Frequently Asked Questions about AVM

If you do not see the answer to your own question(s) about the AVM program, please contact the program.

What qualifications do admitted applicants usually have?

Middle School students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that as long as the application is complete and the session is not full students will be admitted. High school, college and adult applicants usually have a B+ or better grade point average, strong science grades, expressed interest in learning more about the veterinary profession and significant animal related experience.

How many hands-on animal activities are there?

The AVM program is a mix of lectures, hands-on activities, discussions and laboratories designed to give participants a better understanding of the veterinary profession and veterinary school. The program is not an animal camp. Participants will have some contact with animals including large and small animal handling demonstrations. Please see the sample schedules for each session or contact the program for further information about animal related activities.

Can the tuition deposit or balance be paid with a personal check?

No. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted and will be returned. Please make money orders or bank checks payable to Trustees of Tufts College.

My fall grades do not come out until December or January. Do I need to submit an additional official transcript?

Please submit a copy of official transcripts as soon as possible. When fall grades come out a copy of the report card must be submitted or a guidance counselor must send an unofficial copy of the student's updated grades.

Should letters of recommendation be sent with the application or must they be sent directly from the person writing the letter?

Your letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the AVM office by your recommender either by using the online application system (preferred) or mailed directly to us from the person writing the letter.

Do I need to take the GRE or SAT to complete the AVM application?

No. Standardized test scores are not required.

I am a college student. Do I really need to submit my high school transcripts?

If you have completed 2 full-time semesters of college, you do not need to submit your high school transcripts.

I have already applied to veterinary school. Is this program right for me?

The AVM program is intended to help confirm that veterinary medicine is the right career path for you. If you have already applied to veterinary school, we feel that you have already chosen your desired career path. However, we are happy to talk with you about this situation if you would like to contact the program.

I am over 23 years old, but the Adult session dates do not work with my schedule. Can I apply to a College session?

Yes, please contact the program to discuss differences between the College and Adult sessions.

Can I apply to both the residential High School Session and the day High School Session?

No. You can only apply for one session at a time. Typically, the residential program is reserved for students who are not from the local area. If you are wait-listed for a residential High School session, you may contact the program to discuss the option of also being considered for the day High School session.

I was accepted to the AVM program, but I have to withdraw my application after paying the full tuition. Can I get my money back?

Our program is highly competitive and our tuition is non-refundable.

I have been out of school for awhile, and have lost contact with my professors. May I substitute employers for letters of recommendation?

Please contact the program if this situation applies to you.

I am a middle school student and have already attended the program. Can I apply again this summer for another Middle School session. What should I do?

The AVM middle school sessions are very popular and spaces are limited. If a student has attended the middle school session previously, the AVM office reserves the right to deny admission in order to allow other students the opportunity to participate. We hope that the program was successful in giving you an introduction to veterinary medicine the first time you attended. We encourage you to continue finding new ways to be involved with animals and wait to apply to a High School session.

I am a high school student interested in attending another High School session, what should I do?

We recommend that you wait until you are in college to consider reapplying. Please contact the program if this situation applies to you.

Where do students stay while attending a residential session?

Students admitted to the High School residential programs stay at Assumption College in Worcester, MA, and are bussed to and from the Cummings School. Housing is not available for the middle school, high school day, college and adult sessions. Students will need to provide their own transportation and accommodations. A list of local accommodations with discounted rates for AVM students is available for your convenience in the PDF format. Additional local accommodations can be found on the Visitor Information page.

Are students in a residential High School session supervised at Assumption College?

Yes! Students are supervised at all times by trained program assistants who are also veterinary students.

What do students in a residential High School session do during weeknights and weekends?

Several fun and laid-back social activities are planned for students including: movie nights, bowling and pool time. Students also have free time for sports, socializing and rest. During the weekends students go on animal-related field trips.

I am a guidance counselor, career counselor, or veterinarian. How can I get more information?

Please contact the program to receive additional information so we can put you on the appropriate mailing list for posters, brochures, and updates.