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Libby
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
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What classes are needed to take in high school?
#veterinary
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1 answer
Elizabeth F Schilling DVM
Veterinarian/Educator
34
Answers
Redlands, California
Updated
Elizabeth F’s Answer
Hello Libby!
Medicine is pretty science-heavy, so you might want to take enough science classes to know that you are good at it. Biology is an obvious one, but chemistry is also important (all of the processes in the body that help us to live depend on chemical reactions, and all medicines are chemicals), as is math (we need to be able to calculate the correct food amounts and medication doses etc) and even physics.
In addition to science, it is important to be able to communicate well with our clients and colleagues, so english and even speaking classes are helpful.
In general, veterinary schools are looking for candidates who do well overall, but especially in math & science. (But vet schools won’t be looking at your high school transcripts; what would be important about these classes is to make sure that you like these subjects and can succeed in them - you’ll see more of them in college!)
Talk to your advisor about the best class options at your particular school, especially if you have an idea about which colleges you might be considering.
Have you participated in a science fair or STEM fair? Does your school participate in one?
Do you have 4-H or FFA in your school? That’s a great way to gain animal experience and you might see how some of these classes fit in.
Medicine is pretty science-heavy, so you might want to take enough science classes to know that you are good at it. Biology is an obvious one, but chemistry is also important (all of the processes in the body that help us to live depend on chemical reactions, and all medicines are chemicals), as is math (we need to be able to calculate the correct food amounts and medication doses etc) and even physics.
In addition to science, it is important to be able to communicate well with our clients and colleagues, so english and even speaking classes are helpful.
In general, veterinary schools are looking for candidates who do well overall, but especially in math & science. (But vet schools won’t be looking at your high school transcripts; what would be important about these classes is to make sure that you like these subjects and can succeed in them - you’ll see more of them in college!)
Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps: