It is important to create a timeline for yourself when applying to veterinary school; but perhaps more importantly, your timeline should be flexible. Course scheduling, extra-curricular activities, deadline changes, etc. all contribute to the need of having flexibility in your timeline.
For specific application deadline dates, you should always check VMSAR. It is always a good idea to apply early. Applying early can help you avoid delays, allow for timely processing and improve your chances of being admitted to schools using rolling admissions.
Prior to Applying
Gather Letters of Recommendation.
Open an Interfolio account to store the letters written for you.
Continue with your volunteer, work or research activities.
Prepare for the GRE or MCAT – Register and choose from several dates. AAVMC lists each school’s requirements and the latest dates you should take the tests.
Attend various health professional school workshops, graduate school fairs, etc.
Consult VMSAR to confirm the most up to date school-specific requirements.
Order and collect official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended.
April – August of the Application Cycle
Take the GRE or MCAT
Confirm deadline dates for VMCAS and veterinary schools.
VMCAS application is available in May. Begin to fill out an application. Contact VMCAS directly for specific questions that are not found in their instruction manual.
VMCAS is open for 4 months and applications can be submitted June through mid-September. Check VMCAS, as deadlines change yearly.
Continue to work, volunteer, etc.
June – September of the Application Cycle
Have letters of recommendation sent to VMCAS – check individual schools for specific criteria.
Apply early to mid-August. This allows for any delays or errors in application to be corrected, prior to the September deadline.
VMCAS deadline is September 15 of each year. No exceptions are given.
Schools requiring supplemental applications will let the applicant know how to download the application and when to submit.
Have official transcripts sent directly to designated veterinary schools by their specific deadline.
November – April of the Application Cycle
Schools requiring interviews generally interview from January through March.
Schools will send out acceptances. This varies by school.
Applicants must make a final school decision by April 15.