VetLEAD

Update: Applications for VetLEAD are now posted and will be accepted April 1-26, 2013.

The Shortage of Veterinarians and the Need for Diversity

The profession of veterinary medicine provides countless opportunities to graduates. The University of Minnesota's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program prepares students to enter many exciting and rewarding career paths. Veterinarians care for companion animals, work with producers to support food-animal production, protect our food supply and the public health, and serve an integral role in biomedical research.

While the veterinary profession has much to offer, students of color are still underrepresented. Our country is also facing an overall shortage of veterinarians, particularly in the areas of food-animal medicine, public health, and biomedical research. High-achieving students of color can help fill the void in there under-served, high-paying areas of expertise.

To meet the increasing demand for veterinarians and to promote diversity within the veterinary student body, the University of Minnesota has introduced the Veterinary Leadership through Early Admissions for Diversity (VetLEAD) program. VetLEAD creates a pathway into veterinary school for high-ability students at partner institutions.

Benefits of VetLEAD

VetLEAD allows you to:

• Receive a provisional admissions decision from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine at the end of your sophomore year of undergraduate study.
• Waive the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) requirement when applying to the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Participate in summer independent study, research, and internship opportunities.
• Complete your undergraduate pre-veterinary coursework at your home institution.
• Benefit from a mentorship with veterinary faculty and advanced students while finishing your undergraduate coursework.
• Obtain scholarships.
• Work with world-class veterinary faculty members and veterinary medical industry leaders.

Who is Eligible for VetLEAD?

Any high-achieving student enrolled in a CESTA program at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University who has a strong interest in veterinary medicine may apply. Even though the enrollment in VetLEAD is limited, the College of Veterinary Medicine encourages high-achieving students of color to consider a career in veterinary medicine through this unique early admissions decision program for pre-veterinary students.

Applying to VetLEAD

Step One:
Qualifying students must submit an application to VetLEAD during the spring semester of their sophomore year. Sophomore status is based on credits taken, not years in the program. Typical applicants rank in the top 25 percent of their high school graduating class and have a composite ACT score of at least 25 (1130 on the SAT). Faculty and staff in the partner school review the initial applications, and qualifying students are placed in a pool. View the application materials here.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Full-time enrollment (at least 15 credits) for both fall and spring semesters, for a total of at least 60 credits
• Freshman and sophomore coursework consistent with the College of Veterinary Medicine's admissions requirements for the doctor of veterinary medicine program (e.g.; courses in chemistry, biology, writing, physics, and math)
• Experience related to veterinary medicine (can include farm experience, participation in 4H, or other relevant activities)
• Letter of support from an advisor or faculty member of the partner school
• Two (2) letters of support from practicing veterinarians or scientists
• FAMU cumulative grade point average of at least 3.40 for undergraduate coursework
• Completion of the College of Veterinary Medicine admissions application

Step Two:
Applicants eligible for admission will be asked to visit the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine during the summer following the spring in which they apply to participate in an admissions interview.

Student not selected for the VetLEAD program may still apply to the College of Veterinary Medicine at a later date through the traditional admissions process.

Completing VetLEAD

To complete VetLEAD and gain admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the end of the fourth undergraduate year, students must:

• Visit the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine campus.
• Complete all pre-veterinary coursework with a FAMU cumulative GPA of at least 3.40.
• Participate in a summer independent study, research, or internship opportunity.

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