Academics

Early Entry Program

The application for the Early Entry Program is available to high school seniors October 1 through January 15 each year and is due for submission January 15 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.  In the program, a successful student can earn both a bachelor of science (B.S.) and a doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.) degree in 7-8 years time.

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 preparation courses, while also working toward completion of a bachelor’s degree. After the student has completed all requirements for vet school and has remained in good standing, he/she matriculates into the CVM as a pre-accepted student. The student does not make further application to the CVM, does not take standardized tests otherwise required for admission, and does not interview for admission.

What must a student do to remain in good standing in the Early Entry Program?

Successfully complete a minimum 14 credit hours per semester

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.

*Please note that there is no “Pre-Vet Medicine” major at MSU.  Students must choose a major area of study, such as those listed above, and then can opt for a pre-vet emphasis in their majors.

What are the Application Requirements for the EEP?

Students applying for this program must have the following qualifications:

  1. ACT composite score of 26* (SAT score of 1760 on new SAT); and
  2. High school grade average of 90.

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).

* Effective January 2009 application, minimum ACT requirement will be 27 (SAT score of 1820 on new SAT)

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 15.  Applicants are notified of acceptance status by early March.

How do I get an application?

Applications are available online from October 1 through January 15 each year.

 

For further information, direct requests to:
Office of Student Affairs
College of Veterinary Medicine
P.O. Box 6100
Mississippi State, MS  39762

Telephone: (662) 325-1278 or (662) 325-9065
coats@cvm.msstate.edu or hadaway@cvm.msstate.edu