Apply | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale

Home / Admissions / Apply / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Glendale

MWU-CVM Admission

Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine considers for admission students who possess the academic, professional, and personal qualities necessary for becoming exemplary veterinary professionals. To select these students, the College uses a rolling admissions process within a competitive admissions framework.

Admission Prerequisites

Prerequisite Course Sem Hrs Qtr Hrs
Biochemistry 3 4
Biology 8 12
General Chemistry with lab 8 12
Organic Chemistry with lab 8 12
Mathematics* 6 9
Physics with lab 4 6
English Composition 6 9
Science Electives 8 12

*Mathematics courses should be College Algebra or higher
**Science electives include cell biology, physiology, microbiology, genetics, animal nutrition, etc.

Minimum of 64 total semester hours/96 quarter hours

Students seeking admission to the MWU-CVM must submit the following documented evidence:

  1. Completion of the prerequisite coursework or plans to complete the coursework prior to matriculation (confirmed by official transcripts). A minimum science and minimum total GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. No grade lower than a C in any course will be accepted for credit. (Pass/fail and satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading is not acceptable in prerequisite science courses).
  2. Completion of a minimum of 240 hours (6 weeks) of veterinary practice, health science field, or biomedical research. Students with additional hours of work experience will present stronger cases for admission.
  3. Three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are submitted to the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). At least one of the letters should be from a veterinarian. The other letters should preferentially be from a pre-veterinary or science professor and from someone who can testify to the integrity and ethical standards of the applicant. Letters written by immediate family members are not acceptable.
  4. Although not required, a Bachelor's degree will make a candidate more competitive.
  5. A minimum of 64 total semester hours/96 quarter hours.

Students seeking admissions to MWU-CVM must:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the veterinary medical profession.
  • Demonstrate service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
  • Have proper motivation for and commitment to the veterinary profession as demonstrated by previous compensated work, volunteer work, or other life experiences.
  • Possess the communication skills necessary to interact with patients, clients, and colleagues.
  • Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check.
  • Abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
  • Meet the Technical Standards for the College.

International Applicants

Must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, six hours in non-remedial English composition, and three hours in speech/public speaking.

Applicants who wish to receive transfer credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the US or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following evaluation services:

  • Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411; www.ece.org
  • World Education Services (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100; www.wes.org
  • Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338; www.jsilny.com

International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable US or Canadian course/degree equivalency will not receive credit, and will be required to complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university in the United States, or at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.

For clarification about recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada that use English as a primary language of instruction and documentation, international applicants should contact the Midwestern University Office of Admissions.

Click here for more information on International Student Financial Services

Technical Standards for Admission

A candidate must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.

I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and sense of touch and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.

II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.

III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium, and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.

IV. Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record, and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.

V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment and the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships. The candidate must be able to tolerate physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, interest and motivation to learn, are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the academic dean (and program director), will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the College(/Program) would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The College(/Program) is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.

Apply Online at AAVMC

Apply Now

Application Process

The MWU-CVM uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified, diverse group of candidates to interview. Applicants are evaluated and selected based on their academic coursework, letters of recommendation, and interviews. It is highly recommended that applicants have significant animal, veterinary, or biomedical experience to strengthen their application.

To initiate the application process, prospective students must apply through the VMCAS. The VMCAS application is available online at http://www.aavmc.org/. The application cycle opens in May of each year. The official VMCAS application deadline is generally mid-September.

An undergraduate transcript with grades for a minimum of three semesters is required. Applications and credentials will be reviewed and decisions to interview candidates are made throughout the application cycle. Interviews are conducted and the selection of candidates is made until the class is filled. Applicants are notified of their selection status as soon as possible after their interview date. However, in accordance with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges acceptance deadline policy, students have until April 15 to finalize all admissions decisions. Students may accept or reject prior to this deadline. If a signed letter accepting admission and the required deposit are not received by April 15, the offer of admission will be withdrawn.

Interview and Selection Process

Applicants must meet the admissions requirements listed previously. After receiving an applicant's processed information, the Midwestern University Office of Admissions will create an applicant file and the applicant files will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine which applicants merit an interview based on criteria established by the College's Admissions Committee. A Midwestern University Admissions Officer will complete an Applicant Evaluation Form for each candidate. The Applicant Score will be derived from the applicant's total GPA, science GPA, as well as non academic factors. Applicant rankings will be based on this score and will be used to make decisions on interviews. The Chair of the Admissions Committee, with approval of the Dean, may also place a number of students on an interview "wait list" pending possible openings toward the end of the interview cycle.

When applicants accept the invitation to interview, they will meet with members of an interview panel. The interview panel will consist of 3 members and will be made up of people from the following groups: CVM administrators and faculty members, faculty members from the Department of Basic Sciences, and local veterinarians who are not employed by MWU. Team members will question applicants about their academic and personal preparedness for veterinary school, and will rate the applicant on a standardized evaluation form. The interview panel will forward their evaluations of candidates to the Admissions Committee. The Committee may recommend to accept, to deny, or to place the applicant on either the hold or alternate list. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Dean for final approval. Students will then be notified of their status by the Office of Admissions.

Reapplication Process

After receiving either denial or end-of-cycle letters, applicants may reapply for the next enrollment cycle. Before reapplying, however, applicants should seek the advice of an admissions counselor.

To initiate the reapplication process, applicants must submit their applications to VMCAS. Applications are then processed according to standard application procedures.

Matriculation Process

The matriculation process begins after students receive notification of their acceptance to the College of Veterinary Medicine. To complete the matriculation process students must:

  • Submit the matriculation agreement and required deposit monies by the date designated in the matriculation agreement. Deposits are applied towards the first quarter's tuition.
  • Submit medical files documenting completion of a physical exam, immunizations, tuberculosis and titer blood testing. Midwestern University requires that all students submit documented laboratory proof of the absence of tuberculosis (updated yearly) and proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), diphtheria/tetanus, and hepatitis B prior to matriculation. In addition, the College of Veterinary Medicine requires students to have a rabies vaccination or proof that a sufficient positive titer is present through blood testing. If a positive titer is present but insufficient, a rabies booster is required. (Cost for these requirements must be paid by the student. Any reimbursement from an insurance plan is a matter between the student and his/her insurance carrier. Cost and other information about immunizations/titers can be obtained from the Department of Student Services.)
  • Meet the Technical Standards for the college (see below).
  • Submit proof of medical and disability insurance coverage. Students may select either a plan offered by an MWU-approved carrier or a comparable plan offered by an outside carrier of their choice, as determined by the Office of Student Services. Insurance must be maintained throughout the entire period of enrollment.
  • Students who are requesting an I-20 visa or who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must prepay tuition and in some cases other mandatory program fees for the entire length of their program at Midwestern University.
  • Submit a signed Credit Policy Statement.
  • Authorize and pass the MWU criminal background check and/or fingerprinting background check as required by the specific college/school/program.
  • Submit a signed MWU Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy Statement.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change each academic year for all enrolled students. Click here for the current Glendale Tuition and Fees.

Related Information

Transfer Admission

Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine may accept transfer students from other accredited veterinary schools on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting a transfer must meet all the standard admissions requirements. The final decision will be determined by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Dean.

Apply
Today

Apply Now

Visit our
Campuses

Take Tour

Support the
University

Donate to our future