Admissions Process
Academic Criteria
In evaluating an applicant for admission, the CVM Admissions
Committee considers both his/her academic and non-academic
qualities. In assessing an applicant's academic qualities, the
committee members ask themselves, How likely is it that this
applicant will be able to successfully complete our rigorous,
science based veterinary curriculum? Answering this question
begins by considering the applicant's academic indices, i.e.,
cumulative GPA, science GPA, last 45-semester hour GPA,
prerequisite GPA, grades in upper division science courses,
course load per semester, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
scores, as well as his/ her record of academic honors,
scholarships, etc.
As completed applications are received by the CVM Office of
Admissions, they are immediately placed into one of three
categories, or tiers, based upon the following criteria: |
|
Go to:
AP/Running Start
Electives
GRE
Non-academic Criteria
Vet/Animal Experience
Employment
Honors/Awards/Comm. Serv.
Letters of Recommendation
Research Experience
Diversity/Adversity
Personal Statement
Interview
Notification Procedures |
| |
Overall GPA* |
|
Science GPA** |
|
GRE%*** |
| Tier I |
>3.5 |
or |
>3.7 |
or |
>75 |
| Tier II |
3.2-3.5 |
or |
3.5-3.7 |
or |
60-74 |
| Tier III |
<3.2 |
and |
<3.5 |
and |
<59 |
* Overall undergraduate GPA. Initial evaluation of GPA will not include fall
term grades. Fall term grades should be submitted as soon as grades are
posted and will be used in the final evaluation.
** Science GPA will include all physical sciences, mathematics, and
biological sciences courses (see
Prerequisites).
*** GRE percentile is calculated by averaging the percentile rank from the
three sections of the general test (composite score). If an application
contains more than one set of GRE scores, the committee will consider the
highest section score. Only GRE scores received by the admissions office at
the time of initial academic evaluation will contribute to Tier assignment.
- Tier I applications contain excellent academic records
based upon these GPA and/or GRE criteria. At the beginning
of the process, we make the basic assumption that, generally
speaking, a student with a previous record of academic
excellence is more likely to be able to successfully
complete our program than one 4 5 with a less excellent
record. Therefore, many Tier I applicants tend to be invited
to participate in a personal interview.
- Tier II applicants have good academic records based upon
their academic indices. In deciding whether a given Tier II
application warrants further review, the academic record is
thoroughly evaluated to determine if factors, such as
academic rigor, work responsibilities, and family
commitments, might have contributed to a more modest
performance. Fewer Tier II applicants are invited for an
interview.
- Tier III applications are those in which the GPA and GRE
score do not support a presumption of academic success.
While these records are very closely scrutinized for
evidence to support an argument for extenuating
circumstances, fewer Tier III applicants tend to be invited
for an interview.
Pre-professional coursework in the physical and biological
sciences, outlined as prerequisites, and the GRE pertains to all
students. Ensuring that all prerequisites have been completed
by no later than the spring semester of the application year is
solely the responsibility of the applicant. A list of WSU
prerequisite courses, equivalencies of which may be met at other
institutions, can be found
here. Note: Students who participate in the Combined
DVM/Honors College must fulfill all requirements that apply to
these individual programs, such as completing the baccalaureate
degree, honors thesis, etc., prior to the awarding of the DVM
degree
Advanced Placement/Running Start Credits
While Advanced Placement (AP) or Running Start credits might be
acceptable for some prerequisites, applicants are encouraged to
view such credits as an opportunity to qualify for and enroll in
upper division physical and biological science courses, rather
than simply as a means for "testing out" of prerequisites. The
goal of the applicant should be to prepare him/herself as best
they can for our rigorous, science based, veterinary curriculum.
Upper division science courses are deemed to be highly
preparatory for the DVM program.
Electives
Also, students spending more than two years in preprofessional
programs have time to take a number of elective courses. Highly
recommended, but not required, electives include mammalian
anatomy, physiology, embryology, microbiology, immunology,
computer science, physics II, and animal science courses,
including nutrition.
GRE
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test is a
computer based comprehensive knowledge exam. The Educational
Testing Service (GRE), Box 6000, Princeton, New Jersey
08541-6000 administers the GRE. For convenient scheduling of the
test, call 1-800-GRE-CALL. Results of the examination will be
reported to WSU if the
school code 4984 and department code 0617 is properly entered on
the test form. GRE scores must be received by October 2
of the year of application. Please note: test scores that are
more than five years old on or after October 2 of the year of
application will not be accepted by the CVM. Only the general
GRE exam is required. Subject tests are not needed or
considered.
GRE Web Site
Non-Academic Criteria
The fundamental question the committee poses to evaluate an
applicant's non-academic qualities is, Does the applicant
possess the qualities of a good veterinarian? In order to
answer this question, the committee considers various
non-academic criteria, such as his/her work ethic, knowledge of
the profession, motivation, compassion, integrity, leadership
and communication skills, and desire to contribute to society.
In addition, the committee will assess an applicant's
resiliency, willingness to accept responsibility, maturity, and
breadth of experience. The following paragraphs describe
components of the application that are used by the committee to
evaluate these criteria.
1. The Veterinary Experience
and Animal Experience
Veterinary experience provides a basic knowledge of the
veterinary profession through closely observing the
role of the various members of the health care team
in a traditional practice setting. Participating in
biomedical research, public health, academic
medicine, regulatory medicine, or industry can
enhance an applicant's appreciation for the breadth
of the veterinary profession. The committee also
takes involvement in seminars, practica, and other
veterinary professional activities into account.
Veterinary medicine is an animal health and
production oriented profession. The Admissions
Committee considers animal experience to be an
important preparation for the curriculum. Animal
experience
includes such things as breeding, rearing, feeding,
and showing various species of companion animals,
livestock, laboratory animals, zoo animals, or
wildlife.
2. Employment Experience
This information helps the committee better
understand time commitments an applicant has beyond
the classroom, as well as gives some insight into
the applicant's work ethic. Both full-time and
part-time work experience should be included in this
section of the application as it helps the
Admissions Committee with a composite evaluation of
an applicant.
3. Honors & Awards and Community
Activity
Achievements, leadership ability, and participation
in academic and other activities will be evaluated
carefully. This includes extracurricular activities
such as collegiate clubs, service organizations,
sports or other interest-based activities.
Community service activities are viewed as an
indication of an applicant's desire to contribute to
society. These activities need not be directly
affiliated with veterinary medicine. The applicant
should clearly and succinctly describe their level
of participation in these activities.
4. Letters of Recommendation
Each applicant should obtain three evaluations to aid the
admissions committee in assessing their personal traits. The
best individuals for these evaluations are those who know the
applicant well enough to provide meaningful comments. At least
one evaluation must be from a veterinarian with whom the
applicant has interacted fairly extensively. Another should come
from a person in academia who could speak to the student's
academic ability. Other evaluations should come from individuals
who can evaluate the oral and written communication skills as
well as the scientific background of the applicant. The CVM
Admissions Committee reserves the right to check references for
verification and accuracy.
5. Research Experience
The CVM Admissions Committee does value knowing about an
applicant's experience in the broad field of research. Since
there is not a defined location for this information on the
VMCAS application, the WSU supplemental application does provide
a section for applicants to capture research experience. This
experience does not have to be directly affiliated with
veterinary medicine, and research experience is NOT required for
admission to the DVM program.
6. Diversity/Adversity
Each year, the CVM Admissions Committee is given the enormous
task of selecting top candidates from among a vast array of
highly qualified applicants. The committee seeks applicants who
will increase the geographic, cultural, and economic diversity
of the student body and the profession. Extenuating
circumstances such as extensive extracurricular work commitments
or family responsibilities are taken into consideration as well.
If you feel that you qualify in this category, please provide
information in the "Explanation" portion of the application.
Applicants may also have issues about which they are reluctant
to write in their veterinary school application. If so, these
candidates should feel free to contact the Director of
Admissions to discuss the matter.
7. Personal Statement
The personal statement portion of the application is a
candidate's opportunity to make a case as to why you are the
best possible candidate for the DVM program at WSU. It is a
chance to set yourself apart from other candidates, give the
Admissions Committee background information that might not
otherwise be included in the application, explain special
situations or circumstances that have influenced you as a
person, and where you see yourself in the future.
8. The Personal Interview
Non-academic evaluation of the top qualified applicants in the
Washington, Idaho, and out-of-area pools may include a personal
interview. WICHE-supported applicants are not formally
interviewed, but they are encouraged to visit the WSU campus at
any time. The interview consists of a 30 minute personal
interview with two to three members of the Admissions Committee
and a representative from the respective state veterinary
medical association (the Idaho or Washington State Veterinary
Medical Association). Between two and three members of the
Admissions Committee will comprise the interview team for
out-of-area applicants.
The personal interview will be used to clarify any issues
arising from the academic and non-academic evaluation and to
assess the applicant's maturity, motivation, communication
skills, knowledge of the profession, and desire to contribute to
society through veterinary medicine.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Washington State University and the University of Idaho prohibit
discrimination on the basis of race, sex (including sexual
harassment), religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic
origin, physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status,
sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled
veteran in the recruitment and admission of students, the
recruitment, employment, and retention of faculty and staff, and
the operation of all university programs, activities, and
services.
Final Evaluation
After all information has been accumulated on qualified
applicants, the Admissions Committee will meet to decide which
applicants are best suited to enter the veterinary curriculum.
Both academic and non-academic factors will be used to reach a
final decision. For Washington, Idaho, and out-of-area
applicants, this process will generate a group of admitted
students and a list of alternates who may receive offers of
admission at a later date. In the case of WICHE applicants, the
process will yield a ranked list of all applicants from each
sending state. Ranking of applicants from each WICHE state by
the three regional colleges of veterinary medicine (Washington
State University, Oregon State University, and Colorado State
University) helps determine which applicants are funded each
year and who are then made offers of admission.
Notification procedures
At the time of notification of interview, all unsuccessful
candidates are also notified of their status. All Washington,
Idaho, and out-of-area applicants to WSU who are to be
interviewed are notified of their status on or before March 30.
A number of interviewed applicants who are not initially made
offers of admission are given alternate status, and may be
offered admission at a later date. Barring delays in the ranking
process, WICHE applicants should be notified by February. Some
WICHE applicants are also given alternate status.
Applicants who are admitted to the College of Veterinary
Medicine at WSU will be required to complete a WSU uniform
undergraduate application. Complete and final academic
transcripts for accepted applicants must be submitted to WSU CVM
before July 1.
Unsuccessful applicants who wish to be considered the following
year must submit new application materials. Evaluation of an
unsuccessful application can be requested. Please contact CVM
Student Services before May 15 of the current cycle period to
request this feedback.
The Admissions Committee assumes the applicant, if offered
admission, is fully prepared to enter the veterinary program
starting the next fall semester. Deferral of admission is
considered by the Director of Admissions on a case-by-case basis
and granted only under special circumstances.
Please do not request information by phone or
email regarding offers of admission prior to notification dates.
This information is confidential and provided only in official
letters. Applicants are encouraged to have all components of the
admission application submitted well in advance of these
deadlines.
AAVMC acceptance policy
The following resolutions was adopted at the July 21, 1997
business meeting in Reno, NV: "The AAVMC requests that all U.S.
Schools and Colleges of Veterinary Medicine honor and enforce
and acceptance date of April 15 for
all offers of admissions."
This statement was expanded by the Board of Directors to
include acceptance of all offers of scholarship and financial
aid in the April 15th deadline.
Approved by the AAVMC Assembly
July 21, 1997
Amended by the AAVMC Board of Directors
April 29, 2008
