When applying to veterinary schools, the requirements include a four-year college degree which may or may not be related to veterinary practice, as well as prerequisite courses such as biology, zoology and chemistry. Also taken into account is work experience which may include working or interning in a veterinary hospital or veterinary clinic. Other requirements are references from professors and veterinarians, and a required exam such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the VCAT (Veterinary College Admissions Test).
According to Tufts University, which lists the general requirements for American veterinary schools, the GPA required must fall between 3.0 and 4.0. As listed by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges statistics, the average GPA is about 3.4. Some schools calculate a general GPA as well as a GPA for required courses.
The School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, which provides information for potential students, explains that applicants who are accepted must show that they can achieve academically while showing dedication, commitment and an understanding of veterinary practice. High GPAs are taken into account and the majority of accepted students at UC Davis have GPAs of 3.4 to 3.6. GPAs, however, are often calculated with GRE scores, which is a way for students to make up for low GPAs when they have high GRE scores. GRE scores must fall into the 70th percentile.
Work experience is also important and can help you do well in certain required courses in preparation for veterinary school. Look for training or internships at veterinary offices or hospitals. Your supervisor will teach you a great deal about your chosen career path and may give you some insight on how to do well in your courses and which courses to take. Work experience helps you learn about the career of a veterinarian hands-on rather than just from books. Also remember that letters of recommendation are required for acceptance into veterinary school, and it helps when they are written by supervisors such as veterinarians rather than just college professors.