FAQ

Yes, it is possible for the highly-motivated undergraduate student to complete the necessary prerequisites for admission to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after only two years. All the usual Plan B prerequisites and GRE requirements apply, so students must have rigorous plans as they exit high school on how to fit in all the Plan B prerequisites in the more limited time period of only two years. All the same rules apply regarding timing of completion of prerequisites – the applicant can have no more than 2 prerequisite courses pending in the spring prior to matriculation at Illinois, and no prerequisite courses can be pending in the summer preceding matriculation.  One or two sessions of summer school (immediately after high school, and/or in the summer between freshman and sophomore academic years) may be required in order to meet the prerequisite timetable in only two years. The Big Ten universities with veterinary schools are committed to providing qualified and prepared students the opportunity to enter veterinary school after two years of undergraduate study.

There are only 32 colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States.  Successful applicants demonstrate academic competency (especially in science course work), good problem-solving skills, able decision-making skills, capable interpersonal communication skills, skillful teamwork ability, experience with a variety of animal species and experience with veterinarians and/or scientists engaged in research.

Illinois accepts applications from students who have a minimum of a 3.00 Cumulative and VMCAS Science GPA in their undergraduate studies.

The competitive applicant at our college in recent years has had:

• An average Cumulative GPA of 3.59
• An average Illinois Science GPA of 3.49
• An average GRE composite percentile of 63%
• A wide variety of experience with both large and small animals
• Experience working for several veterinarians (We do not specify a number of contact hours required for admission.)

Of the seats available through the admission process each year, over 50% will go to Illinois residents, and the remainder to non-residents.

For the entering Class of 2025, approximately 130 students will be accepted to the professional program leading to the DVM degree.

• Approximately 70 Illinois residents
• Approximately 60 non-residents

A large percentage of veterinary students have undergraduate majors in biology or animal science. But such a major is not required. Students who applied, and were accepted, have pursued majors in diverse areas of study including fine arts, English, or business. All competitive applicants, however, must demonstrate solid achievement in the mandatory science prerequisite courses.

The first two years of study in veterinary medicine consist of challenging science course work. A student will find it beneficial to have had as much science course work in their undergraduate studies as possible, especially biological sciences.

It is expected that a student will make every possible attempt to at least observe veterinarians in a variety of settings (large animal practice, small animal practice, research, wildlife/conservation work) to acquire an overview of what the profession is all about. There is no minimum amount of experience designated, but the Admissions Committee definitely wants to see a student articulate the learning they acquired in these experiences.

We do not indicate a requirement for animal experience in a specific number of hours. Students are encouraged to seek opportunities with as broad a spectrum of species as possible. It is the learning that comes from veterinary and animal experience that will be important to the Admissions Advisory Committee.

Those interested in becoming research veterinarians are encouraged to have some veterinary practice and animal experience as well. Ultimately, your DVM studies  cover the breadth of biomedical education. Likewise, research experiences from all applicants are highly regarded.

We encourage students to attend college at a fully accredited institution that provides a challenging curriculum in a setting where they are comfortable enough to become highly successful. Those who attend the University of Illinois are given no preferential treatment in the application process.

A “pre-veterinary curriculum” is usually designed to simply provide the courses that are the required minimum prerequisites for admission. This design may be very useful, but really is not mandated in any way. Following the required prerequisites can provide the same guide for undergraduate choices as a student moves toward admission.

Suggested electives include anatomy, zoology, physiology, neuroanatomy or neurophysiology, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, or nutrition.

Applicants will need to verify receipt of transcripts with VMCAS.

We are adopting a new computerized Admissions program and have decided to communicate with you via e-mail rather than through our old status portal.  You should be receiving e-mails that will inform you of your status.

You will not hear from the College until all applications have been evaluated by the Admissions Advisory Committee.  This process is usually completed by the middle of January at which time invitations will be mailed to the highest ranking applicants.  Because final transcripts are not due until February 1 of the application cycle, invitations to interview will not include fall grades in the initial calculation of the grade point averages.  After fall grade entry, remember that all requirements regarding grades and grade point averages continue to apply and affect your interview and admission status.

Interviews will be conducted in February.