Transfer Admissions

Fall Semester Transfer

Deadline to submit ALL application materials April 15th

Because of differences across curricula, students transferring to ISU CVM from other veterinary colleges rarely have completed all core courses in the same content areas as ISU CVM students of equivalent rank. To prevent transfer students from losing time in their program, the following process has been established:

  • When a transfer applicant applies, the Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) staff determine which courses below the applicant’s proposed incoming academic rank have not been taken (missing courses)
  • During the summer, and prior to August 1, instructors of missing courses work with transfer students to: 1. Determine what additional knowledge is necessary; 2. Provide necessary instruction; and 3. Assess competence. The following is a non-comprehensive list of approaches the instructor can use:
    • Provide an exam for “testing out” of the material
    • Offer self-study materials, such as lecture recordings, course notes, or textbook recommendations accompanied by appropriate assessments.
    • Enroll the student in a summer course that provides the target instruction and appropriate assessment.

Spring Semester Transfer

(Deadline to submit ALL application materials is December 1st)

  • Rarely, there may be an opportunity for transfer students to apply for entry to the spring semester. Availability of seats typically is not known until the end of December.
  • NOTE: Applicants for spring semesters often will lose time (1-2 semesters) and/or will have to enroll in heavy course loads in order to transfer to ISU.

Transfer Application Materials

  • Complete the Transfer Application
  • Letter from the Dean or Associate Dean of the student’s current veterinary medical college indicating that the applicant has been in good academic and professional standing throughout their entire enrollment at the college. If the student is from an AVMA-listed (non-AVMA accredited) college of veterinary medicine, this letter must also include the student’s ranking in their current class. Must be submitted directly from the Dean or Associate Dean/designee to the address below. May be sent electronically.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation. Must not be related to applicant by blood or marriage. Must be submitted directly from the recommender to the address below. May be sent electronically.
  • Official transcripts from ALL undergraduate, graduate and professional institutions attended. Must be submitted directly from the institution to the address below. May be sent electronically.
  • Non-native English speakers must present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 (PBT) or 100 (iBT) at the time of application.
  • Additional requirements such as demonstration of proficiency in the English language and communication skills may be required.
  • A NON-REFUNDABLE $80 USD ($100 USD for non-citizen/non-immigrant applicants) application processing fee is required for US citizens and immigrants. Make checks payable to Iowa State University.
  • All above materials should be sent to:
    CVM Transfer Admissions (c/o Dr. Monica Howard)
    2270E Veterinary Medicine
    Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
    1800 Christensen Drive
    Ames, IA 50011-1134

Questions concerning transfer application may be sent to:

Dr. Monica Howard
Assistant Dean of Veterinary Student Success
2270E Veterinary Medicine
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
1800 Christensen Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1134
Ph: 515-294-0391
Fax: 515-294-8341
E-mail: mohoward@iastate.edu