Policy on References

Three required references:

• (2) Veterinarian (DVM's, non relatives)
• (1) Your choice (non relatives)

Additional references that are not sent through VMCAS, should be sent to the Office of Students Affairs by November 1.  Please remember we only need a total of three references which includes references sent through VMCAS.

Your third reference should also be from someone who is not a relative.  They must be able to attest to your work ethic and professionalism/character.  This reference may also be from a Veterinarian if you choose.

Veterinary References

• Must be a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). 
• Not required to be currently practicing
• Not required to have worked in a clinical setting with the DVM

 What is advised is that the evaluator knows you well enough to complete a recommendation on you and write a positive letter of reference in your favor.   

Veterinary References from a Committee

We do accept Veterinary References from committees.  The guidelines for submitting them are as follows:

1. The committee must contain at least one (1) DVM. 
2. A DVM must complete the evaluation
3. A DVM must sign the letter of recommendation

Submitting your References

Sending more than the three (3) required references:

We advise against sending more than the three (3) required references as the Admissions Committee will only review three (3) references.  Applicants are asked to submit their three (3) strongest references that meet our guidelines (2 DVM (non-relative), 1 non-relative).  If an applicant submits more than the three required, we randomly choose at least two (2) DVM references and a personal reference.  In this case, the Admissions Committee may not read what you may consider to be your strongest reference.   

Submitting one or more references via VMCAS

When submitting references via VMCAS, applicants are allowed to submit three (3) references.  Many schools do not require applicants to submit more than one (1) veterinary reference.  For this reason, when submitting references via VMCAS, we advise applicants to submit their three strongest references.  In other words, if your three strongest references include only one (1) Vet reference and two personal references, submit those references via VMCAS.  Applicants who are invited to complete the Supplemental Application will be given the opportunity to submit the additional required Vet reference. 

Applicants submitting all required references via VMCAS need not send addtional references at any time.