Veterinary Medical School Application Cycle to Open Earlier Than Usual

Washington, D.C – November 11, 2019 – In a significant departure from past practice, the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) announced that the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) 2020/21 application cycle will open on January 22, 2020 and close on September 15, 2020. The cycle typically opens in May.

The change has been undertaken to make the process more convenient for applicants to veterinary medical schools and provide them with more time to complete the various components of the application process, according to AAVMC Director of Admissions and Recruitment Affairs Diana Dabdub.

While the annual VMCAS application cycle is normally active for about four months, most applicants typically wait until the last minute to complete their applications. For example, during the 2018-19 cycle, 6,470 (79.4%) applicants waited until September to submit their applications, with 45% of applicants submitting during the final week.

The rush of activity at the end of the cycle condenses the time available for applicants to seek support and assistance and compile the various materials required for a complete application.

New this year, applicants will be able to begin compiling their application without needing to select a specific college or school. Specifically, they will be able to enter coursework, request letters of recommendation, and request transcripts.

On May 12, 2020, the veterinary schools will become available for applicants to select. At this time, applicants will be allowed to formally submit applications.

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect and improve the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment around the world by advancing academic veterinary medicine. Members include 51 accredited veterinary medical colleges in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jeff Douglas or Jeanne Johnson
Phone: 202/371-9195, x144
Email: jdouglas@aavmc.org or jjohnson@aavmc.org