4 answers
Chloe
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
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What are the best classes to take in college when pursuing vet school/ a veterinary occupation?
#veterinary #veterinary-medicine #veterinarian #animal-health
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4 answers
Melissa Jedlicka
Veterinarian
3
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Great answers! Adding to the others, I highly recommend taking anatomy/physiology in undergrad whether your vet school application requires it or not....even a human course would be helpful to familiarize yourself in this area. If time and credits permit after fulfilling required pre-vet coursework, communication and public speaking would be awesome electives for being a vet....try to also take fun classes to help you become more well-rounded and to get a taste of other fields, too!
Thank you! Also, What are some tips you have when applying to vet school and managing the financial aspect of it?
Chloe
Financially it is difficult for most students. Student loans will be available and I recommend speaking to your school's financial counselor. It helps if you are a good saver and budget planner, especially if you have any extra cash from a job.
Melissa Jedlicka
Jan Charboneau
Veterinarian
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jan’s Answer
First, take classes that are required in the pre veterinary curriculum that is required. You will want to do research into what pre vet classes are required by the veterinary schools that you are going to want to apply to.
Then, make sure to take those classes.
I understand that the vet schools are looking for people who are well rounded in their education. So, besides your pre vet classes, don't be afraid to take very different types of classes, especially if you have a special interest in a certain topic.
Then, make sure to take those classes.
I understand that the vet schools are looking for people who are well rounded in their education. So, besides your pre vet classes, don't be afraid to take very different types of classes, especially if you have a special interest in a certain topic.
Vivian Han
Undergraduate Researcher
15
Answers
Santa Barbara, California
Updated
Vivian’s Answer
Hey Chloe! I know that classes especially related to the study of animals like zoology is super helpful to take when pursuing a veterinary career path! I have a couple of friends who are in the same field that you want to go into and they take a lot of biology related courses. You should definitely check out your school's course list and take courses that have your interests! Good luck!!
Elizabeth F Schilling DVM
Veterinarian/Educator
37
Answers
Redlands, California
Updated
Elizabeth F’s Answer
Hello Chloe!
for each of the veterinary schools, there are prerequisites that you do need to complete (successfully). You can find the list of prerequisite classes through the admissions office at any of the vet schools you are interested in. (and there is more information on the AAVMC site - see below). Some veterinary colleges have different specific requirements, but in general the list will include upper division biology (if you can include physiology you'll be in good shape), chemistry (including organic chem, which makes everyone groan but it is doable), math (statistics will help), and usually some english/writing and public speaking.
In general, the vet school admission committees are looking at:
Overall GPA
Science GPA
Evidence of being able to handle a full academic load (vet school will be hard, so they want to be sure you can handle it)
Depth & breadth of animal/veterinary and life experience
Community involvement
Some programs might be looking more at your academic scores, others look at the whole person - do you have a diverse background? Have you worked with multiple species in different practice settings? Are you a team player? A leader?
But if you have other interests, by all means pursue them. Take other classes that interest you. I double-majored in French because I love it. I never get to use my French skills in veterinary practice, but I still enjoy it!
Any major is fine, as long as you have successfully completed the required courses.
check out the AAVMC site - lots of good information: https://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/
Talk to your counselor or pre-vet advisor about which programs they are familiar with and which courses they recommend
check out pre-vet clubs
for each of the veterinary schools, there are prerequisites that you do need to complete (successfully). You can find the list of prerequisite classes through the admissions office at any of the vet schools you are interested in. (and there is more information on the AAVMC site - see below). Some veterinary colleges have different specific requirements, but in general the list will include upper division biology (if you can include physiology you'll be in good shape), chemistry (including organic chem, which makes everyone groan but it is doable), math (statistics will help), and usually some english/writing and public speaking.
In general, the vet school admission committees are looking at:
Overall GPA
Science GPA
Evidence of being able to handle a full academic load (vet school will be hard, so they want to be sure you can handle it)
Depth & breadth of animal/veterinary and life experience
Community involvement
Some programs might be looking more at your academic scores, others look at the whole person - do you have a diverse background? Have you worked with multiple species in different practice settings? Are you a team player? A leader?
But if you have other interests, by all means pursue them. Take other classes that interest you. I double-majored in French because I love it. I never get to use my French skills in veterinary practice, but I still enjoy it!
Any major is fine, as long as you have successfully completed the required courses.
Elizabeth F recommends the following next steps:
Thank you! Also, Is it required to take a pre-vet course in college or is a major in biology just fine?
Chloe
I edited my answer to include this - any major is fine as long as you successfully complete the prerequisite courses.
Make sure do find what you love!
Elizabeth F Schilling DVM