The Food Animal Veterinarian Early Acceptance Program (FAV-EAP) provides a pathway for students majoring in Animal Sciences to gain early acceptance into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at Illinois. Designed to prepare future food animal veterinarians, the program combines hands-on experience, industry-specific coursework, and an expedited application process that allows students to focus on gaining relevant experience in becoming food animal vets.
Why are we focusing on future food animal veterinarians?
The goal of establishing this new collaboration between the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of ACES and the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine is to identify and recruit students interested in food animal veterinary medicine to Illinois. A shortage of food animal veterinarians threatens the success of livestock industries in Illinois and the United States. This partnership builds on the long history of both Animal Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine in supporting Illinois farmers and the livestock industry.
How does the program work?
This program will operate as a 4+4 program where students complete their BS in Animal Sciences at Illinois before beginning veterinary school at Illinois. However, instead of waiting to apply to vet school during their senior year, students can complete an early admissions process. Up to 5 students per year will be selected for this early acceptance program.
Why choose Illinois Animal Sciences for your future in food animal veterinary medicine?
At Illinois Animal Sciences, you’ll gain unparalleled hands-on experience with dairy and beef cattle, sheep, poultry, and swine at our campus-based university farms—providing the real-world skills essential for a career in food animal veterinary medicine. Our faculty are not only leading transformative research in animal production and health but also have deep industry connections to help you build your network and career path. Here, you’ll find a supportive community dedicated to your success and sense of belonging. Whether you’re looking to engage in Hoof and Horn, livestock, meats, or dairy judging, collegiate 4-H, or other hands-on learning opportunities, Illinois Animal Sciences provides the perfect foundation for your future in food animal veterinary medicine.
Questions?
Our Animal Sciences advisors can answer any questions about this program. You can also contact the College of Veterinary Medicine admissions at admissions@vetmed.illinois.edu for questions specific to the application.
Applicant eligibility
Applicants to the program must:
- Be Animal Sciences majors at Illinois, enrolled in the Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES
- Have completed at least 3 semesters at Illinois
- Have completed or articulated credit to Illinois the following courses:
- Introduction to Animal Science (ANSC 100)
- General Chemistry 1 and 2 with lab (CHEM 102, 103 and CHEM 104,105)
- ANSC 221: Cells, Metabolism and Genetics
- ANSC 222: Anatomy and Physiology
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in:
- ANSC 103: Working with Farm Animals
- ANSC 223: Animal Nutrition
- ANSC 224: Animal Reproduction and Growth
- Organic Chemistry 1 (CHEM 232)
- An experiential learning course (ANSC 398, at least 1 credit hour) with an experience focused on food animal production
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum VMCAS Science GPA of 3.5
- Demonstrate experience with and a commitment to food animal medicine and livestock production
Application process
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Application Form for the 4 + 4 Early Acceptance Program found here: https://go.vetmed.illinois.edu/AdmissionsNonVMCASApplication
- Personal statement detailing:
- Your decision to pursue veterinary medicine and focus on food animal medicine
- Career goals and relevant experiences
- Insights gained from veterinary experience beyond technical skills
- Personal interests, extracurriculars, and additional relevant information
- Explanation page (optional) to elaborate on veterinary experience, employment history, honors, awards, or activities
- Three letters of recommendation:
- One from a teacher
- One from a veterinarian
- One character reference
- Official transcripts
- Certification & authorization signature (Included in the application form)
Application deadline: March 24, 2025
Application form: https://go.vetmed.illinois.edu/AdmissionsNonVMCASApplication
Additional application materials should be emailed to admissions@vetmed.illinois.edu
Selected applicants will be invited for an interview after application review with final decisions available in late spring.
Program requirements
After selection, to continue to qualify for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine via this program, students must:
- Complete all prerequisite courses for admission to the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine with a grade of C- or higher
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits/year with no lapse in enrollment (summer semester not included) while at Illinois
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA throughout the program, to be confirmed annually through transcript submission after each spring semester
- Maintain a 3.5 science GPA throughout the program, to be confirmed annually through transcript submission after each spring semester
- Complete at least two food animal-focused courses approved by the Department of Animal Sciences
- Complete at least 1 credit hour of ANSC 398 focused on undergraduate research in food animal production
- Complete a minimum of 300 hours of approved food animal experiences to be defined by the College of Veterinary Medicine
- Earn a BS in Animal Sciences prior to matriculating to the College of Veterinary Medicine