Frequently Asked Questions about the DVM Admissions Process

What are the general requirements for admission?

The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine actively seeks to enroll a diverse class of students who have demonstrated academic excellence, have a wide range of personal, professional and academic experiences, and who have a strong commitment to a veterinary career. Applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least three full academic years at an accredited college or university, and fulfilled 90 semester hours of course work before enrollment. Most successful candidates, however, have earned bachelor's degrees prior to enrolling.

What are the undergraduate course prerequisites for admission?

Candidates must successfully complete the courses found on the DVM Prerequisite Courses page prior to enrolling at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine but not necessarily prior to applying to the school.

Does the Admissions Committee prefer certain undergraduate majors?

Undergraduate work does not have to be completed in a specific major or in a pre-veterinary program in order for a candidate to be considered for admission to the Cummings School. Applicants who have explored various fields such as humanities, fine or performing arts, social sciences, engineering, zoology, biology, agriculture or other areas are encouraged to apply.

Is experience with animals required for admission?

The Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant's professional experience. Veterinary, animal, health science and or research experience is necessary. While we have no minimum requirements, both breadth and depth are considered strengths. Veterinary clinical experience is especially important.

Does the Cummings School admit transfer students?

Students may be admitted with advanced standing to the second-year class if vacancies exist in student enrollment. Applicants must meet the admissions requirements established by the Admissions Committee. Evaluation is based on several criteria, including the candidate's performance in undergraduate school, GRE general test scores, performance in veterinary school and the compatibility of the previous DVM program with the Cummings School curriculum. The deadline for transfer applications is June 1.

Does the Cummings School admit international students?

International applicants are welcome to apply for admission. International applicants are required to submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if their native language is not English or if they have not graduated from an institution at which the curriculum is taught in English. The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine recipient code for the TOEFL is 3499.

What is the mean undergraduate GPA of enrolled students?

The mean undergraduate GPA of each entering class is approximately 3.60 on a 4.00 scale.

What are the mean GRE scores of admitted students?

All applicants must take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) general test. In recent years, the average GRE verbal and quantitative scores achieved by the enrolling class are 600 and 720 respectively, and a 5.0 for the analytical writing section. After the 2011–2012 admissions cycle these scores will be updated with the new score scale for the revised GRE.

What is a state contract?

States that contract with Tufts for veterinary student seats pay a fixed amount toward the cost of the education for a limited number of students who are residents of that state. More information about state contracts can be found on the DVM Financial Aid page.

Can I meet with an admission counselor and or tour the Veterinary School's facilities?

You can meet with our admissions counselor in person, have an appointment by telephone or communicate via e-mail. In person and telephone appointments must be scheduled in advance. Appointments and campus tours with an admissions counselor may be scheduled from March through September.