and food animal inspection
  • Biomedical research
  • Pharmaceutical or laboratory work

Preparing for Veterinary Medicine

Did you know...

  • There are only 28 veterinary schools in the U.S.
  • There is only one veterinary school in Minnesota—the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Only 10 percent of applicants are accepted each year—most with a GPA of 3.5 or higher—to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Morris has a great placement rate—Students hoping to pursue a career in veterinary medicine should take advantage of the many exceptional opportunities the Morris campus has to offer.

Here are some helpful hints for a successful path to a veterinary medicine career.

  • Recommended coursework: Consult with your adviser about the best way to complete your coursework
  • The Office of Community Engagement: Consider contacting to inquire about applicable service opportunities in farm, clinic, park, or zoo settings to gain veterinary experience during your undergraduate career at Morris. Veterinary college admissions staff want to be sure that applicants have a genuine understanding of the veterinary profession and dedication to the field
  • Nationally recognized study abroad program: A study abroad experience will help prepare you for international service trips common in healthcare professions
  • Undergraduate research: A demonstrated ability to excel in mathematics or science can give veterinary school applicants a competitive edge. Morris offers multiple stipend programs for students who want to conduct undergraduate research
  • Consider the VetFAST path

VetFAST Early Admission Program with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

While you'll be well-prepared as a UMN Morris graduate to pursue a degree at any veterinary school, you may wish to take advantage of the agreement between the Morris campus and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. This program, known as VetFAST, provides an opportunity for you to receive early admission to the doctor of veterinary medicine program at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and allows you to complete your bachelor of arts and doctor of veterinary medicine in seven years rather than eight.

Explore the early admission VetFAST pathway to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Applying to Veterinary School

Students should work closely with their advisers throughout the application process, which varies by university.

Deadlines

  • Most schools have deadlines in the fall, a year before students begin their veterinary studies. October 1 is a typical application deadline. Consult The VetFAST program for the yearly deadline.

Entrance Exams

  • Some schools accept or prefer the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), but most require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), a computer-based exam that consists of three sections.
    • The Analytical Writing section tests your critical thinking and analytical writing skills
    • The Verbal section gauges your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, to recognize relationships between words and concepts, and to reason with words in solving problems.
    • The Quantitative section measures your basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, and ability to reason and solve problems in a quantitative setting.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) requirement is waived for VetFAST participants.

Applications

  • The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is a part of a national application service for U.S. and Canadian schools of veterinary medicine. The service is known as the Veterinary Medical College Application Service or VMCAS. With one Web-based application, prospective veterinary students may submit their initial application to any of the U.S. or Canadian veterinary colleges that are participating in the VMCAS program. The VMCAS application opens in early June and it is important to read all of the information on their website to ensure proper transmission of your application.

Visit the VetFAST site for information about the program's application process.

Letters of Recommendation

Requirements vary by institution. Most schools prefer the three letters to be from:

  • Academic advisor or faculty member
  • Employer
  • Veterinarian

Interviews

Remember that interviews serve two purposes:

  1. The admissions committee is given the opportunity to evaluate you.
  2. The veterinary school is given the opportunity to recruit you.

In addition to presenting yourself in the best possible light, remember to demonstrate the characteristics that make you a particularly interesting candidate and to create opportunities for the recruiting institution to observe how its strengths match your interests.