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How do you get into Veterinary School?

I want to know what I can do to get into vet school. What kind of experience are they looking for, and what might be some of the questions asked in the interview. I am really passionate about animals and want to be a vet really bad, but I don't want to wait multiple years before I get in. #veterinary #veterinary-medicine #vetschool #interviews #animals

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Courtney’s Answer

Unfortunately, you cannot go directly into Vet school. The road to becoming a vet can be an 8-9 year journey.


Before applying for Vet School you'll have to get your Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's degree in Animal Science would be a good major for someone wanting to get into Vet School. Vet School is about another 4 years on top of the 4 years you spent getting your Bachelor's Degree.


After Vet school, you'll still have to pass a state licensing exam. Also, if you want to specialize in something like surgeries, you'll have to do a residency program or even extra classes.


If you're not wanting to spend 8+ years getting there (both the time and the money), you can become a Vet Tech through a 2 year program that's offered at many community/Jr. colleges. Just keep in mind that the income for a Vet Tech is $25,000-$35,000 while the income for a Vet is $80,000+.


With your love for animals, you might also consider becoming an animal keeper (zookeeper). This can be done with a 4 year Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Animal Science or Zoology.


Whatever direction you decide to go, you will want to start as soon as possible, volunteering or interning at your local animal shelters, zoos, and vet clinics. This is the kind of hands on experience they're looking for when considering your application for DVM school.


Personally, I thought I wanted to be a vet until I did an internship at a clinic during high school. I found that I grew tired of the same routine every day, and sitting with crying clients while we put their pets down. I also changed my mind once I realized it would cost me $240,000 in tuition/expenses after 4 years for a Bachelor's and another 4 years in Vet School.


I also volunteered at a zoo for 3 years during high school which I loved and now I'm a zookeeper. Being a zookeeper normally requires a Bachelor's degree but since I had volunteered there for 3 years, took 10 animal science classes during high school, interned at a vet clinic, and had my own pet sitting business, the zoo waived the degree requirement and offered me a job as a zookeeper as soon as I turned 18. As a result, I'm now pursuing a degree in Business Management.


If you think that being a zookeeper might be more your interest, you should check out Moorpark College in California. https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/teaching-zoo


Also, here's a website that tells you more about the road to becoming a vet.

https://vbs.psu.edu/majors/vbs/steps-to-becoming-a-veterinarian
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hello, I am currently a student working my way into a university to get a B.S. in Animal Science. My suggestion is to volunteer as much as you can as a student to get your foot in the door that way colleges can see that you're taking a big interest in the field.
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