Transfer Students
Overview
When considering transferring to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, you should have completed at least two full semesters of the curriculum at another AVMA-accredited college. In addition, you should demonstrate excellent academic performance throughout your enrollment in the veterinary college from which you are transferring.
We consider transfer applications on an individual basis. The number of openings varies and there may be years when no seats are available.
Depending on the courses you have taken and how they correspond to our curriculum, you may transfer
- at the beginning of the second year of study
- or mid-way through the second year, at the beginning of the fourth (spring) semester of study
Credit from another institution will not be given for more than the first three semesters of study.
What You Need to Apply
- Request and fill out a transfer application.
- Proof of meeting all the pre-veterinary requirements for first-year entry at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. This includes:
- Undergraduate prerequisite coursework
- Required animal and veterinary experience
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) colleges you attended.
- The transcripts should be sent from your college of veterinary medicine along with course syllabi.
- Three letters of evaluation (with at least 1 from a veterinarian and 1 academic). Use the following forms:
- Academic evaluation form
- Animal/Vet evaluation form
- Non-animal/non-veterinary work experience (optional)
Review and Placement Process
Curricula and courses do not align perfectly across veterinary colleges. To make sure students enter without deficiencies in their academic background, the Admissions Committee uses the Cornell DVM syllabus as a guide to assess an applicant’s academic preparation and to determine the best point of entry.
The two points of entry for a transfer student are fall semester of second year (application deadline June 1) and spring semester of second year (October 1). The prerequisite courses for these entry points are listed below.
| Prerequisite courses for entry into semester three (beginning of Year 2) | Additional prerequisite courses for entry into semester four (mid-way through Year 2) |
|---|---|
| Gross, Histologic and Developmental Anatomy | Immunology |
| Physiology, including Cell Biology | Microbiology |
| Neuroanatomy | Parasitology |
| Physical Examination/Foundations of Clinical Skills | Bacteriology |
| Molecular Genetics | Epidemiology |
| Ethics and Communication Skills (or the equivalent) | |
| General Pharmacology |
Remember
- Transfer students may be required to repeat part of the curriculum.
- All transfer students must spend a minimum of five semesters of study at Cornell.