Students interested in Veterinary School have many options to consider. Here are some frequently asked questions that may be of help.
What classes should I be taking in High School?
Take the highest level math, science and English classes available to you.
What other courses will I need to take? What other degrees are available?
Please see Undergraduate Degrees
Is it hard to get in to veterinary school?
Just over 1/2 of our students who applied were accepted to veterinary school.
West Virginia doesn’t have a veterinary school, so where do the residents go?
Because West Virginia doesn’t have a veterinary school, the West Virginia Higher Education Commission contracts with two schools so there is a higher chance of qualified applicants being accepted and pay a lower tuition than out of state students. West Virginia residents may apply as a contract student to VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, and Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
When should I apply to veterinary school?
Students should begin the application process in July or August of the year preceding the desired admission. The deadline for applications at VA-MD and Mississippi State is September 15.
What are the requirements to apply?
Not all Veterinary schools require that the students take the GRE general test before applying, you will have to check the requirements for the school you are interested in applying to. Some schools like Oklahoma State require the GRE Biology test. Students must have also completed certain major courses to be considered. For a list of the contract school class requirements, Read more about application requirements.
Do I need to work for a veterinarian?
All contract schools encourage some sort of experience with a veterinarian before applying.
How much does it cost to become a veterinarian?
First you need to complete at least three years of undergraduate classes. For the most update information on WVU tuition costs go to WVU Admissions. Then veterinary school lasts four years. The average yearly tuition at West Virginia’s contract schools runs from $24,000 to $40,000. Remember, this is just tuition and does not include room, board and other expenses.
How much will I earn once I am a veterinarian?
According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, average starting salaries of veterinary medical college graduates in 2013 varied by type of practice. For more information, visit AMVA Employment Statistics.
What does the job market for veterinarians look like in the future?
One estimate shows a 14.5% increase in demand by 2021.
What is the average grade point average of students admitted?
West Virginia University students accepted to contract schools for the year 2019 averaged 3.55.
Are there more men or women in veterinary school?
Women made up 78% of the enrollment for the 2019-2020 academic year. This is similar to WVU’s Division of Animal and Nutritional Science.
What kind of research experience can I get?
Opportunity is available for undergraduates to engage in a fully funded hands on research experience. You can also visit amgenscholars.com/ for more in information. All interested parties need to contact David Foreman at the WVU Foundation Office of Foundation Relations – dforeman@wvuf.org or 304-284-4014.