Pre-Veterinary Medicine Certificate

An overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is the minimum for consideration for admission to the University of Illinois Vet Program. In addition, a GPA of 3.0 or above in all prerequisite coursework (including elective science courses) is recommended. The mean overall GPA of the U of I entering class is typically in the 3.6 to 3.7 range. 

A broad exposure to veterinary medicine in more than one clinical setting is strongly recommended. Exposure to both large and small animals is highly recommended, and it is strongly suggested that you work with a number of different veterinarians. Most schools do not officially suggest a minimum number of hours for candidates applying to the University of Illinois Vet Med program. Most successful applicants will have well over 100 hours.

The University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Program acknowledges the importance of recognizing and understanding cultural diversity. The program's faculty, staff, and students strive to promote trust, respect, and appreciation for individual differences in matters of practice, research, and education. Efforts are made to provide a supportive environment, one appreciative of human differences, while cooperating with each other in the constructive expression of ideas and actions.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for admission to the U of I Vet Med Program. The GRE General Test is the only test required, not the Subject Test. Arrange to take the test early to ensure receipt of the scores prior to the application deadline. For more information about the test and to register, visit the GRE website.

Three letters of recommendation are required to apply to the University of Illinois Vet Med Program. One letter must come from a veterinarian and another from a professor in the applicant's major area of study. The third letter may come from someone who knows the student well, such as a supervisor or advisor. Letters, whether paper or electronic, are sent directly to VMCAS.

Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for admission to the U of I Graduate Program Veterinary Medicine. However, the U of I Program only accepts coursework from U.S. institutions, and only three non-citizens have been admitted over the past 30 years. A small percentage of U.S. veterinary programs admit non-citizens. Since the odds can be challenging, non-citizen students should thoroughly research and carefully consider such a decision and discuss it with their pre-physical therapy advisors early in their undergraduate years.