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Hailey
Student
Biloxi, Mississippi
1
Question
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What is one thing you wish you had done in undergrad that would've better prepared you for veterinary school?
Currently a high school senior whose lifelong dream is to become a veterinarian. I am planning to major in biology, hopefully with a minor in animal science, but I have not committed to any particular school yet.
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Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
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Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Hailey,
I think biology and animal science are fine undergrad majors to become a veterinarian. No worries there.
You can never have too much hands-on experience. So, do internships in veterinary hospitals, volunteer for an animal rescue or a zoo, work on a farm - get as much experience as you can with animals in general and the population you plan to work with in particular. If you are planning to work with large animals or exotic animals, get experience in a vet hospital that specializes in those.
Make sure you cover the pre-requisite courses during your undergrad studies. Check if the veterinary schools you are interested in require an admission test (GRE, MCAT?) and start using your courses to prepare for those.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I think biology and animal science are fine undergrad majors to become a veterinarian. No worries there.
You can never have too much hands-on experience. So, do internships in veterinary hospitals, volunteer for an animal rescue or a zoo, work on a farm - get as much experience as you can with animals in general and the population you plan to work with in particular. If you are planning to work with large animals or exotic animals, get experience in a vet hospital that specializes in those.
Make sure you cover the pre-requisite courses during your undergrad studies. Check if the veterinary schools you are interested in require an admission test (GRE, MCAT?) and start using your courses to prepare for those.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I agree with KP's response, but in addition pay STRICT attention to grades in undergraduate (pre-vet) education. Check with VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service, a program of AAVMC (American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges; both are websites you should visit). Veterinary school admissions are EXTREMELY competitive. Anything you can do to make yourself positively standout is good (diversity of experiences, interests, goals, GRADES) is an asset. Check on entrance requirements of various veterinary schools of interest to you. Communicate with admissions folks from those schools. Talk with pre-vet advisors at undergraduate school.
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