Hey y'all, I'm a high school junior and I've always wanted to be a veterinarian. Can anyone shed some light on what pre-requisites I should be focusing on during high school, and what courses would be helpful once I start college? Just trying to plan ahead, any advice is appreciated!
Hello! It's excellent that you're thinking ahead about your veterinary career path. In high school, you should focus on building a strong foundation in the sciences, particularly in biology, chemistry, and physics. Taking honors or AP courses in these subjects would be helpful, as well as participating in extracurricular activities related to your interest, such as volunteering at an animal shelter or interning at a veterinary clinic.
Do keep in mind, though, that while your high school courses and activities can help lay a strong foundation for your success in college, ultimately what veterinary school will care about is just your performance in college. So, once you enter college, you'll want to choose a major that allows you to fulfill the veterinary school prerequisites, which can vary slightly between schools but generally include courses in:
1. Biology: At least one year, often with laboratory sessions.
2. Chemistry: Both general and organic chemistry, typically covering one year each, often with associated labs.
3. Physics: One year of coursework, usually including labs.
4. Mathematics: One to two semesters of college-level mathematics, often including calculus and/or statistics.
5. English: A year of English composition and/or literature courses to strengthen your writing and critical thinking skills.
6. Specialized Sciences: Some veterinary schools may require one or more courses in more focused scientific subfields like anatomy, microbiology, or genetics.
It's important to note that different veterinary schools may have slightly different prerequisites, so it's best to research the specific requirements for the schools you're interested in. Additionally, veterinary schools often require a certain number of hours of animal-related experience, which includes both veterinary and non-veterinary experiences (e.g., volunteering, internships, research projects).
To fulfill those extracurricular requirements, consider joining clubs or organizations related to animal science or veterinary medicine. In addition to impressing vet school admissions committees, on a personal level they will help you further develop your skills and connect with like-minded peers.
Best of luck on your journey to become a veterinarian!
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