Holistic Admission at NC State CVM

At NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, we are committed to preparing a broad range of veterinary professionals, ensuring they are equipped to lead and advance the profession. To achieve this, we use a holistic admissions review process that evaluates not just academic performance but also the broader range of experiences, qualities, and potential that each applicant brings to our community. This approach aligns with our mission of cultivating a collaborative and respectful environment that fosters creativity and problem-solving.

We recognize that selecting students who can contribute meaningfully to both the field of veterinary medicine and our dynamic college environment requires a comprehensive understanding of each applicant as a whole person. Our admissions process is designed to ensure we select individuals who will thrive academically and personally in our community and ultimately excel in their careers.

The CVM Holistic Admission Review

1. Veterinary, Research, and Animal Experiences
   We consider the depth and relevance of veterinary and animal-related experiences. This includes hands-on work with animals, research, volunteer activities, or any other exposure to the veterinary field. These experiences help us understand the applicant’s practical knowledge and commitment to animal welfare.
2. Life Experience
   We value varied life experiences that contribute to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world. Life experiences can shape how applicants approach challenges, collaborate with others, and demonstrate resilience, key qualities for success in veterinary medicine.
3. Personal Qualities
   Leadership, empathy, integrity, and respect are crucial to fostering a positive and welcoming community. We assess personal qualities to ensure that they align with our core values of respect, collaboration, and empathy.
4. Academic Performance
   Academic performance remains a key factor in our review process. However, we do not rely solely on grades alone. We consider the entire academic history to determine an applicant’s readiness to succeed at the CVM.
5. Focus on the Whole Person
   We take a broad approach to understand the individual, balancing academic achievement, personal experiences, professional growth, and future aspirations. Our goal is to identify applicants who not only excel in their field but who will also contribute positively to the community at NC State.
6. Mission Alignment
   We seek applicants whose values and aspirations align with our mission to develop leaders in veterinary medicine and research. We assess commitment to animal welfare, scientific inquiry, and service to society.
7. Flexibility and Individuality
   Our admissions process recognizes the many paths applicants take to reach veterinary school. We value the unique experiences, skills, and perspectives each applicant brings. Flexibility in our review allows us to consider those qualities that contribute to a vibrant, well-rounded student body.
8. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
   Veterinary medicine requires the ability to think critically, analyze complex situations, and find effective solutions. We look for evidence that an applicant can apply problem-solving skills, both academically and in practical settings, to address challenges in the field.
9. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
   We value applicants who demonstrate a passion for continuous learning. The veterinary field is constantly evolving, and lifelong learning is essential for success. Commitment to ongoing education and professional development is a key factor in our review.

Faculty Committee on Admissions

It is the responsibility of this committee to recommend policy and admission criteria for admitting candidates to the professional veterinary program. This committee shall also recommend, to the faculty, preprofessional course requirements relevant to the program in general. Faculty will decide courses of action in preprofessional curricular requirements on the basis of committee review. Additionally, the committee is responsible for regular review of admission procedures and for making regular reports of committee actions to the faculty.

Committee Members:

• Each department will have four (4) members on the committee (total of twelve (12) members from three (3) departments)
• One (1) member will be the President of the NCVMA or his/her designee, and one (1) member will be President-elect of the NCVMA or his/her designee or immediate past President of the NCVMA or his/her designee.
• One (1) representative will be from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• One (1) representative will be from the College of Sciences
• One (1) representative will be from the North Carolina Association of Minority Veterinarians
• One (1) representative will be an alumnus of NC State CVM; One (1) member-at-large will be from the University of North Carolina system; two (2) members-at-large will be from NC State, including but not limited to faculty from other colleges and staff from CVM, and (three) 3 members of CVM Academic Affairs.

Changes in the admissions process may be made without announcement as a result of continual review by the Faculty Committee on Admissions.