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Admissions
Cornell University
College of Veterinary Medicine

Requirements

Academic Preparation

Standardized Tests

GRE's, MCAT's, and the CASPer test are not used in our admissions process. They are not required. 

Experience

Veterinary medical experience is highly recommended, and the Admissions Committee looks for both breadth and depth. Non-veterinary animal experience is also valued. You are welcome to list any experiences, dating back as far as you wish, in your application.

Veterinary Experience

  • Experiences in veterinary practice, veterinary or biomedical research, public health, or other areas of the profession under the supervision of a veterinarian or research scientist are highly desirable.
  • Competitive applicants normally have two or more areas of veterinary or veterinary and animal experiences (e.g. small animal, large animal, research, food animal, production, exotic, aquatic, wildlife, zoological medicine, etc.) with substantial depth of experience in at least one area.
  • We do not have a minimum number of hours, but will look for an understanding of the profession and what you have learned and gained from the experience(s).

Animal Experience

  • Animal experience can include working with livestock, breeding or showing various species, working at a zoo, aquarium or pet shop, or volunteering at an animal shelter. 

Other Achievements and Character

  • The Admissions Committee values research experience, community involvement, and any significant non-academic interests and abilities, as well as demonstrated characteristics of reliability, honesty, and dedication to service. 

Evaluation Letters

  • Cornell requires three evaluation letters submitted through the VMCAS eLOR system:
    • One must come from a veterinarian.
    • One must come from your advisor or a faculty member who has taught you. They must be able to provide information about your academic abilities in college.
    • The third can be from someone of your choosing.
    • You may submit up to six evaluation letters in total.
    • You do not have to provide letters for each relevant experience you list.
  • Share these Guidelines for Evaluators with those writing you a letter to help guide their evaluation. We recommend you keep checking with your evaluators to make sure they are aware of the September deadline.

PreVet Tracker

Cornell PreVet Tracker is a free mobile iOS/Android app to record, track, update, and review veterinary-related experiences in one place. It reflects details asked for in the VMCAS application. You can download the app to your iPhone or Android.

PreVet Tracker help page.

Information for Re-Applicants

Cornell's veterinary application process is very competitive. For some, it could take a couple of application cycles to gain admission into the program. We encourage students to reapply and offer advice on how to strengthen a future application through virtual roundtables and individual advising appointments. If you are reapplying, you must complete the VMCAS application again (including the Cornell Supplemental section), as well as resubmit all supporting documents. 

Dean's Certification

We require that accepted and alternate/waitlisted students supply confirmation that they are in good standing at their institution, and notice of all disciplinary actions or proceedings involving the applicant. When they receive their decision letter, admitted students and alternates will be provided a Dean's Certification Form.

  • Student from external institutions should submit it to their Dean of Students Office. 
  • Cornell students should contact the registrar within their college of study.

This form is due March 15 of the year they are admitted.

Information for New York State Residents

New York residents must complete a New York State Residency Form. To be considered a New York resident, you must live in a permanent or principal home in the State of New York for the 12-months immediately prior to the date of expected enrollment.

For general admissions: The form will be available online through your Cornell Tracking Page. 

For Transfer Students, Early Acceptance Pathway Applicants, and Accelerated BS/DVM Pathway Applicants: You will receive a link to the form in the application. You should print it, complete it, and send it to the Admissions Office at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine with your application material.