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FAQ

DVM Prospective Students

 

What is the average GPA and GRE score for admitted applicants?

Click here for Statistical data for the class of 2013 (admissions cycle 2009 for both resident and nonresident applicants).

How many applications are submitted? How many applicants are accepted?

Year Applied NC Residents Non-Residents
2003 (class of 2007) 515 200 315
2004 (class of 2008) 514 173 341
2005 (class of 2009) 564 194 370
2006 (class of 2010) 600 220 380
2007 (class of 2011) 493 200 293
2008 (class of 2012) 482 177 305
2009 (class of 2013) 552 217 335
2010 (class of 2014) 732 209 523

We accept 62 NC residents and 18 non-residents each year.

How long is the DVM program? Is there anything shorter leading to a career in veterinary medicine (aside from a DVM program)?

The DVM professional curriculum is a four-year daytime, full-time program. Four community colleges in North Carolina offer animal science programs: Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, NC; James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, NC; Surry Community College in Dobson, NC; and Sampson Community College in Clinton, NC.

Three colleges in North Carolina offers an associate’s degree in Veterinary Medical Technology: Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, NC, Gaston College in Dallas, NC and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, NC.

What do most students major in during undergraduate study? What undergraduate majors do you prefer?

Biology (33%), Animal Science (27%), Zoology (11%), Chemistry (2%), Other (27%). "Pre-vet" is not a major; it is a track that can be chosen within a major. Pre-vet students can be any major they choose, and the required pre-professional courses can be obtained through the curricula of a number of fields of study.

What is the average age of our students? What are some demographic characteristics of the student body?

Students range in age from 21 to 52 with an average age of approximately 24. Thirty (30) percent are married and 75 percent are female.

How do I apply for NC Residency?

Click here and here for more information on residency for tuition purposes.

Can applicants from border states, such as South Carolina, apply as residents to NC State?

No. North Carolina doesn’t have a “contract state” agreement with South Carolina or any other state.

Do I have to have a Bachelor's degree to get in?

A bachelor’s degree is not required for admission into the DVM program. An applicant just needs to satisfy the prerequisites.

Will a certain course satisfy our prerequisites? What are the prerequisite course requirements?

For the equivalent course at another college or university, check the NC State University catalog or ask the advisor at your college. Use the Basic Course Information to guide you on your assessment if a course taken at your home institution meets our prerequisites.

Where should I take the prerequisite courses?

You can take the prerequisite courses at any accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Courses taken via distance education are acceptable.

Can Advanced Placement (AP) courses be used to fulfill prerequisites?

AP courses can be used to fulfill prerequisites. The applicant’s undergraduate institution must list the AP course by name (Biology, Calculus, English, etc.) on its transcript indicating the number of credits granted. Please note that AP courses are not considered when calculating grade point averages.

Can College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit be used to fulfill prerequisites?

No, the admissions committee does not accept CLEP credit in fulfillment of course prerequisites.

How do I submit grades completed in a "Study Abroad" program?

Applicants completing coursework in a "Study Abroad" program must submit grades in the grade equivalent of a U.S. educational institution. This can be accomplished either by (1) the "home" institution providing the equivalent grade on its transcript or by (2) the applicant submitting the "Study Abroad" transcript to a credential evaluation service. Options for credential evaluation services include: Josef Silny & Associates, Trustforte Corporation, and World Education Services

Do applicants who are NC State graduates get preference over graduates from other schools? Is it an advantage to be an alumnus of NC State University?

We evaluate all applicants on the same criteria no matter what college they have attended. However, 38% of our students are NC State graduates.

What are the GRE and GPA minimum requirements? What is NC State’s ETS reporting code?

Click here for information regarding GRE and GPA requirements. The ETS CEEB code for NC State University is 5496.

How can I learn more about applying to NC State’s DVM program?

You are strongly encouraged to attend an admissions information session. An annual schedule is posted on our homepage under the heading, “DVM Admissions.” If you still have questions after attending an information session, please contact an admissions counselor to make an appointment.

What classes should I take in high school to prepare to be a veterinarian some day?

We will not review your high school records for admission. However, you should take college preparation courses necessary for freshman admission into an undergraduate institution. Click here for information on undergraduate admission at NC State University.

How can I improve my chances of admission?

You should meet or exceed our minimum grade requirements for cumulative, required, and last 45 credit hour grade point averages. In addition to academic criteria, you will be evaluated on various non-academic criteria. The Admissions Committee will be looking for students who are academically curious, well-rounded and mature. Students who are interested in veterinary medicine should pursue jobs, clubs and other activities that expose them to the profession and to different species of animals. A diverse amount of veterinary and animal experience is highly recommended.

How do I obtain positions to strengthen my veterinary and animal experience especially if I’m still in high school?

Prospective applicants are encouraged to make contact directly with veterinarians with whom they would like to work. The Student Services Office will provide experience information when available and upon request. Some possible locations include:

High school students should attempt to obtain employment in non-clinical roles such as kennel work in order to build experience for one’s resume. This will make the student more marketable when he/she is old enough to apply for more advanced positions at small or large animal hospitals, etc.

How important are letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are very important in the admissions process. They convey your knowledge of the veterinary profession, the depth and level of your commitment to the field, and the qualities of character that you have shown to the person you choose as your evaluator. We offer a set of guidelines for those individuals writing letters of recommendation.

Do you require an admissions interview?

No. We do not require an interview.

Do you have a supplemental application?

Yes. You need to retrieve the supplemental application from our web site and submit it by the VMCAS application deadline (October 1).

What is the VMCAS application deadline? What is the supplemental application deadline?

The VMCAS deadline is October 1. You will be notified of the supplemental application deadline when you receive the supplemental application.

Does NC State accept transfer students?

Veterinary medical students enrolled in good standing at AVMA Council on Education accredited institutions can apply to transfer to NC State University. Students will only be considered for transfer into semesters 2 through 5 (transfer students must complete the entire junior and senior year at NC State).

To be considered for transfer, the curriculum at the school of origin must be very similar to that at NC State and there must be a vacancy in the class. Transfer applicants should begin the transfer application process by submitting a letter of intent to the Senior Associate Dean and Director of Academic Affairs, stating the reason for the transfer request. These items must follow your letter of intent by the deadline dates:

Please include your mailing address, e-mail address and phone number(s) in all correspondence regarding a transfer request.

The deadline dates for reception of all materials is November 15 for the spring semester and June 15 for fall semester. If accepted, the applicant will be required to sign a statement that they have not been convicted of, or currently under investigation for, criminal activity (beyond minor traffic violations) or student misconduct.

If I'm currently a DVM student at another college of veterinary medicine, what procedures do I follow to complete an externship at NC State?

Email the following information to Tammy Ball no fewer than 7 weeks in advance of the date you would like to start the externship: name, address, phone number, email address, service area of interest, and intended dates of externship. Click here for the list of clinical rotations.

How do I participate at NC State as a visiting clinician?

The Office of Continuing Education and Outreach offers a Visiting Clinician Program for North Carolina veterinarians and international veterinarians.

How does an international veterinarian practice medicine in the United States?

The Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification program is accepted by all state veterinary regulatory boards and the federal government as meeting, either in part or full, the educational prerequisite for licensure or certain types of employment, respectively.

What is the success rate for students completing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE)?

The Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association accredits Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. The professional curriculum reflects those requirements necessary for accreditation. The college is fully accredited, and had its last site visit by the Council on Education in 2007. The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) pass rate that is required by the Council on Education for fully accredited programs is 80%. The pass rates for past classes from NC State for NAVLE were:

class of 2004 99%
class of 2005 96%
class of 2006 95%
class of 2007 95%
class of 2008 95%

What are the costs of attendance?

Please visit our Money Matters page.

How do I contact the Student Services Office with questions concerning the DVM program?

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
Student Services Office
4700 Hillsborough Street, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
cvm_dvm@ncsu.edu

DVM Current Students

How do I obtain a letter of good standing or enrollment verification?

Please send an e-mail request to the DVM Registrar and include your Student ID number and contact information for the recipient of the letter.

How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?

To obtain a copy of or allow your parents or guardians access to your medical records or have them sent to a third party:

  1. Bring the authorization form to the Medical Records department.
  2. Fax requests for records to 1-877-221-6278 (NCSU).
  3. Mail the authorization form to:

    NCSU Student Health Services
    Medical Records Department
    2815 Cates Avenue
    Box 7304
    Raleigh, NC 27695-7304

Where do I find information about career services?

Information and contact information on career services can be found on both the CVM and University web sites.

Where do I find information about financial aid?

Information and contact information on financial aid can be found on both the CVM and University web sites.

Where do I find information about graduation?

The Registration and Records Office maintains a link with information concerning procedures for graduation.

How do I submit a name change request?

The Registration and Records Office maintains a link with information concerning procedures for name change requests. You should also inform the DVM Registrar by e-mail for internal updates.

Where do I find guidelines for pregnant veterinary medical students?

Information for pregnant students can be found in the DVM Student Handbook on the Academic Affairs web site.

How do I request a privacy block to suppress directory information?

The Registration and Records Office maintains a link with information concerning procedures for privacy blocks.

Where do I find information on student medical insurance?

Student Health Services provides information on health insurance and a link to BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina.

How do I request an official transcript?

An official transcript is issued only at the authorization or written request of the student concerned. There are three different ways to request official transcripts and four notes to consider.

  1. Order a transcript online. Use the transcript service provided by the National Student Clearinghouse to request an official transcript online 24 hours a day. Online orders can be placed through the National Student Clearinghouse.
  2. Fax or mail a request to Registration and Records for an official transcript. A transcript request form (pdf) may be obtained from our forms page. Completed forms can be mailed or faxed into Registration and Records. The address and fax number are on the form.
  3. Visit Registration and Records in person and receive an official transcript while you wait. Please note that you will need to bring a photo ID in order to do this.
  4. The charge for an official transcript is $10.00.
  5. There is an additional charge of $5.00 for transcripts faxed from Registration and Records. Registration and Records does not fax transcripts internationally.
  6. Official transcripts are not issued for those people who are indebted to the university until such indebtedness is paid or satisfactorily adjusted.
  7. Transcript requests will normally be processed within 24-48 hours. However, a longer period of time may be required for processing at the end of each semester.

Graduate Program

What graduate programs do you offer? Where can I get the graduate program information?

The CVM offers five NC State graduate programs: Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Physiology, Specialized Veterinary Medicine, and Veterinary Public Health. You can apply for a Masters or PHD degree. Please note that you don’t have to have a Master degree to apply for a PHD degree.

All the information about the programs is online. Visit our websites at:

What do I need to do if I want to apply for a Graduate Program?

Fill out the online Graduate School application and forward a resume, all post-secondary transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation and GRE scores (if applicable to your program) directly to the CVM Graduate Programs Assistant. International applicants also need to submit an official TOEFL score.

Click here for information regarding application to the NC State Graduate School.

I am an international applicant, where can I get information about student visas and immigration regulations?

Please check with NC State’s Office of International Services.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadlines vary for each program. Please contact the individual programs for exact information. Generally, the application deadlines are as follows:

Is there financial aid available for graduate students? What about stipends or assistantships?

Please visit here to learn more about graduate funding. The CVM offers stipends to students. A limited number are reserved for returning students while the majority are used for new students. Applicants are evaluated during the admissions process on the merit of their application. A separate stipend application is not used.

Is there an orientation for new graduate students?

A mandatory Graduate Student Orientation is held for new students in mid-August (normally at the Jane S. McKimmon Center). It is a general orientation organized by different institutions of the university to familiarize all the incoming graduate students with campus. A handbook will be distributed at the orientation. It includes all the information you need to know about our university, such as transportation, housing, computer services and financial aid. Most importantly, a "check list" will tell you the target dates of important administrative tasks you need to finish, such as when to sign the “Patent Agreement” and when to submit the “Plan of Work,” etc.

In addition, some programs offer a program related orientation. Students will receive notification of the date and time.

How does a new student know which classes to take?

A new student should contact his or her advisor to develop the “Plan of Work” for the student’s curriculum. If an advisor has not been selected yet, the student should meet with the director of his or her graduate program (DGP).

How do I apply for NC Residency?

Please visit the Graduate School's Residency page to learn more.

Any more questions?

Visit the Graduate School's FAQ page.

How do I contact the Student Services Office with questions concerning graduate programs?

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
Student Services Office
4700 Hillsborough Street, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-513-6448 Fax: 919-513-6197

House Officers (Interns and Residents)

How do I apply to become an intern or resident in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital?

Most programs at NCSU use the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP). Applications are obtained online through VIRMP. You must complete the application and have all materials in prior to the deadline listed on the web site (usually the first week in December).

We recommend that you complete the application and send your supporting materials (application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.) in ONE package as early as possible to the Student Services Office. The AAVC announces the results in early March.

When does my residency or internship start?

Most start July 1, unless a different date is advertised or alternative arrangements are made with your coordinator.

Is there an orientation?

Yes, it is July 1 (or the following Monday if the 1st falls on the weekend) or the first day of your residency or internship. You will receive more information regarding orientation once your appointment has been confirmed.

I am an international applicant, where can I get information about work visas and immigration regulations?

Please check with NC State's Office of International Services.

What benefits are provided to residents and interns (EPA post-doc employees)?

Click here for benefits information for EPA post-docs.

How do I contact the Student Services Office with questions concerning internships and residencies?

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
Student Services Office
4700 Hillsborough Street, Box 8401
Raleigh, NC 27606
Phone: 919-513-6020 Fax: 919-513-6197

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606(919) 513-6786