PAVE/Evaluated Clinical Experience – Apply

Update

The selection process for 2026-27 is now complete. Congratulations to those who will be joining us in May. To those who have not been called for interview, please do not be too disheartened: with an unprecedented number of applicants again this year, disappointment is inevitable. We hope you will remain on our list for 2027-28, and that you will have an experience-packed and inspirational intervening year. Thank you for your participation.

Eligibility

Candidates should check AAVSB stipulations before applying for the ECE year; they need to be fluent in spoken and written English, and must be prepared for large and small animal rotations.

They must have graduated from an AVMA-listed school of veterinary medicine and have passed the PAVE Qualifying Science Examination (QSE) by the time our selection process is finalized (typically end December).

The North American Licensing Examination (NAVLE) is not a prerequisite, it may be taken before or after the ECE year.

Please note the following slight change: for academic year 2027-28, if this is the first time you are applying for the ECE at Penn Vet, please do not send us your new application yet. We’ll be accepting applications from April 1, 2026 until the closing date of August 31, 2026.

The documents you should have ready for your submission are as follows (with English translations where appropriate).

  • Letter of intent (to include an overview of your education, your veterinary experience thus far, and your future goals)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Veterinary education credentials (official transcript, diploma, grades)
  • QSE result
  • English language test result (TOEFL or IELTS), or other official confirmation of fluency
  • Form of identification: passport photograph page copy or screenshot
  • Three reference letters – these may be from your veterinary school tutors, veterinary professionals and others who can attest to your character, abilities and work ethic (you may either collect and include in your application, or have them send directly to us)

Your application will be reviewed by Penn Vet’s ECE Admissions Committee. We will conduct interviews by video-conference with short-listed candidates in October/November. Your referees may be contacted during the selection process.

Preparation

Candidates often ask what they can do to increase their chance of success – in being selected for interview, getting accepted, and for the year itself. Aside from your solid academic performance, it will be helpful to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge of different species (if you are mainly a small animal veterinarian, seek out opportunities to gain familiarity and comfort with handling horses, for example). Also, show how you have learned from and developed through your experiences; and what you have done that goes beyond what has been required of you – such as volunteer work, extra research, etc. In addition, practising your English language skills, in order to be able to demonstrate ready understanding and effective communication, will help enormously.

Acceptance

If we offer you a place, and you choose to accept it, you will be required to pay a $4,000 deposit to secure it by the date specified in your offer letter. This amount will be subtracted from your total fees for the year. Withdrawal after accepting an offer will mean the $4,000 is forfeited.

Fees

Note that grants and scholarships are not available for this program. Students typically use personal funds and arrange private loans.

Please read the advice under Cost of Attendance: Tuition, Fees & Expenses for cost of attendance and budgeting, and specifically the ‘4th Year’ and ‘Total (non-PA resident)’ figures. Invoices are sent out before each trimester begins.

Upon acceptance, the visa process can begin.

Visa

Penn’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is a resource for advice on the F-1 student visa and obtaining Form I-20. Candidates are enrolled as full-time, out-of-state students. All visa expenses are the responsibility of the candidate.

Health

Penn’s Student Health Services page sets out the immunization process for uploading proof of vaccinations, including COVID and flu shots. Rabies immunization is a Penn Vet-specific requirement; you will need to insert rabies information on the vaccination form, under ‘Other’. Students will need to provide proof of health insurance cover.

Performance Expectations and Evaluation

Candidates will follow the same curriculum as final year veterinary students, rotating through the specialties (small and large animal), and completing a set of core competencies. Read more about this here. Performance is also evaluated in the same way as for an enrolled full-time student. Confirmation of satisfactory completion of the ECE is submitted to the AAVSB on each candidate’s behalf.

Failure to comply with attendance regulations could result in dismissal from the program, with loss of visa status and no recourse for reimbursement of fees. Unauthorized absences of longer than three days must be reported to Penn Vet and to the Department of Homeland Security. Candidates are entitled to two weeks of vacation (to be taken consecutively).

Orientation and Probationary Period

Successful candidates are expected to arrive and be present for orientation two weeks prior to the first day of the program. There is a four-week probationary period. Each student is allocated a mentor from the peer group. Penn Vet does not guarantee that participants will pass the year; program requirements may change from year to year.

Contact

The What You Need to Get Started page is a useful resource for all Penn Vet students; these FAQs are specific to the ECE; and there are some general FAQs here. Please email any additional questions to the Program Coordinator at suejenks@vet.upenn.edu.