The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) opened on January 23! The final VMCAS application deadline is September 16, which is a mere 237 days away! With advanced planning, knowledge of the new and changed aspects of the VMCAS, and a competitive, holistic application, you will be ready!
VMCAS Timeline
The following suggested timeline highlights important VMCAS dates, provides reminders regarding academic transcript requests, and infuses lots of critical writing time into the overall process.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Jan. 24 | VMCAS application open |
| Jan. 23 - May 9 | Work on completing Personal Information, Academic History, and Supporting Information application sections Begin to request transcripts |
| May 9 | Select programs in VMCAS |
| June 3 | First day to submit request for Fee Assistance Program |
| May 15 - June 15 | Request transcript to include spring 2024 grades Begin to work on program-specific questions |
| June 15 - July 15 | Finalize Academic History section/any other sections |
| July 15 - Aug 15 | Work and finalize all sections, including program-specific questions |
| Aug. 9 | Last day to submit request for Fee Assistance Program |
| Aug. 15 | Submit VMCAS application |
| Sep. 16 | Final VMCAS application deadline |
*Information adapted from the VMCAS Application Webinar presented by the AAMC.
What’s new in the 2024-2025 VMCAS?
While many aspects of the VMCAS remain the same, a few changes have been made to the application for this next cycle. A list of these changes follows, with a brief description of each.
New Questions
Licenses and Certification
Applicants have 600 characters in which to describe and explain the scope and training involved in a license or certification.
Continuing Education Credits
For each continuing education course you enter, you will need to upload a copy of your course certificate.
HOSA Participation Question
You will need to respond either “yes” or “no” to the following question: “Did you participate in HOSA Future Health Professionals (formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America) during high school?”
Previous Attendance in a Professional Program
“Have you ever enrolled in or attended a veterinary school, medical school, law school, or other professional degree program? Include any post-baccalaureate veterinary preparatory program with the intent to earn a professional degree.”
Changes to Questions
First-Generation Question Becomes Stand-Alone Question
The first-generation question is now a stand-alone question that reads as follows: “A first-generation student is defined as a student for whom neither parent/legal guardian has attended college. Are you a first-generation student?”
Removal of the Most Important Experiences Indicator
In prior application cycles, applicants were able to indicate their top five “most important/meaningful” experiences from the ones on their list.
Alternate Email Required
Although the initial prompt says that an alternate email will be “required,” a subsequent message says, “If you only have one email address, please retype it in the space provided.”
Removal of Personal Pet Quantification of Hours
This is now a simple, but long, list of different types of personal pets, and you are asked to indicate what type of experience you have, if any, with any of the animals listed. Honeybees are included on the list!
Applying to schools of veterinary medicine requires not only exemplary academic preparation and clinical exposure, but also knowledge of VMCAS and a thoughtful timeline to prepare a well-crafted, unique application.
As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherley worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!
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