Application Process & Timeline
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine removes GRE as part of admission requirements. Learn more! Due to the removal of the GRE, the School has adapted a NEW selection process. Please review the new process under the Before You Apply, How to Apply, and How Applications Are Evaluated sections.
Before You Apply
Review the minimum admissions requirements to ensure you’re eligible to apply. We also encourage you to review the comprehensive application checklist and instructions provided here before beginning the application process.
- Review Prerequisite Requirements
- Students may apply once they have completed 75% of the required prerequisites. Approximately three can be outstanding at the time of application and all must be completed in the spring semester/quarter prior to matriculation. Specific course requirements are outlined in Academic Preparation & Prerequisites Courses.
- GRE - No Longer a requirement
- The GRE is no longer required and has been dropped as an admission requirement as of November 2022, following a senate faculty vote. Submission of GRE scores will not be looked at nor considered as part of the admissions review process.
- Determine How Competitive Your Application May Be
- All applications are initially evaluated in three areas:
1. Two GPAs: 1) the most recent 45 semester/68 quarter hours and 2) all science courses (see what counts as a science course here on the VMCAS website)
2. Composite score from three electronic letters of recommendation (eLors)
3. Distance Traveled Score
How to Apply
The Veterinary Medical Application Service (VMCAS) is the centralized application service for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Through VMCAS you can complete one application and send all your required materials through this service. Your application is then processed, verified for accuracy, and sent to the veterinary medical schools you designate.
- Step 1: VMCAS Application
- Applicants must apply through the central application system VMCAS. Paper applications are not available. All application materials, including GRE scores, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation, MUST be submitted through the VMCAS system. Any of the above application materials sent directly to UC Davis cannot be attached to applications or returned to applicants.
| January 23 | May 9 | September 16 |
|---|
| VMCAS application opens | Veterinary programs will become available for students to select | Application must be submitted by 8:59 pm (PST) |
| VMCAS can accept transcripts and score reports | Applications can be submitted | All other application materials (eLors, transcripts, etc.) must be submitted to VMCAS. No late documents are accepted. |
How Applications Are Evaluated
Once supplemental applications are submitted, they are reviewed to ensure they are a) complete and b) eligible. Any applications missing application materials or not meeting eligibility criteria (i.e. GPA minimum, veterinary experience hours, one eLor from a vet) will not be considered for admission.
- Step 1: Initial Ranking
- All complete and eligible applications are ranked based on two GPAs (the most recent 45 semester/68 quarter hours and all science courses), the combined composite scores from the three eLors selected, and distance traveled score. The distance traveled score takes into account an applicants background and lived experiences. Factors considered may be based on economic, environmental, or educational experiences. For further details on factors considered, please review the attributes and competencies section.
- Step 2: Top 240 Invited for Interviews
- The top 240 applicants (approximately 200 CA residents/40 non-residents) are invited to interview virtually in early December through Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). MMIs are short, structured interviews used to assess personal traits/qualities. More details on the process can be found in our FAQs or Criteria for Admission section. The 2024 MMI dates are December 5, 6, 9 & 10. Candidates select one of the four interview days lasting approximately 100 minutes. Admitted Student Day will be held in early spring at the School of Veterinary Medicine campus for students to network, tour the facilities, meet staff and faculty, and learn more about financial aid, curriculum, and other resources.
- Step 3: Holistic Review
- Applications of the 240 interviewees will undergo a holistic review. All components of the application will be considered including personal statement, principles of community essay, letters of reference, explanation statement, veterinary experience, and other experience as listed in their application.
- Step 4: Admissions Decisions
- At the conclusion of the MMI interview process, all applicants will be ranked based on a percentage of their MMI scores and initial ranking (to include science GPA, most recent 45 semester/68 quarter unit GPA, composite eLOR score, and distance traveled score). The Admissions Committee meets to discuss MMI and holistic review results. An initial ranked list of the top candidates based on anticipated class size (offer admission and waitlisted) will be discussed with the Dean. Approximately 150 students are offered admission and an additional 40-45 are offered a spot on the waitlist. Admission will be offered to applicants based on their rank (MMI scores and initial ranking). Waitlist order will be the next 40-45 in rank order based on the same criteria as those who are offered initial admission into the program.
