5 answers
jihad
Student
Agoura Hills, California
1
Question
Asked
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What extracurriculars should I do to get into a good vet school ?
What extracurriculars should I do to get into a good vet school?
I'm a sophomore in high school. I really like biology and have always liked animals. I decided a while ago that I wanted to become a vet. I really want to get into a good university and some of my friends have started volunteering and doing other things that will look good on their college application. I want to start doing something too, but I don't know where to start.
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5 answers
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're already thinking ahead about your path to vet school and considering extracurricular activities to bolster your application. Here are some suggestions on extracurriculars that can help you stand out when applying to vet school:
1. **Animal-Related Volunteer Work:** Consider volunteering at animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or veterinary clinics. This hands-on experience will not only show your commitment to animals but also provide you with valuable insights into the field.
2. **Shadow Veterinarians:** Shadowing practicing veterinarians can give you a deeper understanding of the profession. Reach out to local veterinarians to inquire about shadowing opportunities and gain exposure to the day-to-day work of a veterinarian.
3. **Participate in Animal Clubs:** Join or start clubs at your school related to animal care and welfare. You can take on leadership roles, organize events, and demonstrate your passion for animals.
4. **Science Competitions:** Participate in biology or science-related competitions at the regional or national level. These achievements can showcase your academic prowess and dedication to the field.
5. **Research Projects:** If possible, engage in research projects related to biology or animal science. This demonstrates your scientific inquiry skills and can make your application more competitive.
6. **Animal Care at Home:** If you have pets or can provide a safe environment, consider caring for animals at home. Document your experiences and responsibilities to showcase your dedication to animal welfare.
7. **Community Involvement:** Volunteer in your community in ways that demonstrate your commitment to service and leadership. This can include non-animal-related activities like tutoring or organizing fundraisers.
8. **Internships or Summer Programs:** Look for internships or summer programs specifically designed for aspiring veterinarians. These can provide structured learning experiences and mentorship.
9. **Maintain Strong Academics:** Continue excelling in your biology and science courses. High grades are crucial for vet school admissions.
10. **Letters of Recommendation:** Build strong relationships with teachers, mentors, or supervisors in your extracurricular activities. Their letters of recommendation can carry significant weight in your application.
Remember, it's not just about accumulating extracurriculars but also about demonstrating your passion, commitment, and the skills you've gained through these experiences. Choose activities that align with your interests and goals, and aim for quality over quantity. Vet schools are often looking for well-rounded applicants who are not only academically strong but also dedicated to the welfare of animals and the field of veterinary medicine.
1. **Animal-Related Volunteer Work:** Consider volunteering at animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or veterinary clinics. This hands-on experience will not only show your commitment to animals but also provide you with valuable insights into the field.
2. **Shadow Veterinarians:** Shadowing practicing veterinarians can give you a deeper understanding of the profession. Reach out to local veterinarians to inquire about shadowing opportunities and gain exposure to the day-to-day work of a veterinarian.
3. **Participate in Animal Clubs:** Join or start clubs at your school related to animal care and welfare. You can take on leadership roles, organize events, and demonstrate your passion for animals.
4. **Science Competitions:** Participate in biology or science-related competitions at the regional or national level. These achievements can showcase your academic prowess and dedication to the field.
5. **Research Projects:** If possible, engage in research projects related to biology or animal science. This demonstrates your scientific inquiry skills and can make your application more competitive.
6. **Animal Care at Home:** If you have pets or can provide a safe environment, consider caring for animals at home. Document your experiences and responsibilities to showcase your dedication to animal welfare.
7. **Community Involvement:** Volunteer in your community in ways that demonstrate your commitment to service and leadership. This can include non-animal-related activities like tutoring or organizing fundraisers.
8. **Internships or Summer Programs:** Look for internships or summer programs specifically designed for aspiring veterinarians. These can provide structured learning experiences and mentorship.
9. **Maintain Strong Academics:** Continue excelling in your biology and science courses. High grades are crucial for vet school admissions.
10. **Letters of Recommendation:** Build strong relationships with teachers, mentors, or supervisors in your extracurricular activities. Their letters of recommendation can carry significant weight in your application.
Remember, it's not just about accumulating extracurriculars but also about demonstrating your passion, commitment, and the skills you've gained through these experiences. Choose activities that align with your interests and goals, and aim for quality over quantity. Vet schools are often looking for well-rounded applicants who are not only academically strong but also dedicated to the welfare of animals and the field of veterinary medicine.
Kristi Godfrey
Consulting
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kristi’s Answer
Hello Jihad,
It's fantastic to see you're already passionate about your future career. Local animal shelters are constantly in need of volunteers for tasks like dog walking, kennel cleaning, and animal socializing. You might also consider joining a dog or cat rescue group. These organizations often need volunteers for their weekend meet-and-greet events. Including this volunteer work in your resume or application would highlight your commitment to the veterinary profession.
It's fantastic to see you're already passionate about your future career. Local animal shelters are constantly in need of volunteers for tasks like dog walking, kennel cleaning, and animal socializing. You might also consider joining a dog or cat rescue group. These organizations often need volunteers for their weekend meet-and-greet events. Including this volunteer work in your resume or application would highlight your commitment to the veterinary profession.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3767
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Jihad,
Embarking on a journey in animal medicine demands a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. Afterward, you can delve into more specific areas such as animal physiology or animal anatomy. Don't worry about becoming overly specialized, like studying ornithology, unless it's a particular interest of yours. Just like in human medicine, biochemistry is an incredibly valuable subject to explore.
A fantastic resource for acquiring free electronic books in pdf format is pdfdrive.com. While it's not about becoming a bookworm, dedicating a few hours each day to studying can truly make a difference. It could be your ticket to achieving distinctions in your vet school exams!
I'm rooting for you to earn top distinctions and establish a successful practice!
Best wishes,
Jim
Embarking on a journey in animal medicine demands a solid foundation in biology and chemistry. Afterward, you can delve into more specific areas such as animal physiology or animal anatomy. Don't worry about becoming overly specialized, like studying ornithology, unless it's a particular interest of yours. Just like in human medicine, biochemistry is an incredibly valuable subject to explore.
A fantastic resource for acquiring free electronic books in pdf format is pdfdrive.com. While it's not about becoming a bookworm, dedicating a few hours each day to studying can truly make a difference. It could be your ticket to achieving distinctions in your vet school exams!
I'm rooting for you to earn top distinctions and establish a successful practice!
Best wishes,
Jim
Divya Shivakumar
doctor
14
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Hey Jihad! Remember, it's never too late to start. Always be on the lookout for chances that can deepen your understanding of your chosen career. Volunteering is a fantastic way to start. Consider beginning with simple tasks at animal shelters, caring for animals in need, or at a rescue center where you can work closely with animals. Explore opportunities at vet hospitals, whether they're paid or unpaid, to gain firsthand experience of the field. Colleges often appreciate students who show a strong commitment to their chosen field. They want to be sure they're investing in someone who won't back out because they find they don't enjoy it. When applying, make your passion for veterinary work shine through. Experience at veterinary hospitals and animal shelters can be extremely valuable. Demonstrate your dedication and commitment not just in words, but through your actions and experiences. I hope this advice helps. Best of luck with your applications!
Claxton Graham
Business Analyst
18
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Claxton’s Answer
Hi, Jihad. I think that having a balanced, well-rounded slate of extracurricular activities is best for any major you want to pursue. While I think it'd be good to have some activities specific to veterinary medicine and science, it's also important to have some other activities to go with that. You've already gotten some good suggestions so far, including volunteering at a local animal shelter and working with a local veterinarian as your time and studies allow. Other volunteer work in the community is also looked upon favorably. If your school has an active science club that conducts activities in biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth sciences, that would be great to participate in. Sports are also popular, or if you're not athletically inclined, playing on the academic team may be an option. If you haven't already, you may want to talk to your guidance counselor or teachers to get some recommendations as to extracurricular programs that may be most interesting and beneficial to you.