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What can I do as an 11th grader, to get more involved into veterinary medicine programs?
I am an 11th grader. About to finish the school year and have nothing to do through the summer.
I am interested in majoring animal science.
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Sasha’s Answer
I recommend the 3E's (Experience, Exposure, Education) to help prepare yourself for any career. In animal sciences, here are some ideas:
Experience: Check for volunteer opportunities in the area which would give you practical experience with animal science and/or animals in general. You might be able to volunteer or even do a brief summer internship at a local vet or animal hospital. Animal shelters are often looking for volunteers as well, though it may not be as science-focused as an internship.
Exposure: Consider job-shadowing or speaking with people that are familiar with the field. You might shadow a veterinarian or interview a current veterinary medicine student. This will help you learn more about the job and the classes you'll need to get there, while helping you build a network for your future.
Education: Explore the field of animal sciences, such as what types of jobs animal scientists might pursue, what the industry is like, and what are some current or emerging trends. You might visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/) to find out more about the number of veterinary/animal sciences jobs in the US, average salary, etcetera. You might also sign up for publications and read through articles on some of the newest emergences in animal sciences. In high school you often have great access to research databases and/or libraries which are a wealth of information.
Experience: Check for volunteer opportunities in the area which would give you practical experience with animal science and/or animals in general. You might be able to volunteer or even do a brief summer internship at a local vet or animal hospital. Animal shelters are often looking for volunteers as well, though it may not be as science-focused as an internship.
Exposure: Consider job-shadowing or speaking with people that are familiar with the field. You might shadow a veterinarian or interview a current veterinary medicine student. This will help you learn more about the job and the classes you'll need to get there, while helping you build a network for your future.
Education: Explore the field of animal sciences, such as what types of jobs animal scientists might pursue, what the industry is like, and what are some current or emerging trends. You might visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/) to find out more about the number of veterinary/animal sciences jobs in the US, average salary, etcetera. You might also sign up for publications and read through articles on some of the newest emergences in animal sciences. In high school you often have great access to research databases and/or libraries which are a wealth of information.
Thank you for the advice, Sasha.
Destiny
Updated
Stan’s Answer
Do you own a pet? Visit your pet's vet and offer to volunteer. This will give you a direct experience of the profession.
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Marcos’s Answer
Here are some things you can do as an 11th grader to get more involved in veterinary medicine programs:
- Take science classes
- Volunteer at a veterinary clinic
- Shadow a veterinarian
- Join a veterinary club or organization
- Attend veterinary conferences and events
- Research veterinary schools
- Take the Veterinary Admissions Test (VCAT)
- Maintain a high GPA
- Get involved in extracurricular activities
- Write a strong personal statement
- Get letters of recommendation
- Take science classes
- Volunteer at a veterinary clinic
- Shadow a veterinarian
- Join a veterinary club or organization
- Attend veterinary conferences and events
- Research veterinary schools
- Take the Veterinary Admissions Test (VCAT)
- Maintain a high GPA
- Get involved in extracurricular activities
- Write a strong personal statement
- Get letters of recommendation