Becoming a veterinarian requires hard work, dedication, and a love for animals. A critical step in this process is applying to veterinary schools, which can be overwhelming.
In the past, it was common for most veterinary schools to mandate applicants to submit their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as a component of the admission process. Nevertheless, in recent times, several veterinary schools have revised their admission policies and no longer require GRE scores.
If you're wondering what vet schools don't require the GRE, it's worth researching to ensure that you're fully informed about the latest admission requirements.
This article provides a comprehensive list of vet schools that don't require GRE scores, helping you find the perfect fit for your educational aspirations. We will also answer frequently asked questions about the GRE and veterinary school admission requirements.
Here is a list of the top ten GRE-free vet schools in the US.
Ranking: #1 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Davis, California
Acceptance rate: 14.8%
In-state tuition: $34,397 per year
The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the most renowned veterinary schools in the world. The school discontinued using GRE scores for its DVM program admissions in recent years, citing a desire to make the admissions process more equitable.
The school boasts a comprehensive curriculum and world-class research facilities, including the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and the One Health Institute.
UC Davis also offers a combined DVM/PhD. program for students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary research.
Ranking: #2 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Acceptance rate: 12%
In-state tuition: $40,458 per year
The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University is highly regarded and does not require GRE scores for admission. The school is known for its innovative curriculum, focusing on hands-on clinical experience and cutting-edge research opportunities.
Ranking: #3 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Ithaca, New York
Acceptance rate: 10%
In-state tuition: $41,098 per year
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the most esteemed veterinary schools in the world. The school no longer requires the GRE for its DVM program admissions, following a trend among top veterinary schools to prioritize other application components.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is renowned for its cutting-edge research facilities and comprehensive clinical training at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.
Ranking: #3 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Acceptance rate: 15%
In-state tuition: $35,650 per year
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to providing its students with a comprehensive veterinary education.
According to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine website, no testing or needing to send in GRE scores is required. Ohio State is known for its emphasis on clinical experience, with the Veterinary Medical System offering opportunities for students to gain hands-on training in various specialties.
Ranking: #5 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate: 12%
In-state tuition: $61,674 per year
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a top-tier veterinary school. It has dropped the GRE requirement to eliminate potential barriers for applicants and create a more diverse and inclusive student body.
The school is known for its innovative teaching methods, such as the "flipped classroom" approach, which allows students to engage in active learning and problem-solving. Additionally, Penn Vet offers several dual-degree programs, including the DVM/Veterinary Master of Public Health and DVM/PhD. in biomedical sciences.
Ranking: #7 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Acceptance rate: 10%
In-state tuition: $28,790 per year
The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine has removed the GRE requirement from its admission process. Removing the GRE requirement allows aspiring veterinarians to focus on other aspects of their application, such as academics, experience, and letters of recommendation.
The school is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including the UF Veterinary Hospitals, which provide students with extensive hands-on clinical experience. The college also offers a variety of specialized programs, such as the Aquatic Animal Health Program and Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program.
Ranking: #11 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Acceptance rate: 15%
In-state tuition: $22,931 per year
Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine no longer requires the GRE for admissions. Purdue emphasizes other aspects of an applicant's qualifications, such as academic performance, experience, and letters of recommendation.
Purdue is known for its commitment to research and hands-on clinical experience, with the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital offering various opportunities for students. The college also provides several specialized programs, such as the DVM/PhD. in Veterinary Medicine and the Veterinary Public Health Program.
Ranking: #15 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Acceptance rate: 15%
In-state tuition: $29,220 per year
Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is another excellent choice for students seeking a veterinary education without the GRE requirement. Michigan State's curriculum focuses on problem-based learning and hands-on experience, including the state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center.
Ranking: #18 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: North Grafton, Massachusetts
Acceptance rate: 29%
In-state tuition: $61,118 per year
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts does not require the GRE for admission to its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The school prides itself on its innovative curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration among students and faculty. Recently, it was ranked one of the best veterinary schools in the country.
Ranking: #19 in Veterinary Medicine
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia & College Park, Maryland
Acceptance rate: 20%
In-state tuition: $26,086 per year
The Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine is a state-supported college of two states. It is unique among veterinary colleges in the U.S., as it is operated by two land-grant universities: Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.
The college also has several research centers, including the Center for Animal Human Relationships and the Center for Public and Corporate Veterinary Medicine. According to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine website, no testing or a need to send in GRE scores is required.
Need additional support on your vet school application? Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way—from test prep to crafting standout app narratives.
The list doesn’t end here! You can explore more top vet schools, many of which don’t require the GRE, with our vet school finder tool.
Below are some frequently asked questions about veterinary schools that do not require the GRE for admission.
While many veterinary schools traditionally required the GRE for admission, many schools have recently removed this requirement. The shift comes as schools recognize that standardized test scores may not best indicate a candidate's potential success in veterinary school.
Instead, these schools focus on factors such as academic performance, relevant experience, and letters of recommendation. However, some veterinary schools still require the GRE, so it's crucial to research each school's requirements before applying.
No, the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine no longer requires the GRE for admission to its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The school has shifted its focus to other application elements, such as academic achievements, experience, and recommendation letters.
No, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine discontinued using GRE scores for its DVM program admissions. The decision to remove the GRE requirement was made to create a more equitable admissions process, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive student body.
No, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) does not require the GRE for its DVM program admissions. By eliminating the GRE requirement, Penn Vet aims to remove potential barriers for applicants and create a more diverse and inclusive student body.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine no longer requires the GRE for admission to its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. The school has followed the trend of other top veterinary schools, prioritizing other application components over standardized test scores.
As the landscape of veterinary school admissions continues to evolve, it's crucial to stay informed about the requirements of each school you're interested in applying to. While many top vet schools no longer require the GRE, some institutions still use standardized test scores in their admissions process.
Research each school's requirements to ensure you are well-prepared when submitting your application. The growing list of vet schools that don't require GRE scores reflects a broader trend in higher education, recognizing that standardized tests may not always be the best indicators of a student's potential for success.