Cornell CVM Prerequisites: What You Actually Need

Cornell is the most-searched US vet school brand and among the most competitive programs in the country. Here is the complete prerequisite picture — including the standalone Genetics requirement that many applicants miss.

Browse Courses for Cornell

Class Size

~100 students per entering class.

Avg. Accepted GPA

Admitted applicants typically present GPAs of 3.6+.

Recency Rule

Science prerequisites must be completed within Verify with admissions of application.

Online Prerequisite Policy: Cornell's specific online prerequisite acceptance policy should be verified directly with the admissions office. Most AVMA-accredited programs accept regionally accredited online coursework — confirm with Cornell before enrolling.

Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine — Complete Course Mapping

Every required prerequisite mapped to the UIU course available through PrereqCourses.

Cornell Requirement	Credits	Lab	Recency	UIU Course	Price
General Biology I & II with Lab	8	✓	Verify with admissions	Biology I & II with Lab	$1,390
General Chemistry I & II with Lab	8	✓	Verify with admissions	Gen Chem I & II with Lab	$1,390
Organic Chemistry with Lab	4	✓	Verify with admissions	Organic Chemistry with Lab	$695
Biochemistry	3	—	Verify with admissions	Biochemistry	$675
Genetics	3	—	Verify with admissions	Genetics	$675
Statistics	3	—	Verify with admissions	Statistics	$675
English Composition	3	—	Verify with admissions	English Composition	$675

Requirements verified May 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine admissions before enrolling.

Key Notes for Cornell Applicants

Genetics Required as a Distinct Course: Cornell requires Genetics separately — the genetics unit covered in General Biology does not satisfy this requirement. UIU's standalone Genetics course (3 credits) is designed to meet this requirement.

Highly Competitive: Accepted applicants typically present prerequisite GPAs of 3.6 or higher. Strong animal experience, veterinary exposure hours, research, and a compelling personal statement are equally important.

Verify Online Policy Directly: Cornell's online prerequisite acceptance policy should be confirmed with admissions before enrolling. Do not rely on third-party sources for this specific question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Cornell requires Genetics as a distinct course. The genetics unit in introductory Biology does not satisfy this requirement. UIU's standalone Genetics course (3 credits) is designed to meet it.

Cornell is highly competitive. Accepted applicants typically present prerequisite GPAs of 3.6 or higher, though there is no published minimum. Strong animal experience, research, and a compelling personal statement are equally weighted.

Cornell's specific online acceptance policy should be verified directly with admissions. Most AVMA-accredited programs accept regionally accredited online coursework — but confirm with Cornell's admissions office before enrolling.