Research Your Top Veterinary School Choices
Learn about the schools you are most interested as soon as you decide you want to become a vet. Read the school's websites and explore as many links from the site as possible. This will help you take the most effective routes in your course work and extra curricular activities. It will also help you complete the application using language and highlighting your qualifications specifically toward the school you're interested in.
Excel In School
It's very important to keep your grades as high as possible before applying to veterinary medicine colleges. Take as many AP classes as you can and focus on your studies at this time. Learn the specific course requirements for the veterinary schools you are most interested in. The top vet schools often require completion in general biology with at least two additional biology courses with one extra lab. Take courses in general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, animal nutrition, physics, animal reproduction, epidemiology, histology, parasitology, virology, genetics, and anatomy.
Focus On A Well-Rounded Education
The top vet schools will notice advanced courses in English, public speaking, statistics, and math or calculus. Courses in the business as well as the arts, humanities, and social sciences will also enhance your application. The best choices include sociology, psychology, ethnic studies, and anthropology. Highlight computer literacy, business courses, and foreign language courses as these all help in working with people and contributing to a veterinary practice.
Engage In Extracurricular Activities
Different schools have different values for who the applicant is as a person. The top veterinary medicine colleges, however, tend to want to see an applicant who has a variety of life experiences that contribute to professional and cultural background. Take the time to work in a veterinary office and learn about the business. Volunteer in any situation involving animals, i.e. an animal rescue center or a farm. Highlight these activities as well as experiences traveling and learning about different cultures. Develop excellent communication skills and abilities in working with people. The top vet school are impressed by public speaking and interactions with a wide variety of people in the world.
Letters of Recommendation
Many veterinary schools require at least 3 letters of recommendation. These should list your skills and qualifications in specific terms and are best when written by a practicing veterinarian, professor, or employer. If you have any connections with people associated with the specific school or people who are published and well-respected in the field, get letters from them.
Although competitive, you can get into veterinary medicine colleges if you are motivated and focused. State vet schools are often less expensive and easier to get into for state residents. Early preparation for getting into the top vet schools is the key.