The Veterinary Admissions Committee at Colorado State University strives to admit a class of students who will be able to actively contribute to the current and future needs of the veterinary profession. Although unique attributes perceived to address these needs will be considered on an individual basis, the basic evaluative criteria include the following:
Quality of Academic Program
Factors to be considered in the evaluation include the quality of the academic program, number and quality of upper level biomedical science courses, ability to carry a full schedule of courses, employment during academic terms, course and degree variety, academic trends, GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) and special circumstances.
Given the current statistics, few applicants are admitted with a GPA below 3.2. Compare yourself with previously admitted DVM classes.
The evaluation process will involve interviews for AK, CO, NS, or WICHE candidates as part of the selection criteria for the class matriculating fall 2017. CSU will use the
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. The MMI interview will take approximately
one hour. The format consists of six
timed scenarios, which assess attributes such as communication skills, interpersonal
skills, ethical judgement, empathy, problem solving, critical thinking,
conflict resolution, and resiliency. Each scenario is 8 minutes in
duration, with 2 minutes to read the scenario and 6 minutes of interaction with
the scenario interviewer. All invited applicants will be required to complete
the interview to be considered for our DVM Program. Admissions decisions
will based on a combined rank of the application score (50%) and the interview
Early Review Decisions
Given the size of the applicant pool, applications with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or lower will undergo an early screening process for evidence of the candidate's ability to handle a rigorous upper division science curriculum. Some candidates will move forward, those who do not meet expectations will be denied.
Other factors considered in the review process include participation in a variety of extracurricular and community activities with evidence of achievement and leadership in these activities; experience working with animals and familiarity with the many facets of veterinary medicine; diverse experiences; written communication skills; three recommendations; presentation of a carefully prepared application; consideration of economic, educational, or cultural/environmental disadvantage.
Economic factors include: a demonstrated history of low income of applicant and family unit prior to college entrance and pre-veterinary education; level of financial support provided by applicant to the family unit prior to and during pre-veterinary education; if applicant has a major financial responsibility to a household; and history of financial aid.
Educational factors include: inadequate early education because of frequent change of schools during elementary and secondary education; unusual number of hours of employment or necessitated other time commitments for supporting self or family unit during high school and pre-veterinary education; lack of exposure to academic role models and of participation in sound educational programs.
Cultural/environmental factors include: born to immigrant parents; raised in an ethnic minority culture; raised in a family with English as a second language; experienced bi-cultural stress as a result of transition from a predominantly ethnic minority community to an academic environment; raised in an economically depressed area; raised by someone other than parents; raised in an environment lacking exposure to opportunities offered by higher education; raised in an environment of abuse such as alcohol, drugs, child abuse, and other physical abuse.
Philosophy of the Admissions Committee
The members of the Veterinary Admissions Committee (VAC) have the task of reading applicant files and making predictive judgments of potential scholastic and professional success.
In order to evaluate each candidate based on his/her total potential to contribute to the profession, the VAC has utilized, since 1999, a holistic approach to the selection of candidates. The goal is to evaluate an applicant's file in the context of the entirety of the candidate's experiences, academic history, and potential to contribute to the profession. Unique and diverse characteristics perceived to address the needs of the profession are considered on an individual basis and relative to a candidate's collective attributes.
Prior to reading applications each year, the members of the committee thoroughly discuss and debate criteria and read sample applications for discussion as a group. This is a dynamic process reflecting constant changes in the profession. While some criteria may change over time, several core components will remain constant.
View our philosophy summary of the DVM Admissions Committee for in-depth information about this evaluation process.