NOTE: UMES SVM is not currently accepting applications for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
The School is seeking a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Upon receipt of a Letter of Reasonable Assurance, UMES SVM anticipates opening applications shortly thereafter for its inaugural DVM class. The inaugural class is being planned to begin in summer 2027, pending the required AVMA COE action.
Application dates, deadlines, fees, and submission instructions will be posted on this page when the application opens.
Get Ready
Before You Apply
Prospective applicants should carefully review the following information:
Applicants are responsible for confirming that they meet all eligibility requirements and can complete all prerequisite coursework by the published deadline.
Submission
Application Submission
The inaugural DVM class will apply through a secure online application administered directly by UMES SVM. Applicants to the inaugural class should not submit a VMCAS application to UMES unless specifically instructed to do so by the School.
UMES SVM plans to participate in the Veterinary Medical College Application Service, commonly known as VMCAS, for subsequent admissions cycles.
Anticipated Admissions Timeline
Application opening: To be announced following the required AVMA COE action
Application deadline: To be announced
Supporting materials deadline: To be announced
Interviews: To be announced
Admission decisions: To be announced
Inaugural class begins: Summer 2027 (pending COE approval)
All deadlines will be based on Eastern Time and will be strictly observed.
Checklist
Required Application Materials
A complete application is expected to include the following:
1
Online Application
Applicants must complete and electronically submit the UMES SVM application by the published deadline.
2
Application Fee
The application fee, payment instructions, and information regarding any available fee waivers will be published when the application portal opens.
3
Official Transcripts
Applicants must submit an official transcript from every college or university attended, including institutions where courses were completed through dual enrollment, summer study, online enrollment, or as a visiting or non-degree-seeking student.
Detailed instructions for submitting domestic and international transcripts will be provided in the application.
4
Personal Statement
Applicants will submit a personal statement explaining their motivation for pursuing veterinary medicine, their understanding of the profession, and how their experiences have prepared them for veterinary education. The final prompt and word limit will be provided in the application.
5
UMES SVM Supplemental Responses
Applicants will respond to five experience-based questions designed to help the Admissions Committee understand their preparation, background, judgment, communication skills, service, leadership, and professional interests. At least one response will address a meaningful veterinary or animal-related experience.
Final prompts and word limits will appear in the application.
6
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must request at least three confidential letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be written by a licensed veterinarian who can address the applicant’s understanding of the profession and preparation for veterinary education, particularly as it may be impacted by an accelerated program.
Letters from immediate family members or personal friends will not be accepted. Recommenders must submit their letters directly through the secure electronic system described in the application instructions.
7
Experience Information
Applicants will report veterinary, animal-related, employment, research, service, leadership, and other relevant experiences in the application.
UMES SVM does not require a minimum number of veterinary or animal-related experience hours. Experiences will be evaluated holistically and in the context of the opportunities available to each applicant.
Next Steps
After You Apply
Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status and ensuring that all required materials are received by the applicable deadlines. An application will not be eligible for review until it is complete.
UMES SVM will communicate with applicants primarily by email. Applicants should monitor their inbox and spam or junk folders and promptly notify the School of changes to their contact information.
Applicants selected for further consideration will be invited to participate in a structured interview. An interview invitation does not guarantee admission. Details regarding the interview format (virtual or in-person) and scheduling will be provided to invited applicants.
Integrity
Applicant Responsibility and Integrity
Applicants must provide complete, accurate, and truthful information throughout the application process. UMES SVM reserves the right to verify application materials, academic records, experiences, job history, and other information.
Falsification, omission, misrepresentation, plagiarism, or submission of work that does not authentically represent the applicant may result in denial of admission, withdrawal of an admission offer, or other action under university policy.
