How can my child prepare in high school to be competitive for veterinary school admission?
The CVM Admissions Committee uses a holistic admissions approach when reviewing applicants. We value academic excellence, strong communication and superb critical thinking skills, adaptability, resilience, and other important interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities. Your child can learn and demonstrate these skills by taking challenging courses in high school such as Advanced Placement classes or college courses at accredited two- or four-year institutions. Encourage your child to develop strong study habits and time management skills. The ability to prioritize tasks and time management can be demonstrated through participating in volunteer opportunities or working part-time jobs. Most importantly, we encourage you to support your high school student in taking the initiative to pursue these educational and other opportunities independently. This helps them build the independence, self-direction, and responsibility essential for success in veterinary school.
Can my child take prerequisite courses at a community college or online during high school?
Yes, Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine accepts community college and online coursework from accredited institutions to meet prerequisite requirements. However, the Admissions Committee strongly encourages students to complete laboratory courses or courses with a laboratory component in-person, as online formats may not adequately replicate hands-on laboratory experiences.
What college major should my child choose if they want to apply to veterinary school?
The Admissions Committee does not give preference to any specific major, including Animal Science, Biological Sciences, or a similar “Pre-Vet” baccalaureate degree. Prospective students are encouraged to choose a degree that supports both their veterinary school goals and an alternative career path, should they not pursue or gain admission to a DVM program. The Admissions Committee focuses on the academic performance for the required coursework and the preparation for the rigorous veterinary program, not the major the student completed.
Does Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine offer a pre-veterinary degree?
Pre-veterinary programs are available through Arkansas State University College of Agriculture and the Beck College of Science and Mathematics. Both programs prepare prospective students for our DVM program. Links to these undergraduate programs are available on our Academic Admissions Factors page.
Does my child need to attend a specific college or university to be considered?
The CVM Admissions Committee encourages students to choose a fully accredited institution that aligns with their academic goals and personal circumstances while also offering the prerequisite coursework needed to qualify for admission to Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The CVM Admissions Committee does not give preferential treatment to applicants from any specific college or university. Whether your child begins their post-secondary journey via dual enrollment, at a 2-year institution, or at a 4-year institution, their application will be fully considered.
What are the academic prerequisites for the DVM program?
Please refer to the Academic Admission Factors page for the complete list of required courses that must be completed before entry into the DVM program.
What kinds of animal or veterinary experience does my child need before applying?
We do not require a specific type or number of hours of veterinary medicine or animal experiences. The Admissions Committee recommends prospective students gain a variety experiences to develop a broad understanding of the veterinary profession, learn about different animal species, and build both technical and soft skills. Please visit the Nonacademic Admission Factors page for more information.
Can we visit the College of Veterinary Medicine before applying?
Tours of the College of Veterinary Medicine will be available in Fall 2026, once construction of the building is complete. Families and prospective students are welcome to attend the general campus tours of Arkansas State University. The CVM will be a part of the larger A-State community, which offers ample study space, dining options, recreational opportunities through the Red W.O.L.F. Center, and more.
If my child has severe anxiety, ADHD, and/or another diagnosed disability how can I help them become a veterinarian?
Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (A-State CVM) fully considers all applicants, without bias, and regardless of disability status. We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity to all qualified students. We encourage parents to review our admissions requirements including the minimal essential functions and technical standards required for admissions into the DVM program. The technical standards reflect the core abilities needed to ensure the safety of veterinary patients and are evaluated with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are available to support student success, provided they do not compromise the essential academic and professional requirements.
If you have concerns that your child may have difficulty meeting the minimal essential functions and technical standards required for entry to the DVM program, you are encouraged to consult with licensed medical and mental health professionals or other licensed professionals. This can better help a prospective student understand their current ability meet the program’s demands and, if required, find qualified, licensed professionals to work with to identify strategies for success in veterinary school and their future careers.
