FAQs
Question 1: What is a competitive applicant?
To be competitive, a candidate must first ensure they submit a complete application on time. Be sure to reference the requirements needed to apply , and if you have questions, please contact the admissions office. Beyond that, a competitive applicant is one who demonstrates academic success in addition to an understanding of veterinary medicine, resilience, and maturity. With the unique curriculum at WesternU-CVM, the students most likely to be successful are those who are self-driven and work well in a group setting.
The statistics are available on the competitive candidate profile page.
Question 2: What does the admission committee look for in a re-applicant?
Students are encouraged to reapply and continue chasing their dream of becoming a veterinarian. A competitive re-applicant is one who demonstrates dedication to the veterinary profession and their academic growth in the time between application cycles. They exhibit self-awareness of weaknesses, take the opportunity to improve their application, and summarize what they have done to strengthen their application.
Question 3: How many students are admitted each year?
The College of Veterinary Medicine seats a class of 120 each year.
Question 4: Does it matter that I’m older than your average applicant?
No, the College of Veterinary Medicine will support the admissions of qualified candidates irrespective of their age.
Question 5: Can international students apply?
Absolutely! International applicants follow the same application procedures as domestic applicants, but must also submit transcripts to World Education Services for a course-by- course evaluation. The completed course evaluation is to be submitted and received by VMCAS by the application deadline. The International Student Website will provide detailed information regarding visa’s etc.
Question 6: Do you give preference to California residents?
No, the College of Veterinary Medicine does not give preference to applicants residing in California. We draw from a pool of national and international applicants and have no quota on or a limit to the number of students we will accept from any given state. However, we limit the number of accepted international students to 8 percent of the student body. There are no state residency requirements for admission.
Question 7: Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state residents?
Yes. We are a private institution, therefore the tuition is the same for in-state, out-of-state and international students. Review the financial aid budget page for current tuition and fees.
Question 8: Can I transfer into WesternU-CVM from another college of veterinary medicine?
No, we do not accept transfer students from other veterinary schools at this time. In order to graduate from our institution you would need to start over in your first year, were you to be accepted. This is mainly due to the unique structure of our curriculum (Problem-Based Learning). Our concern is that someone who was not involved in the first or second year curriculum would be at a disadvantage in their last two or three years.
Question 1: Is a bachelor’s degree required to apply?
No, it is not required that you have a BA or BS to apply. Please keep in mind that admission is a highly competitive process and having your undergraduate degree will serve to strengthen your application.
Question 2: Do you require a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) to apply?
Yes. The minimum overall GPA is 2.75, and the minimum science GPA is 3.0. You must also achieve a C or higher in all prerequisite coursework (C- or lower will not be accepted). Admission is a highly competitive process and most applicants have between a 3.3 and a 4.0 GPA.
Question 3: What are the prerequisite courses for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program?
Please visit the view requirements web page for details.
Question 4: Can I have prerequisite classes in progress at the time of application?
You may have no more than two of the specified prerequisite courses in progress after the completion of the Fall term immediately prior to starting at WesternU-CVM. It is recommended that you complete as many of the prerequisites as possible by the end of the Fall term so that those grades can be reviewed by the admissions committee when making interview and admissions decisions.
Question 5: Can I take outstanding prerequisites at WesternU?
No, at this time WesternU does not offer undergraduate coursework.
Question 6: Where can I take my prerequisite coursework?
Prerequisite coursework can be taken at any regionally accredited U.S. institution. Courses completed outside of the U.S., including French-Canadian institutions, must be evaluated by an approved foreign coursework evaluation service. U.S. institutions accredited by one of the following agencies will be acceptable for WesternU-CVM prerequisite coursework:
MSA-Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
NASC-Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
NCA-North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
NEASC-CIHE-New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. / Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
NEASC-CTCI-New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. / Commission on Technical and Career Institutions
SACS-CC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges
WASC-ACCJC-Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
WASC-ACSCU-Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Question 7: What is considered an upper division/advanced course?
This varies from institution to institution. Check with your undergraduate academic advisor for clarification. Upper division/advanced courses are typically taken in your junior and senior year, are not offered at community or junior colleges, and require one or more lower–division courses to be taken prior to enrollment. Please visit the prerequisite database for a listing of approved upper-division courses offered at various institutions.
Question 8: Can I substitute life experience for any of the prerequisites?
No, prerequisite courses are all essential to an applicant’s preparation for veterinary school and future career as a veterinarian. Therefore, we require that you take all of these classes without exception.
Question 9: Do you accept College Level Equivalency Program (CLEP) or Advanced Placement (AP) credit?
Yes, we will accept CLEP and/or AP credits that are listed on an undergraduate transcript from an accredited institution. If you choose to use CLEP and/or AP credits you must submit a letter from the school’s registrar in which you received those credits. This letter must explain what the CLEP and/or AP credits are earned in (i.e. English, Math, etc.).
Question 10: Why do different colleges of veterinary medicine require different prerequisites?
The prerequisite coursework, exams, and experience have been designated by the WesternU-CVM admissions committee in order to maximally prepare the pre-veterinary student for the WesternU curriculum and a successful career in veterinary medicine. The prerequisites vary by institution because each college of veterinary medicine has a different admissions committee and curriculum. WesternU-CVM has a unique student-centered, problem-based learning curriculum and recognizes the importance of graduating veterinarians who are adequately prepared to immediately contribute to the profession. Stellar performance in these prerequisite courses will not guarantee admission nor will it guarantee successful completion of the curriculum; they do however, provide the basis for a student to become a well-rounded, scientifically grounded student with the skills and knowledge to participate actively in his or her learning experience at WesternU-CVM.
Question 11: May I use a single course to satisfy more than one prerequisite?
No, you may not use a single course to satisfy multiple prerequisites. Each prerequisite must be satisfied by a unique course.
Question 12: May I speak with a counselor about my coursework?
If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy the DVM prerequisites you can:
- Search the prerequisite database by institution
- If your courses aren’t listed in the database and you have numerous course questions, or simply wish to lay out your coursework you may instead print and submit an academic worksheet (available on the requirements page March-August).
By laying out your coursework in relation to our prerequisites, you will be able to determine the courses you may still need to complete. In addition, you will be able to assess your academic performance in the courses (prerequisites) our admissions committee believes are of greatest importance. If the course name does not match the prerequisite title, you must submit a course syllabus for review.
Once you receive our assessment, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
Question 13:Do you have any guidance for prospective students trying to obtain veterinary and animal hours?
This will be subject to significant individual variation, such as geographical location, networking opportunities, and other factors. For some applicants, experience can be gained through their work settings; for others, volunteering opportunities may be secured by contacting local businesses directly, such as veterinary practices, commercial animal production operations, humane animal shelters, zoos/wildlife centers, etc.
Question 14: How are animal hours viewed compared to hours under a licensed veterinarian?
When possible, candidates should have as many hours as possible under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The diversity of the veterinary settings is also considered. Animal experience is acceptable; however, those hours should not outweigh the hours spent under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
Question 1: Is WesternU-CVM accredited?
Yes, CVM received full accreditation in March 2013. Please review the accreditation message for more information.
Question 2: What type of medicine can I practice when I graduate from WesternU-CVM?
Watch our video!
Whatever your heart desires! Graduating from WesternU-CVM opens doors to a wide range of careers. Whether you want to care for companion animals, treat exotic species, or work with livestock, the possibilities are endless. You could become an astronaut veterinarian, a disease outbreak investigator, or a lawmaker shaping animal-related policies. Imagine being a media influencer educating millions about animal health, or contributing to wildlife conservation efforts that save endangered species. You might find your calling in shelter medicine, government roles, or pioneering research. The options extend further to fields like veterinary pathology, where you diagnose diseases through tissue analysis, or the pharmaceutical industry, where you help develop life-saving medications for animals and humans. If you’re drawn to public service, you could work in regulatory medicine, ensuring food safety and animal welfare, or even join the military to care for service animals and contribute to global health initiatives. You could also explore opportunities in academia, teaching the future generations of veterinarians. No matter your passion, WesternU-CVM prepares you to pursue a career that’s as unique as you are.
Question 3: Can I complete my bachelor’s degree while attending WesternU-CVM?
We will be developing a program to facilitate those who wish to finish their BS degrees; however, we cannot provide any details of that plan at this time. If you choose to pursue the completion of your BS, you will need to understand the significant workload you will be taking on to accomplish both. It usually takes students two-three semesters to adjust to the intense workload in a professional program, making it a challenge to split your time between your undergraduate and professional coursework. Ultimately, the decision is yours and will require careful consideration and planning.
Question 4: Is it advisable to work while in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program?
We recommend that you do not work while you are a student as WesternU has a rigorous veterinary medicine curriculum. In addition to 17-21 hours of regularly scheduled lecture, PBL group and lab time, you will spend an additional 30+ hours per week doing self-directed work; additional lectures and labs, library, case research and reading. You should expect to dedicate a minimum of 50 hours per week to class time and studies.
Please see time commitments for additional information.
Question 5: What does it mean that WesternU-CVM has a “reverence for life philosophy”?
Our reverence for life philosophy extends to humans and animals. It “governs” how we interact with each other. With reference to humans, we treat each other with respect and kindness in our daily interactions and professional endeavors. With reference to animals, we treat all animals with respect, not just those deemed valuable (owned or “worth” a lot of money). Our curriculum will thus employ a non-detrimental use policy with regard to animals. Cadavers used in our program will be obtained through our Willed deceased Animals for Veterinary Education (WAVE) program (animals who have died naturally or been euthanized due to a medical condition). Live animal use will either not harm the animal (pet/animal volunteers) or directly benefit the animal (needed treatments, etc.)
Question 6: Are students required to have laptop computers?
Yes, students are required to have laptops that meet certain computer specifications that change annually. Computers will be used extensively for accessing information (online databases, journals, texts, etc.), learning concepts (software and Web-based programs in physiology, etc.), communicating with fellow students and faculty, managing schedules for lectures/labs/other experiences, preparing documents, critiquing data (on research projects), test taking, etc. Your experience with the computer during school will allow you to create a valuable, custom tool for immediate use in your professional career upon graduation.
Question 7: What does it mean that WesternU-CVM has a “problem-based learning” (PBL) curriculum?
At WesternU-CVM, students learn within a problem-based learning curriculum. The theory behind this paradigm is that there is more to learning than just “the facts.” As a prospective veterinarian, one must learn facts and principles, quality communication skills, problem solving and reasoning, literature retrieval and interpretation, time management, interpersonal skills, confidence, self-control… the list goes on. The traditional “teacher centered” lecture-style curricula often fall short in areas other than the facts and principles and do not allow students to participate in learning. Thus, when you leave school, you may have the current list of facts and principles on hand, but you may not have the skills to keep that list current or participate in the many other components of the profession. So, PBL is termed “learner centered” learning. The responsibility for learning is firmly placed on the student’s shoulders from day one. The faculty are there to monitor, push, prod, direct and occasionally provide expert information.
Question 8: What does a typical day in a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum look like?
Watch our video!
Imagine stepping into a small group room, your usual space for problem-based learning, where you and your team are about to tackle a new case. The case starts with a patient—or maybe even a whole herd—presenting with a problem. No one hands you the answers; instead, you and your team have to figure out what’s important, what could be causing the issue, and what you still need to learn. That’s where ‘learning issues’ come in—questions you need to research before the next session. Between PBL sessions, you’re digging into resources, attending content expert presentations, maybe even consulting a faculty expert if something isn’t clicking. Then, when you come back together, each person brings their findings, and the puzzle starts coming together. You build a diagnostic plan, interpret test results, and adjust your thinking as new information emerges—just like in real clinical practice. It’s not about just getting to a diagnosis; it’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind it all—how to ask the right questions, critically evaluate information, and collaborate with your team. It’s intense, sometimes messy, but by the end of the block, you realize you’ve learned way more than you expected—not just about medicine, but about how to think like a clinician.
Question 9: During the first two years of classes, where, and in what capacity, will I work with live animals?
Watch our video!
During the first two years of classes, students get a variety of hands-on experiences with animals, the majority of these experiences are through the clinical skills course. This course includes lectures or reading materials that introduce certain clinical skills, and labs to allow students a chance to practice these skills individually. These skills include general and problem- focused physical exams, safe and low-stress handling techniques, husbandry practices, and surgical techniques, among other things. In this course, students also gain real-life experience and work with canine and feline patients through our Veterinary Ambulatory Community Service units, which we call VACS for short, and at the Pet Health Center. On both VACS and the Pet Health Center, students participate in the patient encounter from start to finish under the supervision of clinical faculty. Students also learn clinical skills relevant to equine and ruminant medicine in the clinical skills course and practice them on models and occasionally on live animals at partner institutions. There are also several student-led clubs on campus that coordinate with local partners to provide student volunteers opportunities with live patients.
Question 10: How can I learn more about available financial aid?
For more information regarding tuition, financial aid and scholarships, please visit the Financing Aid site.
Question 11: How can I request an information packet?
Information packets may be requested online. However, for the most up-to-date information we encourage you to visit our requirements page.
How are rotations assigned?
In Year 3, students are assigned to all rotations by the Year Director based on the availability of sites and preceptors. In Year 4, students are assigned to their two core rotations and are allowed to select their six remaining rotations. In most cases, students are allowed to provide some preferences for a rotation that may be taken into consideration during the assignment process. However, students cannot be promised or guaranteed a specific site, location, or preceptor for courses or rotations. Students are responsible for choosing their Year 4 Selective rotations, and thus they determine the schedule and location for those rotations, within certain scheduling parameters and timelines set by the college.
You Have Questions. We Have Answers.
Please explore the questions and answers below to learn what many of our prospective students are concerned about. If you still have questions, please contact us.