The path to becoming a veterinarian is a rigorous and rewarding journey, demanding dedication, academic excellence, and a deep passion for animal welfare. For those dreaming of a career in veterinary medicine, understanding the application process, curriculum, and opportunities available is crucial. Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers prospective students various avenues to explore this exciting field. This guide delves into the programs and resources designed to help aspiring veterinarians navigate their path, drawing insights from their official offerings.
Cornell’s admissions team provides comprehensive insights into the DVM program, application strategies, and career prospects. Whether you’re a current pre-vet student, a high school student exploring options, or a career changer, these resources are invaluable. For those seeking a direct connection and personalized advice, scheduling a Zoom meeting with the Director of Admissions can offer clarity on your specific circumstances and application.
On-Campus Pre-Vet Presentations & Tours
Cornell offers in-person, two-hour programs designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. These sessions are structured to provide a holistic view of the veterinary school experience. The program includes an informative presentation by the director of admissions, covering critical aspects of the DVM curriculum, essential preparation steps for future applications, and a detailed overview of the application process itself. Furthermore, it addresses how to strengthen an application, explores diverse careers within veterinary medicine, and discusses financial aid options.
Following the presentation, attendees embark on a student-guided tour of the college’s educational facilities and clinical spaces, including the Companion Animal Hospital. It’s important to note that these are the only campus tours offered by the college, and individual tours are not available. Guests of pre-vet students are welcome to join both the presentation and the tour.
Registration and Waitlist Information
Spaces for these popular programs are limited, and to maximize opportunities for interested students, each attendee is asked to limit their guest to one adult. If a particular tour date is marked as “Full,” prospective attendees can email vet_admissions@cornell.edu to be added to the waitlist. When requesting to be waitlisted, please specify the date of interest and whether you will be bringing a guest. Cancellations are frequent, offering a good chance for those on the waitlist to secure a spot.
Upcoming Programs and Cancellations
On-campus presentations and tours are scheduled to resume in March 2026. If you have registered for a program and find you are unable to attend, it is essential to notify the admissions office as soon as possible. This allows them to offer the canceled spot to someone on the waitlist, ensuring that as many interested individuals as possible can benefit from the program. Cancellations can be communicated via email to vet_admissions@cornell.edu.
Important Restrictions and Warnings for Tours
For health and safety reasons, children aged 14 and under are not permitted on the tours. The tour involves navigating numerous steps, and participants may encounter situations such as viewing dead or sick animals, blood, and animal tissues. Touching or petting animals is strictly prohibited during the tour. Photography is not allowed at any point. Additionally, participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes in the hospital; sandals are not permitted.
Online Admissions Roundtables and Pre-Vet Club Meetings
For those unable to attend in person, Cornell offers virtual opportunities to engage with the admissions process. Online webinars, known as Admissions Roundtables, provide a valuable platform to learn about preparing a competitive application and gain insights into Cornell’s DVM curriculum. These sessions are typically led by the Director of Admissions and often feature current veterinary students who share their experiences and perspectives.
Pre-vet clubs interested in arranging a virtual Zoom meeting with the Director of Admissions can do so by sending an email request to vet_admissions@cornell.edu. These virtual meetings offer a tailored experience for organized groups.
Virtual Tours
For a comprehensive, self-guided exploration of the facilities, Cornell provides a series of virtual tour videos. These videos offer detailed looks at various aspects of the college, including:
- Cornell Teaching Dairy: Explore the facilities dedicated to dairy farming education.
- Companion Animal Hospital: Get a virtual walkthrough of the state-of-the-art companion animal hospital.
- Small Animal Community Practice: Learn about the services and facilities for small animal care.
- Facilities, Classrooms, and Learning Spaces: Gain an overview of the general academic and learning environments.
These virtual resources offer a flexible way for prospective students to familiarize themselves with the campus and its offerings, complementing the information provided through presentations and roundtables.
The journey to veterinary school is a significant undertaking, and resources like those offered by Cornell aim to demystify the process and provide aspiring veterinarians with the knowledge and support they need to succeed. By engaging with these programs, whether in person or online, individuals can make informed decisions about their future in veterinary medicine.
