Information for Families

The CVM Admissions Committee uses a holistic admissions approach when reviewing applicants. We value academic excellence, strong communication and superb critical thinking skills, adaptability, resilience, and other important interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities. Your child can learn and demonstrate these skills by taking challenging courses in high school such as Advanced Placement classes or college courses at accredited two- or four-year institutions.

Encourage your child to develop strong study habits and time management skills. The ability to prioritize tasks and time management can be demonstrated through participating in volunteer opportunities or working part-time jobs. Most importantly, we encourage you to support your high school student in taking the initiative to pursue these educational and other opportunities independently.  This helps them build the independence, self-direction, and responsibility essential for success in veterinary school.

Yes, Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine accepts community college and online coursework from accredited institutions to meet prerequisite requirements.

However, the Admissions Committee strongly encourages students to complete laboratory courses or courses with a laboratory component in-person, as online formats may not adequately replicate hands-on laboratory experiences.

The Admissions Committee does not give preference to any specific major, including Animal Science, Biological Sciences, or a similar “Pre-Vet” baccalaureate degree. Prospective students are encouraged to choose a degree that supports both their veterinary school goals and an alternative career path, should they not pursue or gain admission to a DVM program.

The Admissions Committee focuses on the academic performance for the required coursework and the preparation for the rigorous veterinary program, not the major the student completed.

Pre-veterinary programs are available through Arkansas State University College of Agriculture and the Beck College of Science and Mathematics.  Both programs prepare prospective students for our DVM program. Links to these undergraduate programs are available on our Academic Admissions Factors page. 

The CVM Admissions Committee encourages students to choose a fully accredited institution that aligns with their academic goals and personal circumstances while also offering the prerequisite coursework needed to qualify for admission to Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The CVM Admissions Committee does not give preferential treatment to applicants from any specific college or university. Whether your child begins their post-secondary journey via dual enrollment, at a 2-year institution, or at a 4-year institution, their application will be fully considered.

Please refer to the Academic Admission Factors page for the complete list of required courses that must be completed before entry into the DVM program.

We do not require a specific type or number of hours of veterinary medicine or animal experiences. The Admissions Committee recommends prospective students gain a variety experiences to develop a broad understanding of the veterinary profession, learn about different animal species, and build both technical and soft skills.  Please visit the Nonacademic Admission Factors page for more information.

Tours of the College of Veterinary Medicine will be available in Fall 2026, once construction of the building is complete. Families and prospective students are welcome to attend the general campus tours of Arkansas State University.  The CVM will be a part of the larger A-State community, which offers ample study space, dining options, recreational opportunities through the Red W.O.L.F. Center, and more.

Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine (A-State CVM) fully considers all applicants, without bias, and regardless of disability status. We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity to all qualified students. We encourage parents to review our admissions requirements including the minimal essential functions and technical standards required for admissions into the DVM program.  The technical standards reflect the core abilities needed to ensure the safety of veterinary patients and are evaluated with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are available to support student success, provided they do not compromise the essential academic and professional requirements.

If you have concerns that your child may have difficulty meeting the minimal essential functions and technical standards required for entry to the DVM program, you are encouraged to consult with licensed medical and mental health professionals or other licensed professionals. This can better help a prospective student understand their current ability meet the program’s demands and, if required, find qualified, licensed professionals to work with to identify strategies for success in veterinary school and their future careers.

Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine welcomes questions from family members seeking general information. However, due to privacy regulations (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; FERPA), specific details regarding an applicant’s file can only be discussed with the student directly. We encourage you to support your student to reach out on their own. 

All American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council of Education (COE) provisionally or fully accredited veterinary programs are academically and emotionally rigorous. During the first three years of the program, your DVM student will be taking full days of classes, laboratory work, and hands-on skill training.  Most evenings and weekends will need to be devoted to studying and practicing hands-on skills. During the last year of the program, your DVM student will be learning full time by completing clinical rotations and externships in veterinary practices within Arkansas, the Midwest, and potentially nationwide.

With the academic rigor and the stress of being responsible for patients’ lives, some students may feel isolated from friends and family. Support can take several forms such as providing them encouragement, a listening ear, and patience when they spend time studying with their peers rather than participating in family activities. Additional ways of support include preparing meals or providing them a meal-kit subscription or University meal plan, or assisting with their pets.  You can remind them that it is okay to ask for help. Due to the rigors of the program, students may need help in veterinary school when they have not needed help before. Remind them to take breaks and try to spend some time with their families and spouses. Even small acts of support such as simply checking in regularly can make a significant difference.

A portion of orientation will be open to family members to help them better understand the veterinary program and how to support their student. There will be opportunities to answer questions from family as part of this orientation. We will provide more information directly to your veterinary student closer to matriculation.

Families are welcome to attend public events hosted throughout the year by Arkansas State University. These events can be viewed on A-State’s Campus Calendar.

Veterinary school may be the first time your student has needed to seek support. It is common for veterinary students to hesitate seeking support. Encourage an open dialogue about their challenges. Suggest they speak with the Office of Student Programs or a trusted faculty member, advisor, or counselor. The CVM is committed to student success and offers academic and mental health support.