Information for Pre-Veterinary Students
The only veterinary school in the state of Washington is Washington State University in Pullman. Residents of the states of Washington and Idaho as well as those certified by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) contract states have first preference for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU. International students are welcome to apply and are considered in the out-of-state applicant pool. A TOEFL score of > 650 is required.
College coursework required by WSU College of Veterinary Medicine
(1 year = 3 quarters = 2 semesters)
| 1 year of general chemistry with lab: |
BC CHEM& 161,162,163 (Previously CHEM 140,150,160) |
| 1 year introductory biology with lab: |
BC BIOL& 211,212,213 (Previously BIOL 201,202,203) |
| 1 year of physics with lab: |
BC Physics 114, 115, 116* |
| Math: |
MATH& 151 (Previously MATH 124) |
| Organic Chemistry: |
WSU Chemistry 345** |
| Biochemistry: |
WSU MBIOS 303 |
| Genetics: |
WSU MBIOS 301 |
| Statistics: |
WSU Stat 212, 412 or Psych 311 |
*In order to cover the required physics topics, students must take one year of physics at BC or one semester of physics at WSU, Phys 101.
**Students who enrolled in college prior to Fall of 2005 will not be required to take Chem 345 if they have completed BC Chem 231, 232, 243. "
English/Humanities: Beyond the required science courses, a broad humanities and liberal arts background is encouraged. Students may complete the general education requirements by earning the Associate of Arts and Sciences transfer degree. Students who complete the Associate in Science transfer degree will have to complete the WSU General Education Requirements after transfer. Assessment is required for English composition and math placement. Placement into lower English and math levels will increase the time needed to complete the prerequisites.
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Sample schedule for Bellevue College with AAS
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Fall
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Winter
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Spring
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Summer
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Year 1
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CHEM& 161 (6)
ENGL& 101 (5)
MATH& 151 (5)
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CHEM& 162 (6)
ENGL 201 (5)
Soc Science (5)
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CHEM& 163 (6)
Humanities (5)
Soc Science (5)
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Continuing work/
volunteer experience
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Year 2
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BIOL& 211 (6)
PHYS 114 (6)
Soc Science (5)
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BIOL& 212 (6)
PHYS 115 (6)
Humanities (5)
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BIOL& 213 (6)
PHYS 116 (6)
Humanities (5)
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Continuing work/
volunteer experience
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The above sample schedule provides 99 credits and does not include any lower math, English, or other classes which may needed to bring skills up to college level. MATH& 151, Calculus I, is preceded by MATH& 142, Pre-calculus II. Assessment is required for placement into all math classes above MATH 097. Classes may need to be taken during summer quarters in order to complete the prerequisites for veterinary medical school. Courses that are taught in sequence should be finished at the school at which they are begun. After transfer, students would complete requirements for their major, organic chemistry, statistics, biochemistry and genetics. Students who are planning to apply to several veterinary medical schools should check the prerequisites for all of the schools to which they plan to apply as requirements can vary. An entire year of calculus may be required.
College Major
Although a bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine, the majority of successful applicants have completed a degree and a bachelor's degree must be completed prior to obtaining the DVM. While students may pursue a bachelor's degree in any major, the majority of admitted students do have a degree in a science area. Those students with a degree in a non-science area should take an adequate number of upper division science courses to prove ability in this area. Students who plan to enter WSU's veterinary school without a bachelor's degree must complete WSU's general education requirements before admission to veterinary school. Students who complete the AAS direct transfer degree and transfer to WSU to complete a bachelor's degree will have satisfied the WSU general education requirements with the AAS.
Veterinary Experience
Ongoing work/volunteer experience in a veterinary medical setting is a must for veterinary school. Applicants are awarded points for experience based on quality and breadth. The admissions committee is looking for evidence of broad exposure to veterinary medicine. Experience should include working with many types of animals, such as zoo animals, wildlife, companion animals, livestock and laboratory animals. This experience can be gained through exposure to private practice, public practice, research and general experience with animals.
GPA
The average cumulative GPA of admitted students in 2007 was 3.71, the average science GPA was 3.65. To be competitive, the GPA in the required science courses should be at least 3.50. If you repeat a course, both the initial grade and the repeat grade will be included in the grade point average regardless of the policy of your home institution.
Graduate Record Exam
Scores from the Graduate Record Exam must be submitted with application. The test is offered only by computer and must be scheduled in advance. The test must be taken no later than October 1 of the year before matriculation. Average GRE score for the 2007 class was 55%.
Application
Application materials are available on the College of Veterinary Medicine website: www.vetmed.wsu.edu Washington, Idaho and WICHE students are encouraged to apply in this manner. Students who are applying to multiple veterinary medical schools may apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service, www.aavmc.org/vmcas.htm.
Websites for more information
Washington State University www.wsu.edu
WSU College of Veterinary Medicine www.vetmed.wsu.edu
American Association of American Veterinary Colleges www.aavmc.org
For advising, come to the BC Science Division office, L 200 or call 425-564-2321.
BC reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. Please visit http://bellevuecollege.edu/equal.asp
Bellevue College
Bellevue College Advising Center
Bellevue College Science Division
This page most recently modified on July 14, 2009.