Equine Scholars Program

NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for undergraduates who would like to pursue a career as an equine veterinarian to apply for our Equine Scholars Program. This program offers Scholars who meet qualifications:

• A reserved spot in a DVM class
• Support from dedicated mentors throughout the undergraduate and DVM years
• Collaboration with a community of students with a passion for equine medicine
• Work experience with local equine practitioners and equine primary care

The Equine Scholars Program seeks excellent undergraduates with an interest in equine veterinary medicine. Current undergraduate partner institutions include NCSU, NC A&T, Mount Olive and St. Andrews. (Interested students attending other institutions can reach out through the link below.) Students must apply to the Equine Scholars Program; students who do not apply will not be considered for the Program.  To be eligible for the Equine Scholars Program, applicants must have at least junior standing, have one summer remaining before their VMCAS deadline, meet minimum GPA qualifications for the DVM program, be on track to meet all requirements for admission to NC State-DVM, be planning to apply to the NC State-DVM program within the same year they are selected as an Equine Scholar. Equine Scholars will be selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on academic performance, two letters of recommendation, extracurricular and work experiences, awards and recognitions and a personal statement explaining their interest and commitment to a career in equine veterinary medicine.

As of 2024, the minimum academic qualifications for the NCSU Equine Scholars Program and admission to the NCSU DVM program are:

In state students:

• Cumulative undergraduate grade point average must be equal to or greater than a 3.0.
• Grade point average in courses required for admission to NC State-CVM must be equal to or greater than a 3.0.
• Grade point average in the last 45 credit hours attempted must be equal to or greater than a 3.0.

Out of state students:

• Cumulative undergraduate grade point average must be equal to or greater than a 3.4.
• Grade point average in courses required for admission to NC State-CVM must be equal to or greater than a 3.4.
• Grade point average in the last 45 credit hours attempted must be equal to or greater than a 3.4. 

Subsequent to selection as a Scholar, Scholars must apply for admission to the DVM program as described here . To secure their reserved seat, Equine Scholars must meet all minimum requirements for admission at the time of DVM program application.

While completing their undergraduate degree, Scholars will receive assigned mentors and participate in a required equine veterinary summer work experience.  Once admitted to the DVM program, Scholars will continue receiving mentorship, participate in a required equine veterinary summer work experience, and complete equine-specific courses.

The program will address the following key objectives:

1. To provide a clear academic pathway for students desiring a veterinary career in equine veterinary medicine.
2. To provide admission to the N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) for up to six Equine Scholars each year, provided they meet minimum standards for acceptance established by the Admissions Committee.
3. To devise a plan of academic work, experience, and mentoring for Equine Scholars which encompasses undergraduate and veterinary medical education and meets specific needs of the equine industry in North Carolina.
4. To provide a continuous supply of new veterinary graduates with skills, experience and expertise with Equine Species. These new graduates will immediately be able to provide valuable service to modern animal agriculture and will be mentally prepared to continually grow and improve as scientific health professionals.
5. To continually promote and increase the visibility of the Equine Scholars and the Equine Scholars Program.

Equine Scholar Application 2024-25

Application Deadline

We are now accepting applications for the Equine Scholar Program.
Deadline: January 10, 2025
(by 4:30 p.m.)

EQUINE SCHOLAR APPLICATION

REFERENCE FORM FOR EQUINE SCHOLAR APPLICATION