What can I do to improve my chances of admission?
Competitive applicants to the LMU-CVM are expected to provide an application package that demonstrates a judicious balance of academic achievement, community service, and personal interests with knowledge and commitment to the veterinary profession.
For students seeking to improve their chances of admission to veterinary school or PhD programs, our Master of Veterinary Biomedical Science program (VBMS) is a 1-year bridge curriculum dedicated to providing advanced academic learning in the life sciences. This MS degree can enhance the competitiveness of students seeking admission into doctorate-level professional programs, such as our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Find out more about our VBMS program here.
How should I keep track of my veterinary and animal experience hours?
The best way to keep track of your veterinary and animal experience hours is to keep a journal. This will provide you with a reliable record of your experience, and help you remember particular experiences for inclusion in your personal statement.
How important are my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation are especially important for the Admissions Committee to appreciate your intangible characteristics and potential for academic and professional success. It is important that you choose your references carefully so they can provide a balanced image of who you are, your passion for veterinary medicine, and potential for success.
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
We require a total of three (3) letters of recommendation from: a veterinarian, a professor, and a current or previous employer. All letters of recommendation must be submitted via VMCAS. We do not recommend submitting more than four (4) letters of recommendation.
Does it matter how long ago my coursework was completed?
Yes, all science pre-requisite courses must have been taken within the past 10 years.
Do I have to complete all pre-requisite courses prior to submitting my application?
No, while it is advantageous to have the majority of pre-requisites completed, particularly those in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Advanced Biology at the time of their application, you do not have to have all of your pre-requisite courses completed prior to submitting your application. You will need to show a clear plan for successfully completing your pre-requisites courses by the end of Spring semester/quarter prior to entry. Pre-requisite courses required for admission to the LMU-CVM program are listed here: Requirements to Apply
Do I need to have a Bachelor’s degree to be admitted?
No, completion of a Bachelor’s degree is not a requirement for admission. However you must fulfill all pre-requisite requirements by the end of Spring semester/quarter prior to entry.
What types of scholarships are available for Veterinary students?
The LMU-CVM is committed to providing scholarships to students each year. Details regarding the size of the monetary award, application process, and selection criteria will be available online as they become available.
What are the pre-requisite course requirements?
Pre-requisite courses required for admission to the LMU-CVM program are listed here: Requirements to Apply
Do you accept online courses?
Yes, pre-requisite coursework can be satisfied by classes offered on-line through various institutions of higher education that are fully accredited and recognized by the US Dept. of Education. All pre-requisite coursework must be documented by official transcripts. The database of US Dept. of Education recognized colleges can be accessed by following this link: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation
How much Veterinary/Animal experience is required?
The LMU-CVM program does not specify how much Veterinary/Animal experience is required for admission to the CVM program. However, all applicants are expected to have sufficient veterinary and animal experience necessary to support their informed decision to seek the education and training required for entry into the profession.
Can Advanced Placement (AP) courses be used to fulfill pre-requisites?
Yes, if the AP course(s) appear to be on an official college transcript with the AP test subject and number of credits listed and is equivalent to the appropriate college-level coursework it can be used for a pre-requisite.
What is your GPA minimum requirement?
All applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale to have their application considered by the Admissions Committee. We use your VMCAS calculated GPA. Click here to learn more about calculating your VMCAS GPA.
Is there a preferred undergraduate major?
Successful graduates of veterinary education programs come from a variety of academic backgrounds.
When is the VMCAS Deadline? What is the deadline for your supplemental application?
The deadlines for applying for both the VMCAS application and the LMU-CVM supplemental application is September 15, 2025.
Does LMU-CVM show favoritism to state residents?
No. As a private, non-profit university, LMU-CVM does not differentiate in the tuition fee or the number of seats available based upon your state of residency.
When are admissions decisions made?
Offers of admission will be made to interviewed applicants on a rolling basis beginning as early as September for the Spring cohort and December for the Fall cohort, continuing until the cohorts are filled.
What does the Admission Committee use as criteria in the selection of students to admit to the DVM program?
All applicants to the LMU-CVM are evaluated based on a holistic review of their academic and non-cognitive characteristics. Additional information can be found here: Application Process.
Do you require an admissions interview?
Yes, based upon the decision of the Admission committee, competitive applicants are asked for an interview. Find out more about our interview process here.
What is the size of each class at LMU-CVM?
The spring cohort accepts 100 students. The fall cohort accepts 125 students.
What types of scholarships are available for Veterinary students?
LMU-CVM scholarships are available for current LMU-CVM students to apply for each year. Details regarding the size of the monetary award, application process, and selection criteria will be available online as they become available.
Where can I learn more about your DVM program?
You can learn more about our DVM program here.
Inquiries for specific questions and concerns are addressed by e-mail to VeterinaryAdmissions@LMUnet.edu or by telephone to (800) 325-0900 ext. 7110.
What is the estimated cost of attendance at LMU-CVM?
The estimated cost of attendance can be found following this link: Cost of Attendance Budget
Can I meet with an admissions counselor?
Yes, you can schedule a meeting with a member of the Admissions staff by sending a request to VeterinaryAdmissions@LMUnet.edu.
How can I schedule a tour?
You can schedule a tour by filling out the LMU-CVM Tour Request form.
Why should I choose the Lincoln Memorial University Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine?
The veterinary medical education program at LMU is unique and innovative. The curriculum is structured to simultaneously develop veterinary knowledge and clinical skills side by side in an educational model that encourages our students to “think like a doctor” very early in the professional program.
The curriculum also emphasizes a “One Health” philosophy that recognizes the interactive and mutually dependent relationship of health and well-being for people, animals, and the environment in all semesters of the educational program.
Do you have any dual degree opportunities?
Yes. The LMU-CVM offers a Dual-Degree program in Masters of Business Administration. We are currently working to create more dual degree opportunities. Details regarding these intended programs will be described on the LMU website once they become available.
Are wildlife, zoo, and exotic animals part of your curriculum?
Veterinary health issues of all animal species are covered in the curricular content of the educational program. Students with an interest in wildlife, zoo, and exotic animals will have opportunities during the first clinical year to gain clinical experiences in this area.
How much hands on experience will I get during my education?
Students in the clinical and professional skills program begin learning and practicing key veterinary skills starting in the 1st semester of the curriculum and continuing through all pre-clinical semesters. Students practice their animal handling and physical examination skills on horses, cows, sheep, and dogs. Students work with LMU-CVM created models to practice large and small animal techniques such as drawing blood, giving injections, and learning surgical skills such as ligation and suturing prior to performing these tasks on live animals. Students also participate in interactive sessions with simulated clients and patients designed to build their communication skills before embarking on the final year of clinical rotations.
Does LMU-CVM help me find employment when I graduate?
We are committed to supporting our students and graduates seeking employment. Please contact Dr. Randy Evans, Associate Dean of Career Services and Professional Development for more information.
How much opportunity will I have to focus on areas of most interest to me during the clinical year?
LMU-CVM’s Clinical Year Curriculum is flexible to meet the career needs of individual students. LMU-CVM students in their clinical year are given the opportunity to pursue areas of personal interest within the customizable clinical rotation schedule. For more details on the clinical rotations schedule, review the clinical year curriculum.
Can I re-apply if I don’t get accepted on my first application?
Yes, you may apply for admission to the DVM program in subsequent application cycles. A member of the Admissions staff will be available to provide feed-back and guidance for developing a more competitive application.
Do I need to submit a new application each year I apply?
Yes, you must submit a new application each year. It is important that each updated application reflect an effort to improve its competitiveness, rather than “re-cycle” the previously submitted document.
Do I need to retake the Casper each year I apply?
Yes, you must retake the Casper Assessment each application cycle. Check out Requirements to Apply to see the listed Casper testing dates for the current cycle.
