Precious
What is some advice a Pre-Vet major can give me?
I'm going to college to become a veterinarian, and I'm curious.
#veterinary
2 answers
Krista Vollbrecht
Krista’s Answer
This really depends on what school you are going to, but especially if your school doesn't have a specified pre-veterinary track. My school doesn't have a specific pre-vet concentration, therefore I am purely a biology major. My biggest piece of advice would be to take what your advisors say with a grain of salt. Their course recommendations can certainly be helpful, but unless they have spoken directly to a variety of veterinary schools, their suggestions might not always be accurate. CALL THE VETERINARY SCHOOLS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEFORE CLASS REGISTRATION. This can certainly save you a lot of stress in the long run. The schools are almost always really understanding so asking them about what courses they recommend or what they would like to see on an application can save you a lot of time and money.
Additionally, do your best to get involved in animal or pre-veterinary organizations. Doing so will also save you a lot of stress. Being able to talk to other students about their process and what they are doing can certainly be inspiring and helpful. Not to mention, having someone who is going through the same thing as you might make you feel better. I would also reach out to any current veterinary students as well. They are typically really knowledgeable and give great advice since they were in the same situation.
Getting experience is also extremely important. The only way you can know if this is the right course for you is to experience it yourself. Theoretical knowledge is important but having hands-on knowledge is going to be your greatest advantage. Experiencing the life of a veterinarian first-hand will help prepare you for any challenges you might face. Hopefully this helps!
Krista recommends the following next steps:
Todd Phillips
Todd’s Answer
I am 29 years out of vet school, but if I were a pre vet major I would recommend that you contact the vet school you wish to attend and get information from the office of admissions. You would also want to talk to the counselors at your current school that know about the health sciences. Find out if there are pre vet or pre med groups on campus and network with them. Visiting local veterinarians that have graduated from the nearest vet school is also good, ask them as many questions as you can think of about what you should do.
Todd recommends the following next steps: