Instead of repeatedly reapplying to US schools, RUSVM (Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine) offers students the chance to begin their veterinary education. By the time you are accepted into a vet program in the United States, you may already be a RUSVM second- or third-year vet student.
In light of this, the length of time it takes to earn a DVM can vary depending on your field of study.
YOUR VET SCHOOL APPLICATION IS ABOUT MORE THAN NUMBERS
We approach the application process for veterinary schools holistically.
Rossies are many different things, including explorers, visionaries, and changemakers, so a single grade or test result will never fully convey who they are. That’s why we take a holistic approach to admissions.
Every component of your application, including your undergraduate coursework, work experience, academic transcripts, and personal essay, aids the admissions committee in determining which applicants will succeed in our demanding and life-changing program.
Our holistic admissions process and larger class sizes than other American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) member institutions have an impact on the acceptance rate at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. The specifications listed below describe the aptitude, success, and commitment we seek in potential students, and the RUSVM acceptance rate reflects our propensity to look beyond the numbers.
THREE FLEXIBLE START DATES FOR VET SCHOOL APPLICANTS
Ross Vet’s DVM program accepts applications year-round and has three flexible start dates in January, May, and September.
* To earn their degree within this time frame, students must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination® (NAVLE®) and all courses required by the Ross Vet preclinical and clinical curriculum with a grade of “C” or better. Comparison to U. S. School is based on a traditional 4-year curriculum.
VETERINARIAN SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS: ACADEMIC
Our students have an average cumulative GPA of 3.2*.
It is strongly advised that you finish your undergraduate coursework with at least 48 credits of college work before applying, even though you are permitted to apply with up to two pending courses.
All prerequisite courses must have grades of C or higher, and they must have been finished within 10 years of the desired semester start date.
*Statistically indicative of the classes of September 2021, January 2022, and May 2022 Data includes both new and advancing Vet Prep students.
48+ CREDITS OF COLLEGE WORK
A minimum of 48 credits in college, including all requirements for veterinary school, are required. We also strongly recommend you complete your undergraduate program.
150+ HOURS WORK EXPERIENCE
attain at least 150 hours of professional veterinary experience or research. Comparable experience may be taken into account, even though direct supervision by veterinarians in practice is preferred.
You must present evidence of your English language ability if English is not your first language or if you did not complete your undergraduate studies at a post-secondary institution where English was the language of instruction.
Students submitting applications for the semesters of 2023 must also submit their GRE results.
EXPLORE ALL OTHER STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
Ross Vet welcomes students from all over the world in order to advance veterinary medicine and animal welfare.
ROSS VET APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Learn what is required for you to begin and submit your application.
PERSONAL ESSAY OR VMCAS PERSONAL STATEMENT
A personal essay is required as part of your application. The personal statement will be accepted in place of your essay if you’re applying via the VMCAS (Veterinary Medical Common Application System).
Transcripts may be sent either before or after the application deadline, but we must receive them for your application to be considered complete.
Students submitting applications for the semesters of 2023 must also submit their GRE results.
TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Send two letters of recommendation to the Admissions department with your application: one from a science professor and one from a vet familiar with your veterinary work.
Use the opportunity to highlight your previous experience working with animals in your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. Your CV must be submitted in order to show proof of the necessary 150 working hours if your letters of recommendation cannot.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VET SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS
Discover the application procedure’s mechanics and what occurs after you submit your application.
THE ROSS VET POLICY ON NON-DISCRIMINATION
When it comes to admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, disability, or age. Ross Vet is dedicated to making certain that capable students with disabilities are given appropriate accommodations. Ross Vet will not exclude any qualified individual with a disability from its services, programs, or activities.
We provide accommodations for students with disabilities.
Accommodations for students with disabilities are available. To set up a consultation, you are encouraged to get in touch with the Office of Student Disability Services as early as possible before the start of classes by phone at (877) 472-4940 or by fax at (877) 472-4940.
VETERINARY SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS FAQS
Get answers to your most pressing questions. Don’t see your question here?.
Fortunately, the majority of veterinary school prerequisites, official test results, veterinary professional experience, and personal essays are consistent across organizations.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE)* official scores, proof of English proficiency if English is not your first language, and completion of the prerequisite courses for veterinary school are all requirements for Ross Veterinary School. Additionally, applicants must have completed 48 college credits at a minimum. For our international or transfer applicants, additional requirements may apply. We strongly recommend that you complete your undergraduate program.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Prerequisite courses for veterinary school must be finished within ten years of the desired semester start date.
For more information, please review our complete DVM admissions requirements listed above or download the guide.
Ross Vet chooses and accepts students into our DVM program using a holistic approach. This means that in addition to crucial academic factors like GPA and GRE scores, we also consider an applicant’s nonacademic characteristics and experiences.
Ross Vet does not have a minimum GRE requirement; instead, we use the GRE to learn more about each applicant as a “whole.” Every applicant receives a thorough evaluation as an individual and a fair chance to be admitted to the DVM program thanks to our comprehensive review process.
ETS provides GRE Fee Reduction vouchers for individuals who meet eligibility requirements and can demonstrate financial need, for those who are unemployed, and for national programs that work with underrepresented groups. Visit the ETS website for more information. WHAT GRE SCORE DO YOU NEED FOR VET SCHOOL?
The minimum GRE score will vary by vet school.
Ross Vet does not have a minimum score requirement, but enrolled students’ average GRE score is 300*.
*Statistically indicative of the classes of September 2021, January 2022, and May 2022 Data includes both new and advancing Vet Prep students. HOW IMPORTANT ARE VET SCHOOL GRE SCORES?.
In our blog post “How Important are Vet School GRE Scores?” you can learn more about how much your GRE scores for admission to veterinary school matter and what other things you should keep in mind to make yourself stand out. WHAT TEST IS REQUIRED FOR VET SCHOOL?.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is typically required by veterinary schools, and each school’s minimum GRE score is different.
Ross Vet does not have a minimum score requirement, but enrolled students’ average GRE score is 300*.
Read our blog post titled “How Important are Vet School GRE Scores?” to learn more about how much GRE scores for vet school admission matter and what other things you should keep in mind to make yourself stand out.
ETS provides GRE Fee Reduction vouchers for individuals who meet eligibility requirements and can demonstrate financial need, for those who are unemployed, and for national programs that work with underrepresented groups. Visit the ETS website for more information.
*Statistically indicative of the incoming classes for September 2020, January 2021, and May 2021 Data includes both new and advancing Vet Prep. WHAT GPA DO YOU NEED TO GET INTO VET SCHOOL?.
Many schools will carefully review your prerequisite courses for veterinary school and may be looking for a GPA of 3. 5 or higher.
Although Ross Vet does not have a minimum GPA requirement, the overall average GPA for vet schools is 3. 2* for enrolled students. Applicants to Ross Vet for admission to veterinary school typically fit this profile:
- 3.2 Average Cumulative GPA*
- 300 Average Enrolled GRE*
- 150 Hours of Veterinary Professional Experience
- 100% Committed to Animal Health
*Statistically indicative of the classes of September 2021, January 2022, and May 2022 Data includes both new and advancing Vet Prep students. DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE MCAT FOR VET SCHOOL?.
No. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) may be accepted by some veterinary schools in place of the GRE.
The MCAT is not a requirement for vet school at Ross Vet. We can accept your MCAT results if you’ve already taken the exam, but the GRE is all we need.
EXPLORE EVENTS & INFORMATION SESSIONS
Register for one of our information sessions to learn more about Ross Vet’s programs, campus, and application procedure.
ROSS VET SCHOOL PREREQUISITES
Explore the breakdown of prerequisite coursework required. These are subject-organized, and contain information such as semester hours, laboratory requirements, and other important facts. A minimum of 48 credits in college are required, but finishing your undergraduate program is highly advised. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Prerequisite courses for veterinary school must be finished within ten years of the desired semester start date. Your required coursework includes:
If you need clarification on whether your prior coursework satisfies the requirements, get in touch with our Admissions department right away. Biology.
Two semesters of General Biology (eight semester hours) with laboratory. Cell Biology or Genetics.
Chemistry: One course (three semester hours); lab is suggested but not necessary
One semester of General Chemistry (four semester hours) with laboratory.
Organic Chemistry 1 in one semester (four semester hours), with laboratory Biochemistry.
three semester hours) of General Biochemistry or Biochemistry I
Note: Introductory or survey courses are not acceptable. Physics
One semester of Physics 1 (four semester hours) with laboratory.
Note: Introductory or survey courses are not acceptable. Mathematics
Precalculus, calculus, or statistics for one semester (three semester hours) of college-level mathematics English.
English for one semester (at least three semester hours), ideally with one semester of composition in English Canadian students may satisfy English requirements in 3 possible ways: (1) 2 semesters of University humanities where essays composed at least 40% of the overall mark, (2) International Baccalaureate, and (3) Advanced Placement English Electives/Humanities/Social Sciences.
Nine semester hours; one of the following courses must be taken to fulfill this requirement:
- Comparative Anatomy
- Medical Terminology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Physiology
- Spanish (or other foreign language)
- Public Speaking
- Introduction to business
APPLICATION DOCUMENT DETAILS How to Submit Your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
Our average enrolled GRE score is 300*.
Although taking the GRE is optional for the semester beginning in September 2022, your results will still be helpful to the Admissions team as part of our comprehensive admissions process.
Please submit your scores to:
GRE-ETS PO Box 6000 Princeton, NJ 08541
The Ross Vet school code number is #2639. *Statistically indicative of the incoming classes for September 2020, January 2021, and May 2021 Data includes both new and advancing Vet Prep. Craft Your Personal Essay.
An opportunity to tell your story.
A personal essay is required as part of your application. The personal statement will be accepted in place of your essay if you’re applying through VMCAS.
Describe a turning point in your life that led you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Think about making that particular instance the center of your essay.
The following guidelines will assist you in creating a strong personal statement even though there is no set of guidelines that dictate what it must contain:
- Describe how you would improve patient care and the profession, as this will help you stand out from other applicants.
- In a sea of 100 applications, would you enjoy reading your justification for applying to veterinary school?
- Convey your passion for veterinary medicine in your statement
- Avoid repeating information from your transcripts or reference letters
- Consider whether or not this essay accurately reflects your personality, principles, and aspirations.
Earn Two Letters of Recommendation
Ask a professor and a vet to comment on your readiness for vet school.
Send two official letters of recommendation with your contact information on appropriate letterhead that are both physically signed. Your letters should discuss your academic prowess, your desire to work in veterinary medicine, and your level of readiness and motivation.
- One letter of recommendation from a science professor who is familiar with your academic abilities
- One expert letter from a doctor of veterinary medicine who is familiar with your background
Ensure that the Ross Vet admissions office receives your letters of recommendation directly from the recommender. Please email all materials to Admissions at vetadmissions@rossu. edu. Work Experience is Part of Vet School Requirements.
Show your dedication to the profession.
Your application must include at least 150 hours of professional veterinary experience or veterinary research.
Include documentation of these 150 hours in your CV, resume, or recommendation letters.
TRANSFER STUDENTS Vet School Requirements for Transfer Students
If you have finished a section of the curriculum at another veterinary school that is accredited by the AVMA, you should submit an application for admission with advanced standing.
- Completed coursework at an AVMA-accredited school
- Completed coursework comparable to the DVM program curriculum
- Meet all veterinary school requirements for Ross Vet
You are required to enroll in Ross Vet for a minimum of six semesters. At your transferring institution, only the first four semesters of study will receive credit. You may be required to repeat some or all of the curriculum during the semester in which you are admitted to Ross Vet, and you must enroll in all of the courses that are offered during that semester.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Vet School Requirements for International Students
All candidates for international veterinary schools who exhibit the potential to succeed in our veterinary medicine curriculum are given careful consideration. That holds true for our staff as well, as we provide a diverse faculty from around the world to help you with the transition.
Our admissions committee adopts a holistic approach to the admissions process, considering a wide range of factors, in addition to grades and test scores, including your exposure to animal medicine and your experience with animals, as well as your personal character, interpersonal skills, motivation, and passion for the field. Demonstrate Your Proficiency in English.
You will be required to give Ross Vet your official record of results for one of the following tests if English is not your first language or if you did not complete your undergraduate degree at a post-secondary institution where English-taught courses were offered:
- The preferred minimum score on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT is as follows: 25 Listening, 22 Writing, 22 Speaking, and 23 Reading.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7 for IGCSE English (First Language) Grade B 0.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic — 67
- Cambridge English: Advanced & Proficiency overall 185
College credit is defined by Ross Vet as having been earned through a non-vocational program.
APPLY TO THE DVM PROGRAM AT ROSS VET TODAY
Take advantage of the immersive, one-of-a-kind opportunity to think critically and discover the world to have an unforgettable experience.
How I ended up Studying at RUSVM || Applying to International Vet School
FAQ
How many students does Ross Vet accept?
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Contact Information: 877-767-7338, 855-ROSSVET (855-767-7838), Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Awards KittsCampus housing:YesStudent population:952.
What percentage of vet school applicants get accepted?
The competition for admission to veterinary colleges is fierce, just like it is for medical school. The acceptance rate is typically between 10% and 15%. Meanwhile, 50% or more of applicants who are accepted reside in the same state as that respective veterinary college
How does Ross vet school rank?
| Area | World | Latin America |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural and Biological Sciences + | 614th | 184th |
| Medicine + | 649th | 127th |
| Veterinary | 325th | 47th |
Is Ross University an accredited vet school?
The Veterinary Clinic at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is recognized by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA, www. aaha. org).