- Why choose CSU's Veterinary Program?
The Professional Veterinary Medical Program at Colorado State University has an outstanding reputation and is ranked #2 by U.S. News and World Report. Please click here for links to our quality programs and learning opportunities.
- How long will I be attending college? At least six years of college course work are required to obtain the doctor of veterinary medicine degree. However, you are encouraged to pursue and complete a baccalaureate degree that includes your preveterinary requirements as a means of enhancing career opportunities. Very few students are admitted with only two years of undergraduate courses - most will have completed a four year baccalaureate program by the time they matriculate in the DVM program. The professional veterinary medical curriculum is four years of prescribed course work in both basic biomedical sciences and clinical training.
- May I visit CSU and the veterinary school facilities?
Yes. There are several ways and opportunities for you to visit our facilities.
Open House, all ages : Each year, the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) is open to the public (children and larger groups, such as school groups are welcome to attend!). The 2010 Open House will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 9 & 10, 2010 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
High School or Transfer students who plan to attend Colorado State University for their undergraduate education (These categories of student visits do not include a tour of the VMC)
i. Visit Days -The CSU general undergraduate Admissions Office hosts several Visit Days for high school students who are considering Colorado State University as their undergraduate degree institution. In conjunction with these Visit Days, it is possible to tour the Veterinary Hospital by making additional arrangements (www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/cvmbs/HospitalTours.htm).
ii. Daily Information Sessions Campus Tours - held Monday through Friday at 9:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and are followed at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. by a student-led walking tour of campus. Information Sessions and Campus Tours are also offered on select Saturdays during the academic year. Reservations are required and are taken on a space available basis. Reservations can be made through the Admissions Visit Calendar or by calling the Office of Admissions at (970) 491-6909.
iii. Preveterinary Advising - If you have questions about the preveterinary program at CSU, please email us at Pre-Veterinary Adviser, Ann Bowen and we will respond by email, phone or a suggestion for an in-person appointment.
Prospective DVM students (plus parents and/or significant others; no children under 14]). Tour visitors will be confirmed and scheduled for our Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4 PM tours by calling 970-297-1269. The Veterinary Medical Center is located at 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, Colorado.
Currently applying or admitted DVM candidates : If you are actively completing the VMCAS and Colorado Supplemental Application to the veterinary program and have specific admissions questions, or if you would like to arrange an appointment with an admissions adviser, please email: DVMAdmissions@colostate.edu . Candidates who have been offered a position in the program should contact Janet Janke for information about setting up a visit agenda.
- How much does it cost to attend veterinary school?
Several years ago, the College estimated the cost of educating a veterinary student
to be approximately $45,000 per year. Approximately $8,000 of this amount is
offset by revenues generated by the college through its teaching hospital and the
generous support of donors. The remaining approximately $37,000 is divided into
tuition (and university fees) and a support fee. The tuition and university fees for first, second and third year veterinary students is approximately $18,858 for 2009-10. The tuition and student fees for fourth year veterinary students are pro-rated on a per-credit basis, determined by their selection of specific courses. Depending on a
veterinary student's "Tuition Classification," s/he will pay ONLY tuition (and
university fees), while his/her sponsoring state pays the support fee ($28,100 for
2009-10). If the student's state pays the support fee (WICHE and Colorado
students), they are called "Sponsored" students. If the student's state does not pay
the support fee (all other students), they are personally responsible to pay
both the tuition and support fee. Please click here for details about Tuition
Classification.
- Does it matter where I obtain my undergraduate degree?
Essentially, no, but it will be necessary for you to take the required prerequisite courses, and you will need to provide evidence that you can handle a rigorous upper division science curriculum. It would be to your advantage to select an institution that offers the required courses plus additional upper division science courses as part of an undergraduate degree program. In the end, choosing a college or university is a very personal and important decision, and you should weigh a variety of factors including, location, cost, available areas of study, quality of educational experience, recreational activities, weather, extracurricular experiences, and scholarships, to name a few.
- Are my chances of admission to CSU's veterinary program better if I attend CSU as an undergraduate?
No. You may attend any accredited college or university. We do not have preferred schools from which we select applicants. We do, however, consider your overall academic history, including credit load, work load, grades, academic rigor, etc.
- How can I be sure that the courses I take will fulfill the preveterinary requirements?
To determine whether a course at your college is the equivalent of the requirement, a comparison of course content as described in the college catalog or bulletin will usually suffice. If an exact equivalent is not available at your college, the most nearly equivalent course in terms of content, level, and credits should be taken. If the college where you are enrolled does not offer an equivalent course, it is still your responsibility to take the course or a course of another title with similar content and level, perhaps in the summer, at another post secondary institution. A good guideline when a question of equivalency arises is to take the higher-level course. Genetics and other subjects in advanced biology may be covered as part of some other course (an example might be as sections of a full year, upper-division course "Frontiers of Biology"), but the fact that these subjects were covered at substantially the same level of difficulty, content, and hours of lecture and lab as the same courses recommended for Colorado State preveterinary students should be documented by the applicant. The genetics course you take must require a lower division biology course as a prerequisite, and the biochemistry course must require organic chemistry as a prerequisite. A course titled "Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry" usually will not fulfill the biochemistry requirement. If you are accepted into the program, transcripts with final grades, including all required courses, must be received in the Dean's Office by July 15 preceding fall enrollment in the professional program.
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- Is there a preferred undergraduate major?
Your choice of a degree-oriented major depends on your academic and vocational interests within veterinary medicine and on your alternate career plans. It is possible to fulfill preveterinary requirements and at the same time complete departmental requirements for almost any science major; however, students can have any degree as long as they have completed required courses. Since most preveterinary students are interested in the biological sciences and/or in working with animals, they tend to major either in basic sciences (e.g., zoology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology) or in sciences as applied to working with animals (e.g., wildlife biology, animal sciences). Students are encouraged to select a baccalaureate program as early as possible in order to fulfill the requirements of their chosen departmental major. Selection of a major is also important for establishing alternative goals and/or for enhancing specific career options.
- I'm a non-traditional student, and veterinary medicine is a second career choice for me. What steps should I take to pursue my new career choice?
Start by making sure veterinary medicine is right for you. Gain experience working or volunteering with a veterinarian to obtain hands-on experience. If prerequisite courses need to be completed, explore colleges in your area to see if the required courses are offered. Take the Graduate Record Exam. Read all of the preveterinary and admissions material on our web sites.
- What are some common rumors about admission to the DVM program? Click here to see a list of "wild rumors" collected by our preveterinary advisors.
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Who is eligible for admission?
Admission to the professional veterinary medical program at Colorado State is open to all students.
- How do I apply?
The CVMBS requires electronic submission of the VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service), the Colorado Supplemental Application, and three letters of reference. To access the applications, click here.
- How much does it cost to apply?
For information about the fees associated with submitting the VMCAS application, go to http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas_fees.htm . The application fee for the Colorado Supplemental Application is $60. You may pay online at time of submission by electronic check or by credit card.
- What if my name has changed?
If, during the course of your studies, your name has changed, notify VMCAS and the CVMBS Office of the Dean of all names under which documents (transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation) may be received. Be sure to list all former names in the appropriate area of the application. If you are hyphenating your last name, we need to know. Email all name/contact information changes to janet.janke@colostate.edu
- What is the deadline for submitting my application?
Both your VMCAS and Colorado Supplemental Applications must be submitted online by October 2. (The Colorado Supplemental Application must be submitted online by 10:00am MDT, e.g. Colorado time). All supporting documents must be postmarked no later than October 1.
- How do I apply to one of the combined programs (MBA/DVM, MPH/DVM or DVM/PhD)?
Applicants to the combined programs apply to the professional veterinary medicine program by completing the VMCAS and Colorado Supplemental Applications (and same deadlines). On the CSU supplemental application, complete the section and narrative for the combined program relative to your interests. For additional information, please refer to the specific websites for each program:
MBA/DVM
MPH/DVM
DVM/PhD
- How does an applicant become eligible to apply for a Colorado position?
Applicants who are domiciled (not the same as "residency") in Colorado for one year or more prior to the first day of class of matriculation in the veterinary program are eligible to be included in the Colorado pool, and if qualified, will have their obligation to pay a support fee funded by the State of Colorado. Typically, a candidate moving to Colorado by July prior to the fall when submitting the application should have enough time to establish Colorado domicile for purposes of applying for a Colorado position. For information about establishing domicile, go to the tuition classification website. Questions concerning eligibility for Colorado support should be directed to the Colorado State University Office of Student Financial Services, 103 Administration Annex (970)491-6321, X2. Please specify that you are applying to the DVM program.
- Do you accept out-of-state and international students? How many positions are available for these students?
CSU accepts out-of-state (non-WICHE) and international students. There are typically between 20-30 non-sponsored positions available to incoming students.
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- Are there additional application procedures for international applicants?
Additional procedures may be required for international applicants. The TOEFL examination is required for all foreign applicants from a country whose primary language is not English. The minimum TOEFL score for unconditional admission is 213 (computer-based), 550 (paper-based), 80 (internet-based) or 6.0 (IELTS). Official scores, taken within two years prior to admission, must be submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service. Students are exempted from the TOEFL requirement if the official language of their country is English or they have recently earned a degree at an American university.
All foreign transcripts must be processed through one of the following services (one-semester study abroad or semester at SEA courses are exempt from this requirement) |
World Education Services
PO Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087
(212) 966-6311
http://www.wes.org/
|
Joseph Silny & Associates Inc.
International Education Consultants
7101 SW 102 Avenue
Miami, FL 33173
(305) 273-1616
http://www.jsilny.com/ |
American Assn. of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers
International Education Services
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20036-1135
(202) 296-3359
http://www.aacrao.org | Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
PO Box 514070
Milwaukee , WI 53203-3470
(414) 289-3400
http://www.ece.org |
Applicants must contact the service to request an application, complete the application listing the PVM program, Office of the Dean, CSU (see address above) as the recipient, and return it to the service with the required fees and transcripts. The transcript evaluation service will forward its evaluation and grade conversion report to CSU. Note that this can take up to four weeks to complete after all documents are received. Check with the service(s) for their specific fee structure(s).
- If I studied abroad for a semester, do my transcripts have to be evaluated by the foreign transcript services?
No. Your study abroad semester should be present on your home institution transcript. If prerequisites are taken at the institution abroad, the courses, credits and grades received will need to be listed on your home institution transcript. If they are not, please ask your Registrar's office or your adviser to write a letter stating the courses, credits and grades received. Submit this letter to the Dean's Office. If courses taken abroad are non-science courses and they do not appear on the home institution transcript, you may self-report the courses, credits, and grades in the Special Circumstances Section of your application and send an email to DVMAdmissions@colostate.edu
- What is the WICHE program all about?
Certified residents of the following cooperating Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states: Arizona , Hawaii , Montana , Nevada , New Mexico , North Dakota , Utah , and Wyoming are eligible to compete for WICHE positions. Because there are no veterinary programs in these states, their state legislators have opted to join the WICHE program. Accepted WICHE students pay only tuition and fees; the state pays their support fees (in most cases). In order to be eligible for financial support, contact must be made with the state certifying officer each year for residency certification. In most states, the deadline for receiving completed applications for residency certification is October 15 of the year preceding admission. The number of positions supported by each WICHE state is limited, and some states have pay-back and/or return-to-practice stipulations. Certification by a WICHE state is not a guarantee of admission to the professional veterinary medicine program.
Contact information for the WICHE certifying officers can be found at http://www.wiche.edu/SEP/PSEP/cert-off.htm
- What test is required?
The General Aptitude section of The Graduate Record Examination is required. The advanced biology subject test is not required. In cases where the applicant has taken the GRE at an earlier date and believes the score can be improved on retesting, s/he may retake the test. However, all scores from all GRE exams taken in the last five years should be reported. Test scores with dates earlier than October 1, 2004 will not be accepted. If you have had any name changes between an original test and a retest be sure to provide all names under which you took the test.
Applicants will be asked to self-report their exact scores on the supplemental application. It is the applicant's responsibility to schedule the test early enough so that s/he can enter her/his scores into the Colorado Supplemental Application before the online submission deadline date of 10:00am MDT, October 2.
The applicant must also have GRE send official scores directly to CSU as soon as the test is taken . Official scores will be used to verify all applicant self-reported scores before offers are made. Applicants who self-report incorrect scores may be denied admission. OFFICIAL GRE scores are to be sent by ETS directly to Colorado State University ( Institution Code - R4075, Department Code - 0617) no later than November 15 of the year applying.
For regulations about reporting GRE scores from earlier test administrations, applicants are advised to study the GRE Information Bulletin which is available at most college testing centers or from GRE-ETS, P. O. Box 6000, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6000 or access the GRE online info @ http://www.gre.org . At Colorado State University, the Testing Center, C82 Clark Building, supplies these Bulletins.
- Is a bachelor's degree required for admission to CSU's veterinary program?
No. A minimum of 60 semester credits (multiply quarter credits by 0.67 to convert to semester credits) of acceptable college work are required for admission to the professional program. Courses taken fall and spring of the academic year prior to anticipated admission may be counted as part of the required minimum credits for admission. Required course work scheduled to be completed after the fall semester prior to matriculation in the veterinary program must be completed so that final grades are received in the Office of the Dean by July 15 of that same year.
Any grade less than C- in a required course is considered unsatisfactory and the course cannot be accepted to fulfill a requirement. Applicants can fulfill the requirement by repeating the same course, or by substituting a higher-level course in the same field as that of the required course.
- Must I complete all required courses before I can apply?
Candidates may apply before completing all required courses. An applicant who is admitted without evidence of completion of all requirements will receive a provisional admission. Evidence of satisfactory completion of requirements must be received in the Dean's Office by July 15 prior to the fall of matriculating in the DVM program.
- Is there a limit of how "old" my courses can be ?
There is no specific time limit regarding acceptance of required courses. However, if the majority of course work is 10 years or older, some indication as to the current proficiency of the applicant in the basic sciences (genetics and biochemistry) may be required, as demonstrated by more recent course work in a related field, employment, or professional activities. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to require that applicants deemed insufficiently prepared for the professional program successfully pass more recent courses in the required sciences.
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- What is an "official" transcript? When and where do I send it?
One official transcript of academic records from ALL colleges and universities attended must be provided by October 2 of the year applying and evidence given that all course requirements will be completed by the following July 15 prior to fall entry into our program. An "official" transcript is one that is received in a sealed envelope sent directly from a college or university Registrar's office to the applicant or to Colorado State University, Professional Veterinary Medical Program, CVMBS Office of the Dean, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1601. If received by the applicant, this transcript should be left in the original sealed envelope and sent with all other supporting documents to the Dean's Office. Even if you previously applied, you must resubmit all official transcripts to the Dean's Office. Fall Transcripts: Only offered and alternate candidates are required to send fall transcripts. Fall transcripts must be received in the Office of the Dean by January 20, 2010. Denied applicants DO NOT need to send fall transcripts. Notification of decisions for WICHE applicants will be in mid-late January. WICHE applicants should wait for notification before sending fall transcripts. Transcripts from applicants attending international schools must be submitted for evaluation as described above (#19).
- What grade point average (GPA) is necessary to be admitted?
Grades are important in evaluating applicants, but there is no established minimum GPA. Emphasis is placed on evidence of the candidate's ability to handle a rigorous upper division science curriculum. Preveterinary grades, particularly in the biomedical sciences, are the best predictors of successful completion of the professional curriculum. The average admitted GPA of last year's accepted class was approximately 3.6. Given the current statistics, few applicants are admitted with a GPA of less than 3.2. Any grade less than C- in a required course is considered unsatisfactory and cannot be accepted to fulfill a requirement. All courses ever taken during college will be listed on the application in the proper section, including those in which you received an F or D or Incomplete and those from which you withdrew or repeated.
- In evaluating my grades, will the fact that I took a heavy course load (honors, non required challenging courses, etc.) or worked while attending classes be considered?
Yes, the Admissions Committee understands that there are differences in the way academic histories are established. They will evaluate the quality of each applicant's academic program as well as grades earned in college courses. Credit load, work load and rigor of curriculum will be considered. Conversely, those who have a pattern of incompletes or withdrawals from difficult courses, who regularly took low credit loads (without concurrently working), or who minimally fulfill requirements, will be acknowledged as having a lower quality of academic program.
- Should I retake courses to raise my GPA?
In the application review process at CSU, points are not assigned to an applicant's cumulative GPA. In fact, no points are assigned to any part of the application. Instead, the application is assessed using a holistic process. Therefore, it is best to retake a course only if it is a prerequisite and you did not receive at least a C- grade as required, or you did not understand the concepts covered and as a result would not be able to continue in other upper level courses in that content area. A better alternative to improve your academic background is to continue to take upper level science courses.
- Must I have worked for a veterinarian?
There is no minimum animal or veterinary experience requirement; however, in choosing applicants, the Admissions Committee looks for those who have gained an understanding of animals and of the profession through participation in such activities as 4H, Medical Explorer scouts, and through paid or volunteer work on farms or ranches, in kennels, animal shelters, laboratories, zoos, and/or veterinary clinics. Much of this experience may be gained prior to entry into college. The average applicant has accumulated over 1000 hours working with a veterinarian and another 1000 hours working with animals in other capacities. If you are lacking practical experience in working with animals or in the veterinary medical field, it would be to your advantage to acquire the experience as soon as possible. Upon application to veterinary school, a reference from a veterinarian is highly recommended. Applicants should become acquainted with a veterinarian who would be able to evaluate motivation toward and understanding of the profession. Most applicants have worked (either for pay or as a volunteer) with a veterinarian in order to gain a realistic perspective of professional service. You should list all such work experiences on the application even if the work was done voluntarily or for course credit. Keep in mind that veterinarians work in many different settings. Exposure to non-practice careers is also helpful.
- Why should I participate in extracurricular activities?
Since almost all animals treated by veterinarians have human owners with whom the DVM will have to communicate effectively, the profession seeks new members who are not only interested in animals, but who also enjoy a high level of contact with people. Social involvement is a behavioral indication of social interest and communicative skill. Involvement outside the classroom in activities such as clubs or in service organizations gives evidence of leadership ability, social skills, energy, motivation, enjoyment of social contact with other people, and a desire to serve the community. Typical examples of community service include working with youth in a Big Sister/Big Brother organization, pet visitations to nursing homes, raising money for charities, etc.
- What references are needed?
Three completed electronic VMCAS reference forms are required. CSU requires ALL letters of recommendation be submitted electronically. The Committee's recommendation is one from a DVM, one from a college advisor/professor and one from a recent employer; however, you should use your best judgment on your selection of your references. If our office receives more than three electronic references, the Admissions Committee will view only three by matching to the three names on your Colorado Supplemental Application. Committee Letters cannot be accommodated in an electronic format. (Please see VMCAS website at www.aavmc.org for instruction).
- Will more than three references or additional letters be helpful to my application?
No. In the interest of fairness, and to be sure that all applicants receive equal consideration, only three references will be used in the evaluation.
- May I see my references?
Some people object to writing references if they will be seen later by the applicant. Others may allow you to see the reference or give you a copy of the form after they complete it. The Admissions Committee has no objection to your seeing your references after the evaluation cycle is completed, as long as you have not waived your rights to see the evaluations. Please see the VMCAS website at www.aavmc.org for further instructions.
- What are disadvantaged circumstances?
Consideration may be given to applicants who claim economic, educational, or cultural/environmental disadvantage. If you think you have been significantly disadvantaged, you are encouraged to attach an explanation to your application. Disadvantage can vary greatly among individuals. Economic factors include: a demonstrated history of low income of applicant and family unit prior to college entrance and preveterinary education; level of financial support provided by applicant to the family unit prior to and during preveterinary education; if applicant has a major financial responsibility to a household; and history of financial aid. Educational factors include: inadequate early education because of frequent change of schools during elementary and secondary education; unusual number of hours of employment or necessitated other time commitments for supporting self or family unit during high school and preveterinary education; lack of exposure to academic role models and of participation in sound educational programs. Cultural/environmental factors include: born to immigrant parents; reared in an ethnic minority culture; reared in a family with English as a second language; experienced cultural stress as a result of transition from a predominantly ethnic minority community to an academic environment; reared in an economically depressed area; reared by someone other than parents; reared in an environment lacking exposure to opportunities offered by higher education; reared in an environment of abuse such as alcohol, drugs, child abuse, and other physical abuse. If you have any questions regarding disadvantage claims, you may call the Assistant Dean for Admissions for confidential advice. Temporary physical illness, such as an episode of contagious disease or a broken bone, will not be considered a handicap or disadvantage. Giving up a high paying job to pursue a veterinary education is also not considered a disadvantage.
Age is not a factor in considering applicants. Though the average age of each entering class tends to be 24 or 25 years, the age range of new veterinary students tends to be from 21 to 46.
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- What if I am not accepted on my first attempt? Should I reapply the following year?
Each year, the Admissions Committee must deny many applicants because of a limited number of positions. Individual file reviews can be arranged with a member of the Admissions Committee through the CVMBS Office of Admissions. Appointments are scheduled from mid-January through June 30. These opportunities can help applicants pinpoint weaknesses in their applications. Depending on your ability to strengthen your application, you may wish to reapply the following year.
- How much does it cost to attend veterinary school?
Colorado and WICHE students pay approximately $16,547 per year for tuition and fees (their supporting states pay the support fee of approximately $28,100 per year). Non-sponsored students pay the tuition and fees plus the support fee, an amount of approximately $44,647. For up-to-date tuition and fees see: http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Registrar/tuitiongraduate.html
The Office of Student Financial Services provides total cost of education estimates for sponsored and non-sponsored students. Visit the Office of Student Financial Services' website for additional useful information.
- What kinds of loans, scholarships and grants are available for veterinary students?
There are several sources of funds potentially available to veterinary students, including loans, grants, college-based scholarships, and out-of-college scholarships. The college also provides a source of emergency loans in times of great need.
University loans and grants: The Office of Student Financial Services prepares a handout for veterinary students each year that outlines available university loans and grants . Visit their website for more details.
College-based scholarships and awards: The College awards over $1M dollars in college-based scholarships annually to its students. Though it varies each year, approximately 50% of the veterinary students who apply for scholarships receive a college-based scholarship. For a list of college-based scholarships click here.
Out-of-college scholarships and awards: As the Dean's Office is notified of scholarship announcements from outside sources, veterinary students are sent email alerts. In addition, many veterinary students find creative sources of funds via their own searches and efforts.
Emergency loans: CSU, the College, and the AVMA Auxiliary offer emergency loans to veterinary students in times of need. Some are short-term payback to help students get through until their next school loan arrives, some are longer term payback.
- Is it possible to work toward a research career while attending the veterinary medical professional program?
A combined DVM/PhD degree program has been established at Colorado State to meet the national need for veterinarians in biomedical research and teaching. Given the outstanding national reputation of our veterinary school in biomedical research, CSU is in an excellent position to effectively address this training need. Our seven-year program coordinates veterinary medical instruction with studies leading to a PhD degree in areas such as neurobiology, environmental health, microbiology, reproductive biology, pathology, physiology, oncology, public health, and radiation biology. The program is built upon the concept of a strong mentorship structure along with communication mechanisms in place to ensure student support, guidance, and focus. A core curriculum has been developed to enable appropriate integration of coursework with programmatic goals. Finally, financial incentives of the program include stipend and tuition packages during PhD training as well as the possibility of reduced veterinary school tuition in some cases. In order to apply for the program, complete the national VMCAS and CSU PVM supplemental applications. On the Colorado Supplemental Application, complete the section and narrative for the combined program. For additional information, please refer to the DVM/PhD website.
- What kinds of international opportunities are available?
For more information about International experiences for veterinary students, click here.
- Are business/management courses part of the curriculum?
Veterinary students take business/management courses part of the curriculum. In addition, students can pursue a business certificate program. The veterinary school also accepts up to five students per year in the MBA/DVM Program.
- Are wildlife, zoo, and exotic animals covered in the curriculum?
Exotics/Wildlife/Zoological courses and experiences are offered throughout the curriculum to enhance exposure for students interested in exotic veterinary medicine, e.g. elective classes on the anatomy and husbandry of non-mammalian species (1st year), medicine of non-mammalian species (3rd year), and medicine for small mammals (3rd year); service contracts with the Denver Aquarium; scheduled visits to the Denver and Cheyenne Mountain Zoos; current faculty research projects involving exotic cats, bats, and elk; Student Chapter of the Zoological Medicine Society.
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- Do students get any hands-on animal and clinical experience the first two years of the program?
There are many opportunities for first and second year veterinary students to obtain hands-on experience.
- Does the college help with preceptorship and job placement?
The College is one of only a couple of veterinary schools in the U.S. that provides a college-based Veterinary Career Specialist to assist students with obtaining work experiences while in veterinary school. The Veterinary Career Specialist also assists students with resume writing, looking for jobs, and relocation information. The College keeps updated searchable online listings of currently available preceptorships and jobs.
- Does CSU's veterinary program have tracking? What is tracking all about?
CSU does have a tracking system. The Senior Practicum training includes three major tracks, large animal practice, small animal practice, and general practice. Students choosing the small animal practice track have the option to use elective choices and free time to expand their education to include food animal medicine and surgery or equine medicine and surgery lecture courses. They may also allocate some of their elective time in the 4th year to rotations in areas outside small animal practice. Within the large animal practice track, students may elect to place greater emphasis on food animal medicine and surgery or equine medicine and surgery through selection of specific laboratories and clinical rotations. Students in the large animal practice track may also add small animal medicine and surgery courses and clinical rotations as electives to their program of study to obtain a broader education. The general track provides a balance of instruction and clinical experience in all areas, but requires greater individual creativity in designing elective rotations for increased focus and proficiency within specialty or species-specific practice areas.
- What kind(s) of academic and personal support are provided to veterinary students?
CSU is one of only a few veterinary schools in the U.S. that hires a full-time licensed psychologist exclusively to help veterinary students. The Dean's Office also provides academic assistance and free tutoring to students who may be having academic difficulties. In addition, the college faculty and staff have a reputation of being approachable and helpful to students in all kinds of circumstances.
- What is the class size, and how does it impact student experiences and learning? What is the student:faculty ratio?
The College admits 138 new students each year. During the first two years of the curriculum, many students attend basic science courses together (e.g. Immunology); however, students are purposefully placed in small groups for laboratories and other small group assignments, including Problem-based Learning. There are also many elective courses, where students are in small groups. During the junior and senior years, particularly when students are in clinical rotations, there may be as few as two or three students supervised by a clinician. Overall, students describe themselves as a cohesive group, and they often comment that they feel like a "big family." The student to faculty ratio is a remarkable 4.8:1.
- What is Problem-based learning, and does CSU provide PBL opportunities?
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional modality in which small groups of students work through clinical, case-based "problems"
with the aid of a faculty facilitator. The purpose of these exercises is to help students develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills, e.g. to "think like veterinary practitioners." In addition to PBL or PBL-like case discussions in individual courses throughout the curriculum, a PBL course is offered as an elective in the Spring of Sophomore year.
- Does CSU's Veterinary Program require a copy of the AP credits?
You do not need to send documentation of AP credits as long as they appear individually or as a group of credits on your transcript.
- If I answer "yes" to the criminal history question, will this affect my chances of admission?
The members of the Veterinary Admissions Committee do not view the answers to the criminal question. This part of the application is electronically transmitted to the general admissions office at CSU and is handled according to CSU policy. If you answered "yes" to the criminal history question, a group of professionals at the university level reviews your response and essay and determines if the nature of the specific crime would affect potential admission at CSU. Based on that review, the group notifies the Dean's Office in writing as to whether your potential enrollment at the University has been approved by the University. We place a copy of the notification letter in a separate file, and it is not viewed by the members of the Admissions Committee.
It will be your responsibility to check each state's veterinary licensing agency (for any state in which you wish to practice) to determine if your specific criminal record may limit or prevent licensure post graduation.
For additional information regarding the criminal history question, please see the general university admissions website:
http://www.conflictresolution.colostate.edu.
- When will I know?
- If you feel not much may be known about your school, please use the Special Circumstances section to provide information about your school that the Admissions Committee may find useful.
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In compiling these "Tips", the staff of the Dean's Office has attempted to address most of the typical questions of applicants who come into our office for information and advice. We hope that potential candidates to the professional program who live at a distance and cannot avail themselves of our service in person will find these comments helpful. Our goal is to be of assistance to preveterinary students and to their advisers throughout the western region served by Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
If you are within one year of application to PVM or have specific admissions questions not answered on the web site, email questions to: DVMAdmissions@colostate.edu
If you have general or preveterinary questions not answered on the web site, email questions to: PreVeterinary Adviser, Ann Bowen
