Since the pre-veterinary curriculum is a component of a student’s education at Stanford, not a major, students can explore a wide variety of academic areas and majors according to their area of interest.  When courses are taken often depends on when the student plans to enter veterinary school. Taking a year off before veterinary school is often a healthy alternative and allows students much more flexibility in scheduling their pre-veterinary courses. It also further allows students to explore diverse curricular programs, such as studying abroad, becoming involved in research projects, etc., over their full four years at Stanford.

It usually takes a year to complete the entire application process.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Veterinary schools are not consistent with how they view AP credit. We recommend that you take an additional course at the university level even if you have the AP units in math or physics.  Veterinary schools expect these required courses to be taken for a letter grade.
• Math requirements for veterinary schools vary widely. Some veterinary schools do want to see a year of college math, which can include calculus and statistics. Some veterinary schools will accept AP credit. You should also be aware of any math requirements for your majors of interest.
• The chemistry sequence at Stanford is unique, and the courses are not easily matched to those at other colleges and universities, especially if you are trying to match quarter classes to semester classes. Please consult a pre-health advisor before deciding to complete chemistry requirements elsewhere.
• Many schools are now requiring or highly recommending biochemistry. There are multiple ways to satisfy biochemistry through coursework and it is imperative that pre-vet students check with their major departments on how best to complete the Chemistry sequences if their major requires Chemistry courses.
• Advanced coursework in biology (such as molecular biology and genetics) is highly recommended by many veterinary schools.
• Please exercise caution if switching from the Biology foundation courses to the Human Biology core, or vice versa.

Adapted from Stanford Academic Advising; Vice Provost from Undergraduate Education