Pre-Veterinary at BGSU

 What is "pre-vet"?
"Pre-vet" is a term used to describe students who plan to enter veterinary school after graduating from college. You should know that there is rarely if ever a "pre-vet" major at any college. When a student is "pre-vet", he or she is not only taking the classes required for admission to veterinary school, but also has a major in a specific subject matter area. For example, a student can major in Art and still go to veterinary school as long as he or she has 1) successfully completed the courses required for admission to veterinary school, 2) has both a strong science and overall college GPA, and 3) has demonstrated a dedicated interest in veterinary medicine.

What courses are required for admission to veterinary school?
Typically, veterinary school admissions committees require the following courses to be taken in college:

1. One year of English composition (GSW 1110-1120).
2. One year of biology with laboratory components (BIOL 2040-2050).
3. One semester of microbiology (BIOL 3130 or 3140 and 3150).*
4. One semester of genetics (BIOL 3500).*
5. One year of general chemistry with laboratory components (CHEM 1250-1270/1280).*
6. One semester of biochemistry (CHEM 3080).*
7. One year of organic chemistry with laboratory components (CHEM 3410-3440/3450 or 3460).*
8. One year of physics with laboratory components (PHYS 2010-2020).

Veterinary school admission committees often also require calculus (MATH 1310 or 1340-1350). Some schools also require one semester of genetics and one semester of microbiology.

*pre-requisites required

Are all of these required courses available at BGSU?
Yes, all the courses required for veterinary school admission are available at BGSU. Many other useful (but not required) courses for veterinary school, such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology, are offered at BGSU.

What majors are most popular among pre-vet students?
Pre-vet students often choose science majors, as these majors usually include some of the courses required for veterinary school admission. However, a student can choose ANY major and still go to veterinary school, as long as he or she has 1) successfully completed the courses required for veterinary school admission, 2) has a strong college GPA, and 3) has demonstrated a true and active interest in veterinary medicine.

How high should my GPA be in order to go to veterinary school?
Typically, a student's overall college GPA should be a 3.6 or better in order to be a strong candidate for admission to veterinary school.

Is a high GPA the only way to get into veterinary school?
No. In addition to a high GPA, a student applying to veterinary school must also take an entrance exam, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Entrance exams are typically taken in the junior year of college. Further, students interested in veterinary school should attempt to gain scientific research experience as well as clinical internships, volunteer positions, or other opportunities working with animals and people. Most veterinary medical schools will require that an applicant have experience working with a veterinarian. Experience with different kinds of animals (for example; domestic animals and farm animals) will improve one's chances of admission.

When should I begin my pre-veterinary course work?
Whether or not you major in a science, you should begin your basic pre-veterinary course work as early as possible in your college career. Ideally, your basic requirements for veterinary school admission should be completed by the end of your junior year of college, since you will want to take your entrance exam in spring of your junior year. You may begin applying to veterinary school in the summer before your senior year of college.

Are there any organizations at BGSU designed for pre-vet students?
Yes. The Pre-Vet Med Association (PVMA) is open to all interested students. The Biological Sciences Honorary, Beta Beta Beta, and the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate are also available to dedicated science students. These organizations not only provide opportunities to attend lectures given by health care and other professionals, but also give students a chance to more deeply explore their intended professions.

Over the past few years, what veterinary schools have BGSU graduates attended?
BGSU graduates have attended a wide range of veterinary schools, including the The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, BGSU students have also gained admission to a variety of veterinary schools outside Ohio.

How long does it take to get through veterinary school?
Veterinary school is a four year commitment after completing an undergraduate degree. When you graduate from veterinary school, you will have your D.V.M. degree. You will then enter a clinical residency in the field of veterinary medicine you intend to practice.

What resources are available at BGSU to help me learn more about veterinary school?
BGSU offers students two advisors in the science departments, Lee Meserve, Ph.D. (Biological Sciences) and Steven Chung, Ph.D. (Chemistry), who have many years of experience in pre-veterinary advising. Students can also consult with Lee Ann Koenigbauer, academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences office.

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