Early Entry Program
The application for the Early Entry Program is available to high school seniors October 1 through December 31 each year and is due for submission January 5 of the applicant’s senior year.
What is the Early Entry Program?
The Early Entry Program is a unique program of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) that allows high-achieving high school seniors to earn pre-acceptance (early, pre-approved acceptance) into the CVM.
How does the Early Entry Program (EEP) work?
Students who have an interest in veterinary medicine and meet application requirements during high school may apply for the Early Entry Program. If a student is accepted into this program, he/she begins undergraduate work at MSU after high school graduation, and completes the first three to four years of prerequisite courses, while also working toward completion of a bachelor’s degree. After the student has completed all course requirements for the College of Veterinary Medicine, has remained in good standing, and has taken the GRE® General Exam, he/she matriculates into the CVM as a pre-accepted student. The student does not make further application to the CVM.
What must a student do to remain in good standing in the Early Entry Program?
Successfully complete a minimum 14 credit hours per semester at MSU.
- Earn no less than a 3.35 GPA in:
- all college courses combined (cumulative/overall GPA)
- all prerequisite math/science courses (math/science GPA)
- all other prerequisite courses (required course GPA)
- the last 45 semester hours of college (last 45 GPA)
- Remain in good standing with the University
- Meet with the Early Entry Program administrator at least once each semester
- Document at least 480 hours work experience in a veterinary clinical/scientific setting prior to matriculation to the DVM program
What are my degree options within the EEP?
Students in the EEP may choose any major of study, however the following programs have degree requirements that align with requirements for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as offer the opportunity to earn both the bachelor’s and DVM degrees in a shortened period of time.
- Animal & Dairy Science
- Biochemistry
- Biological Engineering
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Food Science Technology
- Poultry Science
- Wildlife Science
*Please note that there is no “Pre-Veterinary Medicine” major at MSU. Students must choose a major area of study, such as those listed above, and then can opt for a pre-veterinary emphasis in their majors.
What are the Application Requirements for the EEP?
Students applying for this program must have the following qualifications:
- ACT composite score of 27 (SAT score of 1820 on new SAT); and
- High school grade average of 90. (3.6 on a 4.0 scale)
In addition, the Early Entry Program Admissions Committee considers animal and veterinary experience, work experience, leadership qualities, and nontechnical skills and aptitudes (character, community service, etc.) as described in the applicant’s written application to the Early Entry Program, and in the applicant’s Letters of Recommendation (provided in the application).
How many students are accepted each year?
Twenty-five positions are available each year. We normally receive 50 to 75 applications.
Are there other conditions for acceptance into the Early Entry Program?
Each Early Entry student must also be accepted to Mississippi State University. Applications to the Early Entry Program and the University are separate applications.
Does the EEP accept out-of-state students?
Yes. Both Mississippi and out-of-state students are eligible for the program.
When are applications available?
Applications for the Early Entry Program are available by October 1 each year, and are due for return by January 5. Applicants are notified of acceptance status in February..
How do I get an application?
Applications are available online from October 1 through January 5 each year.
Early Entry Program Applications Instructions
Early Entry Program Application
Confidential Evaluation Form
Confidential Evaluation Instructions
For further information, direct requests to:
Office of Student Admissions
College of Veterinary Medicine
P.O. Box 6100
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662) 325-9065 or (662) 325-2749
hadaway@cvm.msstate.edu or meiring@cvm.msstate.edu
