Application requirements

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Processing fee

The University of Minnesota does not utilize a supplemental application but does require an additional, non-refundable application processing fee of $85 due on the same date as the application deadline. Applicants not submitting the University of Minnesota application processing fee will not be considered for admission. The application fee can be paid online with a credit or debit card, once the application cycle opens.

Prerequisite coursework

Applicants must complete specific prerequisite courses prior to enrollment in the DVM program. This includes courses in chemistry, biology, physics, math, English composition, and liberal education. A list of prerequisite courses for admission starting fall 2024 can be found in the admissions planning guide (pdf).

All prerequisite coursework must be taken for a letter grade unless only offered S/N or P/F by the educational institution in which it was taken. In this circumstance, we will accept pass and satisfactory grades towards meeting our prerequisite requirements. An exception will be made for courses where pass and satisfactory grades are earned for spring semester 2020 and summer semester 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants with satisfactory or pass graded coursework for spring semester 2020 and summer semester 2020 will be given the same consideration as applicants who have letter-graded coursework for these terms. 

Students may pursue their pre-veterinary studies at any accredited college or university, but the majority of prerequisites must be taken in the United States or Canada. Many community and junior colleges offer the majority of courses required with the possible exception of some more advanced science courses such as genetics and biochemistry. Please view our area college prerequisite guides for a list of approved prerequisite courses available by college or university.

Although a Bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the DVM program, approximately 90 percent of the students entering the program each year have completed their Bachelor's degree. The most common majors of students entering the DVM program are biology and animal science but include a variety of majors such as engineering, business administration, history, and music.

GRE general test

After careful consideration, the Admissions Committee has decided to discontinue the GRE requirement.

Official transcripts

Official copies of all transcripts from any college or university attended must be sent to VMCAS by September 16th, 2024. The University of Minnesota will be unable to process or forward transcripts that are sent to us and not to VMCAS. More information on the transcript verification process can be found on the AAVMC website.

Letters of reference

The University of Minnesota requires three electronic Letters of Reference (eLOR) on behalf of each applicant. eLORs are submitted directly through VMCAS as part of the application. Applicants may submit up to six eLORs in total. It is strongly recommended that at least one eLOR is written by a DVM. Others may come from individuals known in a professional environment, such as employers, volunteer coordinators, instructors, advisors, etc.

Application requirements are under review and subject to change up until the official opening of the VMCAS application in mid-January. Any changes to these requirements will be published on the VMCAS program information page and our website by the application opening date of the next cycle.

Please check this page often for any application requirement updates. Information on the next cycle opening date

Technical Standards

Technical standards are non-academic criteria for admissions, continuing enrollment, and graduation that are essential for participation in a program of study. Primary purposes for technical standards are: 

  • To provide a baseline for all students to know and understand the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for full participation in the program
  • To provide students with disabilities an awareness of the technical standards that must be met with or without reasonable accommodations
  • To provide a consistent framework for remediation for students enrolled in the program who are struggling with non-academic issues  

All prospective students should review the UMN CVM Technical Standards document (pdf) and contact [email protected] with any questions. Students offered admission will be asked to signify their understanding of the technical standards prior to matriculation.