Dreaming of Becoming a Vet? 8 Essential Tips for High School Students

Dreaming of Becoming a Vet? 8 Essential Tips for High School Students

Most people recognize that becoming a doctor is a challenging, highly competitive journey, but fewer may realize that the path to becoming a veterinarian is equally rigorous. With only 33 veterinary colleges in the United States accredited by the AVMA Council on Education®, competition for admission is intense. In fact, many veterinary programs have reported double-digit increases in first-year enrollment over the past five years, reflecting the growing interest in the profession and the limited availability of seats (1). This demand underscores the need for prospective veterinary students to stand out academically and through relevant experience.

Pursuing a career as a veterinarian is undoubtedly challenging, but for those passionate about caring for animals and supporting their owners, it can offer profound personal fulfillment and financial stability. High school students aspiring to enter this rewarding field may wonder how to take the first steps toward transforming their dreams into reality.

Eight Tips for Aspiring Veterinarians

ONE: CHALLENGE yourself in high school

• Take the most rigorous math and science classes that you can succeed in

• Maintain a high GPA

TWO: PARTICIPATE in extracurricular activities

• Athletics, school clubs, HOSA, FFA, 4-H, etc.

• Summer programs such as the USDA AgDiscovery Program and teen volunteer programs at zoos

THREE: UNDERSTAND the role of the SAT or ACT in your college process

• Take the MindPrint cognitive assessment to determine the better-fit test

• Set a goal and make a test prep plan to help achieve it

FOUR: ACQUIRE as much experience with animals as possible

• Volunteer at your local humane society

• Shadow a veterinarian

FIVE: EXPLORE the profession

• Research specific specialties

• Conduct informational interviews with veterinarians

SIX: STRIVE for excellence

• Work hard at everything you do

• Stand out as a leader

SEVEN: IDENTIFY colleges where you are MOST likely to succeed

• Academically (i.e., where you can earn high grades)

• Professionally (i.e., internship & research opportunities)

• Socially (i.e., where you will find your people and be happy)

• Emotionally (i.e., where you feel safe & supported)

EIGHT: APPLY to college

• Start early and be strategic

• Write quality essays that reflect passion and authenticity

• Ensure your applications reflect a true sense of purpose and intellectual curiosity

High school students interested in becoming a vet can and should take small steps and make strategic efforts toward paving the way to veterinary school. Investing time and effort in high school will make students more informed and more compelling pre-vet candidates.

List of Accredited Veterinary Programs in North America

For more information on how to make high school experiences pay off when applying to college or questions about the college application process in general, please contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.

(1) US veterinary Colleges Increase Seats at Accelerating Rate