Academic Assessment - 30%
The academic assessment is based on both the applicant’s prerequisites (70%) and the overall GPA (30%).
GPA Requirements
A minimum overall GPA of 3.00 is required. For purposes of calculating GPA, MSU CVM does not use the plus/minus grading system. Each GPA is calculated using the traditional 4.0 scale with grades of “A” earning a student four quality points per credit hour. The overall GPA consists of all college/university courses taken at any accredited institution including graduate coursework. The prerequisite GPA consists of college/university courses that meet MSU CVM’s required prerequisite courses. If a course is repeated, the lower grade will be removed from the GPA and the highest grade will be used to compute both the overall and prerequisite GPAs. Repeated courses must be noted on the MSU CVM supplemental application.
The minimum overall GPA must be maintained throughout the application process (application through matriculation). All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C- or better by the end of the spring semester prior to matriculation.
Non-Academic Assessment - 30%
The ideal candidate has a balance of these non-academic qualifications:
- Understanding of veterinary profession
- Integrity
- Communication skills
- Empathy
- Orientation towards service
- Uniqueness
- Motivation/self-determination
- Strong work ethic
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership abilities
These qualifications are assessed through the applicant’s personal statement, personal responses to essay prompts, evaluations and letters from recommenders, and listed experiences. A thorough listing of animal and veterinary experiences, research experience, employment, extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, and awards/achievements should be explained in detail within the experience section of the VMCAS application. Please see “Application & Requirements" for more information.
Interview - 30%
Interview Selection
Based on the combined score from the academic assessment and the non-academic assessment, the top students in each of the three residency pools Mississippi (resident), West Virginia (contract resident) and At-large (non-resident) will be invited for an interview. All interview invitations will be sent by January of each year with interviews being held by late January to mid-February.
Interview Format
MSU CVM follows a traditional interview format with a 2-to-3-person panel. Each panel typically includes one Admissions Committee member, one MSU CVM faculty member and one practitioner. Each interview lasts approximately 30 minutes. The Admissions Committee member has access to the applicant’s file, but other panel members are provided with basic demographic information only, such as the applicant’s name, home state and primary college.
Committee - 10%
The MSU CVM Admissions Committee reviews applicant files through the completion of the interview process to ensure a holistic review. In each admissions component, the committee takes various factors into consideration. The committee considers academic factors, such as course load rigor, number of withdrawals and/or repeated courses, graduate-level or honors courses taken, etc. If the interview process uncovers information that was not seen within the application, the committee may address these components through this secondary approach.
Timeline
The VMCAS application opens 17 months prior to matriculation and is due 9 months prior to matriculation. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application at least one month in advance of the VMCAS deadline to ensure verification of their application. Academic and application reviews are completed between August and December. Interviews are a required component of the final selection process and typically takes place between late January to mid-February. All admission decisions are sent out by late February. All candidates who receive an offer of acceptance must respond by the National Decision Deadline (typically April 15th). Alternates are notified as a position from their appropriate residency pool becomes available.
Composition of the Class
MSU CVM has a class size of 116-118 students who are distributed among three residency pools: Mississippi (resident), West Virginia (contract), and At-large (non-resident).
The available seats are:
- Mississippi Residents: ~50-55
- West Virginia Contracts: 7
- Non-Resident: ~50-55
Residency
Prior to the final acceptance for admission, each successful applicant must enter a contract with the MSU CVM in which the applicant agrees and obligates himself/herself to pay the tuition, fees, and expenses applicable to the applicant's resident or non-resident status that exists at the time the applicant submits their VMCAS application. In addition, the applicant must agree and obligate himself/herself in the contract to continue to pay the tuition, fees and expenses during the applicant's entire MSU CVM DVM education experience that are applicable to that same initial status determination, thereby waiving any right to petition for a change in residency status for the purpose of calculating tuition.
Please be aware that the Office of the Registrar at Mississippi State University processes petitions for Mississippi residency. Applicants that wish to be considered a Mississippi resident must be certified prior to the submission of their VMCAS application. If not certified, the applicant will be placed within the non-resident pool for that particular application cycle.
An admitted applicant's status will not change for his or her entire MSU CVM veterinary medical educational period.
MSU CVM reserves the right to decline admission or rescind an offer of admission if a candidate is found to have falsified or concealed pertinent requested information at any point during the admissions process.
Contracts
MSU CVM has contracts with West Virginia. To be considered for these positions, applicants must contact their state agency and be certified as a resident of that state.
- West Virginia applicants should complete the form here.
- This program is processed through West Virginia University but is open to WV residents attending any institution.
Admissions Deposit
Upon accepting a position in the class, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold the position and may be credited toward tuition and fees at enrollment.
Deferments
If admitted, deferment requests are considered on an individual basis and must be requested prior to May 1st. Requests should contain information regarding why the applicant cannot begin the program during the current cycle, any documentation to support said reason, and further information stating what will occur during the deferment year to improve the circumstances.