Pre-Veterinary Timeline

This timeline serves as a general guide for the Pre-Veterinary track at Florida State University. Because veterinary programs are highly competitive and have specific coursework and animal experience requirements, it's important to plan early and intentionally. For personalized planning, meet regularly with your FSU Pre-health Advisor and your major academic advisor via Campus Connect.

 
 

year 1

Courses: General Biology I & II (BSC 2010/2011), General Chemistry I (CHM1045 + lab), English Composition, College Algebra or Pre-Calculus, Intro to Animal Science (if available), General Psychology.

  • Resources:

    • Join FSU Pre-Vet Club or related pre-health organizations via NoleCentral.

    • Schedule a Pre-health Advising appointment via myFSU Campus Connect to map out prerequisites for your target veterinary schools.

  • Experience:

    • Begin shadowing veterinarians in multiple settings (small animal, large animal, exotic, equine).

    • Start logging both animal experience and veterinary-supervised hours, which are required for most vet schools.

SUMMER 1 – CLINICAL EXPOSURE

  • Gain animal care experience (vet clinics, animal shelters, farms, zoos, wildlife rescues).

  • Look for opportunities to work as a kennel tech, vet assistant, or volunteer with animal organizations.

 

year 2

Courses: Organic Chemistry I & II (CHM2210/2211 + labs), Physics I (PHY 2053C or 2048C), Microbiology (MCB 4403/L), Statistics, Animal Nutrition (if required by your schools).

  • Continue gaining hours and document all veterinary and animal experiences clearly.

  • Consider undergraduate research in biology, animal science, or a related field.

  • Meet with your advisor to make sure you’re meeting all VMCAS and vet school requirements.

SUMMER 2 – EXPERIENCE & GRE PREP

  • Strengthen veterinary exposure, including under the supervision of a licensed DVM.

  • Begin studying for the GRE (if required—some programs are test optional or test blind).

  • Explore summer internships with vet clinics, wildlife centers, or agricultural programs.

 

year 3

Courses: Physics II (PHY 2054C or 2049C), Biochemistry (BCH 4053), Genetics, upper-level science electives (e.g., immunology, zoology, physiology).

  • Take the GRE (if needed) by spring or early summer.

  • Draft your personal statement and begin requesting letters of recommendation (often including one from a veterinarian and one or two academic references).

  • Research and rank veterinary schools based on their specific requirements and mission.

SUMMER 3 – SUBMIT APPLICATION

  • Submit your VMCAS application (opens in May; submit by early fall for priority consideration).

  • Continue gaining experience and prepare for interviews.

  • Work on supplemental applications and essays for individual schools.

 

YEAR 4

Courses:
Complete your major requirements and maintain a strong academic record.

  • Attend veterinary school interviews and keep in close contact with your recommenders and advisors.

  • Wrap up experiences and finalize documentation of all clinical and animal hours.

  • Graduate!

GAP YEAR (OPTIONAL)

  • Use this time to gain more veterinary or animal experience, improve your GPA, or complete prerequisites.

  • Consider working as a veterinary technician or in research while reapplying.

  • Meet with your Pre-health Advisor for gap year planning and support.