W.A. Franke Honors Early Assurance Program

About the Program
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a cohort of applicants poised to become the next generation of veterinarians. The goal of the Early Assurance Program is to introduce a small group of W.A. Franke Honors students (up to 5 participants) to the College of Veterinary Medicine's active, team-based curriculum, live animal lab experiences, and professional learning communities before matriculating as full-time DVM students.
Once admitted to the program, students will participate in the summer Arizona Franke Honors VetCat Early Assurance Program between their junior and senior year. This summer program will provide students with an immersive, mentored experience with Arizona CVM faculty and veterinary medicine students. Following this summer experience, participants will complete senior year requirements, including the Honors thesis, before beginning veterinary school.
Students who have applied through VMCAS are not eligible for HiVE (Honors in Veterinary Education) program.
Eligibility Requirements
The VetCat Early Assurance Program is open to all Franke Honors juniors from any major. Based on the intended graduation date, applicants are selected in the spring of their junior year so they can complete summer programming before starting their senior year. Applicants will finish senior year degree requirements and begin their first year of veterinary school following graduation.
Once accepted to the program, students will matriculate into the University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, provided applicants adhere to all program requirements before entry. Requirements include satisfying all W.A. Franke Honors College and bachelor’s degree requirements by the end of their senior year. Our holistic review process will prioritize early assurance applicants who:
- Are a W.A. Franke Honors College Students with a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA
- Are motivated to pursue a career in veterinary medicine
- Have previous veterinary experience and clinical exposure
- Hold a high level of resilience, integrity, and emotional maturity
- Are strongly service and community-oriented
- Maintain a high cultural competency
- Possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills
To learn more about the program, eligibility requirements and application process, contact the W.A. Franke Honors team.
Explore the Early Assurance Program
Only students enrolled in the Franke Honors College are eligible to apply. A separate Arizona Franke Honors VetCat Early Assurance Program application will be available in the fall of junior year through Scholarship Universe. This application is required in addition to the standard VMCAS application, which will be submitted later in the program.