W.A. Franke Honors Early Assurance Program

W.A. Franke Honors Early Assurance Program

The University of Arizona W.A. Franke Honors VetCat Early Assurance Program allows for academically talented students to gain early admission to the University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

About the Program

The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for a cohort of applicants poised to be 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. 

The cohort will follow an academic plan to complete all veterinary medicine school prerequisite coursework and individual learning modules to provide an early start to content found in the veterinary medical school curriculum. Once admitted to the program, students will participate in the summer UArizona 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.

Explore our early Assurance Program

To learn more about the program, eligibility requirements and application process, contact the W.A. Franke Honors team.

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Eligibility Requirements

The VetCat Early Assurance Program is open to all Franke Honors juniors from any major. Based upon 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

Application Process and Deadlines 

Only Franke Honors College students are eligible to apply. A separate UArizona Franke Honors VetCat Early Assurance Program application will be available for students to apply in the fall of their junior year through Scholarship Universe. This application will be in addition to the regular VMCAS application (submission during the program). 

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