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Veterinary School

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Veterinary School

How can I prepare? What should I do and when?

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Consider the following as you prepare for vet school…

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  • Do you really know what it is like to be a veterinarian? Admissions committees at veterinary medical schools want to know if you have a good understanding of the profession. Have you thought about the long educational road that you have ahead of you? What are the potential financial hardships? The lifestyle? Will you mind long or irregular hours? What rewards are you looking for from the profession? Do you have an idea of what type of veterinary medicine interests you most? As a veterinarian you may focus on research, pathology, pharmacology, cardiology, nutrition, teaching and more (as well as having a practice). Do your research and speak with practicing vets.
  • What are you doing now to prepare? Don't wait until your junior year- that is too late! As a freshman and sophomore you should be involved with volunteer work, student organizations, clinical work, research and all types of animal experiences (small, large, laboratory, zoo). Are you involved in the pre-vet club on campus? If you are volunteering or working for a vet, lab, zoo or other organization, make sure you document your hours and what you do. Documentation will help you later in the application process.
  • Do you know the prerequisite courses for the vet school you are interested in? Make sure to visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. This site has admissions information and career information as well as the on line application for most veterinary medical colleges in the U.S. For a complete list of specific veterinary college prerequisites, you could consult the Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements in the United States and Canada (VMSAR) book by contacting Purdue University Press. This is the official handbook of the Association of American Veterinary Colleges. If you are interested in the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and make sure you visit with an advisor in the vet school.
  • Learn all you can about the application process. Each vet school has a different testing requirement, some require the MCAT, others the GRE, and others field subject tests such as Biology. The UW-Madison vet school requires the GRE. Do you know when you need to apply? Have you thought about whom you would like to write your recommendation letters? Have you researched if your home state has a vet school? State supported schools of vet medicine give preference to students from that state, so if you are from a state with a vet school you will have an advantage by applying to your in-state school.
  • Consider making a plan “B”. Have you considered what you'll do if you do not get into vet school? Explore other careers in the animal health field or working with animals that combine the same characteristics as the ones you like in vet medicine.