Prospective DVM Students

Prospective DVM Students

VSTP applications are accepted annually from prospective DVM students. 

The typical path into the VSTP program starts in the DVM years. VSTP does consider applications from current Ph.D. students; however, students rarely matriculate into VSTP through this route. Of note, Ph.D. students who have advanced to candidacy are not eligible to enter the VSTP program.

Successful VSTP applicants will be chosen based on the following factors:

  • Commitment to research
  • Quality of the proposed research program
  • Letters of evaluation from persons familiar with the applicant's past/present research
  • Scholastic achievement (undergraduate/postbaccalaureate/graduate programs)

 

To be considered for the VSTP program, prospective students must complete both VSTP and DVM program applications by the deadlines listed below. 

Admitted VSTP students will apply to their PhD program(s) of interest at the beginning of their second DVM year (V2). Most VSTP students are in the Ph.D. programs in Immunology, Integrative Pathobiology, Epidemiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Biological Sciences, but all graduate programs are available for application. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

1. VSTP Online Application (Deadline: September 15th at 11:59 pm PST)

  • VSTP program statement of intent (7,500 character limit, including spaces). Statement should include research background, interests, research experience, reasons for pursuing a dual degree program, and contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. For contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, you may include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your DVM-PhD.
  • Resumé or curriculum vitae and list of any publications (accepted, submitted, or in review).
  • Unofficial transcript(s) from your undergraduate degree granting college or institution and any postgraduate training (postbaccalaureate program, MS program, etc.).

Once you submit the online application, you will see "New submission added to Prospective Student Application Form."

Emailed to the VSTP Director and Coordinator

  • In addition to the REQUIRED 3 VMCAS letters of recommendation for the DVM program, applicants to the VSTP program must submit a minimum of 2 additional letters of recommendation from research scientists which address your research potential. If a research scientist provided a letter for the DVM application, they are welcome to provide a separate letter for the VSTP application. All VSTP letters should be sent directly to Dr. Bethany Cummings (bpcummings@ucdavis.edu) and Erin Kent (eckent@ucdavis.edu) by September 15th.

    All VSTP application materials must be received by September 15th, 2024. Late materials will not be accepted.

2. Complete DVM Program Application 

DVM (VMCAS) Application (Deadline: September 16 at 11:59 pm EST (8:59 pm PST))

Submit completed DVM application (via VMCAS) by September 16th. All submitted applications need to be verified by VMCAS, which can take up to two weeks. Once applications are "verified" by VMCAS, they will be imported to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Applicant Portal, starting mid-August. By submitting all of your transcripts BEFORE the VMCAS deadline (September 16, 2024), you will greatly improve your chance of having your application verified early with time to make corrections if needed. 

Applicants are notified via email when their VMCAS application has been added and are provided instructions on how to set up their applicant portal, complete a secondary application, and pay the processing fee.

UC Davis Applicant Portal (Deadline: October 15th)

  • DVM program secondary application (personal statement and three eLORs)

 

For further information, contact:

Dr. Bethany Cummings DVM, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of VSTP
SVM Dean's Office
bpcummings@ucdavis.edu