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Guide forProspective Students

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A Message from the Dean

Dear Applicant: Welcome to the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. We appreciate your interest in a veterinary career and encourage you to learn all that you can to prepare a successfulapplication.

Veterinary medicine offers an exciting and nearly limitless variety of careers. If you areaccepted into our program, you will learn not only how to care for pets, livestock or

wildlife species, but also how to protect society’s public health and food safety. You maychoose a career in veterinary public practice, develop a new vaccine or therapy for ani-mals, make discoveries in wildlife and environmental health, or teach the next generationof veterinarians.

We are proud of our unique faculty with its many areas of expertise. Faculty research is vital to improve animal health, human health and environmental health. New scientificknowledge also strengthens and enriches our teaching programs.

The four years of veterinary school include both academic courses and practical training. You will find comprehensive learning opportunities and gain hands-on experience at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and other specializedtraining sites.

We are committed to promoting diversity. Our graduates should reflect the richness of California’s many cultures. In this way, we as veterinarians can better serve the ever-changing needs of our population.

Our faculty and staff welcome the opportunity to work with you as you take your first steps toward a career in the veterinary profession, starting with a first-rate education at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Sincerely,

Bennie I. Osburn Dean

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Table of Contents

Career Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine . . . . . 4The UC Davis Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

School Resources and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Professional Curriculum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Curriculum Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Costs and Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Advanced Degree Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Academic Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Required PreveterinaryMedical Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Admission to the School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Out-of-State andForeign Applicants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Veterinary MedicalOpportunity Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Dates to Remember. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Criteria for Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Admission Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

UC Davis Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The Gladys Valley Hall classroom complex, opened in 2006, features lecture halls with wireless Interaccess and large “homerooms” where students can relax and interact between classes.

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Career Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine

Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who provide for the health and qual

life of all kinds of animals. They use problem-solving skills and in-depth knowledge of bical, physical and social science to diagnose, treat and prevent animal diseases. Their expeenhances the productivity of animals and assures the safety of animal products used by pe

Most veterinarians in the United States work in private practice. Others work in a wide rafields including public health, animal disease control, environmental protection, biotechnohigher education and research. The profession becomes more complex as trade barriers falzoonotic diseases emerge, human travel increases, and production and distribution of fooducts take place in more concentrated, large-scale operations.

Private Practice

The United States animal health care system is based on the private practice of veterinarycine. Private practitioners provide primary health care to livestock and companion animalcase-by-case, fee-for-service basis. More than 70 percent of practices deal with small comion animals. Practitioners may specialize in one medical area, such as surgery or dermatolOthers emphasize a group or species, such as food animals, exotics, birds or horses. Whattheir interests, all DVM students learn to provide basic care to the general animal populatprevent disease and other health problems.

Public Practice

Veterinarians may work for federal or regional agencies that watch over the health and weof domesticated animals or monitor populations of free-ranging wildlife. These experts didiseases, inspect meat and poultry, oversee communicable disease programs (West Nile virabies, BSE, avian flu, etc.) and conduct research. Specialists also handle fish, wildlife, laanimals and other animals regulated by federal law. Such careers can include working withUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FooDrug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, National Institutes of Heaor Air Force Veterinary Corps, and others.

Research

Research veterinarians investigate scientific problems and develop strategies and new techgies. They develop new diagnostic tests, vaccines and products that prevent human and andisease and enhance food quality. For instance, veterinary pathologists and toxicologists win public institutions or private companies test the safety and efficacy of new treatments, menvironmental conditions and evaluate the effects of environmental pollutants.

Teaching

Veterinarians have excellent opportunities to teach at veterinary schools or colleges. Instruteach courses that encourage professional-level students to develop the problem-solving skstrategies that promote animal health. Faculty members also conduct basic and clinical resand provide various services to the public.

Students learn surgical skills under faculty guidance by performing spay-neuter andother procedures for shelter animals that eturn to local shelters for adoption.

Hemodialysis for companion animals isavailable at both the William R. PritchardVeterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,UC Davis, and the University of CaliforniaVeterinary Medical Center—San Diego.


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Trends

Surveys of state population growth and UC studies of health workforce needs indicate a growingdemand for sophisticated veterinary services. Corporations and private practices will providespecialized opportunities in nutrition, dentistry, behavior and other services.

Society’s concerns about food safety and health mean that veterinarians will be increasingly calledupon to fill positions in food animal health, zoonotic disease control and preventive medicine. Veterinary experts in genetics, pathology and toxicology are needed to fill biotechnology positions.Laboratory animal specialists will contribute more than ever to comparative medical investigationsrelevant to animal and human health.

Opportunities

Environmental and ecosystem healthBiosecurity and emergency preparedness

Veterinary public health and infectious disease control

Population medicine

Laboratory animal medicine

Food safety and security

Food animal medicine and research

Toxicology

Pathology

Academia

Expected Salary Level

As in most professions, salaries arebased on career option, time sincegraduation and job location. Accordinto the UC Davis School of VeterinaryMedicine Graduate Salary Survey of 2008, the mean base salary for a

first-year associate veterinarian isan estimated $72,800 to $73,500.Graduates from 2006 report that their total compensation—salary plusbenefits—in all practice types except internships is about $93,000. For morinformation, download the 2008 salarsurvey (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/plament services/2008_Compensation.pd

Licensing in California

The Board of Examiners in VeterinaryMedicine regulates the practice of veerinary medicine in California, includ

the issuance of licenses to practice. Veterinarians must be licensed beforethey can practice veterinary medicinein California. To be eligible for licensin California, candidates MUST havepassing scores on the North Ameri-can Veterinary Licensing Examination(NAVLE), and the California State Bo(CSB). The application form includesthe following question: “Have you evpled nolo contendere or been convicteof a felony or misdemeanor, other thaa minor traffic violation—if so, givedetails.” The Board has the right to

request and receive the police recordof any applicant.

The mechanical strength of anequine bone is tested using

biomedical engineering.

A student examines a client chicken inthe hospital’s Companion Avian and

Exotic Pet Medicine Service.


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School Resources and Facilities

William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

The William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, located in the Health SciComplex, serves as the primary clinical teaching setting for professional veterinary studenresidents. It also serves the public by offering high quality clinical veterinary services to mthan 30,000 patients each year—from the family cat or dog to exotic birds, fish and livestHospital cases support the school’s teaching and research programs, while clinical faculty

the highest quality medical, surgical and diagnostic skills.Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center

The Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare, located in the heart of thedairy industry, offers intensive hands-on training for veterinary students, residents and grastudents in food animal medicine and population health. Services include consultations wdairy producers and applied research responsive to current trends in food animal medicinethe dairy industry. Several affiliated food safety programs are also based at this center in tlargest milk-producing county in the nation.

UC Veterinary Medical Center—San Diego

The UC Veterinary Medical Center—San Diego, a partnership with UC San Diego, enablulty members from both institutions to collaborate in teaching and research activities and specialty services in Southern California. The center offers hemodialysis, nutrition and phservices. Affiliated faculty members also capitalize on regional strengths in wildlife studycal medicine and ecosystem health to enhance resident and graduate training as well as corations on animal-related health programs.

Computing and Technology Services

All students have access to a collection of software programs and Internet Web sites develfaculty and staff to complement printed course materials and allow students to study at thpace. Courseware includes atlases (collections of images to reinforce lecture or laboratoryrial), laboratory exercises, simulated clinical exercises, reference works and interactive quStudents have 24-hour computer and wireless network access.

Loren D. Carlson Health Sciences Library

The Carlson Health Sciences Library holds essential reference works in medicine, veterin

medicine, biology and other health-related sciences. In addition to a full range of library areference services, the library provides access to full-text electronic veterinary journals anelectronic information resources from online data bases.

Expanded Facilities

Since 2004 the school has completed six new buildings, including a teaching laboratory, atwo-story classroom complex and a five-story multipurpose facility as part of a $354 milllong-range facilities plan to modernize infrastructure and provide the best learning environfor students. School officials continue to develop public and private support for programsfacilities that will help to meet California’s growing need for veterinarians.

The UC Davis Setting

The University of California, Davis, lies inthe state’s Central Valley, 70 miles north-

east of San Francisco and 15 miles west of the state capital, Sacramento. The city of Davis has a population of 64,300, whichincludes the university’s student populationof 30,360. With about 5,300 acres,UC Davis is geographically the largest of all the UC campuses.

With students comprising about half thecity’s population, Davis is one of the state’sfew remaining “college” towns. Known asenvironmentally aware and socially inno- vative, Davis boasts more than 50 miles of bicycle paths and more bicycles per capitathan any other city in the nation. Qualityof life is a high priority in this community,and area residents are closely tied to theuniversity campus. Residents are active inlocal, national and international politicalcauses, sports, the arts and communityorganizations.

Davis is surrounded by open space,including some of the most valuableagricultural land in the state. Winters inDavis are mild, and temperatures rarelyfall below freezing. Although it hardly eversnows, winter fog and rain are common.Summers are sunny, hot and dry.

The School of Veterinary Medicine, theonly veterinary school in the Universityof California system, is a key component of UC Davis’ full range of undergraduateand graduate programs and professionalschools, which include medicine, law,education and management.

Cell culture is one technique used at the J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic ResearchLaboratory to improve the health and welfareof sport horses and companion animals.


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Centers of Excellence

Learning and research opportunities are available through collaborative multidisciplinary centersthat emphasize species interests or health issues:n Center for Equine Health—promotes research on equine performance, disease, genetics andreproduction.n Center for Companion Animal Health—seeks to improve the health of small companion animalsby fostering advanced studies of diseases in dogs, cats and small alternative pets, including inher-ited conditions, immune disorders, infectious diseases and cancers.n Wildlife Health Center—addresses the health of free-ranging and captive terrestrial and aquatic wild animals. Educational and research programs encompass marine health of the Pacific North- west, ecosystem health and conservation in Southern California, care for wildlife injured in oilspills, and other complex conservation issues.n Center for Food Animal Health—coordinates resources and faculty research on livestock diseas-es, foodborne and vectorborne disease problems, diseases that can be transmitted from animalsto people, and environmental health aspects of agriculture.n California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System—is a statewide network of fourlaboratories located in California’s top agricultural regions. Faculty and staff perform 1.8 milliondiagnostic tests each year to control livestock and poultry diseases and enhance health manage-ment of food animals, and work to help ensure the safety of foods of animal origin.n Center for Comparative Medicine—investigates the pathogenesis of human and animal disease,using models or naturally occurring animal diseases. The center provides teaching at the pro-fessional graduate and postgraduate levels and disciplines such as comparative medicine andmouse biology.n Western Institute for Food Safety and Security —conducts research and training to enhancefood safety in all sectors of the food system, from the production environment to the consumer.The institute is a resource for scientific information, innovation and new practices to improvefood safety, build protection against intentional harmful acts directed at food systems, andpromote economic stability of the food industry.

The Claire Giannini Equine Athletic Performance Laboratory features both research and clinicaldiagnostic treadmills to evaluate horses under exercise conditions.

The Oncology Service at the Centerfor Companion Animal Health offerspatients the most advanced radiationtherapy and chemotherapy.


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Professional Curriculum

The professional curriculum at UC Davis is a four-year program of academic study and clskills training leading to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It is designed for flexiEach student is provided with a broad foundation of knowledge and skills in comparative nary medicine. An elective component allows exploration of diverse, nontraditional areas

veterinary science or specialization.Broadly defined, the curriculum provides:

a. Fundamental concepts and knowledge of veterinary science and training in basic clinicasufficient to enable graduates to practice veterinary medicine with an entry level of profescompetency, and to enable them to effectively pursue lifelong learning in veterinary medic

b. An individualized program of study that reflects each student’s interests with regard to tbreadth, depth and practice emphasis of professional training.

The core curriculum (75 percent) is discipline-based; it provides essential material, basic and concepts that are, for the most part, not species specific. The core material is more cotrated in the early years with students gaining a solid understanding of normal structure, fand homeostasis (year 1), pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease (year 2) and maniftions of animal diseases including history, diagnosis, and therapeutic and preventive strate(year 3).The elective curriculum (25 percent) provides students with an opportunity to explore div

veterinary-related interests and tailor their learning toward career goals. Consistent with thof lifelong learning, the elective requirement increases throughout the curriculum with theof electives taken in the third year.

The senior clinical year (48 weeks) is the laboratory setting for developing problem-solvinthat result in making and applying medical judgment on an individual or herd basis. Mosttime is spent in the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). UC Davis veterinary medical centers provide opportunities for specialized rotations such production medicine at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center (VMTRC)provide a rich environment for students to integrate reason and knowledge and develop thnostic and therapeutic skills necessary for clinical proficiency.

The fourth year provides students the opportunity to focus on areas of interest. Eight specoriented clinical tracks and one individual track allow students to develop entry-level knoand skills within selected areas of veterinary practice. Within each track, core rotations prthe fundamentals. Elective rotations, including externships, provide opportunities to indiviinstruction.

The school offers two degrees that may be taken inconjunction with the professional DVM program, theDVM/PhD and DVM/MPVM (Master of Preventive

Veterinary Medicine).

Computer Requirements

Veterinary students are required topurchase a portable computer withspecific hardware. Information regardinghardware specifications will be availableonce students are admitted to the school.Students should not purchase a computerprior to receiving this information.

Use of Animals in Teaching

Since animal health care is the primaryfocus of veterinary medical training pro-grams, appropriate use of animals forinstruction is essential to the acquisitionof knowledge and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic skills.

For core courses in the DVM curriculum,completion of laboratory exercises involv-ing animals or animal specimens is arequirement for satisfactory completionof the course.

In most instances, options that permit useof “suitable source” animals or specimens

are available for these courses. Whereappropriate, academically sound alterna-tives such as software applications andmodels have been, and continue to be,developed to replace the use of animalsin our curriculum.

The school maintains animal colonies toallow students to learn noninvasive skillsand procedures. Enrichment programsprovide exercise and companionship forthese animals.

The school is committed to showingcompassion for all patients and animalsdonated or purchased specifically forinstruction, and respect for the uniquecontributions of animals and specimensto student education.

Interactive technology helps instructorsdeliver the curriculum and keeps studentsup to date with coursework.

Students spend the fourth year inclinical rotations in core disciplines andspecialty areas. For instance, a student

might choose small animal/equine orsmall animal/mixed practice.

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Curriculum Schedule*

First Year

Normal Anatomy of the CanineLocomotor System

Physiological Chemistry

Principles of Behavior

Principles of Radiography andRadiologic Interpretation

Cell and Tissue Structure and Function

Principles of Neurosciences

Veterinary Ethics and Law

Nutrition and Nutritional Diseasesin Animals

Normal Gastrointestinal System

Structure and Function of theUrinary System and Body Fluids

Cardiovascular Anatomy

Cardiovascular Physiology

Respiratory Anatomyand Physiology

Hematology

Genetics

Parasitology

Epidemiology

Immunology

EndocrinologyNormal Anatomy of theCanine Head

Doctoring

Clinical Skills

Electives

First-year students learn thefundamentals of handling equine

patients and performing a thoroughexamination for lameness.

Second Year

Pharmacology

Toxicology

Virology

Bacteriology and Mycology

General Pathology

Clinical Pathology

Systemic Pathology

Large Animal Radiology

Oncology

Reproduction

Small Animal Radiology

Fundamentals of Zoonoses

Introduction to Public VeterinaryPractice and Foreign Animal Diseases

Food Animal Medicine

Food Animal Reproduction

Small Animal Medicine

Small Animal Reproduction

Equine Medicine

Equine ReproductionFood Safety

Anesthesiology andCritical Patient Care

Doctoring

Clinical Skills

Electives

Third Year

Principles and Techniquesof Surgery and AnesthesiaNeurology

Ophthalmology

Clinical Endocrinology

Food Animal Medicine

Small Animal Medicine

Equine Medicine

Clinical Orthopedics

Veterinary Ethics and Law

DoctoringClinical Skills

Electives

Fourth Year

The fourth year consists of clinicalrotations and externship opportunitiesestablished for each of the eight tracks(special areas of professional interest).

* Subject to change


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Costs and Financial Aid

Mandatory systemwide and campus-based fees and tuition for the 2009–10 academic yearapproximately $26,466 for California residents and $38,711 for nonresidents. Fees and tuiare subject to change and may increase in future academic years. The estimated cost of bosupplies and living expenses during the first year of the veterinary program averages $21,

All students are encouraged to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) toevaluated for all funding options. Students may receive a combination of grant, scholarshiloan based on eligibility that does not exceed their cost of attendance.

In 2009–10, approximately 13 percent of a financial aid recipient’s cost of attendance mayfunded with university grants, with the remainder funded by personal resources, federal analternative student loans, and applicable scholarships. Most financial aid recipients enterinprogram can expect to borrow an average of $30,000 per year in student loans.

Mandatory fees and nonresident tuition are determined by gubernatorial, legislative, regenand/or campus action, and are subject to change without notice. For further information ocurrent registration fees, tuition and financial aid, please visit our Web site (www.vetmed.uedu). No deposit of fees is required prior to matriculation.

Scholarships

Scholarship aid for second, third and fourth year students available through the school incHealth Sciences Regents’ Scholarships, Chancellor’s Grants and scholarships funded by pdonations.

Each year, Regents’ Scholarships and Recruitment Scholarships are awarded to a small nuhighly qualified students at admission, based on outstanding academic performance. ChanGrants are awarded at the beginning of the first year based on financial need and other fac

Both Regents’ Scholarships and Chancellor’s Grants are renewable, depending on academachievement. In 2009, the school was able to award approximately $3.2 million in state-su

ed and privately donated scholarships, prizes and grants-in-aid, thanks to the generosity o viduals and organizations who support the school.

The Food Animal Herd Health and ReproductionService delivers health care to cattle, sheep andgoats on local farms.

Students in the food animal rotation also gainhands-on experience and develop professional

nsight into dairy medicine at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare.

Graduating veterinarians will servein many disciplines. Some will earnMaster of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) or PhD degrees.


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Advanced Degree Programs

Veterinary Scientist Training Program

This dual degree DVM/PhD training program enables students to combine basic science studies(PhD) with veterinary medicine (DVM) for a career in academic veterinary medicine. Fundingis available for a small number of students in the DVM training program. For details, visit the Veterinary Scientist Training Program Web site (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vstp).

Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine

The school offers a professional Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) degree.Using state-of-the-art methods in epidemiology, the program prepares veterinarians to investigateand evaluate disease and production problems in animal populations and to design, evaluate andimplement disease control or other veterinary services programs. Students enrolled in the DVMprogram can complete some requirements for the MPVM degree if course scheduling permits.Generally, six to 12 months of study is required beyond the DVM program to complete all MPVMdegree requirements. Core MPVM courses can be taken during the senior clinical year or follow-ing completion of the DVM degree. For more information, visit the MPVM degree program Website (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/mpvm).

Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program prepares health professionals for careers inpreventive medicine and community health. Training includes coursework and field study withopportunities to explore regional health issues related to agriculture. The School of VeterinaryMedicine and the School of Medicine jointly offer this program, which may be taken concurrently with the DVM curriculum. For more information, call (530) 754–4992.

In the Center for Companion AnimalHealth, faculty members, postdoctoralfellows, and graduate and undergrad-uate students investigate genetics andthe genetic basis of diseases.

Working toward a PhD in epidemiol-ogy, a veterinarian who studies avianinfluenza in domestic and wild birdsprepares samples for virus isolation.

Transmission electron microscopy is used to magnify a bovine virus at theCalifornia Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory.


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Academic Preparation

Admission to the School of Veterinary Medicine requires completion of specific prerequiscourses and a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an agency apprby the U.S. Department of Education. Students may apply to veterinary school after 75 perequired courses have been completed. Remaining prerequisites must be completed, and aelor’s degree earned, by the end of the spring term prior to matriculation.

Potential applicants should enroll at undergraduate institutions offering the prerequisite coas part of an accredited baccalaureate program. Students may select majors and schools o

basis of interest and aptitude as long as prerequisites are fulfilled. A minimum of 180 hours of practical experience in veterinary or biomedical science is realthough admitted students have an average of 2,500 to 3,000 hours. More information onrequirement is found in the “Criteria for Selection” section of this booklet.

The school does not offer a program for veterinary assistants or animal health technicians

Required Preveterinary Medical Courses

ALL PREREQUISITE COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE SPTO MATRICULATION.

VISIT THE WEB SITE FOR CURRENT REQUIREMENTS. A. LOWER DIVISION REQUIRED SCIENCES

Quarter Units (Course units may vary on the semester sy

CHEMISTRY (General Chemistry 2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lecture 3 hours; laboratory/discussion 4 hours. Prerequisite: high school chemistry and phstrongly recommended; satisfactory score on diagnostic examinations. Periodic table, stoietry, chemical equations, physical properties and kinetic theory of gases, atomic and molestructure and chemical bonding. Laboratory experiments in stoichiometric relations, propeand collection of gases, atomic spectroscopy, and introductory quantitative analysis.( On the Davis campus, Chemistry 2AH may satisfy this requirement.)

CHEMISTRY (General Chemistry 2B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lecture 3 hours; laboratory/discussion 4 hours. Prerequisite: course 2A or 2AH. Continuaof course 2A. Condensed phases and intermolecular forces, chemical thermodynamics, chequilibria, acids and bases, solubility. Laboratory experiments in thermochemistry, equilib

and quantitative analysis using volumetric methods.( On the Davis campus, Chemistry 2BH masatisfy this requirement.)

CHEMISTRY (General Chemistry 2C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lecture 3 hours; laboratory/discussion 4 hours. Prerequisite: course 2B or 2BH. Continuaof course 2B. Kinetics, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, structure and bonding in transitioncompounds, application of principles to chemical reactions. Laboratory experiments in seanalytical methods and syntheses.( On the Davis campus, Chemistry 2CH may satisfy this requirement.)

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (Organic Chemistry 8A) Brief Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lecture 2 hours. Prerequisite: course 2B with a grade of C- or higher. With course 8B, anintroduction to the nomenclature, structure, chemistry, and reaction mechanisms of organicompounds. Intended for students majoring in areas other than organic chemistry.( On the Davis campus, course Chemistry 118A may satisfy this requirement.)

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (Organic Chemistry 8B) Brief Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lecture 3 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: course 8A or 118A. Continuation of co8A. Laboratory concerned primarily with organic laboratory techniques and the chemistrythe common classes of organic compounds.( On the Davis campus, Chemistry 128ABC togethwith 129A or 118ABC may also be used to meet the Organic Chemistry requirement.

A laboratory is required.)

PHYSICS (Principles of Physics 1A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: trigonometry or consent of instructor. Mechanics. Introductigeneral principles and analytical methods used in physics with emphasis on applications iapplied agricultural and biological sciences and in physical education. Not open for creditstudents who have received credit for course 7B or 9A on the Davis campus.( A laboratory is not required.)

Tipsn Preparation for veterinary school must

begin early. Be sure to keep your gradesup throughout your academic career.The good habit of keeping your gradeaverage as high as possible in highschool will increase your chances of doing well in college.

n High school students should take appro-priate science, mathematics and Englishpreparatory courses to build a strongbackground for college study.

n Since academic factors count for 50 to 60percent of an application, it is important that your first priority be in that area.It is relatively easy to acquire more workexperience, if necessary, but it is verydifficult to improve a poor grade point

average.n Avoid the Pass/No Pass evaluation option

to make sure that scholastic achievement in the required science courses, an impor-tant criterion for admission, can be effec-tively judged.

n Preveterinary course work can be com-pleted at many colleges and universities.For a list of California colleges that offer equivalent courses for the scienceprerequisites visit the Assist Web site(www.assist.org).

n When you begin your college studies,consult your college adviser about yourplans to meet the requirements for admis-sion to the School of Veterinary Medicine.

n Get as much experience with veterinariansas possible, preferably in a variety of practices. These experiences help youobtain a good understanding of thenature, duties and responsibilities of vet-erinary medicine. Working with different types of animals and in different settingshelps you to grasp the broad scope of animal care.

n

Students are urged to work toward analternative career goal while preparingfor admission. Many qualified applicantsare not admitted due to the limitednumber of available positions in eachentering class.


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PHYSICS (Principles of Physics 1B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Lecture 3 hours. Prerequisite: course 1A or 9A. Continuation of course 1A. Heat, optics,electricity, modern physics. Not open for credit to students who have received credit for course7A, 7B, 7C, 9B, 9C or 9D on the Davis campus.( A laboratory is not required.)

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (Introduction to Biology 2A: Essentials of Life on Earth). . . . . . . . . . . . 4Lecture 3 hours; discussion 1 hour. Essentials of life including sources and use of energy, informa-tion storage, responsiveness to natural selection and cellularity. Origin of life and influence of living

things on the chemistry of Earth. Not open for credit to students who have completed BiologicalSciences 1A with a grade of C- or better.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (Introduction to Biology 2B: Principles of Ecology and Evolution) . . . . 5Lecture 3 hours; laboratory 3 hours; discussion 1 hour. Prerequisite: course 1A or 2A. Introductionto basic principles of ecology and evolutionary biology, focusing on the fundamental mechanismsthat generate and maintain biological diversity across scales ranging from molecules and genesto global processes and patterns. Not open for credit to students who have completed BiologicalSciences 1B with a grade of C- or better.( A laboratory is required.)

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (Introduction to Biology 2C: Biodiversity and the Tree of Life). . . . . . . 5Lecture 4 hours; laboratory 3 hours. Prerequisite: course 1B or 2B. Introduction to organismaldiversity, using the phylogenetic tree of life as an organizing theme. Methods of phylogeneticreconstruction, current knowledge of the tree of life, and the evolution of life’s most important and interesting innovations. Not open for credit to students who have completed Biological

Sciences 1C with a grade of C- or better.( A laboratory is required.)

B. UPPER DIVISION REQUIRED SCIENCES

(Must be completed at a four-year college; may not be completed at a community college.)

GENETICS (Biological Sciences 101) Genes and Gene Expression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Lecture 4 hours. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 1A and 1B or 2A, 2B and 2C (which may betaken concurrently), and Chemistry 8B or 118B or 128B. Nucleic acid structure and function; geneexpression and its regulation; replication; transcription and translation; transmission genetics;molecular evolution.( A laboratory is not required.)

BIOCHEMISTRY (Animal Biology 102) Animal Biochemistry & Metabolism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Lecture 4 hours; discussion 1 hour. Prerequisite: Chemistry 2A–2B, 8A–8B. Water and biologicalbuffers; thermodynamics of metabolism; structure and function of biomolecules; enzyme kineticsand function; membrane biology; digestion and absorption; carbohydrate metabolism.( Biological Sciences 103, Bioenergetics & Metabolism, will meet this requirement.

A laboratory is not required.)

PHYSIOLOGY (NPB 101) Systemic Physiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Lecture 5 hours. Prerequisite: Biological Sciences 1A or 2A, and Chemistry 2B; Physics 1B or 7Care strongly recommended. Systemic physiology with emphasis on aspects of human physiology.Functions of major organ systems, with the structure of those systems described as a basis forunderstanding the functions.( A laboratory is not required.)

C. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED COURSES (Lower or Upper Division Courses)

ENGLISH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 A total of 12 quarter units (or 8 semester units) must be taken to meet this requirement.One course must be in English composition. The composition requirement may also be met by the English Advanced Placement Exam, if your score is three or higher. Other courses mayinclude lower- or upper-division composition, linguistics, communication, classics, English,rhetoric, speech or literature. The Entry-Level Writing Exam may not be used to satisfy this require-ment.

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

This requirement may be met by selecting courses in a variety of areas. Some examples arehistory, sociology, languages, music, art, psychology, American and ethnic studies,anthropology and philosophy.

STATISTICS (Elementary Statistics) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Statistics 13 or 100, or other acceptable UC Davis statistics courses in agricultural business,psychology, biology, etc., may be used to meet this requirement.

A student engaged in the Students Train Advanced Research (STAR) program carout a feline drug trial. Under the guidanfaculty mentors, veterinary students receformal training and complete research stin areas such as virology, molecular imaor diagnostics.

Guide for Prospective Veterinary Students, UC Davis, 2010 13

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Out-of-State and Foreign Applicants

Veterinary medicine is a global profession with career opportunities in multiple fields. As such, we seek the best and the brightest applicants with diverse career interests from the broad spec-trum of cultural backgrounds. Being a California-based school, qualified California residents willmake up the majority of our DVM classes. However, we will admit some highly qualified U.S. orinternational candidates who will enhance the profession through their career or cultural diversity.

Admitted nonresidents have an average cumulative GPA of 3.8 and GRE scores ranking abovethe 80th percentile.

Based on agreements with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)program, a small number of WICHE applicants may be admitted as nonresidents and payout-of-state tuition.

For further information on residence requirements for tuition purposes, visit the Web site(http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/UCDWebCatalog/appendix/residency.html).

Applicants who have received part or all of their education in a country other than the United

States or Canada must provide the following: official transcript(s) with an evaluation of thetranscript(s) from an evaluation service and official scores from the Test of English as a ForeignLanguage (TOEFL) examination taken within a five-year period prior to application. This conditionapplies if English is not the native language of the prospective student or prerequisite course workhas been undertaken at an institution where English was not the language of instruction.

Veterinary Medical Opportunity Program

The Veterinary Medical Opportunity Program (VMOP) identifies prospective students whose aca-demic records alone may not reflect their ability to succeed in veterinary school. Applicants whoface obstacles in higher education due to economic, cultural, social, educational, disability-relatedor other factors may submit a Veterinary Medical Opportunity Program application in addition tothe general veterinary school application.

The Program Committee recommends the most qualified applicants to the Admissions Committee. All VMOP applicants must meet the school’s minimum academic requirements. They must alsodemonstrate potential for academic success. Relevant evidence includes transcripts and GREscores showing improvement over time. Applicants must also meet the minimum academicrequirement for admission.

Applicants do not need to be disadvantaged in all areas to be eligible for this program.The following eligibility considerations may assist applicants:n To declare economic disadvantage, applicants must document a history of low income prior to

college entrance.n Applicants may cite cultural or social factors that impede the transition from home to a univer-

sity environment. Examples include the demands of learning English as a second language orstress caused when values and customs at home differ from those encountered in school. Other

circumstances of family members that impact the family as a whole, such as single-parenthood,substance abuse or serious medical issues may also slow academic progress.n Educational barriers may include academically inferior preparation at the high school level,

lack of educational role models, and other factors.n Prospective students may cite physical or learning disabilities. These applicants must submit

documentation of their disabilities along with the VMOP application.

VMOP applications will be available July 1 and must be returned directly to the School of Veterinary Medicine by October 1. For more information or to request this supplemental applica-tion, call the Office of Student Programs, (530) 752–1383; speech/hearing impaired, 752–6TTY;or visit our Web site (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu).

Dates to Remember

October 1n Deadline for filing completed

application for admission andsupporting documents.

n Last date to take the GraduateRecord Examination (GRE) General

Aptitude Test only. The GRE must betaken by October 1 of the year yousubmit your application.

The Verbal, Quantitative and Analytica Writing sections of the GRE will be usein the admissions process.

Visit GRE Online (www.gre.org) todownload the GRE Bulletin, the GREPractice General Test, registration,sample questions and updated lists of computer-based testing center locations

Send GRE scores toUC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Institution Code 4804.

Early January n If enrolled fall term, arrange to have

transcripts sent within 10 working daafter the end of the term.

Late February n Interviews begin in late February and

continue until the end of March.

April 1n April 1 is the approximate date notic

of acceptance and nonacceptance aresent to all applicants.


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Criteria for Selection

The selection process is designed to admit the most qualified applicants who can both sucacademically in a rigorous, intensive four-year professional science program, and demonsdedication, commitment and an unquestionable understanding of the veterinary profession

I. Academic Factors (50 to 60 percent)

Academic performance is the major factor in selection for admission. Currently, 50 percenour decision to accept an applicant to the DVM program is based on academics consistinggrade point averages (GPAs) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Combinedand GRE scores are the best predictors of successful completion of the veterinary curriculmajority of admitted students have earned GPAs of 3.4 to 3.6 in cumulative college coursrequired science courses and their last 68 quarter units (45 semester units).

A. College course work grade point averages (GPAs)

1. Cumulative GPA in undergraduate/graduate course work

2. GPA of required preveterinary medical science courses

3. GPA of last two years of undergraduate/graduate work(minimum of 68 quarter units or 45 semester units)

B. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

1. General Test (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing)

Average GRE scores for admitted students are in the 70th to 80th percentile. A statistical of admitted students is available on our Web site. Because GPAs and GRE scores are weigequally in the admissions process, a below-average GPA may be balanced by above-averaGRE scores (greater than 70 percent). Conversely, GRE scores that are below average maybalanced by higher-than-average GPAs.

II. Nonacademic Factors (40 to 50 percent)

In addition to academic achievement, 40 to 50 percent of the selection process is based on veterinary experience, understanding of the veterinary profession, motivation and dedicatia career in veterinary medicine, maturity, potential to be an outstanding veterinary professextracurricular activities, career diversity and educational quality. The Admissions Commevaluates these attributes by carefully considering the following:

A. Personal statement

Your personal statement indicates your motivation, understanding of the veterinary profesthe responsibilities of being a veterinarian, demonstrated interest in serving the public throprofession of veterinary medicine, and other qualities needed for successful academic andsional work.

B. Veterinary and animal experience

Substantial experience with animals is required, and applicants must demonstrate knowledanimal health care needs. Experience should be broad and deep, and should entail more thhaving provided routine rearing and feeding of companion animals or family pets. Applicshould engage in an array of activities that show an appreciation for and understanding ofduties and responsibilities of a veterinarian and the scope of the veterinary medical profesThe requirement for animal, veterinary and biomedical science experience is a minimum hours (4.5 weeks) at the time of application. Admitted students have an average of 2,500 3,000 hours of veterinary-related experience, which includes working with veterinarians.

C. Letters of evaluation

Three letters of evaluation are required. Letters should be requested from individuals whounderstand academic and professional demands, know the applicant well (have observed tapplicant in a clinical or academic setting), and can evaluate the applicant’s personal qualiand potential as a veterinary professional.

D. Interview

During the selection process, the Admissions Committee may request personalinterviews and require, in some cases, submission of additional applicant materials for furevaluation. Interview scores are approximately 20 percent of the application evaluation.

GPA Categories Defined

Cumulative GPA includes grades for allcollege courses taken between high schoolgraduation and the time you submit yourVMCAS application.

Required Science GPA is the average of all of the science prerequisites listed in ourGuide for Prospective Students,but does not nclude English, humanities/social sciences

or statistics courses.

Last 45 semester units GPA includes gradesor approximately 45 semester (68 quarter)

units of course work taken prior to submis-sion of the VMCAS application from the timeof the October application deadline andgoing back in your transcript 45 semesterunits. This will be approximately two yearsof full-time course work.

While a dog is being spayed at the Gourley Clinical Teaching Center, a second-year

tudent monitors patient anesthesia.

Guide for Prospective Veterinary Students, UC Davis, 201016

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William R. Pritchard Veterinary MedicalTeaching Hospital...

Admission Statistics

Applicants 2007 2008 2009

Female 924 986 930Male 196 192 205Total 1120 1178 1135

Acceptances

Female 106 104 110Male 25 27 23Total 131 131 133

Years in School at Admission

Two years 2 6 3Three years 24 20 27Four years 49 53 55Five years 32 29 21More than five years 23 23 27

Mean Grade Point Averages

Cumulative undergraduate course work 3.5 3.6 3.5Required science course work 3.3 3.4 3.3Last 45 semester/quarter units of undergraduate/graduate course work 3.6 3.6 3.6

Mean Score on the Graduate RecordExamination General Aptitude Test

Verbal 75% 79% 77%Quantitative 70% 75% 75%

Analytical writing 67% 67% 65%

Average Age at Admission 25 24 24

Previous Degrees

Bachelor’s 127 123 124Master’s 22 14 14PhD 1 5 2

Reapplication Statistics

Admitted first application 86 87 87 Admitted second application 30 36 34 Admitted third application or more 15 8 12

Students Admitted with Majority of Undergraduate Work at:

UC Davis 39 42 39

Other University of California campuses 29 33 26California State University campuses 20 19 30Other California colleges 10 9 14Out-of-state colleges 33 28 24

A veterinary student examines a client animal during fourth-year clinical rotatioin small animal medicine.

A student and veterinarian examine a pecorn snake in the Ophthalmology Servicpart of a research project to find out morabout the structure of the reptilian eye.

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D

First-, second- and third-year students learnpathology, microbiology and other fundamen-als in the laboratories of the multipurposeeaching building, opened in 2007.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many applicants are accepted each year?

Currently, we offer admission to approximately 133 applicants from a pool of 1,100 to 1,The majority (95 percent) of admitted applicants are California residents. A very limited (5 percent, or 7 to 10 applicants) of highly qualified nonresidents are accepted each year.

2. How can I become a competitive applicant?

Have the highest possible grades and GRE scores, be as deeply and broadly experienced possible, and be able to demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to a veterinacareer through evaluations by professionals who know you.

3. What criteria does the Admissions Committee use to select applicantsadmitted to the DVM program?

The Admissions Committee is dedicated to selecting the most qualified students from thepool. Evaluation is based on three criteria:

1) Academic factors (50 percent): Objective evaluation of grade point averages and GradRecord Examination scores.

2) Non-academic factors (approximately 30 percent): Subjective review—using your persstatement, letters of evaluation and interview—of your veterinary or other related experieunderstanding and dedication to the veterinary profession, motivation to become a veterinpersonal attributes, extracurricular activities and educational quality.

3) Interview (0 to 20 percent).

See the section “Criteria for Selection” for a detailed explanation.

4. What should I do to increase my chances of being accepted?

Earn high grades and perform well academically. Obtain high (70th percentile or higher) son the GRE. Gain as much veterinary experience as you can, especially in your area of inin veterinary medicine, so that you can show a clear understanding of the veterinary profeIn addition, give your potential evaluator(s) ample opportunity to observe you in a clinicain order to be able to write a thorough letter of evaluation. Acquire diverse veterinary exp

working with a variety of animal species (small and large) to broaden your knowledge ofmany aspects of veterinary medicine and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the

veterinary profession.

5. What are the academic course requirements for admission to veterinary school?

You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and specificprerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to matriculatioDVM program. This course work must include 12 quarter units of required English; 12 qunits of required humanities/social sciences; 4 quarter units of required statistics; and all science courses. A listing of basic requirements is available on our Web site (www.vetmeucdavis.edu). Required courses do not have the same unit values at every college; therefosure to check the ASSIST.org Web site (www.assist.org) for a listing of equivalent course

at a Jr. college, CSU college and/or UC colleges in California .

6. How do I know if the college courses I’m taking will satisfy theprerequisites for veterinary school?

If you are taking science courses at California public colleges, refer to the ASSIST Web s(www.assist.org) to review a listing of science courses equivalent to our requirements. Toan articulation agreement, select UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, then select yolege. The courses named under your college will satisfy our required science courses. If ytaking the required science courses at a private college or school outside California and yunsure if they meet our requirements, you may send us copies of the course descriptions


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will review them for you. These courses must closely match the course descriptions listed in theUC Davis General Catalog . We do not have articulation agreements for statistics, English orhumanities/social science courses. We will accept ANY course in statistics (business, medical, psy-chology, etc.) and ANY courses considered humanities/social sciences. The English requirement must be met by taking at least one quarter/semester of English composition and ANY additionalcourses in English, speech, classics, rhetoric, linguistics, etc. You do not need to request an articu-lation evaluation for nonscience courses.

7. I took courses on the semester system, but UC Davis is on the quartersystem. How do I convert the units?

Unit value may not match exactly from college to college; therefore, course content must beevaluated. If you are attending a California public college, always refer to the ASSIST Web site(www.assist.org) to produce a listing of courses at your school so you can be sure that you aretaking the correct courses. To convert semester units to quarter units, multiply the number of semester units by 1.5.

8. Does it matter how long ago the required course work was taken?

No, we do not have an expiration date on course work. There is no specific time limit on accep-tance of required courses; they count regardless of how long ago they were completed. You mayelect to take a course again to refresh yourself on the course content if many years have passedsince taking it originally. Grades for courses that have been retaken will be averaged in yourcumulative GPA.

9. I received a “C” or lower grade in one of the required science courses.Can I repeat the course for a higher grade?

Required science courses may be repeated only when the original grade was below a C-.The repeated grades will replace the original grades up to a maximum of 8 quarter units.Repeated required science courses in excess of 8 quarter units will be averaged with the originalgraded units. Repeated courses where the original grade received was a C- or better will not be calculated in the required science GPA but will be averaged with the original grade in the

cumulative GPA.10. Are my chances of admission better if I attend UC Davis as anundergraduate and/or take required science courses there?

No. Your chances of being admitted to our DVM program are not better if you attend college at UC Davis. You may attend any accredited college or university. We do not select applicants basedon the college they attend. We do not have a list of preferred colleges. However, we do considerthe overall educational quality of your college experience, challenge of the curriculum, length of time it took for you to complete a degree program, your course load (full time vs. part time), con-tinuity of program, employment during education, and so forth.

11. Does it matter where I attend college as an undergraduate?

No. It is impossible to fairly compare the academic programs of all colleges; therefore, we do not rank colleges or have a preference. Choosing a college is an important personal decision. Attenda college that provides a challenging curriculum in an environment where you will succeed aca-demically. Consider schools that offer strong science programs with majors that interest you andopportunities for extracurricular activities, and decide which school suits your needs best.

12. May I complete some of my courses at a community college?

Yes. The lower-division required science courses (general biology, general chemistry, organicchemistry and general physics), statistics, humanities/social sciences and required English coursesmay be completed at a community college. ALL upper-division course work (biochemistry, geneticsand physiology) MUST BE TAKEN at a four-year university at the junior/senior level. If you planto transfer from a community college to UC Davis as an undergraduate student to complete theremaining preveterinary requirements, contact the UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions Office orspeak with a counselor at your current college to inquire about the transfer process.

UC Davis InformationCampus Web Sites

n General Information: www.ucdavis.edu/

n Costs of attendance: www.pbo.ucdavis.edu/studentfees

n Academic programs:http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/UCDWebCatalog/Programs.html

n Special services for disabled students:http://drc.ucdavis.edu

n Financial Aid Office phone contacts:http://faoman.ucdavis.edu/phone.ht

n Accreditation:http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/UCDWebCatalog/appendix/accredi

Campus Visits

Arrange tours of the general campus bing Visitor Services, (530) 752–8111.

Tours of the William R. Pritchard VetMedical Teaching Hospital are availabreservation, (530) 752–1507.

Student Housing

On-campus housing and child care inmation/referral services are available

graduate students and students with faFor more information or an applicatiocontact: Student Housing Office, Uniof California, One Shields Avenue, D95616–8712; (530) 752–2033; hearinspeech-impaired: (530) 752–6TTY; hucdavis.edu; www.housing.ucdavis.ed

Davis offers a variety of off-campus hoptions. Apartments are the most plensource of student housing, followed bes, rooms in private homes, condominand mobile homes. The ASUCD ComHousing Listing Service (www.chl.ucedu) maintains a listing of rentals in Dand surrounding communities as wellselected referral sources for students to live in the community.

The Davis Conference & Visitors Cen Web site (www.yolocvb.org) has valuinformation about the City of Davis acommunity services for new memberthe Davis community.


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13. What should I choose as an undergraduate major? Do I have to majorin preveterinary medicine or animal science?

You may study or possess a degree in any major you like. You must, however, take the presites courses listed in ourGuide for Prospective Studentsregardless of the courses required in ymajor. A major in the sciences may better prepare you for the veterinary curriculum. Sincstudents will not be accepted to veterinary school due to limited available space, studentsbe prepared to pursue an alternate career goal. The majority of students accepted to our ppursue studies in the life or health sciences. Biology, animal science, zoology, and chemisthe most common majors.

14. Do all of the prerequisite courses need to be complete before I submitthe VMCAS application?

No. However, the majority of your required science course work must be completed by th you submit your VMCAS application so that we can appropriately evaluate your requiredGPA. If you are accepted to our DVM program, you must complete all required course wbefore you begin the program in late August. The grades you receive for courses that arepending when you submit your application (i.e., fall term grades) will not be used in yourcalculations that are used for consideration of admission.

15. Is it advantageous to take science courses beyond the required course work?

Taking additional courses will not increase your chances of being accepted to the DVM prHowever, having a background in the sciences and taking extra science courses may be be

in the veterinary curriculum should you be admitted to the program.16. May I use Advanced Placement (AP) credit to fulfill the prerequisitecourses?

If you have taken the Advanced Placement examination, and the number of units awardedsubject title appear on your college transcript for that course, AP credit may fulfill lower-course work: general biology, general chemistry, general physics, organic chemistry, Englstatistics and humanities/social sciences. If the AP units do not appear on your college tra

we will accept an official copy of your AP score report.

17. May I take courses pass/fail?

We do not encourage taking courses pass/no pass. Grade point averages are very importanthe evaluation process; therefore, the pass-fail grading option should be avoided, particulathe required sciences.

18. Are courses taken online or through extension programs acceptable?

Yes, as long as the courses are taken through an accredited college program and are equivin content to our required courses.

19. Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to be accepted to veterinary school?

Yes, you must have a bachelor’s degree by the end of the spring term prior to matriculatioDVM program.

UC Davis Principles of Community

The University of California, Davis, is first and foremost an institution of learning andeaching committed to serving the needs

of society. Our campus community reflects

and is a part of a society comprising allaces, creeds and social circumstances. Thesuccessful conduct of the university’s affairsequires that every member of the university

community acknowledge and practice theollowing basic principles: We affirm thenherent dignity in all of us, and we striveo maintain a climate of justice marked byespect for each other. We acknowledge that

our society carries within it historical anddeep-rooted misunderstandings and biases,and therefore we will endeavor to fostermutual understanding among the manyparts of our whole.

We affirm the right of freedom of expressionwithin our community and affirm our com-mitment to the highest standards of civilityand decency towards all. We recognize theight of every individual to think and speak

as dictated by personal belief, to expressany idea, and to disagree with or counteranother’s point of view, limited only byuniversity regulations governing time, placeand manner. We promote open expressionof our individuality and our diversitywithin the bounds of courtesy, sensitivityand respect.

We confront and reject all manifestationsof discrimination, including those basedon race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability,sexual orientation, religious or politicalbeliefs, status within or outside the university,or any of the other differences among peo-ple which have been excuses for misunder-standing, dissension or hatred. We recog-nize and cherish the richness contributed toour lives by our diversity. We take pride inour various achievements, and we celebrateour differences.

We recognize that each of us has an obli-

gation to the community of which we havechosen to be a part. We will strive to build arue community of spirit and purpose based

on mutual respect and caring.


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20. I’m a nontraditional and/or older student, and veterinary medicine isa second career. What steps should I take to pursue my new career choice?

Start by making sure veterinary medicine is right for you. Read ourGuide for Prospective Students and review our admission statistics to take note of competitive GPA’s, GRE scores and experiencehours. Get experience working/volunteering with a veterinarian to gain hands-on experience andconfirm that veterinary medicine is the appropriate career change for you. This can be done part time or full time based on your individual circumstances. If prerequisite course work needs to becomplete, locate colleges where the required courses are offered. Visit the ASSIST.org Web sitefor current articulation agreements to find out what courses you need to take at your selected col-lege. Courses may be taken during regular college sessions or summer sessions, or as eveningclasses, or Extension/Open Campus classes. Obtain your bachelor’s degree if you do not alreadyhave one and complete all prerequisites by the end of the spring term prior to matriculation in theDVM program. You must meet all preprofessional requirements regardless of the undergraduate orgraduate degrees you may already possess. Take the Graduate Record Examination and reviewour Web site for information about the application process.

21. Is there a minimum or maximum age to be admitted?

No, we do not have age limits. The average age of applicants accepted is 24 to 26. The agerange is typically 20 to 42.

22. What is the deadline to take the GRE?

The GRE must be taken by October 1 of the year you submit your application. Tests taken afterthis date will not be evaluated with the current year’s application. Information regarding the GRE

is available at www.ets.org.23. My GRE scores are more than 5 years old. Do I need to retake theexam?

Yes. The GRE must be taken within a five-year period prior to applying to veterinary school andmust include the Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing sections.

24. My GRE scores are not competitive (below 70 percent). Should I retakethe exam to improve my scores?

Yes, you should retake the examination to improve your scores if they are not competitive (typicallyin the 70th percentile for all three sections). When you take the GRE multiple times, we considerthe highest scores in each section for examinations taken within the five-year period. You shouldallow yourself plenty of time to study between taking exams to improve your scores. You may beable to make improvements by simply studying on your own or it may be beneficial to take aGRE-preparation course.

25. May I take the VCAT or MCAT instead of the GRE?

No. We do not accept any substitutions for the GRE.

26. How many veterinary experience hours do I need?

A minimum of 180 hours of experience with a veterinarian are required to have your applicationconsidered for admission; however, admitted applicants have an average of 3,000 hours of quality“hands-on” experience in the veterinary field. You are expected to have a realistic and appropriateperspective regarding the responsibilities of the veterinary profession. You must have experiencein your area of interest in veterinary medicine. It’s beneficial to have exposure to both large andsmall animal species. Your experience may come from a job or volunteer service. You may acquireexperience by working with veterinarians in private practice, farms, ranches, animal shelters, zoos,

aquaria, laboratories, etc.27. Do I need a letter of verification from every veterinary practice whereI have worked or volunteered?

No. You must record on your application the name, contact information, approximate number of experience hours and duties performed for all veterinarians. We do not require letters of verifica-

A five-story laboratory building houses sal research programs. Its design fosters claboration between faculty researchers, guate students and professional students.


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tion from these individuals.

28. What information should I include in the personal statement on theVMCAS application?

The personal statement should help the admissions committee(s) learn something persona you as an applicant, your background and interest in veterinary medicine, your understandthe veterinary profession and your career goals and objectives.

29. How many letters of evaluation do I need?

Three letters of evaluation are required for your application to be considered for admissionot necessary or beneficial to submit more than three letters. One to two evaluations shoufrom veterinarians with whom you have worked and who can evaluate your potential as anary professional. Of these letters, one should be from a veterinarian in your area of veterinterest (small animal, large animal, equine, etc.). Other letters may be written by veterinaprofessors, college instructors, research supervisors, or your academic adviser. You do notto have a letter written by a veterinarian from UC Davis. Letters are submitted to VMCAStronically. Make sure you read the VMCAS application instructions thoroughly for directielectronic submission.

30. Are interviews required?

Yes. All applicants being seriously considered for admission will be invited for an intervieInterviewees are selected based on academic achievement and subjective information provin their application. Interview notifications are typically e-mailed in February. Interviews conducted in person on the UC Davis campus in late February through March. Candidatesinterviewed individually by three to five members of the Admissions Committee and take30 minutes.

31. Where do I get an application for admission?

Applicants to UC Davis apply through the Veterinary Medical Colleges Application Servi(VMCAS). The online application is available at www.vmcas.org beginning in June. Fol

VMCAS application instructions very carefully. In addition, review the application informavailable on the UC Davis Web site for specific instructions regarding our requirements.

32. When is the deadline to submit an application?

The application deadline is October 1 for matriculation the following September. We acceapplications only during the application period available through VMCAS which is typicathrough October 1. Your chances of admission are not increased by submitting your applic

UC Nondiscrimination Policy

The University of California, in accordancewith applicable federal and state law anduniversity policy, does not discriminate onthe basis of race, color, national origin, reli-

gion, sex, disability, age, medical condition(cancer-related), ancestry, marital status,citizenship, sexual orientation, or status asa Vietnam-era veteran or special disabledveteran. The university also prohibits sexualharassment. This nondiscrimination policycovers admission, access and treatment inuniversity programs and activities.

Inquiries regarding the university’sstudent-related nondiscrimination policiesmay be directed to Margaret Heisel,(510) 987–9572.

Notice of Availability of theUC Davis Campus Security Report

As provided by the Jeanne Clery Disclosureof Campus Security Policy and CampusCrime Statistics Act of 1998, you are entitledto request and receive a copy of the SecurityReport for the University of California,Davis, campus. The report includes statisticsfor the past three years concerning crimesand incidents reported to campus securityauthorities (whether the crime occurred oncampus, in off-campus buildings or propertyowned or controlled by the university, or onpublic property adjacent to campus). The

report also provides campus policies andpractices concerning security—how to report sexual assault and other crimes, crimeprevention efforts, policies/laws governingalcohol and drugs, victims assistance pro-grams, student discipline, campus resourcesand other matters. You may obtain a copyof this report online by accessing thefollowing Internet address (http://police.ucdavis.edu/clery/index.htm) or by submit-ting a request to the UC Davis informationpractices officer.

Experts from the Wildlife Health Centerand Oiled Wildlife Care Network repairthe wing of an injured night heron. UCDavis veterinarians are often called uponto respond to cases that require rescueexperience or special skills.


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Guide forProspective Students

Office of the Dean (1409)School of Veterinary Medicine

University of CaliforniaOne Shields Avenue

Davis CA 95616-8734

ADDRESS SERVICES REQUESTED

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage PAID

UC Davis

For more information about the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine:

www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu

The University of California does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures orpractices. The university is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

No state or federal funds were used for production of this brochure, ©2009 Regentsof the University of California. For additional copies, contact the School of VeterinaryMedicine, Office of the Dean—Student Programs, (530) 752–1383.

guide 2010

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