Exceptional students earn early admission to K-State veterinary college

Fourteen future veterinarians are getting a head start on their professional training at Kansas State University thanks to the College of Veterinary Medicine's Early Admission Program.

Through the program, K-State recruits exceptional future veterinary students and provides them with unique experiences that guide them toward advanced clinical and research training to produce future leaders in veterinary medicine.

To set the Early Admission Scholars up for success, the College of Veterinary Medicine assigns each scholar a veterinary student mentor to stimulate career and academic development, familiarize students with K-State and the veterinary college, and provide opportunities to participate in college activities.

The pre-veterinary students attend regular meetings during the academic year to develop a sense of community and share their progress.

"For the August 2025-February 2026 application cycle, K-State College of Veterinary Medicine received 43 completed and qualified applications and interviewed 37 outstanding candidates for the early admission program," said Caroline Rost, assistant dean of admissions. "While we encountered many talented applicants, 14 were offered admission based on impressive academic history, relevant experiences in the last four years, strong communication skills and successful interviews. These exceptional students show great promise for the future of the veterinary profession."

2026 Early Admission Scholars

Established in 1999, the Early Admission Scholars Program recruits the best and brightest undergraduate students who are committed to studying veterinary medicine. This year's recipients were honored at an induction ceremony in August.

The 2026 Early Admission Scholars are:

Charlotte Millard, Lenexa; Ethan Smith, Olathe; Maria Lynam, Overland Park; Joliene Dragoo, Rosalia; and Robert Langill, Seneca.

From out of state: Jonathan Baker, Acworth, Georgia; Samson Masters, Downs, Illinois; Caitlin Murphy, Princeville, Illinois; Cristina Gendron, Catonsville, Maryland; Saanvi Saxena, Troy, Michigan; Reilly Foy, Saint Louis, Missouri; Trinity Holland, Smithville, Missouri; Keerti Karidi, Georgetown, Texas; and Ava Ketterhagen, Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

Future scholars can apply through Feb. 1, 2027

High school seniors who are interested in pursuing veterinary medicine at K-State can apply to be part of the 2027 class of Early Admission Scholars now through Feb. 1, 2027.

Successful candidates must maintain a 3.3 grade point average during completion of the science prerequisites and complete the 53 hours of prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to beginning the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum in the fall. The science courses on the prerequisite list must be completed at Kansas State University.

Candidates must also strengthen their veterinary experiences, attend K-State events and participate in volunteer work.

Visit the Early Admission Program website for more information about program requirements and how to apply.