Admissions Information
Admissions Information
Admissions Information
Last Updated on 9/21/23
Welcome to the Admissions website for the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University. Here you will find information about applicant eligibility, admissions requirements, and the stages of our selection process. Our holistic review process aligns with our mission to prepare future veterinarians to serve society in a multitude of roles. To that end, we aim to admit a diverse group of students that will thrive in a rigorous and synergistic learning environment and upon graduation be well prepared to serve a diverse society. We hope you are as excited as we are about the future of Veterinary Medicine in New Jersey!
Please note: The DVM program is still under development, and as such, these admissions standards are subject to change. We recommend you check this website often.
Eligibility Criteria
- All candidates must have completed a minimum of 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All course grades will be used in the calculation of the overall GPA including any repeated courses and graduate courses.
- Prospective international students must show proof of English language proficiency according to the Rowan University English Language Policy http://sites.rowan.edu/international/englishlanguagepolicy.html
- A baccalaureate degree is not required for admission, but most successful candidates will have completed an undergraduate degree prior to matriculation.
- No minimum number of hours of documented animal or veterinary experience is required. However, it is strongly recommended that applicants have a demonstrated understanding of the veterinary profession and evidence of exposure to varied animal and veterinary experiences will strengthen an application.
- Standardized tests such as the the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and the CASPer test are not required for admissions and will not be evaluated during admission decisions.
Prerequisities
- The following courses must be completed prior to matriculation. A maximum of two prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed and transcripts submitted prior to July 31st of the year of planned matriculation.
- Applicants must have received a minimum of C or equivalent grade in all prerequisite courses to fulfill these requirements.
- We understand that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some courses may have been graded as Pass/Fail. Prerequisites completed during the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2020, and/or for Spring 2021 semesters that were graded as Pass/Fail will be accepted providing a “Pass” grade was achieved. Laboratory components of prerequisites that were delivered online will only be accepted if taken during this time period. After Spring 2021, online courses will only be accepted for non-laboratory components of prerequisites.
- Math (3 semester credit hours)
- The math requirement is met with 3 credits of calculus I or higher-level math course, or statistics, or physics.
- The math requirement is met with 3 credits of calculus I or higher-level math course, or statistics, or physics.
- General Biology* (8 semester credit hours)
- Two semester courses in biology with a laboratory component is required. Upper-level biology courses may be substituted but the same courses cannot be cross-listed with the upper-level biology requirement below.
- Two semester courses in biology with a laboratory component is required. Upper-level biology courses may be substituted but the same courses cannot be cross-listed with the upper-level biology requirement below.
- Upper-Level Biology* (6 semester credit hours)
- Two upper-level biology (200-level or above) courses are required. These courses must be in the areas of anatomy, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, virology, or zoology. If uncertain, use the following database https://sites.rowan.edu/registrar/transferring-credits/transfer-credit-evaluation-database.html. Please ensure that the course is eligible to transfer to Rowan University at the 200 level or above.
- Two upper-level biology (200-level or above) courses are required. These courses must be in the areas of anatomy, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, virology, or zoology. If uncertain, use the following database https://sites.rowan.edu/registrar/transferring-credits/transfer-credit-evaluation-database.html. Please ensure that the course is eligible to transfer to Rowan University at the 200 level or above.
- Genetics* (3 semester credit hours)
- This course must include both Mendelian and molecular genetics.
- This course must include both Mendelian and molecular genetics.
- General Chemistry* (6 semester credit hours)
- Two semester courses in chemistry with a laboratory component is required.
- Organic Chemistry* (4 semester credit hours)
- One-semester sequence of organic chemistry with laboratory is required.
- One-semester sequence of organic chemistry with laboratory is required.
- Biochemistry* (3 semester credit hours)
- A one-semester course without a laboratory will meet the minimum requirement.
- English (6 semester credit hours)
- Advanced placement credit may be accepted for up to 3 credit hours, but one college level course on composition or technical writing is required.
- Advanced placement credit may be accepted for up to 3 credit hours, but one college level course on composition or technical writing is required.
- Social Science or Humanities (6 semester credit hours)
* There is no recency requirement for science prerequisites. However, to succeed in a veterinary medical curriculum, students require a solid foundation of knowledge of the biological sciences. This is important to consider if there has been an extended period of time between when prerequisites were completed and applying for the program.
Selection Process
SSVM is committed to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality veterinary education. In keeping with institutional diversity efforts, SSVM will foster an inclusive climate that does not discriminate based on factors including but not limited to race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural and socioeconomic background, national origin, and disability consistent with applicable laws.
Stage 1: Verification of Application Information
For our inaugural year we will be accepting applications through an online portal. The application portal will open once the SSVM has been granted Reasonable Assurance by the AVMA Council on Education.
In subsequent years, we anticipate applications will be via the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) http://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/how-to-apply/
When available, applicants are strongly encouraged to start their application early as the closing dates will be adhered to without exception.
During Stage 1, all information in the application including transcripts, letters of reference, and prerequisite coursework will be verified. Only applicants that meet the eligibility criteria and prerequisite requirements will advance to the next stage.
Stage 2: Application Review
In this stage applicants will be evaluated and scored based on academic and non-academic performance.
Academic Performance – 35 points
Evidence of academic ability to succeed in the demanding 4-year program will be gathered from academic transcripts. All course grades, including repeated courses, will be factored into the Overall GPA and last 45-hour GPA. The highest grade in a course that satisfies the prerequisite requirement will be used to calculate prerequisite GPA.
- Overall GPA
- Prerequisite GPA
- Last 45-hour GPA
Non-Academic Performance – 65 points
While academic performance is an important metric when selecting students for a rigorous medical curriculum, it is only one determinant of what constitutes success as a veterinary student and ultimately, as a veterinarian. SSVM uses a holistic approach to identify individuals who have the attributes necessary to meet the SSVM mission to develop skillful, confident, and compassionate veterinary professionals in a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment that values trust, respect, empathy, and public service. Criteria reviewed include, but are not limited to the following:
- Personal statements
- Letters of reference
- Understanding of the profession including breadth and depth of animal and veterinary experiences
- Awards and achievements
- Community service
- Experiences outside veterinary medicine
The top ranked candidates from Stage 2 will advance to Stage 3.
Stage 3: Interview
Interview - 25 points
Interviews will use a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and be conducted virtually.
MMIs are short, structured interviews used to assess personal attributes and behaviors considered important to being a veterinarian. These attributes include communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities as well as important characteristics including empathy, honesty, and reliability.
Stage 4: Final Ranking
Candidates that complete Stage 3 will advance to Stage 4 and receive a final score based on the sum of scores from the application review and interview:
- Academic Factors 35 points
- Non-Academic Factors 65 points
- Interview 25 points
- Total possible points 125 points
The final candidates will be selected from two pools; in-state and out-of-state. We anticipate approximately half of the student body will be New Jersey residents and half will be from out of the state. Click here for Rowan University’s New Jersey Residency policy.
The Committee on Admissions makes final recommendations to the Dean for approval and the Dean will extend offers of admission to the selected candidates.
Financial Preparation
Pursuing a DVM degree is a professional, personal, and financial investment. Adhering to Rowan University’s strategic pillars of affordability and quality, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine is committed to delivering a high value educational experience.
We encourage prospective students to familiarize themselves with the cost of a DVM education and financially prepare for this journey using tools and services such as the AAVMC Cost Comparison.
Scholarships will be available via a competitive application process to help reduce the student educational costs.
In-state tuition rates will be available for admitted New Jersey resident students. See residency requirements for tuition purposes online. Please note, students admitted as non-residents cannot change their status (i.e. they will remain at the non-resident tuition rate) during the course of their DVM program.
State Licensure
Veterinarians practicing in the State of New Jersey apply for their license through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Further information on that process can be found at https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/vet/Pages/applications.aspx. For veterinarians seeking to work in another state, the appropriate page on that state's Board of Veterinary Medicine website will provide more specific detail on that process.