Before being considered for admission to veterinary medical education at Purdue, candidates must complete 11 prerequisite science courses, which include two semesters each of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biology (diversity, developmental or cell structure) and physics. Purdue also requires one semester each of biochemistry, genetics and microbiology (general or medical). Half of a two-semester course does not satisfy the requirement for a complete single-semester course. Lab courses should be included with each semester in inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, genetics, microbiology and physics.
Candidates for admission to veterinary medical education at Purdue must have completed the additional nine single-semester required courses, which are as follows: calculus, statistics, English composition, communication (either interpersonal, persuasion or speech), careers in veterinary medicine (if available), three humanities courses (foreign language, cognitive sciences and social sciences), and animal nutrition. If animal nutrition is not available, students cannot substitute it with human nutrition. Though not required, Purdue recommends prospective students also take courses in accounting, animal sciences, business/technical writing, economics, embryology, immunobiology, leadership, and personal finance.
Purdue uses a student's grade point average, or GPA, in all prerequisite courses to determine eligibility for the veterinary medical education program. Purdue requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent "C" grade) in each of the 20 required courses, while also maintaining what Purdue terms a "competitive" cumulative GPA, to be considered. Out-of-state applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, including the grades of any course repeats.
Purdue requites veterinary applicants to a have a well-rounded academic education, such as study-abroad programs and honors courses, in addition to consistent and extensive work experience with a variety of animals. To meet the animal-experience requirement, Purdue recommends students work with humane societies, kennels, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, 4-H clubs, livestock farms or any other experience working with animals in a competitive business environment. The program looks for students to have a familiarity with the veterinary profession by working directly with veterinarians. To be considered, Purdue encourages applicants to demonstrate leadership, communication, critical thinking and time-management skills, in addition to a history of extracurricular activities in high school and college.