Pre-vet students are not required to complete a specific major. Choose a subject that you enjoy, and complete the coursework successfully. Pre-vet students tend to complete a science degree, such as biology, or biochemistry because of the amount of science courses required for vet school. However, you can obtain a degree in any major, just as long as the prerequisite courses for veterinary school are completed. Although veterinary schools do not require applicants to have a bachelor's degree, those admitted typically do.
While pre-vet course requirements vary from school to school, there are prerequisites common to all programs. The core courses for vet school entrance are the same as for premedical students: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics, one year each with lab. Genetics and biochemistry are also required, generally one semester each. To give your application an edge, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges suggests taking additional courses such as histology, zoology and animal science.
Vet schools require prospective students to submit test scores from the General Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). Most will accept the GRE, but it is essential to check with individual schools to find out which test you'll need to take. GRE subject exams are not required. Vet schools prefer the GRE general test. Information about the GRE can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports there are only 28 accredited veterinary schools in the United States, and getting in is highly competitive. In 2007, only 46 percent of applicants were admitted nationwide, according Penn State. Entering students have an average cumulative grade point average of about 3.50. Application to U.S. vet schools can be sent via the Veterinary Medical College Application Service. If you are applying to Texas A&M University, Tufts University or Tuskegee University, you will need to fill out a separate additional application for each school. These schools do not participate in the Veterinary Medical College Application Service.