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Average GRE Scores For Vet School (2024 Updated Guide)

Aria Miller
Published by Aria Miller
Last Updated On: April 29, 2022

Vet school is a wonderful opportunity for people who love both animals and science to get their DVM degree (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). Veterinarians who get their DVM degree have the ability to earn $96,000 as a fresher, and $150,000 as an experienced vet.

In order to get into one of the top 30 DVM programs, most of the admissions committees require a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test score. A lot of these programs do not require a minimum GRE score, however many veterinary schools require a 3.0+ GPA.

Since the admissions process for vet school has a wide variety, it can be an absolute headache to find what you’re looking for.

That’s why we have scoured every corner of the internet to provide you with all you need to know about the average GRE scores, as well as factors you should consider beyond your GRE.

What's an Average GRE Score For Vet School?

Close up view of a person answering an exam paper

It’s no secret that veterinary schools are highly competitive colleges. The average GRE scores for an admitted applicant vary from 154 - 158 for verbal scores and 152 to 156 for quant.

Many of the graduate programs require a balance between these two scores, plus a 4.0 for AWA.

This brings the overall composite GRE score to 310 for a veterinary school.

Many veterinary applicants take the GRE more than once, and many of these vet schools will consider your highest score during the vet school application.

Top 30 Vet Programs And Their Average GRE Scores

Veterinary writing notes while checking a dog

Take a look at this table to see the estimated average GRE and GPA scores for the top 30 veterinary schools in 2022 [1].

Average GRE GPA
Vet School Name Quant Verbal Overall Science
1 Auburn University 153 153 3.7 3.7
2 Iowa State University No GRE required * 3.6 3.5
3 Cornell No GRE required * 3.7 3.6
4 Michigan State University No GRE required * 3.4 3.4
5 Colorado State 157 156 3.6 3.6
6 NC State 155 155 3.7 3.4
7 Kansas State No GRE required * 3.6 3.5
8 Ohio State 153 153 3.4 3.3
9 Lincoln Memorial 150 151 3.3 3.1
10 Midwestern University 152 152 3.2 3.1
11 Louisiana State 152 153 3.8 3.8
12 Mississippi State No GRE required * 3.7 3.4
13 Purdue University No GRE required * 3.5 3.4
14 Oklahoma State 152 153 3.5 3.4
15 UC Davis 160 158 3.7 3.7
16 Oregon State 154 155 3.5 3.4
17 University of Minnesota 155 156 3.6 3.6
18 Texas A&M 155 154 3.7 3.7
19 University of Florida No GRE required * 3.7 3.6
20 Tufs 157 158 3.8 3.6
21 University of Illinois 154 153 3.6 3.5
22 Tuskegee 147 148 3.3 3.2
23 University of Georgia 154 155 3.7 3.6
24 University of Missouri No GRE required * 3.7 3.6
25 University of Tennessee 153 155 3.7 3.6
26 Pennsylvania 157 156 3.6 3.6
27 Washington State 155 155 3.7 3.6
28 Virginia Tech No GRE required * 3.5 3.4
29 University of Wisconsin 156 156 3.6 3.6
30 Western University 153 152 3.3 3.1

Do GRE Scores For Vet School Really Matter?

Female medical student holding her temples thinking

While some veterinary medical schools don’t require GRE general test scores, all vet programs care greatly about academic metrics.

If the admissions committee requires you to take a GRE, you can expect to face 3 portions within the test.

This includes analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Each of these sections will provide you with separate vet school GRE scores.

While many vet schools don’t have a minimum threshold, they do of course prefer students who demonstrate that they understand the material well and are willing to put in the effort to learn.

Once you graduate school, you’ll be required to pass a standardized test before you can become a vet. The scores of this test - the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, or the NAVLE - can actually be predicted by your GRE [2].

So, it will help students with their overall application if they present good grades within the GRE.

Like I mentioned above, many programs don’t require a particular GRE score from their applicants, however, you can get a good idea of where you stand if you check the table above.

Before you start applying for veterinary school, evaluating schools individually will help. Typically they display their average score each class year, and if the information isn’t available, you can always give them a call to ask.

Vet Schools That Don’t Require A GRE

medical professor teaching his students

You don’t need a GRE to be a good vet. Great veterinarians have a great love for animals and a willingness to learn and practice, despite the GRE test scores they produce.

Some of the top vet schools that don’t require GRE scores include: 

  • Iowa State
  • Cornell
  • Michigan State
  • Mississippi State
  • Purdue State
  • University of Florida

A Good GPA Score For Vet Programs

On average, admitted students have average GPAs of 3.54. Therefore, if you have an overall GPA of 3.6 or more, you should feel pretty comfortable applying to a vet program.

Your science GPA is looked at very closely and is very critical when applying to a top veterinary program.

For example, if a student has an overall GPA of 3.5 yet they have 3.5 or above in the science section, they’re still a good applicant for vet school.

Many schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0+.

If you have a GPA below 3.3, having a good score on your GRE will strengthen your chances of getting into your chosen veterinary program.

3 Factors Beyond A GRE

Woman taking care of a dog, and a woman handing a paper to sign

While academic and education factors are incredibly important, there are also other factors that applicants should think about when figuring out their future goals. 

1. Animal Experience

Animal experience is among the most important factors when it comes to being a veterinarian. In other words, a great GRE score means nothing if you can’t stand the sight of sick and injured animals.

Some programs may require a specific amount of experience, it’s best to aim for a few hundred hours. Many admission boards choose students who have experience working with professional veterinarians.

They also like to see a range of experiences, such as small and large animals. Prepare research and other relevant activities. 

2. Letters Of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a great way for applicants to show off their experiences outside of class. It allows the graduate school to hear from someone who's worked with you, understanding your skills and attitude. 

3. Extracurricular Activities

Applicants who can demonstrate initiative and show they are interested in their studies outside of the classroom are specific examples. If you have an experience that demonstrates leadership, perseverance, and/or communication skills, it can give your application the edge it needs.

Do You Need More Than Average GRE Score to Get Admitted?

Having a strong GRE and GPA score certainly boosts your chances of getting into a reputable veterinary program. With the average score being 310, it certainly is a high bar to reach.

However, this is just one component of an impressive application. Having prior experience with vets, a letter of recommendation and a list of extracurricular activities will give you the edge.

If you are unsure about the required GRE score for your chosen program, checking the school’s website or giving them a call will be able to confirm this for you.


References:

  1. https://admissionsconsultants.com/graduateschool/average-estimated-gre-scores-and-gpas-for-vet-school/
  2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21320014/

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