Pre-Veterinary Medicine
A major in Biology or Chemistry will provide the science classes needed to prepare you for veterinary school.
Be sure to discuss your post-graduate plans with your SAU advisor so that you construct a plan of study that satisfies both whatever major you choose plus prepares you for graduate school.
Ambrose Advantages
- Hands-On Research and Experiments
- Rigorous Academics
- Our Focus is You
At St. Ambrose, we have several majors that will provide you with the educational foundation you need for a career in veterinary medicine and for graduate school.
More Information About the Pre-Veterinary Program
The requirements for veterinary school focus on the biological and chemical sciences.
The course requirements for admission to vet school differ for each institution, but a common theme for all programs is a dedication to the care of animals. This commitment can be demonstrated through volunteer efforts, job shadowing at both small and large animal facilities, and internships.
Many of the veterinary science programs in the Midwest region require:
· One year General Biology + lab (BIOL 199, 200)
· One year General Chemistry + lab (CHEM 105, 106)
· One year Organic Chemistry + lab (CHEM 207, 208, 209, 210)
· One year Physics + lab (PHYS 203, 204)
· One year Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 230, 232)
· Biochemistry + lab (CHEM 319)
· Genetics (BIOL 303)
· Microbiology (BIOL 251)
· Statistics (STAT 213)
· English Composition (ENGL 101)
· Public Speaking (COMM 129)
Individual veterinary programs may have additional requirements.
The entrance exam for veterinary school is the GRE General Test. This exam includes questions related to verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
The GRE should be completed by the end of the summer after the junior year to be considered for admission in the fall semester after graduation.
At SAU, our Biology and Chemistry programs are rigorous but very rewarding. You can take part in research and design experiments early in your undergraduate career, a benefit not usually offered at bigger schools. Both of these majors give you a solid educational foundation in biological and chemical processes, which most veterinary schools require.
At SAU, our student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1 which means you get personal attention, encouragement to explore, and guidance from top-notch faculty. This can lead to a deeper comprehension of subject matter and a stronger educational experience.
We recommend all undergraduates take part in an internship or job shadow and volunteer. There are many opportunities for you to help at local animal shelters or learn from local veterinarians. Our Career Center can help you find the right opportunity.
Scholarships and Grants
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants, work-study and other financial aid options! Full-time students may be eligible based on your strong academic performance in college, your talent in fine arts or athletics or your demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The SAU school code for the FAFSA is 001889.
ON CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.0 GPA: $24,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $22,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $20,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $18,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $14,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
OFF CAMPUS
Merit-Based Scholarships
4.o GPA: $17,000
3.75-3.99 GPA: $16,000
3.0-3.749 GPA: $15,000
2.5-2.99 GPA: $14,000
2.0-2.49 GPA: $13,000
If GPA is 2.0-2.49, additional documents and review required for admission.
ADDITIONAL INSTITUTIONAL AID
Ambrose Advantage Full-Tuition Scholarship
Pell-eligible Iowa residents, learn more here
Fr. Welch Alumni Scholarship: $500 per year
Parent is a St. Ambrose graduate
Catholic Traditions Scholarship: $1,000 per year
Students with Catholic religious denomination or plans to graduate from Catholic high school
Minority Scholarship: $500 per year
Ethnically diverse student
Athletic Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability
Fine Arts Scholarships: varies
Performance and ability in music, art and theatre
Faith Learning Justice Campus Ministry Scholarships: $2,000 per year
Recognition of involvement in church and community service and interest in strengthening faith and growing as a leader in campus ministry
Scholarships are determined by unweighted GPA, and are renewable for four years of undergraduate student. Increases in scholarship awards due to change in GPA will be reviewed until March 1.
Grants are money that you don't repay, and they can come from government or private sources. SAU receives all financial aid funds directly - including loans and grants - then applies them to your account: once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Grants can be used to cover your tuition, books, and housing costs. You must apply for grants each academic year. If you have any loan funds in excess of your costs, you may receive a refund. If you are a first-time borrower, there is a 30-day hold on your first disbursement. For all of these grants, you must complete the Free Application Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it is available.
Iowa Tuition Grant
To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant, you must be a resident of Iowa as defined by the State Board of Regents and currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at an eligible Iowa college or university (SAU is eligible). Iowa College Aid administers need-based college financial aid for Iowans, such as the Iowa Tuition Grant.
Award: $7,500 maximum
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded to students of the highest need based on how much your family can contribute to your education. The U.S. Department of Education sets a threshold. Then, when you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it computes where you land within that threshold and determines if you qualify for the grant and for how much.
Award: $6,895 maximum
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
You must file a FAFSA to qualify for a Pell Grant. This grant is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have submitted all required documents for review and in time for the review to be complete. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant or SEOG, the awards will appear on your financial aid award letter.
Award: $400 maximum
Federal Work Study
Must secure campus employment.
Award: $2,560
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Provides aid to students intending to teach in a high-need field at a school that serves low-income families (as determined by the U.S. Department of Education or a state education agency). Review criteria and all details here.
Award: up to $4,000
There are many opportunities to receive scholarships from outside sources, here are a few websites to begin researching your options:
- Fastweb
- College Board Scholarship Search
- Scholarships.com
- Peterson's Award Database
- Scholly (app download)
Another tip: Next time you're on campus, check out the bulletin board outside Student Financial Services where we post more flyers and applications for outside scholarships.
Contact
Admissions Office
Admissions and Welcome Center
310 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6300
admit@sau.edu