PLEASE NOTE: Questions concerning the application will only be discussed with the applicant. Due to confidentiality we cannot discuss the application with anyone else including parents, spouses, friends, employers, etc. All application deadlines are firm.
Applicants who have an academic record, 1 complete semester or more, at another veterinary school must apply as a transfer. Please see Transfer Admissions information.
Electronic Letters of Recommendation
Three electronic letters of evaluation are required. Up to six electronic letters of evaluation will be accepted. All applicants are strongly encouraged to have at least four letters of recommendation in case one of their evaluators is unable to meet the evaluation deadline. Persons chosen to submit letters of recommendation should know the applicant well and be able to speak to their personal characteristics and attributes. Do not choose an evaluator solely on the basis of their job or position. It is preferred that the evaluators write comments or upload a letter in addition to completing the electronic form. Suggested evaluators are veterinarians, advisors, professors and employers although others are also acceptable. Evaluations should support the applicant’s experiences and should confirm their commitment, maturity, work ethic, leadership skills and communication skills with examples. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have a recommendation from at least one veterinarian. Evaluators cannot be related to the applicant by blood or marriage. Letters submitted by a family member will not be evaluated and will not count as one of the 3 required letters. Letters of recommendation are not accepted outside of the VMCAS ELOR system.
The Admissions committee may contact references directly if further information or clarification is needed.
NEW REQUIREMENT - CASPer Test
CASPer is a situational judgement test that assesses behavioral tendencies in tough situations, measuring elements of professionalism that are important to success in the DVM program and beyond. CASPer helps you demonstrate the diversity of strengths you bring to veterinary school, complementing factors such as academic performance and prior experience. CASPer must be taken no later than September 28, 2023. Learn more about CASPer and reserve your test date here.
PLEASE NOTE: Altus Suite lists three assessments: CASPer, Snapshot and Duet. We only require the CASPer assessment. You do not need to take Snapshot or Duet unless another institution requires them.
Significant Changes for CASPer Test - see link
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) - NO LONGER REQUIRED
Because this is no longer required, we do not evaluate GRE scores. Students should not submit GRE scores to Iowa State Universtiy College of Veterinary Medicine. Submitted scores will not be reviewed.
Veterinary Medical College Application Service
All applicants must apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Their web application may be accessed online. The deadline for the VMCAS application for the 2024 entering class is tentatively September 16, 2023, at 11:59 pm EDT (10:59 pm CDT).
Supplemental Application
Transcripts
International Student Requirements
Updated 05/12/2023