Melanie
What are the best classes to take as an Animal Science major trying to become a vet?
I have been accepted as an Animal Science major in college. I plan to apply to a veterinary school in 4 years. What are the best classes that would prepare me for this path?
#animalscience #animalsciencemajor #college #collegeclasses #veterinary
3 answers
Jennifer Haden
Jennifer’s Answer
Animal Science is an exciting major, and I hope you will really enjoy it. I enjoyed working with Animal Science majors and learning about all the innovative things they were doing - even beyond veterinary medicine.
Typically the university you attend has a pathway to the professional schools, such as pre-vet. Often, you have a pre-vet or pre-professional advisor in addition to your academic advisor who oversees your major and/or general education requirements.
Requirements for vet schools have changed in the last year. You'll want to get the current information here: http://aavmc.org/Students-Applicants-and-Advisors.aspx. The coursework needed to do well on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) standardized test will be listed and many of the courses you will take as part of your major - or perhaps a minor - so they will "double dip" in that regard.
Wishing you all the best!
animal-science pre-veterinary-medicine vet-school
Suzanne Walski, DVM
Suzanne’s Answer
Not sure what they are teaching in Animal Science these days but anything that teaches the care and husbandry of animals is important. If you need anatomy, physiology or microbiology those will help when in vet school the material will be review!
Suzanne recommends the following next steps:
Courtney Riel
Courtney’s Answer
Personally, I would do some research with the vet school that you think you might be attending. Go ahead and meet with a counselor so they can get you on the right path so that you are best prepared to apply to vet school, once you have your Bachelor's Degree.
Also, while getting your Bachelor's Degree you should consider volunteering at animal shelters, vet clinics, animal hospitals, and even a zoo. This experience will look good on your application to vet school.