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How to choose a college ?

How should I choose a school if I want to go into veterinary medicine? And once there what classes should I take?

college college-major medicine veterinary veterinary-medicine
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Andrea’s Answer

I would research veterinary schools near you. In-state tuition is cheaper. Depending on grades, research all the possible options for scholarships. Think about state schools and cheapest options. If the state has incentives for payment due to need might help as well. Remember, in 10 years nobody will care where you graduated from. They only will care how good you are.
Thank you comment icon +1 to this comment. It's a common pitfall to not consider the cost implications of higher-level education. Be sure to fully consider costs before committing. You may also consider a gap year to give sufficient time to save some money for tuition. Matthew Coates
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Cheri’s Answer

Hi Braedon,

It's never too early to start working towards becoming a veterinarian. As a high school student, you can prepare for this rewarding career by focusing on science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. Volunteering at animal shelters or veterinary clinics can also give you valuable experience and show your passion for animals.

To become a veterinarian, you first need a Bachelor's degree. Consider majoring in fields like biology, chemistry, zoology, or animal science, as these will help you meet veterinary school requirements. Since you'll need both a Bachelor's and a Doctorate, it's essential to consider the cost of education. Check if your high school offers dual enrollment with a local community college, allowing you to take college courses for free. Start looking at state schools in Illinois for your college education. The University of Illinois offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Visit their website (https://vetmed.illinois.edu/) for a list of prerequisite courses you need before applying.

Good luck!
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Andrew’s Answer

Hi Braeden,

Although I myself don't work in vet med, here are just somethings that come to mind as to what you should think about.

1. Accredited Universities with Pre-Vet Programs
Veterinary schools don’t require a specific undergraduate major, but many universities offer pre-veterinary or animal science tracks. Look for schools with strong biology, animal science, and chemistry programs. Make sure the school has good advising for students aiming for veterinary school.

2. Access to Animal-Related Opportunities
Choose a college near farms, animal hospitals, zoos, or research facilities. Hands-on experience with animals is critical for veterinary school applications. Look for schools with active pre-vet clubs or partnerships with local clinics.

3. Affordability and Location
Veterinary school is expensive, so consider tuition and financial aid for your undergraduate degree. A strong state university is often the best value. Some veterinary schools give preference to in-state applicants, so attending an in-state undergraduate school may give you an edge later.

As for classes to take, most veterinary schools require prerequisite courses:
Biology (general biology, microbiology, genetics, zoology)
Chemistry (general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry)
Physics (usually 1 year)
Mathematics (statistics and sometimes calculus)
English/Writing (to demonstrate communication skills)
Social Sciences/Humanities (psychology, sociology, etc. are sometimes recommended)

Good luck!
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James’s Answer

Do ask any career advisers you may have access to. There are many colleges and universities that are known for their veterinary programs, but as long as you get excellent grades in any good college, veterinary schools will look at your application with interest. Like medical school, veterinary schools want to see evidence of well-rounded people who have demonstrated care for animals and/or humans.
Enjoy the steps along the way. Explore related fields like zoology, animal husbandry, biology, etc.
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Madison’s Answer

There are alot of things to consider when picking a college. For me, some of the most important things (things most people likely should/do consider) are finances/location/chance of acceptance/chance of graduate school or medical or vet school admissions from that school/activities that you may want to pursue outside of school/size of school. From a financial perspective really important (for most people) to consider this and how this will look/plan out for you long term esp with cost of possible graduate schools etc. Thinking about if you could get a scholarship to a certain school, could you get a job nearbye if needed, is there cheaper/easier access to housing/could you live on campus or near campus; is there/will you need transportation to classes and do you have access to that; do you need to take out student loans and if so what is the short and long term plan for that/do you feel the price is worth the college (esp if comparing to one maybe cheaper). Is it in state/out of state (this usually changes the cost significantly).

Is it located in an area you want to live in/will be happy in for potentially 4 years or so. Do you have friends who go there or family near bye? Do you want to know people there or have family close by? If family is far away, is there a major airport to get home if you want/need to.

Look through which colleges have vet doctorate programs. It is always helpful/good to attend an undergraduate school that has the graduate degree you aspire for though certainly not impossible to still get that graduate degree at a different school.
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Matthew’s Answer

Braeden,

I'm not a veterinarian. But here is some advice I can offer you based on my own experience navigating careers as a young person.

I would recommend you look up the phone number to your closest vet school, and ask for an ombudsman to show you around the school. Find out about the history of the school, current research, how the curriculum is built, and ask to be introduced to one or two vet students who are willing to sit down and speak with you (even if on the phone, if not in person) to give you a sense of their experiences in the school. This could be a simple, yet powerful way to get to know if a school is right for you.

Good luck to you.
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Kathleen’s Answer

Wow! Good question. Much of the choice of college depends on the course of study you desire. Since you mention Veterinary medicine, you should look for a college with a Veterinary program or an affiliation with another school with a vet program. You'll need courses much the same as if you were pursuing any other medical degree. So, lots of biology, chemistry, math, and specific courses in animal husbandry. Best to you! It's always been a difficult program to get into, and to finish. Bur if this is your passion, you can do it!
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Justin’s Answer

Hi Braeden. This depends on your goals in veterinary medicine - there are veterinary technician programs that are 2 or 4 year programs. Vet techs do a lot of the hands on clinical tasks with animals, and work in all kinds of veterinary specialties like general practice, surgery, internal medicine, zoo medicine and wildlife conservation, etc. Where there’s a DVM, there’s a technician. If you’re thinking about becoming a veterinarian, I would recommend an undergraduate degree that is science based - pre-veterinary, biology, chemistry, etc. You may want to attend a college that has a veterinary school, but chances are after you finish undergrad, you’ll apply to as many vet schools as possible. Focus on good grades, and start getting veterinary experience as soon as you can! This can be a competitive industry.
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