Washington State University
Admissions Contact Information
Phone: 509-335-1532
Email: admissions@vetmed.wsu.edu
Address: PO Box 647012 Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-7012
Website: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Background Information
- When was the school founded? The college of veterinary medicine was founded in 1899, making it the fifth oldest veterinary college in the United States.
- What is the mission of the institution? Our mission is to provide exceptional: Professional veterinary medical education, undergraduate graduate, and resident education in the health sciences, basic and clinical biomedical research, public service through clinical care, diagnostic services, continuing education, and outreach
- Is it a public or private University? Private
- Do they have any special programs? They have the research scholars program and its goal is to attract veterinary students towards careers of basic or applied research, provide them with advanced training, incorporate hands on experiences, and encourage participation in dual degree programs.
- Do they have any special facilities? They have the Animal Disease Biotechnology Facility, Bustad Veterinary Sciences Building, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, WSU Veterinary Specialty Teaching Clinic, Veterinary Medical Research Science Building, and the Paul G. Allen Center for Global Animal Health.
Ranking
- U.S. News and World Report Ranking: #15
- Accreditation: Yes, they have full accreditation.
Required Coursework
– Biology with Lab (8 credits)
– Inorganic Chemistry with Lab (8 credits)
– Organic Chemistry with Lab (4 credits)
– Genetics (3-4 credits)
– Biochemistry (3 credits)
– Physics with Lab (4 credits)
– Statistics (3 credits)- Algebra or higher (3 credits)
– English Composition (6 credits)
– Arts and Humanities (21 credits)
Coursework Criteria
- Applicants must complete all of the above prerequisite courses with a C- or higher and have them all completed no later than spring semester of matriculation.
Veterinary Program
- How many years is the program? 4 year program
- What is the start date? 133
- What is the average class size? DVM, Graduate Programs, PhD, and MS. They also have various residency programs through the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Department, and the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology.
- What other degrees are offered? DVM, Graduate Programs, PhD, and MS. They also have various residency programs through the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience Department, and the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology.
- What is the NAVLE pass rate? 97%
- What are some student activities? They have the AAFP, Canine Club, Shelter Medicine Club, Orthopedics Club, The Draft Horse Club, Raptor Rehabilitations Program, Agricultural Animal Club, Pathology Club, and the Holistic Club.
- What professional development do they offer graduates? They have a continuing education program for veterinarians and vet techs that are offered as both online and onsite courses. They also have a visiting practitioner program, which is an opportunity to give practicing veterinarians a chance to experience life at a university teaching hospital, help teach and meet upcoming graduates, and enhance working relationship with university clinicians.
- What academic support programs do they have? They have counseling services, academic tutoring, mentor/advisory groups/programs, and library resources.
- What is the curriculum? The focus of the first year is to help students understand the normal animal. The second year is devoted to teaching diseases and the causes of them. The third year is comprised of students beginning to learn about the principles of medicine and surgery. In the final year, students go through clinical rotations.
Admissions General Information
- Professional Application Service: VMCAS
- VMCAS Deadline: October 2nd
- Do they have a supplemental application? Yes, they have a supplemental application that is due October 9th.
- Do they have interviews? Yes, they have interviews that occur in January. More information can be found below under the subjective review section.
- Are AP credits accepted? Yes, AP credits might be acceptable for some of the prerequisites however you are highly encouraged to consider AP credits as a way to enroll in higher upper level courses that will better prepare you for the rigorous, science based, veterinary curriculum.
- Do they require a pre-professional curriculum? No
- What professional test do they accept? GRE
Admissions Statistics
General Statistics
# of applications received per year – 1169
# of out-of-state applicants per year – 1015
# of students accepted – 133
% of applicants accepted – 11.4%
% of in-state students enrolled – 42.9%
% of out-of-state students enrolled – 57.1%
% female – 80%
% male – 20%
GPA Statistics
Avg. cumulative GPA of admitted students – 3.58
Avg. last 45 credits GPA of admitted students – 3.62
Avg. required credits GPA of admitted students – 3.47
Avg. total science GPA of admitted students – 3.51
GRE Statistics
Avg. verbal score for admitted students – 155
Avg. quantitative score for admitted students – 155
Avg. analytical score for admitted students – 4.0
Subjective Review Components
– Academic Criteria = the admissions committee considers the academic qualities of the student in reference to the question of “how likely is it that this applicant will be able to successfully complete our rigorous, science based veterinary curriculum?” They look at the cumulative GPA, science GPA, last 45-credit hour GPA, prerequisite GPA, grades in upper division science courses, course load per semester, GRE scores, and the record of academic honor and scholarships.
– Non-Academic Criteria = the admissions committee considers a number of characteristics of the applicants to determine if the applicant has the potential to be a good veterinarian.
1. Veterinary Experiences and Animal Experiences = Veterinary experience provides a basic knowledge of the veterinary profession through closely observing the role of the various members of the health care team in a traditional practice setting. Participating in biomedical research, public health, academic medicine, regulatory medicine, or industry can enhance an applicant’s appreciation for the breadth of the veterinary profession. Animal experience includes such things as breeding, rearing, feeding, and showing various species of companion animals, livestock, laboratory animals, zoo animals, or wildlife.
2. Employment Experiences = This information helps the committee better understand time commitments an applicant has beyond the classroom, as well as gives some insight into the applicant’s work ethic.
3. Honors and Awards and Community Activity = Achievements, leadership ability, and participation in academic and other activities will be evaluated carefully. This includes extracurricular activities such as collegiate clubs, service organizations, sports or other interest-based activities. Community service activities are viewed as an indication of an applicant’s desire to contribute to society.
4. Letters of Recommendation = Each applicant should obtain a minimum of three evaluations to help the admissions committee assess their personal traits. Students, however are allowed to submit up to six letters of recommendations. The best individuals for these evaluations are those who know the applicant well enough to provide meaningful comments. An evaluation from a veterinarian with whom the applicant has interacted fairly extensively is required.
5. Research Experience = The CVM Admissions Committee does value knowing about an applicant’s experience in the broad field of research. This experience does not have to be directly affiliated with veterinary medicine, and research experience is NOT required for admission to the DVM program.
6. Diversity/Adversity = The committee seeks applicants who will increase the geographic, cultural, and economic diversity of the student body and the profession. Extenuating circumstances such as extensive extracurricular work commitments or family responsibilities are taken into consideration as well.
7. Personal Statement = The personal statement portion of the application is a candidate’s opportunity to make a case as to why you are the best possible candidate for the DVM program at WSU. It is a chance to set yourself apart from other candidates, give the Admissions Committee background information that might not otherwise be included in the application, explain special situations or circumstances that have influenced you as a person, and where you see yourself in the future.
8. The Personal Interview = Non-academic evaluation of the top qualified applicants in the Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah and out-of-area pools may include a personal interview. The interview consists of a 30 minute personal interview with two to three members of the Admissions Committee and a representative from the respective state veterinary medical association. The personal interview will be used to clarify any issues arising from the academic and non-academic evaluation. We will assess the applicant’s maturity, motivation, communication skills, knowledge of the profession, and desire to contribute to society through veterinary medicine.
Tuition and Fees
- In-state tuition = $22,352
- Out-of-state tuition = $53,406
- Is there an enrollment deposit required? There is a $200 deposit.
- Residency status options = The state of Washington allows professional WSU veterinary students who are accepted into the Pullman campus as non-residents (out-of-area)* to change their residency status (become WA residents) after residing in Washington state for one year and meeting certain criteria. See the link below.
Funding Options
- Scholarships – The WSU CVM maintains an active scholarship and awards program. Each year over $500,000 is awarded to students currently enrolled. WSU has some additional funds designated for incoming students that are awarded based upon academic achievement and need. Application at WSU for scholarships and awards is made through the Office of Student Services, College of Veterinary Medicine in June for incoming students and in January for currently enrolled students.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY VETERINARY SCHOOL
Washington State University Veterinary School is the leader in programs & promotion of emotional intelligence, leadership, & communication. Read on to see why!
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Washington State University Veterinary School treats approximately 15,000 patients annually and has over two acres. The DVM program at Washington State University Veterinary School includes two years on the primary campus. The first year focuses on the normal animal and the second year is on diseases. The third year centers on medicine and surgery. The final year consists of clinical rotations. Washington State University Veterinary School is located in Pullman which is in the southeastern corner of Washington.
The Washington State University Veterinary School is comprised of six main buildings that house the various departments as well as the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, the School for Molecular Biosciences and the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health. Four of the buildings are joined.
Contact
Office of Student Services
Phone: (509) 335-1532
Email: admissions@vetmed.wsu.edu
Website: https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu
Washington State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
P.O. Box 647012
Pullman, WA 99164-7012
Quick Facts
1. Application Deadline
Applications are due October 2nd.
2. GRE or MCAT
The GRE is required; MCAT is not permissible as a substitute. GRE scores must be less than or equal to five years old. Results must be reported by October 2.
3. Students
Approximately 500 students are currently enrolled in the four year DVM program.
4. Four-year Total Tuition Cost
Based on 2012-2013 tuition rates for the DVM degree:
WA, ID, and WICHE (AZ, HI, MT, NV, NM, ND, WY) Tuition: $89,368 ($22,342/year)
Out of State Tuition: $214,584 ($53,396/year)
5. Accreditation
Washington State University Veterinary School was given full accreditation status by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The next review will be in 2017.
NAVLE Minimum Pass Rate to remain in Good Standing: 80%
NAVLE pass rate Washington State University Veterinary School: 99% (Class of 2011)
NAVLE – North American Veterinary Licensing Examination
6. School Rank
Washington State University Veterinary School was ranked #15 by US News and World Reports in 2011.
7. School History
Washington State University was founded in 1899.
8. Transfer Students
Accepted
9. Facilities
Washington State Veterinary School has a partnership with Utah State University. Students accepted into this program complete their first two years at Utah State in Logan, Utah. This program is very similar to that taught at Washington State, where the student completes their last two years.
Admissions Information
Academic Criteria
Washington State University places applicants into one of 3 tiers based upon their academic qualities. An applicant is placed into a tier based upon one of the following:
Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Overall GPA > 3.53.2 – 3.5< 3.2 | Science GPA> 3.73.5 – 3.7< 3.5GRE %> 7560 – 74< 59 |
If placed into Tier 1, it is assumed that the applicant will successfully complete the DVM program at Washington State University Veterinary School. These applicants are typically invited to interview. If placed in Tier II, the committee evaluates the academics of the applicant more thoroughly to try and determine the cause for the modest performance. Some Tier II applicants are invited for interviews. If in Tier III, the records are very closely inspected to see if mitigating circumstances may have caused the below average performance. Few students from Tier III are invited to interview.
Non-Academic Criteria
In addition to past academic performance, Washington State University evaluates non-academic criteria to try and determine if the applicant possesses the qualities of a good veterinarian. These non-academic criteria include:
• Veterinary Experience and Animal Experience
• Employment Experience
• Honors & Awards and Community Activity
• Letters of Recommendation
• Research Experience
• Diversity/Adversity
• Personal Statement
• Interview
Letters of Recommendation/Evaluations (a minimum of 3 and maximum of 6)
1) Veterinarian
2) Academician
3) Others should be from those who can evaluate communication skills and scientific background
Acceptance Rate
11.9% (126 accepted out of 1,052 applicants – 2012).
Out of the typical 126 of the accepted incoming students, approximately:
• 60 are for residents of Washington
• 11 are for residents of Idaho
• 25 are for non-residents
• At the Logan site – 20 are for Utah residents and 10 are for non-residents
Timetable
• VMCAS Application Deadline – Oct 2 at 1:00 pm EST
• GRE Score Deadline – Oct 2
• Supplemental Deadline – Oct 9 at 5:00 pm PST
• Interviews held – January to February
• Acceptances Mailed – January to April
Before you Apply
A bachelor’s degree is NOT required; however it is strongly recommended. Without a bachelor’s degree, the applicant’s educational background (strength and breadth) will be the basis of the academic evaluation and 64 semester credits are needed for admission.
There is no required major when applying to Washington State University Veterinary School.
Pre-requisite Course Requirements
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation.
Math and Science Prerequisite Courses (minimum semester credits)
• Biology 1 and 2 with labs (8)
• Inorganic Chemistry 1 and 2 with labs (8)
• Organic Chemistry with lab (4)
• Genetics (3 or 4)
• Biochemistry (3)
• Physics I and lab (4)
• Statistics (3)
• Algebra –pre-calculus or higher (3)
General Education Requirements (minimum semester credits)
• Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and History (21)
• English Composition and Communication (6)
Additional Recommended Courses
• Mammalian Anatomy
• Physiology
• Immunology
• Computer Science
• Physics II
• Animal Science including Nutrition
Required Experience
Veterinary and Animal Experience
A specific amount of veterinary medical experience is not required but highly recommended. This type of experience provides a basic knowledge of the veterinary profession. Additional helpful experience includes biomedical research, public health, academic medicine, regulatocv ry medicine or industry.
Statistics for the Admitted Class of 2016
Total Applications……………………… 1,052
Number of WA, ID, UT Residents………… 237
Number of WICHE Contract Applicants… 182
Number of Non-Resident……………….……… 633
Mean cumulative GPA………………………….3.55
Verbal Mean…………………………………………..484
Quantitative Mean……………………………….. 597
Analytical Mean…………………………………….. 4.1
Mean Age……………………………………….……… 25
Male to Female Ratio………………29:97 (0.299)
Degrees Offered
Graduate
• Veterinary Clinical Sciences
• Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology
• Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biosciences
PhD
• Molecular Biosciences