The Admissions Committee of the MSU-CVM seeks to admit students who will be successful not only in the classroom, but also in clinical and/or research settings, and ultimately in the profession. The ideal candidate will possess a balance of these qualities:
| Motivation/Self-determination | Integrity |
| Work Habits | Empathy |
| Decision Making/Problem-solving Skills | Orientation toward Service |
| Leadership | Uniqueness |
| Communication Skills | Maturity |