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 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 so 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:
- One year of English (ENG 111-112).
- One year of Biology with a laboratory component (BIOL 204-205).
- One year of General Chemistry with a laboratory component (CHEM 125-127/128).
- One year of Organic Chemistry with a laboratory component (CHEM 341-344/345-346).
- One year of Physics with a laboratory component (PHYS 201-202).
- One semester of Biochemistry (CHEM 308).
Veterinary school admissions committees often also require Calculus. Some schools also require one semester of Genetics and
one semester of Microbiology.
Are all of these required courses available at BGSU?
Yes, all the courses required for veterinary school admission are available at BGSU. Further, many other useful (but not required)
courses for veterinary school, such as Microbiology and 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, remember that a student can choose ANY major and still go to veterinary school, so 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 will 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 graduating from college. 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 William Scovell,
Ph.D. (Chemistry), who have many years of experience in pre-veterinary advising. Dr. Meserve has been advising pre-health
professions students since 1980, and Dr. Scovell has been performing a similar function for over a decade. Additionally, Chris
Schaefer, an academic advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences, educates pre-veterinary students throughout the process
of preparing for veterinary school.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lee Meserve, Ph.D.
Distinguished Teaching Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
Pre-Health Professions Advisor
419-372-8361
lmeserv@bgnet.bgsu.edu
William Scovell, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Chemistry
Pre-Health Professions Advisor
419-372-8293
wscovel@bgnet.bgsu.edu
Chris Schaefer
College of Arts and Sciences
Academic Advisor for Bachelor of Science Degree Majors
419-372-2015
cschaef@bgnet.bgsu.edu
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