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What do you need to help get into college and vet school? Also what are good majors to go into for veterinary science?
I'm going into sophomore year and I need to keep thinking about options on how to be better set for a veterinary program
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Caitlyn’s Answer
Hi Mady - For your undergrad education, you can declare a major in pre-veterinary medicine. There are different kinds to choose from. Mine is in equine pre-vet. Ask your guidance counselor to help you find the right college - as well as help - because not all colleges offer this. Mine is from the University of Arizona in Tucson, which just opened a vet school.
Note that there are very few veterinary schools, the top is (or was) University of Colorado in Ft Collins. Others include Cornell, Perdue, and the Univerity of Washington (State). They are even more competitive than medical school because they accept far fewer students, and they require better than straight A grades in college - and that includes getting As in calculus, genetics, and biochemistry (which is considered THE hardest of the physical science classes!). There are other entrance requirements too.
I'm not saying this to discourage you, not at all. I'm just letting you know what to expect.
Here's a resource to look into with your school guidance counselor: https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
You can also ask your pets' veterinarian for ideas.
Note that there are very few veterinary schools, the top is (or was) University of Colorado in Ft Collins. Others include Cornell, Perdue, and the Univerity of Washington (State). They are even more competitive than medical school because they accept far fewer students, and they require better than straight A grades in college - and that includes getting As in calculus, genetics, and biochemistry (which is considered THE hardest of the physical science classes!). There are other entrance requirements too.
I'm not saying this to discourage you, not at all. I'm just letting you know what to expect.
Caitlyn recommends the following next steps:
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Sarah’s Answer
While in high school, your focus should be on academics, especially your math and science classes. In order to be competitive to get into college, you will need to have good grades. Participate in extra-curricular activities as well, which is something that colleges will be looking for on your application. You can also start exploring the career path of a veterinarian by volunteering at an animal shelter or doing kennel work at a veterinary clinic, etc. This will get you exposure to the field to help decide if this is the career path you would like to take. Once in undergrad, there will be required classes you will need to take in order to qualify to even apply to veterinary school, most of which are in the math and science fields. Despite these requirements though, there is not a specific subject that you need to major in. It is also important at this time, to get practical experience in the veterinary field to add to your veterinary school application.