Schools of Veterinary Medicine Course Requirements
Always check for specific course requirements for each school you are going to apply to鈥攖his is only a guide.
| Class | Semesters | Skidmore Course(s) | Notes |
| Chemistry | four to five semesters with lab typically required, including general and organic chemistry, and, increasingly, biochemistry | CH 125 or 126, CH 221, CH 222, & CH 341 with CH 342 recommended |
Must take General Chemistry Placement Diagnostic. Schools that require two semesters of general chemistry will typically count CH 341 as the second semester (CH 115 does not fulfill the requirement). A number of schools require four semesters of chemistry with labs and a semester of biochemistry. CH 125 (or 126), CH 221, CH 222, CH 341, and CH 342 often would fulfill the requirement. Many programs prefer a full-year of biochemistry if possible (i.e., CH 341 and CH 342). HPAC has a letter it can send to schools regarding the Chemistry curriculum at Skidmore, including the one-semester general chemistry. It is included with the committee letter. However, certain programs need it sent separately. Check with the programs you are applying to. |
| General biology | two semesters with lab | BI 107 & BI 108 |
|
| Microbiology | one semester with lab | BI 246 | |
| General physics | two semesters with lab* | PY 130 (formerly 207) & PY 140 (formerly 208) |
*Must take calculus I and II (or place out of them) to take physics at Skidmore. |
| English | 2 classes |
Coursework
Veterinary medical school admission requirements vary by program and sometimes change over time. It is important to identify programs of interest early in your academic career to make informed decisions about your coursework.
Tests
The General Records Exam is a computer-adaptive test offered hundreds of time per year in a variety of locations. If you plan to seek immediate entry to a veterinary medicine program upon graduation, consider taking the GRE in the spring or early in the summer of your junior year. Applications are due in September and October of your senior year. There is a fee-reduction program that discounts the exam by 50% for those who qualify. Please note: You must apply for fee assistance well in advance of taking the GRE, at least 30 days.