If you’re dreaming of becoming a veterinarian, you’ve probably spent countless hours researching what it takes to get into vet school. Among the many questions swirling in your mind, one likely stands out: Do I need to take the GRE? The answer might surprise you—and save you significant time and money during your application process.
The veterinary school admissions landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Where the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was once a near-universal requirement, today most AVMA-accredited veterinary programs have moved away from standardized testing. This guide breaks down exactly which schools still require the GRE, which have dropped it, and what this means for your graduate school preparation.
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The Current State of GRE Requirements for Vet Schools
Here’s the headline: the vast majority of U.S. veterinary schools no longer require the GRE. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and data from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC), only a handful of programs still mandate standardized test scores as part of their admissions process.
This represents a significant departure from even a few years ago. The trend accelerated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when testing centers closed, and schools were forced to evaluate applicants without GRE scores. Many institutions discovered that GRE performance didn’t strongly predict success in veterinary school or clinical practice—a finding that led numerous programs to eliminate the requirement permanently.
Vet Schools That Still Require the GRE in 2025
As of the 2025-2026 application cycle, only one U.S. veterinary school still requires the GRE for admission:
Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Location: Tuskegee, Alabama
- GRE Requirement: Required
- Recommended Score: Combined score of 295-300+ (Verbal + Quantitative)
- GRE Deadline: Scores must be received by October 1st
- Contract States: Kentucky (2 seats), South Carolina (4 seats)
Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a historically significant institution and remains committed to using the GRE as part of its holistic admissions process. The school recommends a combined minimum score of 295 on the verbal and quantitative sections, with competitive applicants typically scoring 300 or higher. GRE scores must be submitted using institution code 1813 and department code 0617.
Vet Schools That Recommend (But Don’t Require) the GRE
Some veterinary programs have adopted a middle-ground approach, making the GRE optional while giving preference to applicants who submit scores:
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
- Location: St. Kitts, West Indies
- GRE Requirement: Highly recommended but not required
- Priority Review: Applications with GRE scores receive priority consideration
- Institution Code: 2639
Ross Vet explicitly states that applicants who submit GRE scores—regardless of their score—receive priority in the review process. According to the school, students who take the GRE are statistically more likely to succeed in their program. If you’re considering Ross, taking the GRE could give your application an edge.
Major Change: Oklahoma State Drops GRE Requirement
In a significant policy shift, Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine announced it will no longer require the GRE or CASPer test starting with the 2025-2026 application cycle. This change came after the school’s research indicated that GRE scores weren’t strongly predictive of student success, and maintaining the requirement was limiting their applicant pool.
This means Oklahoma State joins the growing list of schools that have abandoned standardized testing, leaving Tuskegee as the sole U.S. veterinary school with a mandatory GRE requirement.
Top-Ranked Vet Schools That Don’t Require the GRE
Good news for test-averse applicants: many of the nation’s most prestigious veterinary programs have eliminated the GRE. Here are some notable examples:
University of California, Davis
- U.S. News Ranking: #1 in the U.S.
- GRE: Not required
- Known for its cutting-edge research, wildlife health programs, and the largest public veterinary teaching hospital in the U.S.
Cornell University
- U.S. News Ranking: #2 in the U.S.
- GRE: Not required (MCAT and CASPer also not required)
- Offers specialized pathways including Small Animal, Equine, Exotic Pets, and Zoological medicine.
Colorado State University
- U.S. News Ranking: #3 in the U.S.
- GRE: Not required
- Home to the renowned Flint Animal Cancer Center and world-class equine medicine facilities.
University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet)
- U.S. News Ranking: #4 in the U.S.
- GRE: Not required
- The only vet school directly linked to a medical school, featuring the Working Dog Center for service and detection dog training.
Texas A&M University
- U.S. News Ranking: #5 (tied) in the U.S.
- GRE: Not required
- One of the largest and most affordable veterinary programs in the nation, with a 99% NAVLE pass rate.
Other Top Schools Without GRE Requirements
- University of Florida (#5 tied)
- The Ohio State University
- NC State University
- Purdue University
- Michigan State University
- University of Wisconsin
- Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine (Rowan University) – New Jersey’s first vet school, provisionally accredited in 2025
What Is a Good GRE Score for Vet School?
If you’re applying to Tuskegee or choosing to submit optional scores, understanding competitive GRE benchmarks is essential. Based on historical data from veterinary school admissions:
- Verbal Reasoning: 154-158 (61st-80th percentile)
- Quantitative Reasoning: 152-156 (48th-67th percentile)
- Analytical Writing: 4.0+ (56th percentile)
- Combined Score (V+Q): 305-320+ is considered competitive
Keep in mind that veterinary schools use holistic admissions processes. Strong grades, extensive veterinary experience, compelling personal statements, and stellar letters of recommendation can offset a lower GRE score. If you’re interested in strengthening other parts of your application, explore our resources on graduate school admissions.
How to Prepare for the GRE
If you need to take the GRE, planning your preparation is crucial. Here’s what successful test-takers recommend:
GRE Study Timeline
- 3-4 months before: Take a baseline practice test to assess your starting point
- 2-3 months before: Focus on weak areas, learn test strategies, and build vocabulary
- 1 month before: Take timed practice tests and refine time management
- 1 week before: Light review only; prioritize rest and stress management
Recommended Free GRE Practice Resources
- ETS Official PowerPrep Tests (free with registration)
- GregMat+ (highly recommended by pre-vet students)
- Manhattan Prep 5lb Book of GRE Practice Problems
- Magoosh GRE prep (free trial available)
Most pre-vet students report studying 1-2 hours daily for 1-3 months before the exam. Remember: GRE scores are valid for 5 years, so you can take the test early in your college career if needed.
What Matters More Than the GRE
With most schools dropping the GRE requirement, other elements of your application carry even more weight. Here’s where to focus your energy:
Academic Performance (GPA)
The average GPA of admitted veterinary students is approximately 3.54, with competitive applicants typically holding a 3.6 or higher. Schools pay particular attention to your science GPA and performance in the last 45 semester hours of coursework.
Veterinary and Animal Experience
Most schools require 150-500+ hours of documented experience working with animals under veterinary supervision. Competitive applicants often accumulate 1,000+ hours across diverse settings, including small-animal clinics, large-animal practices, research labs, wildlife rehabilitation, and shelter medicine.
Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters from veterinarians you’ve worked with and professors who know you well can make or break your application. Start building these relationships early in your undergraduate career.
Personal Statement
Your VMCAS personal statement (limited to 3,000 characters) is your opportunity to tell your story. Focus on specific experiences that shaped your passion for veterinary medicine and demonstrate the qualities that will make you an excellent veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRE required for all vet schools?
No. As of 2025, only Tuskegee University requires the GRE for admission. Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine recommends it but doesn’t require it. All other AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools have eliminated the GRE requirement.
Should I take the GRE even if it’s not required?
Did Oklahoma State drop the GRE requirement?
How long is the GRE valid for vet school applications?
What is the GRE test format?
What GRE score do I need for Tuskegee?
The Bottom Line
The days of the GRE being a universal requirement for veterinary schools are over. With Tuskegee University as the only U.S. school still mandating the exam, most aspiring veterinarians can now focus their energy on building clinical experience, maintaining strong grades, and crafting compelling applications rather than preparing for standardized tests.
That said, always verify current requirements directly with your target schools before finalizing your application strategy. Admissions policies can change, and the AAVMC’s Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements (VMSAR) database is the most authoritative source for up-to-date information.
Whether you need to take the GRE or not, remember that getting into vet school requires a holistic approach. Strong academics, meaningful animal experience, compelling essays, and genuine passion for veterinary medicine are what truly set successful applicants apart.For more guidance on graduate school preparation, explore our complete resources at OnlineMastersColleges.com.