Schools for pre-vet students advice?

Hi, I'm a junior in HS and I've wanted to be a vet ever since I can remember. I'm starting to look into colleges and can't seem to find ones known for their pre-vet program. Has anyone gone through this or does anyone have any suggestions on where to apply?

Finding a college with a strong pre-veterinary program is a great step towards achieving your goal of becoming a veterinarian. First off, it's important to understand that, like pre-med or pre-law, pre-vet is not an actual major in most institutions. Instead, it tends to be an advised track of specific coursework chosen to best prepare students for veterinary school. Usually, these courses are heavy in biology, physical sciences, and math. A "pre-vet" program can be pursued alongside various majors, such as animal science, biology, or physiology.

With that said, there are some colleges known for their strong agricultural and animal science programs, which many aspiring veterinarians choose to attend. For instance, Cornell University, UC Davis, and Colorado State University consistently rank highly for their programs. They have renowned veterinary sciences departments and offer robust resources for pre-vet students, such as research opportunities, internships, and even on-campus veterinary hospitals.

Additionally, you might consider schools that have their own Colleges of Veterinary Medicine like North Carolina State University and University of Florida. This could provide more opportunities for shadowing and networking.

However, keep in mind that you'll want to consider other factors besides just the strength of the pre-vet/animal science program. Look at the overall environment of the college, its location, the class size, and of course, financial aid and scholarships. It's important to choose a college where you'll be able to excel academically, but also one where you could envision yourself being happy and successful for four years.

Lastly, focus on maintaining a strong GPA and gaining animal-related experience during your undergraduate years, as these factors will be critical when applying for vet schools down the line. Good luck in your college search!