What would be the most difficult thing about becoming a veterinarian?

I think this question may have very different answers for different people, but here are some of my thoughts on some of the harder aspects of the pre-vet path.

1. 
   

   If you find that dedicating yourself to your studies is difficult - you get distracted by 'fun' things easily - you may have trouble keeping up your grades in all your classes. The science classes may be hard, but a pre-vet curriculum has many other classes you have to take and you have to do well in all of them. Your GPA is an important number and it is more than just science.

   
   


2. 
   

   You don't need to learn everything about every animal while you are in college. The college experience is meant to expand your breadth of knowledge, so be sure you don't just take science. That will increase the difficulty without giving you the benefit of a well-rounded college experience. They teach you what you need to know about being a vet in vet school. College is an experience that should prepare you to learn (you should strive to learn to be a better student) the vast amount of knowledge you will gain in vet school. If you are struggling, be sure to find the resources your college offers to help you be a better student. GO TO OFFICE HOURS! Seek help! Form a study group. There are lots of ways to success, you just need to find what works for you.

   
   


3. 
   

   Since you have volunteered in a vet clinic, you know some of what the vet does on a daily basis. Keep working with vets in any way possible. If you keep good grades while regularly working/volunteering/shadowing a vet it will demonstrate good time management skills. This can be hard for some people. It will also help you determine if you do want to make a career out of veterinary medicine. Be sure to talk to the vet about different aspects of the job. You like working with animals, but do you like interacting with distressed clients?

   
   


4. 
   

   If your grades are excellent and you have lots of experience working with animals in veterinary setting, you may still face some difficulty when it comes to the interview. Be sure you practice your interpersonal skills with presentations, practice interviews and any other means that can help you in a stressful interview setting.

   
   

Here is a website with information on vet school.

http://aavmc.org/Students-Applicants-and-Advisors/Pre-Vet-Student-Resources.aspx

Good luck!

You will need to focus on stress and time management. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>