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The J. Lell Elliott Endowed Chemistry Scholarship 

The J. Lell Elliott Endowed Chemistry Scholarship was established in 2000 for full-time undergraduate chemistry majors with junior or senior standing and a minimum GPA of 3.25. The student must also be a US citizen or permanent resident. Applications can be submitted here.  

The J. Lell Elliott-Don Ross Endowed Chemistry Scholarship 

The J. Lell Elliott-Don Ross Endowed Chemistry Scholarship was established in 2018 for undergraduate chemistry students. For more information or to apply, please contact us.

Welch Undergraduate Scholarship

Chemistry Department Graduate Scholarship

Dean's New Graduate Enrollment Incentive

The Dean's NGEI provides new, unconditionally admitted graduate students who meet the credit requirements and submit a compelling written statement up to $1,000 in the first semester of enrollment. For additional information and details of eligibility, you can check out the Scholarships site.

1. REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED COURSEWORK

  1. PRE-REQUISITES

    Every medical school has different expectations in terms of coursework that is required or recommended. We encourage you to start researching medical school requirements to better understand what exact classes you will need to take. You may need to exceed the requirements of some schools to meet the requirements of other schools.

    The courses listed below are courses that are required by most medical schools (as listed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)).

    Most Texas medical schools require:
    All prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.

    Courses most Texas medical schools require

    Biology

    Lecture – 12 hrs;  Lab – 2 hrs 

    Chemistry

    Lecture – 6 hrs;  Lab – 2 hrs

    Organic Chemistry

    Lecture – 6 hrs;  Lab – 2 hrs

    Biochemistry

    Lecture – 3 hrs

    General Physics

    Lecture – 6 hrs;  Lab – 2 hrs

    Math

    Statistics* or Calculus – 3 hrs

    English

    Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 6 hrs

    Texas medical schools, including UTRGV SoM, only require Statistics. Some out-of-state schools may require calculus.

     

    UTRGV BSc in Biology recommended courses that satisfy prerequisites
    All prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.

    UTRGV BSc in Biology recommended courses that satisfy prerequisites

    Subject

    Course Code

    Course Name

    Course Hours

    Biology

    BSc in biology “Biological Foundation” and “BIOL electives” degree requirement satisfies this prerequisite

    Chemistry

    CHEM 1311

    General Chemistry I

    3

    CHEM 1111

    General Chemistry I laboratory

    1

    CHEM 1312

    General Chemistry II

    3

    CHEM 1112

    General Chemistry II laboratory

    1

    Organic Chemistry

    CHEM 2323

    Organic Chemistry I

    3

    CHEM 2123

    Organic Chemistry I laboratory

    1

    CHEM 2325

    Organic Chemistry II

    3

    CHEM 2125

    Organic Chemistry II laboratory

    1

    Biochemistry

    CHEM 3303

    Biochemistry

    3

    General Physics

    PHYS 1401

    Physics I (includes lab)

    4

    PHYS 1402

    Physics II (includes lab)

    4

    Math

    Choose one

    MATH 1342

    Elementary Statistical methods

    3

    MATH 1343

    Intro to Biostatistics

    3

    English

    Choose two college English courses

    Prerequisite usually fulfilled with UTRGV Core Curriculum courses

    6 in total

     

    For a detailed list of accepted UTRGV courses, please visit The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service's (TMDSAS) course listings webpage. NOTE: New BIOL courses beginning in Fall 24 are not yet on the list, but TMDSAS has confirmed that all BIOL courses will automatically count toward the "Biology" subject requirement.

    Some medical schools may not accept online courses to satisfy prerequisites. The UTRGV School of Medicine requires that science prerequisites be completed in person (traditional face-to-face modality).

    NOTE: School requirements can change. Check often for updates and review application service and school websites for changes that may occur between updates.

     

    1. RECOMMENDED

      In addition to prerequisite courses, the courses listed below are recommended and will strengthen your application to medical school.

      BIOLOGY

      Recommended biology courses to strengthen medical school application

      Code

      Name

      Credit Hours

      BIOL 2401

      Anatomy and Physiology I*

      4

      BIOL 2402

      Anatomy and Physiology II*

      4

      BIOL 3401

      General Microbiology*

      4

      BIOL 3405

      Histology*

      4

      BIOL 3406

      Developmental Mechanisms

      4

      BIOL 4313

      Endocrinology

      3

      BIOL 4317

      Disease Epidemiology

      3

      BIOL 4333

      Immunology*

      3

      BIOL 4361

      Neuroscience

      3

      BIOL 4316

      Environmental Toxicology

      3

      BIOL 4335

      Cancer Biology

      3

      BIOL 4435

      Mammalian Disease Diagnosis and Clinical Applications

      3

      * highly recommended courses

       

      OTHER DISCIPLINES

      Recommended multidisciplinary courses for a strong medical school application

      Code

      Name

      Credit hours

      PSYC 2301

      General Psychology*

      3

      SOCI 1301

      Introduction to Sociology*

      3

      MATH 2412/2413

      Pre- and Calculus I

      3 each

      HLTH 3325

      Latino Health

      3

      HPRS 4312

      Applied Pathophysiology

      3

      SPAN 2317/2318

      Spanish for Healthcare Professionals I/II

      3 each

      MEDH 2311

      Introduction to Medical and Health Humanities.

      3

      MEDH 4301

      Medical Humanities: Critical Perspectives.

      3

      * The MCAT ® has a Psychology/Sociology section

      You are strongly encouraged to take courses in Spanish, especially if you want to live and work in the healthcare industry in the Rio Grande Valley.

      Work with your academic advisor to incorporate these courses into your degree plan.

       

    2. MINORS

      You may declare a minor as part of your undergraduate education. Popular minors among pre-med students include:

      • Chemistry
      • Biochemistry
      • Psychology
      • Health
      • Spanish for Healthcare

       

      NOTE: Keep in mind that while preparing for professional school and taking the MCAT®, DAT, etc., you still must fulfill the University core requirements, the requirements for a BSc in Biology degree, and requirements for a minor (if applicable).

       

    2. RECOMMENDED COURSE ROADMAP

    This course roadmap includes the pre-medical course requirements for Texas and most U. S. medical schools. These courses also help prepare students for the MCAT®.

    Pre-requisites and recommended courses for MCAT® and extracurricular activities typically need six semesters or more, regardless of age or college year.

    Many students complete prerequisites in Year 4 or later, requiring a bridge/transition year or years. The transition from undergraduate to medical school can boost competitiveness and prepare students for the challenges of professional education and training.

    NOTE: Your personal timeline may differ from this recommended roadmap. Consult with your Academic Advisor about incorporating these courses into your course selection.

    Recommended roadmap for Pre-Med

    SEMESTER 1

    SEMESTER 2

    SUMMER

    BIOL1406

    BIOL1407

     

    CHEM 1311 & 1111

    CHEM 1312 & 1112

     

    MATH 1314/1414, MATH 2412 or MATH 2413.

    MATH 1342 or MATH 1343

     

    Core 010 (Communication)

    Core 010 (Communication)

     

     

     

     

    SEMESTER 3

    SEMESTER 4

    SUMMER

    BIOL 2401

    BIOL 3313

     

    SOCI 1301 or PSYC 2301

    BIOL 3301

     

    CHEM 2323 & 2123

    CHEM 2325 & 2125

     

    Core 080 (Integrative/Experiential Learning Option)

    BIOL 3201

     

    Core 060 (American History)

    POLS 2305 (Core 070)

     

     

    Core 050 (Creative Arts)

     

     

     

     

    SEMESTER 5

    SEMESTER 6

    SUMMER

    BIOL 3315

    BIOL 3230

     

    BIOL 3215

    CHEM 3303

     

    BIOL 2402

    SOCI 1301 or PSYC 2301

     

    PHYS 1401

    PHYS 1402

     

    POLS 2306 (Core 070)

    Biology Advanced Elective

    MCAT ® Late Spring/Early Summer

    Core 40 (Language, Philosophy & Culture)

     

    Apply to Medical School.

     

    1. SENIOR YEAR OR BRIDGE YEAR

      Continue in relevant course work and premedical extracurricular activities to become well-prepared for medical school and to strengthen your competitiveness if it becomes necessary to reapply.

      Take additional courses that may be required by individual medical schools.

       

    3. GRADE POINT AVERAGE

    To be competitive for medical school, you need average overall and science GPAs of at least 3.5 to 3.8 or higher, depending on the schools to which you intend to apply. This means you need to be making As and Bs with more As than Bs . If you are behind in your classes, don’t wait until you get your first poor test score or F in a course to ask for help; instead schedule a meeting with the Professor early on.

     

    4. CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

    In addition to courses, you should actively gain clinical exposure. You are encouraged to get both professional-facing (shadowing - observing physicians in a professional setting) and patient-facing experience (experience volunteering or working in a clinical setting with exposure to patients). Both are instrumental in demonstrating that you are a good fit for the profession with capabilities to be a good physician as well as being able to work and empathize with patients. You are encouraged to document your clinical experiences so that you may look back on them later in the application process.

     

    5. RESEARCH

    Why should you do research? Although research is not technically required by many medical, dental or veterinary schools, some schools do require it. Furthermore, doing research has many benefits including:

    1. Demonstrating that you are intellectually curious and engaged.
    2. Explore the intersection of science and medicine.
    3. Helping you synthesize and get a deeper understanding of the material you learn in class.
    4. Showing you have good written and oral communication skills when you present your research.
    5. Allowing you to develop a relationship with your research mentor, who can then write a strong letter of recommendation highlighting your strengths.
    6. Making your application stand out!

    You can engage in research over the summer, volunteer to do research in labs, or take independent research for credit using the BIOL 4199/4299/4399 course. To get started, see what professors do by looking at the School Faculty Webpages, and then contact a professor about working in their lab.

    Most professors have research opportunities available, and ALL professors are happy to talk to you about their work. Email to set up an appointment or catch a professor before or after class. Your research does not have to be medically related for it to be helpful in getting in to medical, dental, or veterinary school.

    Please check your email frequently, as the School sends out numerous research opportunities during the semester.

     

    6. LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING

    Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways. You are encouraged to reflect on what leadership looks like in medicine and how your involvement in clubs, volunteering, employment, research, sports, PLTL leader, and/or supplemental instructor (SI) might help you demonstrate the leadership skills you will need.

    You are encouraged to participate in volunteering and/or community service. Medical Schools see volunteering and community service as proof that you have a commitment to helping people.

     

    7. ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS – LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

    Letter of Recommendations are a vital part of your medical school application. Professional schools vary in terms of how many letters you require and from whom. Establishing relationships with faculty, professors, mentors, principal investigators, and supervisors early on can help with creating strong letter of recommendations.

    Admissions committees want an honest assessment of personal traits that go beyond simply the grade someone achieved in a course. As well as intellectual merit, references are asked about attributes such as: Does the person work well in groups? Can they work independently? Are they reliable? Etc. Working with a faculty member on a project, doing research, and working with faculty on peer lead teaching for a course, are some ways that faculty can get to know you and write a strong letter. Do not be worried or embarrassed about approaching faculty members to write letters of recommendation or to act as references, it is something that faculty do on a regular basis, and they are happy to support students. However, make sure to give them enough time to write a letter and make sure to provide them with information about what the letter is for. Remind them when (what semester, etc.) you took their class. You may want to send them your resume and personal statement.

     

    8. MCAT® PREPARATION

    The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) is required for medical school admission. The MCAT® score is usually valid for three years from date of the exam. If your MCAT® score is older than three years, the test will have to be retaken.

    The MCAT® exam is analysis based; answers will be within the question and you will need to think through the question to get the answer. The exam is 7hrs and 30 minutes (including completing demographics, etc). Actual test time is 6hrs, 15 min.

    The four categories tested on the MCAT are:

    Categories tested on MCAT®

    Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

     

    ·         59 multiple-choice questions

    ·         95-minute section

    ·         Tests basic biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry.

    Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 

     

    ·         59 multiple-choice questions

    ·         95-minute section

    ·         Tests basic biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics

    Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 

     

    ·         59 multiple-choice questions

    ·         95-minute section

    ·         Tests introductory psychology, sociology, and biology

    Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

     

    ·         53 multiple-choice questions

    ·         90-minute section

    ·         Similar to reading comprehension sections on other standardized tests

    ·         Passages come from a variety of humanities and social sciences disciplines

     

    Each of the four subsections are scored on a scale of 118-132 with 125 being at the center of the bell curve. The overall scale is 472-528, with 500 at the center of the bell curve. They chose to center the scale at 500, since their national data with the previous exam showed that students at the center succeeded in medical school. The score report will include total score, section scores, percentile ranks, confidence band, and score profile showing strengths and weaknesses. To be competitive you will want to aim for a score of 511+ with at least 126-127 in each of the categories.

    Students are recommended to take the MCAT ® in the Spring (April/May) of their third year; or the Spring before their application.

    Although preparing for the MCAT ® is an ongoing process, you should take the following courses BEFORE taking the MCAT ® :

    Recommended courses to take before the MCAT®

    Biology

    ·         BIOL 1406 & 1407 General Biology I & II

    ·         BIOL 2401 & 2402 Anatomy & Physiology I & II

    ·         BIOL 3301 Ecology & Evolution

    ·         BIOL 3201 Techniques in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Lab

    ·         BIOL 3315 Cell and Molecular Biology

    ·         BIOL 3313 Genetics

    ·         BIOL 3215 Cell, Molecular, and Genetics laboratory

    Chemistry

    ·         CHEM 1311 & 1111 General Chemistry I & lab

    ·         CHEM 1312 & 1112 General Chemistry II & lab

    ·         CHEM 2323 & 2123 Organic Chemistry I & lab

    ·         CHEM 2325 & 2125 Organic Chemistry II & lab

    Biochemistry

    ·         CHEM 3303 Biochemistry

    Physics

    ·         PHYS 1401 & 1402 General Physics I & II

    Statistics

    ·         MATH1342 or 1343

    Psychology and Sociology

    ·         PSYC 2302 General Psychology

    ·         SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology

    English

    Any two college English courses

    The SIBCS School, in collaboration with Kaplan, offers free Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) and Dental Admission Test (DAT) exam preparation courses. Application required.

     

    9. USEFUL WEBSITES AND RESOURCES

    • Occupational outlook
    • Association of American Medical Colleges
    • American Medical Association
    • Texas Medical Association
    • American Osteopathic Association
    • Texas Osteopathic Medical Association
    • The Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students
    • Anatomy of an Applicant
    • First Generation Medial student resources
    • Aspiring Docs Fact Sheets
    • MCAT ® Very helpful information about preparation and planning for taking the MCAT.

    • UTRGV Office of Pre-Professional Development
      Tue. - Brownsville – BMAIN 1.402
      Wed. Thu. Fri. – Edinburg - EITTB 1.402
      Web:  https://www.utrgv.edu/studentsuccess/for-students/pre-professional/

This is a guide for Biology Majors who want to attend veterinary school. There are only two veterinary schools in Texas:

  • Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas
  • Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, Texas

There are common admission requirements shared by many veterinary colleges; however, specific requirements may differ between schools. It is therefore recommended that you get familiar with the entry requirements early in your career, as this may influence course selection, particularly after your first year of college. If in doubt, satisfy the requirements for Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences as you would also satisfy the requirements for Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

 

1. REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED COURSEWORK

  1. PRE-REQUISITES

    Every veterinary school has different expectations in terms of coursework that is required or recommended. We encourage you to start researching veterinary school requirements to better understand what exact classes you will need to take. You may need to exceed the requirements of some schools to meet the requirements of other schools.

    Requirements can change at any time. Check often for updates and review application service and school web sites for changes that may occur between updates.

    Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (TAMU-CVMBS) – DVM professional program
    All prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.

    TAMU DVM Professional Program

    Code

    Credit hours

    Name

    BIOL1406

    4

    General Biology I (includes lab)

    BIOL3401

    4

    General Microbiology (includes lab)

    BIOL3413
    or
    BIOL3313

    4
    or

    3

    Genetics (includes lab)*

    or

    Genetics (lab not required)*

    BIOL3345

    3

    Animal Nutrition*

    CHEM1311

    3

    General Chemistry I

    CHEM1111

    1

    General Chemistry I laboratory

    CHEM1312

    3

    General Chemistry II

    CHEM1112

    1

    General Chemistry II laboratory

    CHEM2323

    3

    Organic Chemistry I

    CHEM2123

    1

    Organic Chemistry I laboratory

    CHEM2325

    3

    Organic Chemistry II

    CHEM2125

    1

    Organic Chemistry II laboratory

    CHEM3303

    3

    Biochemistry*

    STAT3301

    3

    Statistics*

    PHYS1401

    4

    Physics I (includes lab)

    PHYS1402

    4

    Physics II (includes lab)

    Any 2 college English courses

    6

    English

    COMM1315
    or
    COMM1318

    3

    Communications/Public Speaking

    * these courses may  not be taken at a community college

     

    Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine – DVM program
    All prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.

    TTU School of Veterinary Medicine DVM Program

    Code

    Credit hours

    Name

    BIOL1406

    4

    General Biology I (includes lab)

    BIOL3401

    4

    General Microbiology (includes lab)

    BIOL3413
    or
    BIOL3313

    4
    or

    3

    Genetics (includes lab)

    or

    Genetics (lab not required)

    BIOL3345

    3

    Animal Nutrition

    CHEM1311

    3

    General Chemistry I

    CHEM1111

    1

    General Chemistry I laboratory

    CHEM1312

    3

    General Chemistry II

    CHEM1112

    1

    General Chemistry II laboratory

    CHEM2323

    3

    Organic Chemistry I

    CHEM2123

    1

    Organic Chemistry I laboratory

    CHEM3303

    3

    Biochemistry

    STAT3301

    3

    Statistics

    PHYS1401

    4

    Physics I (includes lab)

    Any college English course

    3

    English

    For out-of-state veterinary schools prerequisites, check individual vet-school websites.

    NOTE: School requirements can change. Check often for updates and review application service and school websites for changes that may occur between updates.

     

  2. RECOMMENDED

    In addition to prerequisite courses, the courses listed below are recommended and will strengthen your application to medical school.

    Recommended Course Map for Pre-Vet

    Code

    Name

    Credit Hours

    BIOL 2401

    Anatomy and Physiology I*

    4

    BIOL 2402

    Anatomy and Physiology II*

    4

    BIOL 3405

    Histology

    4

    BIOL 4407

    Animal Parasitology

    4

    BIOL 4317

    Disease Epidemiology

    3

    BIOL 4333

    Immunology

    3

    BIOL 4316

    Environmental Toxicology

    3

    BIOL 4435

    Mammalian Disease Diagnosis and Clinical Applications

    3

     

    Veterinary Entomology

    3

    MGMT 1301

    Introduction to Business

    3

    * highly recommended courses

    You are strongly encouraged to take courses in Spanish, especially if you want to live and work in the healthcare industry in the Rio Grande Valley.

    Work with your academic advisor to incorporate these courses into your degree plan.

     

  3. MINORS

    You may declare a minor as part of your undergraduate education. Popular minors among pre-med students include:

    • Chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Health
    • Spanish for Healthcare

     

    NOTE: Keep in mind that while preparing for professional school and taking the MCAT®, DAT, etc., you still must fulfill the University core requirements, the requirements for a BSc in Biology degree, and requirements for a minor (if applicable).

     

2. RECOMMENDED COURSE ROADMAP

This course roadmap includes the pre-vet course requirements for Texas A&M.

Pre-requisites and recommended courses, and extracurricular activities, typically need six semesters or more, regardless of age or college year.

Many students complete prerequisites in Year 4 or later, requiring a bridge/transition year or years. The transition from undergraduate to medical school can boost competitiveness and prepare students for the challenges of professional education and training.

NOTE: Your personal timeline may differ from this recommended roadmap. Consult with your Academic Advisor about incorporating these courses into your course selection.

Recommended roadmap for Pre-Med

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

SUMMER

BIOL1406

BIOL1407

 

CHEM 1311 & 1111

CHEM 1312 & 1112

 

MATH 1314/1414, MATH 2412 or MATH 2413.

MATH 1342 or MATH 1343

 

Core 010 (Communication)

Core 010 (Communication)

 

 

 

 

SEMESTER 3

SEMESTER 4

SUMMER

BIOL 2401

BIOL 3313

 

Core 080 (Social and Behavioral Sciences)

BIOL 3301

 

CHEM 2323 & 2123

CHEM 2325 & 2125

 

COMM 1315

BIOL 3201

 

Core 060 (American History)

POLS 2305 (Core 070)

 

 

Core 050 (Creative Arts)

 

 

 

 

SEMESTER 5

SEMESTER 6

SUMMER

BIOL 3315

BIOL 3230

 

BIOL 3215

CHEM 3303

 

BIOL 3401

STAT 3301

 

PHYS 1401

PHYS 1402

Take the GRE test in May (if required)

POLS 2306 (Core 070)

BIOL 3345

Core 40 (Language, Philosophy & Culture)

 

Apply to Veterinary School.


  1. SENIOR YEAR OR BRIDGE YEAR

    Continue in relevant course work and premedical extracurricular activities to become well-prepared for medical school and to strengthen your competitiveness if it becomes necessary to reapply.

    Take additional courses that may be required by individual medical schools.

     

3. GRADE POINT AVERAGE

To be competitive for medical school, you need average overall and science GPAs of at least 3.5 to 3.8 or higher, depending on the schools to which you intend to apply. This means you need to be making As and Bs with more As than Bs . If you are behind in your classes, don’t wait until you get your first poor test score or F in a course to ask for help; instead schedule a meeting with the Professor early on.

 

4. VETERINARY AND ANIMAL EXPERIENCE

In addition to courses, you should actively gain veterinary and animal handling experience. It is an important part of the veterinary school application process. Volunteer with a veterinarian to shadow him/her and get a diverse range of animal and clinical expertise, as well as an understanding for the veterinary medical profession. This could be an opportunity to learn whether veterinary medicine is for you.

 

5. RESEARCH

Why should you do research? Although research is not technically required by many medical, dental or veterinary schools, some schools do require it. Furthermore, doing research has many benefits including:

  1. Demonstrating that you are intellectually curious and engaged.
  2. Explore the intersection of science and medicine.
  3. Helping you synthesize and get a deeper understanding of the material you learn in class.
  4. Showing you have good written and oral communication skills when you present your research.
  5. Allowing you to develop a relationship with your research mentor, who can then write a strong letter of recommendation highlighting your strengths.
  6. Making your application stand out!

You can engage in research over the summer, volunteer to do research in labs, or take independent research for credit using the BIOL 4199/4299/4399 course. To get started, see what professors do by looking at the School Faculty Webpages, and then contact a professor about working in their lab.

Most professors have research opportunities available, and ALL professors are happy to talk to you about their work. Email to set up an appointment or catch a professor before or after class. Your research does not have to be medically related for it to be helpful in getting in to medical, dental, or veterinary school.

Please check your email frequently, as the School sends out numerous research opportunities during the semester.

 

6. LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING

Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways. You are encouraged to reflect on what leadership looks like in veterinary and how your involvement in clubs (such as the Pre-Vet Society), volunteering, employment, research, sports, PLTL leader, and/or supplemental instructor (SI) might help you demonstrate the leadership skills you will need.


You are encouraged to participate in volunteering and/or community service. Veterinary Schools see volunteering and community service as proof that you have a commitment to helping the community. Remember the admission committee is looking for tomorrow's leaders.

 

7. ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS – LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Letter of Recommendations are a vital part of your veterinary school application. Professional schools vary in terms of how many letters you require and from whom. Establishing relationships with faculty, professors, mentors, principal investigators, and supervisors early on can help with creating strong letters of recommendations.

In addition to an evaluation from faculty, you will also need one letter of recommendation from a veterinarian.

Admissions committees want an honest assessment of personal traits that go beyond simply the grade someone achieved in a course. As well as intellectual merit, references are asked about attributes such as: Does the person work well in groups? Can they work independently? Are they reliable? Etc. Working with a faculty member on a project, doing research, and working with faculty on peer lead teaching for a course, are some ways that faculty can get to know you and write a strong letter. Do not be worried or embarrassed about approaching faculty members to write letters of recommendation or to act as references, it is something that faculty do on a regular basis, and they are happy to support students. However, make sure to give them enough time to write a letter and make sure to provide them with information about what the letter is for. Remind them when (what semester, etc.) you took their class. You may want to send them your resume and personal statement.

 

8. GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (GRE)

  • Texas A&M – TEXAS A&M are not requiring the GRE for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle. A GRE score including the Analytical section is required for Texas A&M. GRE scores should be submitted directly to the veterinary school. Because the application is not complete until the GRE scores are received by the school, applicants should take the GRE no later than May of the application year.
  • Texas Tech DVM program does not require a GRE score.

 

9. APPLYING TO VETERINARY SCHOOL

Admission to veterinary school is very competitive. Texas A&M and Texas Tech utilize the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). This application service accepts your application and your letters of recommendation and distributes them to the school.

NOTE: most out-of-state veterinary schools utilize the centralized application service operated by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (Veterinary Medical College Application Service-VMCAS).

Many schools, including Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences require an additional supplemental application.

Application opens May 1.

 

9. USEFUL WEBSITES AND RESOURCES

  • Occupational outlook

    Texas Veterinary Schools
  • Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas
  • Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Amarillo, Texas

    Professional Associations
  • Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Includes links to all U.S., Canadian, and Mexican (accredited only) veterinary colleges
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
  • Texas Veterinary Medical Association
  • American Veterinary Medical Foundation
  • American Society of Animal Science
  • American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians
  • UTRGV Office of Pre-Professional Development
    Tue. - Brownsville – BMAIN 1.402
    Wed. Thu. Fri. – Edinburg - EITTB 1.402
    Web:  https://www.utrgv.edu/studentsuccess/for-students/pre-professional/

College of Sciences


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BMAIN 2.416
(956) 882-6701

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ESCNE 4.601
(956) 665-2404 

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