VMCAS: Key Dates and Application Tips
The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) offers a common application that simplifies the process of applying to schools of veterinary medicine. The VMCAS application cycle opened on January 21, 2026, and the application deadline is September 15. With advanced planning, knowledge of the new and changed aspects of the VMCAS, and a competitive, holistic application, you will be ready!
Table of Contents:
- VMCAS Timeline
- Comparing VMCAS Schools
- Completing the VMCAS Experiences Section
- Tips for Letters of Recommendation
VMCAS Timeline
We created the following suggested timeline to highlight important VMCAS dates, provide reminders for completing application-related tasks such as academic transcript requests, and allow for lots of critical writing time in the overall application process.
| Date | Milestone or Activity |
| January 21 | VMCAS application opens |
| January 22 to May 9 | Complete the Personal Information, Academic History, and Supporting Information sections of the VMCAS applicationBegin to request transcripts |
| May 7 | First day to select programs in the VMCAS application |
| May 7 | First day to submit fee waiver requests for the VMCAS Fee Assistance Program |
| May 7 to June 15 | Request transcript to include spring 2026 gradesBegin to work on program-specific questions |
| June 15 to July 15 | Finalize the VMCAS application Academic History section |
| July 15 to August 15 | Work on/finalize all VMCAS application sections, including program-specific questions |
| August 13 | Last day to submit fee waiver requests for the VMCAS Fee Assistance Program |
| September 15 | VMCAS application deadline |
Comparing VMCAS Schools
In the 2026-2027 application cycle, 35 U.S. schools participate in VMCAS, as do accredited veterinary institutions in Australia (4), Canada (5), France (1), Grenada (1), Ireland (1), Korea (1), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (1), Puerto Rico (1), Scotland (2), St. Kitts (1), and the United Kingdom (4).
When considering where to apply, the Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements (VMSAR) directory is a helpful tool for comparing U.S., Canadian, and international veterinary medical schools. The directory provides insightful information such as school description, program description, entrance requirements, and acceptance data for each accredited program. And you can click on each school’s Q&A tab for answers to program-specific questions such as “How many hours of vet experience are required at the Colorado State Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program?” or “How many outstanding prerequisites are allowed at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine?”
Completing the VMCAS Experiences Section
VMCAS offers applicants six different choices of experiences to add to their application:
- Veterinary Experience (with a veterinarian)
- Animal Experience (no veterinarian involved)
- Employment (not animal related)
- Extracurricular Activities
- Research
- Volunteer (not animal related)
You may think it’s important to demonstrate only animal-related experiences on your VMCAS application. However, schools of veterinary medicine are looking for well-rounded applicants. Therefore, it is actually critical to include at least one employment experience that highlights your responsibility and teamwork skills, as well as at least one volunteer experience that was not animal related to show the adcom that you value philanthropic efforts.
Veterinary experience must be completed under direct supervision of a veterinarian and can be a paid, volunteer, or shadow position. Ideally, this would be a long-term position in which you cultivated a meaningful professional relationship, learned the scope of the veterinarian’s practice, and was able to ask critical questions when appropriate. This type of experience can yield a strong letter of recommendation from the veterinarian endorsing your candidacy for veterinary school.
Animal experience can include work or volunteer time completed in direct contact with any type of animal population. Note that many schools of veterinary medicine will not count direct pet care (think: dog walking) as animal experience. And remember, you want your application to stand out and highlight diverse experiences. Applicant experience with small animals and in animal shelters is quite common. How can you expand your reach? Think about zoos, aquariums, large animal practices, horse stables, alpaca farms, nature centers, and bird sanctuaries.
Research can be another way to emphasize work you’ve done directly with animals. And if your research principal investigator is also a veterinarian, even better! When describing your research, be sure to include if you completed your work in the field or if it was bench-based research, and specify if it yielded any peer-reviewed publications and/or poster presentations at a national or international conference.
Tips for Letters of Recommendation
VMCAS applicants are required to request a minimum of three recommendation letters and a maximum of six. Letters must be received by VMCAS by September 15, so request your letters early to avoid delay.
Be sure to check each program’s requirements regarding their letters of recommendation, as some programs require one letter from a DVM and/or a letter from an academic STEM faculty member.
Recommendation FAQs
Q: One of my recommenders asked for help writing the letter. What should I do?
A: The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) offers helpful Guidelines for Recommendation Letter Writers that you can share with your recommenders to offer basic information and structure.
Q: How important is it to have a letter of recommendation from a veterinarian?
A: This is a critical letter that will offer strength to your candidacy to a graduate program. It is important to try to cultivate a relationship with a practicing veterinarian during a shadowing, internship, or clinical experience. If that practitioner observes your critical-thinking skills, compassion, and dedication to the field, it will yield a strong recommendation.
Q: By the time I apply to veterinary medical school, I will have been away from my undergraduate institution for several years. How will I secure a faculty letter? What if they forget who I am?
A: If you know you will have one or more gap years between graduation and your VMCAS application, be sure to stay in touch with your faculty members periodically. Sending update emails to your faculty letter writers—keeping them updated on your professional growth, new achievements, and continued plans to apply to veterinary medical school—both is appreciated and would help to reinforce their commitment to write a letter of recommendation.
Q: What etiquette should I follow when seeking letters of recommendation?
A: Follow these suggestions:
- Ask first, either in person or via email or text. Don’t assume that someone will automatically write you a recommendation.
- Give your letter writers plenty of time to write. At least two months of advance notice would be appreciated.
- Offer to provide any supporting documentation, such as your resume, CV, personal statement, and VMCAS Experiences section.
- Once your recommendation is complete, be sure to send your recommenders a thank you email or text or call your recommenders to thank them.
Do you need guidance with the process of applying to veterinary medical school? Work one-on-one with an Accepted advisor who will help you create a strong, successful, admission-worthy application. Request your free consultation today!
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