In High School and Want to Be a Vet? 8 Tips for Aspiring Veterinarians

Most people know that becoming a doctor is a long, arduous, and competitive undertaking. However, fewer may fully grasp the competitive nature of becoming a veterinarian. With only 33 veterinary colleges in the United States that are accredited by the AVMA Council on Education® (COE) and applications on the rise (up 19% for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle), the competition for seats is fierce!

While becoming a veterinarian is not easy, for those committed to helping animals and willing to do the work, being a vet can be a personally fulfilling and financially rewarding career. High school students who hope to become a veterinarian may wonder what they can do to start turning their goals into reality.

Challenge, Participate, Understand, Acquire, Explore, Strive, Identify, and Apply: 8 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

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 or veterinarian’s office

FIVE:  EXPLORE the profession

• Research specific specialties

• Shadow a veterinarian 

• Conduct informational interviews

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 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.

Tune in next week for a comprehensive list of accredited veterinary programs in North America and what you can do while in college to become a competitive applicant for veterinary school.

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