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Monique
Student
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What college do you recommend?
I'm a freshman and I want to be a veterinarian! Please provide me some suggestions on how to become a veterinarian and which school/college I should enroll in.
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3 answers
Dan Donegan
Career advisor:Admissions Counselor
28
Answers
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Hi Monique- It is refreshing to hear, as a Freshman in high School, that your are taking serious and starting now to plan your career goal, to be a veterinarian. There a fair number of Veterinarian Schools for you to research. Some top schools would include, The University of California Davis, California, Tufts University. North Grafton, Massachusetts. University of Florida ,Gainesville, Florida, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, or Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio to name a few. You have 3 1/2 more years in high school and 4 years in your undergraduate school, to prepare yourself as best you can, to be accepted into a Veterinarian School.
I would strongly suggest that you take a lot of science related classes, get as involved as you can, in extra- curricular leadership activities, strive to get excellent grades, and prepare well for college entrance exams. Any hands on experience(whether paid or volunteer/unpaid) you can get, working with a Veterinarian, would be one of the most important things you could do in your preparation. It will help affirm or not affirm if this is the right career choice, that is best for you . It will give you invaluable experience and be a huge advantage when it comes time to applying and being accepted into a Veterinarian School. The Veterinarian(s) you work for can become your best ally/reference / help in getting accepted into a good Veterinarian School, It is important for you to know that getting accepted into a Veterinarian School can be very difficult. That's why it is essential that you have done everything possible , to position your candidacy in the best light possible. Preparation is everything. All the best to you as you pursue this very exciting career.
I would strongly suggest that you take a lot of science related classes, get as involved as you can, in extra- curricular leadership activities, strive to get excellent grades, and prepare well for college entrance exams. Any hands on experience(whether paid or volunteer/unpaid) you can get, working with a Veterinarian, would be one of the most important things you could do in your preparation. It will help affirm or not affirm if this is the right career choice, that is best for you . It will give you invaluable experience and be a huge advantage when it comes time to applying and being accepted into a Veterinarian School. The Veterinarian(s) you work for can become your best ally/reference / help in getting accepted into a good Veterinarian School, It is important for you to know that getting accepted into a Veterinarian School can be very difficult. That's why it is essential that you have done everything possible , to position your candidacy in the best light possible. Preparation is everything. All the best to you as you pursue this very exciting career.
Cody Reagan
Customer Service Rep
3
Answers
Aubrey, Texas
Updated
Cody’s Answer
I would look into a community college to do your basics and then go to a big named university. Typically community colleges are very cheap compared to other colleges and universities. I went to Collin College in Plano Texas and my tuition every semester is around $600.
Laura Royce
Software Engineer
8
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Orange, California
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hello! There are many good vet schools out there and many paths to get to them. One part you should concentrate on now as a freshman is taking biology and chemistry, especially honors/AP courses in those subjects. You'll want to have a strong science background before applying to any college. As a high schooler, you can volunteer at shelters and possibly at veterinary clinics in your area. Once you are able to work and if you have time, you might seek a part time job at a veterinary clinic. If you live in an rural area, perhaps find ranches or farms that need help. You'll learn a ton just helping out around a farm or ranch, cleaning stalls, feeding, and assisting with general animal husbandry duties.
All veterinary schools are post-bachelors/post-graduate, so you'll want to go to a strong science university and then as you near graduation, you'll apply to veterinary schools. Most veterinary students have 4 year bachelors in subjects associated with veterinary science, such as animal sciences, wildlife biology or in basic sciences like biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or zoology. In whatever subject you pursue, you'll want to do well in that program and volunteer or work with animals. Some top vet schools included UC Davis, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, etc. (Here's the top vet schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc) I like UC Davis, and they have many different 4 year bachelors degrees in animal sciences which will give you a good foundation for applying to vet school. But there are a vast number of universities with strong biology and animal science degrees. Remember that you are not required to go to the college that has the veterinary school, you can complete your bachelors at one university and then go to veterinary school elsewhere. So find a college that you like that has a strong science program and do well there. That will set you up for success in applying for veterinary school. Good luck!
All veterinary schools are post-bachelors/post-graduate, so you'll want to go to a strong science university and then as you near graduation, you'll apply to veterinary schools. Most veterinary students have 4 year bachelors in subjects associated with veterinary science, such as animal sciences, wildlife biology or in basic sciences like biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or zoology. In whatever subject you pursue, you'll want to do well in that program and volunteer or work with animals. Some top vet schools included UC Davis, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, etc. (Here's the top vet schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings?_sort=rank-asc) I like UC Davis, and they have many different 4 year bachelors degrees in animal sciences which will give you a good foundation for applying to vet school. But there are a vast number of universities with strong biology and animal science degrees. Remember that you are not required to go to the college that has the veterinary school, you can complete your bachelors at one university and then go to veterinary school elsewhere. So find a college that you like that has a strong science program and do well there. That will set you up for success in applying for veterinary school. Good luck!