VMD Admissions
There are many reasons to choose Penn Vet, including our history, our people, our location, our commitment to diversity, and our vision of what veterinary medicine can do for our world. Ready to join us?
Admissions Timeline
Dates & Deadlines
| Term | Application deadline | Decisions | Final Decisions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | September 15, 2025 | Status Update Jan 15, 2026 | Late February, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Mid-September, 2026 | Status Update Mid-January, 2027 | Late February, 2027 |
Steps toward your future
Application Process
Here are the three steps to guide you through the VMD application process. Make sure you read through these carefully!
Review Our Incoming Class Profile
Review our most recent incoming class profile to view class data, such as GPA and majors.
Review Our Matriculation Requirements
First, it’s a good idea to learn about our course requirements for matriculation if accepted and attending. You don’t have to complete all of the required coursework by the time you apply, but you’ll need to be prepared to complete everything when you are accepted.
Apply – Part 1
Penn Vet uses the Veterinary Medical College Application Service’s VMCAS application, offered by AAVMC, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. Review our application checklist, which will describe the application process step by step, as well as provide insights about what we are looking for from our applicants.
Traditionally, the VMCAS application is due September 15 (unless the 15th falls on the weekend). For applicants applying for entry in Fall 2025, the deadline is September 16, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.
Apply – Part 2
Once you’ve completed your VMCAS application, make sure you fill out and submit the Supplemental Information Form and send in your processing fee payment. This is a requirement of all applications to Penn Vet.
Access the Supplemental Information Form and Payment System for Fall 2025 entry will be available in May 2024.
If accepted, you’ll want to see the timeline and check out some interview tips to review.
Discover Our Campuses
Tips and Details
We require the VMCAS Personal Statement Essay as well as our Penn Vet specific Essays/Questions.
Applicants must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better for any courses that will be considered towards our Matriculation Requirements. The Matriculation Requirements do not need to be complete upon application submission in order for the student to be considered for admission. In fact we don’t audit requirements until an accepted applicant deposits to attend Penn Vet. Pass/Fail courses can be used towards Matriculation Requirements, but accepted students depositing to Penn Vet must provide an email/letter from an advisor to confirm the number grade in the course (C or above required).
For prospective applicants at colleges/universities on a Quarter system, please pay special attention to the conversion to Semester credits. Quarter conversions must be at or above the Semester credit requirement. Anything short, even by the smallest of fractions, will not meet the requirements. (Penn Vet conversion is: Qtr Units x .66 = Semester Credits.)
The percentage of students entering (not applying to) Penn Vet without having completed the bachelor’s degree is less than 1%. While we do consider junior year applicants (90 credits to matriculate), the more academic course work you have completed, the stronger the application specifically in science based (bio) courses.
We will accept AP credits toward matriculation requirements; however, your official college transcript must itemize the course and credits given.
The choice of additional courses (other than the above requirements) is left to you and your required curriculum set forth by the degree granting institution. We recommend taking as many science-based courses as possible prior to applying to Penn Vet (mainly biology, as the spectrum of available courses is closely related to medicine). Many of our applicants have at least 15 semester hours in biology and in many cases significantly more. Upper level biology courses with solid grades not only help show academic ability, but also help broaden your knowledge base.
While courses in the sciences are important for the application, we recommend that students also broaden their college years by taking courses in the humanities and social sciences. These courses don’t replace those recommended in the sciences, but supplement learning and growth that should be gained in your undergraduate studies.
Budget
Paying for your Education
All students, whether recently admitted or currently enrolled, should create a workable budget for tuition and educational fees, as well as living expenses and other costs incurred during their time as students.
Questions?
Always Welcome!
If you have questions about our matriculation requirements, or about any part of the application process, we’re here to help. Call us, email us, get in touch!
Phone: (215) 898-5434
Email: admissions@vet.upenn.edu