Non-binding early admissions to Vet School off to a smooth start

Sophomores interested in a career in veterinary medicine now have the option of applying early to Tufts' Veterinary School.

Formally approved in the spring of 2003, the program is in its first year, and fills a "glaring gap" in the Veterinary School's structure, pre-health professions advisor Carol Baffi-Dugan said.

Baffi-Dugan said the program was inspired by students who observed similar programs available at the Tufts Dental and Medical schools.

The early admissions program at the Veterinary School is modeled after these other programs, but it is unique in that acceptance decisions are not binding. Baffi Dugan called this the program's "most extraordinary feature."

Non-binding decisions mean that applicants are still free to apply to other graduate schools even if they are granted early acceptance in their sophomore years.

Students from Tufts, UMass-Amherst, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and the University of Vermont are all eligible for the early admissions program. The program is only open to students from these participating schools.

The program considers applicants of any major though, three preparatory steps are recommended. Besides the completion of two science courses, students are encouraged to be active in their schools' Pre-Vet societies and have met with a health professions advisor.

Since applicants will not have taken their GREs by the time they apply to the program, SAT scores will be considered.

There are still kinks to be worked out such as determining yield ratios and acceptance figures. Baffi-Dugan described this first year as a time "for figuring out an appropriate and comfortable level for a quota system."

Once applicant and application trends are better understood, the program may need fine tuning according to Baffi-Dugan.

This fall, approximately 15 students attended an information session about the new policy held on the Medford campus.

Having spearheaded the program, Baffi-Dugan is pleased to now meet needs of students who come to Tufts specifically hoping to attend its Vet school.

"I've been talking to the Veterinary School for a long time about implementing this policy," Baffi-Dugan said. "I know I haven't been the only one, but perhaps I've been the one to pester the most...either way, it has come together beautifully."

As with any early acceptance program, admission is contingent on two requirements: there is a GPA cut-off and proof of having completed pre-requisites is needed. Applicants must maintain a 3.4 GPA.

Though it is not one of the specifically outlined requirements, it is understood that students are "expected to continually build upon their exposure to veterinary experience... which is hardly a problem since this is something most students interested in Veterinary School approach with passion," Baffi-Dugan said.

Veterinary School Admissions Coordinator Patricia Finger pointed out that students would be well-advised to take these conditions seriously. Applicants' progress will be monitored by the admissions director. Accepted students will then have until May 1 of their senior years to confirm enrollment in the program.

At this point, it is unclear how many will apply for early decision admission before the Mar. 1 deadline or how many slots will be afforded to those candidates.

According to Finger, 750 applications have been received from college seniors vying for entry into Fall 2003's class. Between 70 and 80 of these students will be accepted. Application deadline was Dec. 1 and decisions will be announced in April.