Applying to UK Vet School from US High School

[Gecko8]

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Hi everyone,

I'm a junior in high school interested in studying veterinary medicine. I've looked at overseas schools (mostly University of Edinburgh) and have looked at their entry requirements for North American high school applicants to a five-year vet program. All it said was "practical experience handling animals and biology+chemistry+math or physics studied to a very high level."

I'm assuming high level means AP, but what grades are they expecting? And how much practical experience are they looking for? Is competition for international students very intense? Is it realistic or a good idea to apply from high school?

Did anyone apply to a UK vet school from a US high school who can share some knowledge with me? 🙂 Sorry for the stream of questions, but any experience someone has with this would be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[psilovethomas]

Hi everyone,

I'm a junior in high school interested in studying veterinary medicine. I've looked at overseas schools (mostly University of Edinburgh) and have looked at their entry requirements for North American high school applicants to a five-year vet program. All it said was "practical experience handling animals and biology+chemistry+math or physics studied to a very high level."

I'm assuming high level means AP, but what grades are they expecting? And how much practical experience are they looking for? Is competition for international students very intense? Is it realistic or a good idea to apply from high school?

Did anyone apply to a UK vet school from a US high school who can share some knowledge with me? 🙂 Sorry for the stream of questions, but any experience someone has with this would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Hm, I never considered this situation. While I think it sound like a good idea, it probably is not. You will be ~18 when you graduate. Are you ready to move overseas? Are you ready to take on over 200,000 in debt? Do you you understand the circumstances of this debt? Do you think you are mature enough to handle the veterinary curriculum? AP courses are nothing like professional school courses! If you are motivated enough and can handle debt and moving far away from home, then maybe this is something you should pursue. Contact the University and ask what 'very high level' means.
The competition among international applicants doesn't seem to be as intense as it is among applicants to US schools.

 

[PocoCalypsoQH]

I think this can be a very good idea for the right person (who is ready to handle the issues the previous poster stated). As far as competitiveness...I don't know about the UK, but I did study in Ireland for a semester, and it was ridiculously EASY, and that is their undergrad level stuff. I got all As with really average effort, so I don't think that their high school level stuff is that rough. I think you would be really competitive with a bunch of higher level science classes at the high school level. And if you think about it, the debt is somewhat mitigated by the fact that you won't have to spend the time or the money getting an undergraduate degree if you know for sure vet med is what you want to do. Avg. undergrad costs ~$60k? So it would be like paying $150k to go to vet school in the US...which is not too much higher than some of the in state tuition I have seen.

Moving halfway around the world is a big deal though. I did it after being on my own and in college for 4 years and it was still a pretty significant adjustment. This would probably be my biggest concern.

 

[ckd816]

I think you guys are really off the mark with advice so far... applying to a UK vet school is on par with applying to a US one. They require the courses to be at the college level and have even started requiring the GRE as an application requirement. I would be shocked if they said high school courses are enough. Remember that this translates back to the US as a professional degree, therefore an undergrad foundation is likely required.

I think undergrad is a great way to get the required courses and really make sure this is what you want before moving across the pond for it. A lot can change during your college years, and I'd really hate for you to take on the stress of moving overseas and insane amounts of debt without being 100% certain you're making the right decision. Maybe just take pre-reqs and apply ASAP if you want to speed the process along and keep costs low.

 

[psilovethomas]

I think you guys are really off the mark with advice so far... applying to a UK vet school is on par with applying to a US one. They require the courses to be at the college level and have even started requiring the GRE as an application requirement. I would be shocked if they said high school courses are enough. Remember that this translates back to the US as a professional degree, therefore an undergrad foundation is likely required.

I think undergrad is a great way to get the required courses and really make sure this is what you want before moving across the pond for it. A lot can change during your college years, and I'd really hate for you to take on the stress of moving overseas and insane amounts of debt without being 100% certain you're making the right decision. Maybe just take pre-reqs and apply ASAP if you want to speed the process along and keep costs low.

What about the 5 year program (programme?)? Isn't that designed for recent highschool grads that have not taken any college courses yet? Just curious🙂

 

[ckd816]

What about the 5 year program (programme?)? Isn't that designed for recent highschool grads that have not taken any college courses yet? Just curious🙂

Not exactly because "high school" over there works different than it does here. From what I understand, they attend what we would think of as a classic high school until roughly 16, then they take on like 3 courses called "A-levels" (usually Biology, Chemistry, etc.) that they study until they are 18. I believe those courses go more in depth than high school courses here. So technically their last 2 years would be roughly equivalent to just completing pre-reqs here but not completing a higher degree.

 

[dier930]

I think you guys are really off the mark with advice so far... applying to a UK vet school is on par with applying to a US one. They require the courses to be at the college level and have even started requiring the GRE as an application requirement. I would be shocked if they said high school courses are enough. Remember that this translates back to the US as a professional degree, therefore an undergrad foundation is likely required.

I think undergrad is a great way to get the required courses and really make sure this is what you want before moving across the pond for it. A lot can change during your college years, and I'd really hate for you to take on the stress of moving overseas and insane amounts of debt without being 100% certain you're making the right decision. Maybe just take pre-reqs and apply ASAP if you want to speed the process along and keep costs low.

With all due respect, if Edinburgh has a whole section on their prospective student page dedicated specifically to North American school leavers, I think that they understand the general course rigor that US high school graduates have undertaken. They would likely want to see only 4s or 5s on AP exams, and would probably prefer IB, but some schools don't offer IB. Also, if they require the GRE from high schoolers (idk, I didn't look very hard)... well, the GRE is not something you need to go to college to do well on. Study, yes. Undergrad, no.

On the site, it says "competition for places is high." So... there ya go.

I think it just depends on how you would feel leaving home, as well as your financial situation, of course. Other than that, you would likely be with peers of the same age/maturity level. I don't think UK vets go on to become terrible professionals just because they start 2 to 4 years earlier than the traditional US route.

I'd say give it some thought, try to visualize living abroad for 5 years, and if you think it's right for you, go for it. You can't get in if you don't apply!

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/studying/american-school-leavers

There is a bit more info on work experience on the website than you have stated, but it doesn't seem as though there are any specific requirements other than "more/varied experience is better," of course.

Hope that helped.

 

[sunshinevet]

Not exactly because "high school" over there works different than it does here. From what I understand, they attend what we would think of as a classic high school until roughly 16, then they take on like 3 courses called "A-levels" (usually Biology, Chemistry, etc.) that they study until they are 18. I believe those courses go more in depth than high school courses here. So technically their last 2 years would be roughly equivalent to just completing pre-reqs here but not completing a higher degree.

Yes yes yes 👍

No offense to the US, and I really do mean it, but compared to the UK and Australian high school education levels, the US sucks. Thats one of the reasons we can do vet in 5 years - we don't need that undergrad background. And it shows when you get to study vet with American students who have done a full degree, and honestly, they don't do any better than the younger students and they don't have any obviously superior mastery of the basics. A lot of the stuff done by Americans in their prereqs, I did in high school. And I have had in depth conversations with international students - this isnt just going off what i think.

I wouldnt worry about having the "maturity" to study a professional level course. I started vet when I was 17 and I've been just fine. Its just a different system - i dont buy that being older when you start makes you a better vet etc.

My biggest concern would be moving across the other side of the world. I moved across the other side of the country and that was hard enough. Really, really hard. That was nearly 4 years ago and its still hard. If you're close to your family (I am) it will be really hard. But it can also be completely fantastic - i knew NOONE in perth when i moved here, and i love my life here now, it forces you to get out there and try new things, you meet so many amazing people and you really have to stand on your own two feet. It can suck but at the same time, learning that much about yourself and learning to be self sufficient can be awesome

 

[FinleyMonkey]

What about the 5 year program (programme?)? Isn't that designed for recent highschool grads that have not taken any college courses yet? Just curious🙂

I am studying at Edinburgh currently. This is what I've come up with: students over here go to high school then two years of "college" when they are 16 and 17. That would be the equivalent to our two year associates degree, if you were taking strictly classes that were geared towards going for a veterinary degree. I have recently spoken with a "college" student over here (she's 17) and she is taking physics, chem, orgo, etc, all at once. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I would think you would have to take AP courses and score very high, or take these classes at a university. Best to email and get your exact requirements. If you are very bright, then you shouldn't need the years of university if you know exactly that this is your goal. With that said, I have a undergrad degree and a master's and it is hard work. We have 4 or 5 months worth of material then are expected to know all of it, even minutia, for one test. It's a stretch from my undergrad where we had tests once a month maybe, and an even further stretch from high school, where assignments buffered our grades. I'm not sure I could have done it right after high school, I needed undergrad to get my studying techniques down. I took AP chemistry in high school and it was a complete joke compared to the chemistry I took at UF (no offense--that was just my experience at my school) Good luck.

 

[CurrySpice]

I can't see the harm in applying at Edinburgh, Glasgow, or any of the other foreign schools that may accept high school seniors. If you are in an IB program and/or at one of the fancy charter schools then I think you would have the best chance of acceptance. I remember reading you need a 5 in Bio, Chem, & Physics AP courses, but some of the schools may permit a 4. That may have changed though.

I debated about going that route, but decided that I like learning too much to skip out on undergrad. I have learned so many things (non-essential to veterinary medicine) during my undergrad. I read Aristotle, Plato, Dostoevsky, Virgil etc. I am a much more educated person now than I was in high school.

That said, my relatives are helping me finance my education. If I were taking out loans for all of my undergrad and all of veterinary school, then I may have picked a more accelerated route.

Have you had plenty of veterinary & animal experience? I would recommend spending this summer exceeding the requirements. Most US veterinary school applicants have 100s to 1000s of hours of experience. That's not required for entry into the UK vet schools, but it will help you solidify your choice of professions.

 

[shortnsweet]

I can tell you now they will NOT accept US high schoolers, esp over US students who have 4 yr Bachelors. Too many strong N. Americans are applying for them to do that, and they don't take the chance of the student failing out/them losing money.

You need college level courses and varied veterinary experience, and I only know of a few people who do not have a degree full BS/BA degree. US high school and UK high school is hella different. Plus do you really want to miss out on undergrad?? Best 4 yrs of your life if you ask me. Save your money, go to undergrad over there, learn how to study, then apply.

 

[goldielocks137]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure "US school leavers" means students who have taken college level pre-reqs but don't have a college degree. I do not think you can get into a UK school without some college education. And even if you could get in, I don't think you'd be prepared for how challenging it will be academically. Science pre-reqs (biochem, gen chem, micro) arent mandated to keep prevets scrambling. These courses are an intro to topics that will be covered many times in much more depth in vet school.

 

[CurrySpice]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure "US school leavers" means students who have taken college level pre-reqs but don't have a college degree. I do not think you can get into a UK school without some college education. And even if you could get in, I don't think you'd be prepared for how challenging it will be academically. Science pre-reqs (biochem, gen chem, micro) arent mandated to keep prevets scrambling. These courses are an intro to topics that will be covered many times in much more depth in vet school.

That's not quite correct. Edinburgh vet school specifically states that the minimum is a high school diploma. You don't need college courses, but you're unlikely to be successful without them. I read it similar to the schools that state the minimum gpa is 3.0. Students may be accepted meeting those minimum requirements if they have exceeded other requirements.

 

[dier930]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure "US school leavers" means students who have taken college level pre-reqs but don't have a college degree. I do not think you can get into a UK school without some college education. And even if you could get in, I don't think you'd be prepared for how challenging it will be academically. Science pre-reqs (biochem, gen chem, micro) arent mandated to keep prevets scrambling. These courses are an intro to topics that will be covered many times in much more depth in vet school.

Pretty sure you're wrong (but maybe I'm wrong, lol). "School leavers" typically means graduates of secondary school. I'll use Edinburgh as my example, because I'm most acquainted with their website:

On the North American school leavers page, the entry requirements only state: "you must have a high school diploma with at least three science subjects studied to a very high level. These must include Chemistry and Biology, and either Physics or Maths." If we want to get picky about it, AP and IB courses are "college level pre-reqs," so if you mean that the student should have taken AP/IB courses, then I agree.

On the UK and EU school leavers page, there is a longer, more detailed list of acceptable entry requirements depending upon your route of study. There is IB information on there, so I'm assuming that if a US high school student met those IB requirements, they would be just as eligible as a school leaver from the UK/EU.

International Baccalaureate

The minimum entry requirement is 36 points. This must include:

• Higher level in Chemistry, Biology and either Maths or Physics
• 666 or better in all science subjects
• Where Higher level Maths or Physics is not possible, another subject at Higher level may be accepted, subject to approval. In this case, you will also need 6 at Standard level in Maths or Physics.

All grades must normally be obtained in one sitting and at the first attempt. If Physics does not form part of the IB Diploma, candidates must also provide evidence of a qualification at a minimum SQA standard Grade 2 or GCSE Grade B or equivalent in this subject.
​

If your school does not offer IB and you are doing an AP program, I would suggest contacting the schools directly and asking what satisfies their requirements.

As far as if/how many US high school grads get in, I think the best thing to do would be to call admissions offices and ask, instead of listening to people on here who don't really know and are making assumptions. If the schools say they will accept US high schoolers, then IT IS OF COURSE POSSIBLE that they will accept US high schoolers. Why the h*ll would they devote space on their websites to it otherwise?! Wouldn't they just say "Due to increased international competition, we are not accepting North American school leavers" blah blah... ? Maybe they will soon, but they haven't yet, so just call and ask about your chances. Maybe they'll say you don't have a snowball's chance in h*ll, but at least you'll have heard it from the source.

 

[psilovethomas]

As far as if/how many US high school grads get in, I think the best thing to do would be to call admissions offices and ask, instead of listening to people on here who don't really know and are making assumptions. If the schools say they will accept US high schoolers, then IT IS OF COURSE POSSIBLE that they will accept US high schoolers. Why the h*ll would they devote space on their websites to it otherwise?! Wouldn't they just say "Due to increased international competition, we are not accepting North American school leavers" blah blah... ? Maybe they will soon, but they haven't yet, so just call and ask about your chances. Maybe they'll say you don't have a snowball's chance in h*ll, but at least you'll have heard it from the source.

👍

 

[Gecko8]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure "US school leavers" means students who have taken college level pre-reqs but don't have a college degree. I do not think you can get into a UK school without some college education. And even if you could get in, I don't think you'd be prepared for how challenging it will be academically. Science pre-reqs (biochem, gen chem, micro) arent mandated to keep prevets scrambling. These courses are an intro to topics that will be covered many times in much more depth in vet school.

The Edinburgh website says that North American students can apply with a high school diploma, but you have a good point about the difficulty of the curriculum. Thanks for the info.

With that said, I have a undergrad degree and a master's and it is hard work. We have 4 or 5 months worth of material then are expected to know all of it, even minutia, for one test. It's a stretch from my undergrad where we had tests once a month maybe, and an even further stretch from high school, where assignments buffered our grades. I'm not sure I could have done it right after high school, I needed undergrad to get my studying techniques down. I took AP chemistry in high school and it was a complete joke compared to the chemistry I took at UF (no offense--that was just my experience at my school) Good luck.

This was very helpful--thank you! I'm in AP chem now and I've been wondering if it would really be enough for me to be able to cope with work at that level.

Sounds to me like doing undergrad first might be a better option. I was mostly interested in a UK 5-year program because of the time difference between the ~8 years needed here in the US, but maybe it would be better to take my time, especially if US high school classes aren't enough to prepare me for classes over there.

Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[CurrySpice]

The Edinburgh website says that North American students can apply with a high school diploma, but you have a good point about the difficulty of the curriculum. Thanks for the info.



This was very helpful--thank you! I'm in AP chem now and I've been wondering if it would really be enough for me to be able to cope with work at that level.

Sounds to me like doing undergrad first might be a better option. I was mostly interested in a UK 5-year program because of the time difference between the ~8 years needed here in the US, but maybe it would be better to take my time, especially if US high school classes aren't enough to prepare me for classes over there.

Thanks everyone for the help!

You don't have to spend 4 years in undergrad either. I am graduating in 3, but before I realized that was possible, I had been planning to apply to the UK after 2 years of undergrad.

 

[Gecko8]

You don't have to spend 4 years in undergrad either. I am graduating in 3, but before I realized that was possible, I had been planning to apply to the UK after 2 years of undergrad.

You don't? How do you graduate in 3 years?
And if you applied to the UK after 2 years of undergrad, would it be to the 4-year or 5-year program?

 

[shortnsweet]

As far as if/how many US high school grads get in, I think the best thing to do would be to call admissions offices and ask, instead of listening to people on here who don't really know and are making assumptions. If the schools say they will accept US high schoolers, then IT IS OF COURSE POSSIBLE that they will accept US high schoolers. Why the h*ll would they devote space on their websites to it otherwise?! Wouldn't they just say "Due to increased international competition, we are not accepting North American school leavers" blah blah... ? Maybe they will soon, but they haven't yet, so just call and ask about your chances. Maybe they'll say you don't have a snowball's chance in h*ll, but at least you'll have heard it from the source.

Now that is not very fair. Maybe Edinburgh is different, but I know at least at Glasgow---there is not a single N. American student out of high school, nor do any really apply/get in because they WANT undergraduate level coursework---whether you get a degree or not. I can't find it on the website, nor do I have the energy due to jetlag, but I believe our website says it. College prepares you beyond words for vet school---it is just something US high schools don't have. Plus, Edinburgh requires the GRE which may also make a big difference in applying. So don't say we "don't know what we are talking about." The OP asked, and current students gave their take on the situation. Ultimately, we want her/him to succeed and be as prepared as possible.

 

[FinleyMonkey]

Sounds to me like doing undergrad first might be a better option. I was mostly interested in a UK 5-year program because of the time difference between the ~8 years needed here in the US, but maybe it would be better to take my time, especially if US high school classes aren't enough to prepare me for classes over there.

Thanks everyone for the help!

Every person's situation is unique, so I would definitely explore this option because it seems as though it is possible, and I suggest contacting the admissions requirement to find out specific requirements. If they accept you then ultimately, they believe you will succeed. I'm in the 4 year programme, but I do know of people in the 5 year programme without degrees, but with college prereqs; which would be a time saver as well as a chance to take high level science courses to get you in the mindset of a rigorous program. Either way, you seem way more prepared than I was coming out of high school so it sounds like you are heading in the right direction.

 

[Kem9987221]

I looked into this in high school also. I emailed the admissions officer and they said I didn't have enough bio and chem (but that may have just been me). Now, I am going to Edinburgh in the fall for the 5 year programme. I am currently in my 3rd year of undergrad and will leave my current school (which is what I assumed "school leavers" meant, I would say its more like transferring) without a bachelors degree.
I know when I originally looked at the UK vet schools, there were pdf files on the aavmc website (they had them for a bunch of schools) that gave information on the school, cost, pre-reqs, etc. and I know the one for Glasgow said that they look at applicants with at least 2 years post high school education. I don't know if its the same for Edinburgh but it may be. I will look on the AAVMC website for the file but ever since the new website I haven't been able to find anything 🙁

 

[ckd816]

The Edinburgh website says that North American students can apply with a high school diploma, but you have a good point about the difficulty of the curriculum. Thanks for the info.



This was very helpful--thank you! I'm in AP chem now and I've been wondering if it would really be enough for me to be able to cope with work at that level.

Sounds to me like doing undergrad first might be a better option. I was mostly interested in a UK 5-year program because of the time difference between the ~8 years needed here in the US, but maybe it would be better to take my time, especially if US high school classes aren't enough to prepare me for classes over there.

Thanks everyone for the help!

As someone who took 5 AP courses junior year of high school, I can honestly say I don't think you would be prepared for a professional course. With that said, please let us know what the schools say as I'm quite curious what they consider "high level" courses to be for North Americans. Plus it would be helpful to others in your shoes 🙂

 

[dier930]

Now that is not very fair. Maybe Edinburgh is different, but I know at least at Glasgow---there is not a single N. American student out of high school, nor do any really apply/get in because they WANT undergraduate level coursework---whether you get a degree or not. I can't find it on the website, nor do I have the energy due to jetlag, but I believe our website says it. College prepares you beyond words for vet school---it is just something US high schools don't have. Plus, Edinburgh requires the GRE which may also make a big difference in applying. So don't say we "don't know what we are talking about." The OP asked, and current students gave their take on the situation. Ultimately, we want her/him to succeed and be as prepared as possible.

I was not trying to be rude, and I did not say you "don't know what you're talking about" in general, HOWEVER, you are the one who stated: "I can tell you now they will NOT accept US high schoolers, esp over US students who have 4 yr Bachelors." You cannot know that. Just because you don't know of anyone who has been accepted straight out of US high school does not mean it is not possible. Also, you yourself said that very few high school grads even apply. Maybe if more applied, you would know some who got in. I stand by the fact that admissions would know better as to the OP's chances.

Also, I used Edinburgh as my example, you used Glasgow, and maybe Glasgow does require some post-secondary education, I don't know. I do know that the OP said they were interested in all overseas schools, particularly Edinburgh. If you meant Glasgow wouldn't let in a high school grad because you knew they required a certain number of years in post-secondary education, you should have been more specific, instead of making what seemed to be a blanket statement towards all overseas schools.

Again, not trying to be rude, just matter-of-fact.

 

[shortnsweet]

I was not trying to be rude, and I did not say you "don't know what you're talking about" in general, HOWEVER, you are the one who stated: "I can tell you now they will NOT accept US high schoolers, esp over US students who have 4 yr Bachelors." You cannot know that. Just because you don't know of anyone who has been accepted straight out of US high school does not mean it is not possible. Also, you yourself said that very few high school grads even apply. Maybe if more applied, you would know some who got in. I stand by the fact that admissions would know better as to the OP's chances.

Also, I used Edinburgh as my example, you used Glasgow, and maybe Glasgow does require some post-secondary education, I don't know. I do know that the OP said they were interested in all overseas schools, particularly Edinburgh. If you meant Glasgow wouldn't let in a high school grad because you knew they required a certain number of years in post-secondary education, you should have been more specific, instead of making what seemed to be a blanket statement towards all overseas schools.

Again, not trying to be rude, just matter-of-fact.

From VMCAS regarding the 5 Yr Program at Edinburgh:

"5-year BVM&S Programme Applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of at least two years of a pre-veterinary or science course at College or University. A minimum of one year (two semesters or three terms) in Chemistry, and additional courses in Biology, Physics and/or Mathematics is required. All applicants are required to have gained high grades in the science subjects, especially Chemistry. US applicants should have a current overall minimum grade point average of 3.4 (4 point scale), with greater than 3.0 in science courses which have been completed.
Those candidates with a non-science degree would be considered for 1st year entry to the 5-year BVM&S course, provided they have gained high grades in the science subjects including Chemistry and Biology."

 

[CurrySpice]

You don't? How do you graduate in 3 years?
And if you applied to the UK after 2 years of undergrad, would it be to the 4-year or 5-year program?

You can apply to the 5-year program after 2 years. The 4-year is graduate entry only 😉

It's not difficult to graduate in 3 years if you enter with AP credits. My uni was very strict (only accepted AP scores of 5), so I only entered with 3 courses. I took a few summer courses part-time, but I could have also met the credit requirements by taking a few extra credits sophomore year. Depends 100% on the university if it's possible due to scheduling conflicts.

 

[dier930]

From VMCAS regarding the 5 Yr Program at Edinburgh:

"5-year BVM&S Programme Applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of at least two years of a pre-veterinary or science course at College or University. A minimum of one year (two semesters or three terms) in Chemistry, and additional courses in Biology, Physics and/or Mathematics is required. All applicants are required to have gained high grades in the science subjects, especially Chemistry. US applicants should have a current overall minimum grade point average of 3.4 (4 point scale), with greater than 3.0 in science courses which have been completed.
Those candidates with a non-science degree would be considered for 1st year entry to the 5-year BVM&S course, provided they have gained high grades in the science subjects including Chemistry and Biology."

North American school leavers don't apply through VMCAS.

http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departm...ican-school-leavers/how-to-apply/how-to-apply

I don't want to debate you; I've said all I can to help the OP.

 

[mstill]

I met one of the RVC reps at a careers fair last year, and they take high school students from the US onto their 5-year program http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Undergraduate/International/Country/NA_HighSchoolApplicants.cfm

No idea how many they take each year etc, but the rep told me that their stated pre-reqs for high school students equated to the same requirements they have for UK students (and those from the rest of the world that go straight out of high school as well). So might be worth looking into a bit more.

 

[squirrelsrule]

I would be really surprised if you got into any vet school straight from High School with no college experience, even if you take a ton of AP courses.

What I would recommend to you is to look into a post secondary program at your school for next year. The post secondary program allows you to go to college and take courses that will count towards high school and also count as college credits because you'll be in college 👍. The huge benefit to this is your high school pays for everything including books and it saves you time because you will be completing college early! If you can take 18-20 credits per semester next year, you would have a ton better chance of being accepted straight from High school! I was able to complete 3 years of college in my last 2 years of high school and graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in Biology at the age of 18 😀. Of course, I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do then, so I just figured that out at the age of 24. I saved a ton of money on school though and I think the fact that I was able to handle that academic level at a young age will set me apart when I apply to vet school this year.

Are you sure you want to be a vet? Have you shadowed at a vet clinic?

 

[pennyonthefloor]

You don't? How do you graduate in 3 years?
And if you applied to the UK after 2 years of undergrad, would it be to the 4-year or 5-year program?

I did a lot of post-secondary education... graduated with my HS diploma in 04 and college in 07... it takes dedication and the ability to take on a full courseload (or overloaded courseload) every quarter....

Kudos to you for even thinking of vet school out of high school. I'm glad for the journey I've been on and the opportunity to learn a lot in the years between HS and vet school (including getting my bachelor's degree and MPH).... I know far too many individuals that are extremely immature out of HS (and heck, even upon graduating from undergrad!). I know what it's like to think that waiting for a year or a few years is FOR-EV-ER away.... a year or two isn't really that long of a time frame (took me a long time to realize this and internalize it....)

Best of luck!

 

[psilovethomas]

You don't? How do you graduate in 3 years?
And if you applied to the UK after 2 years of undergrad, would it be to the 4-year or 5-year program?

I will graduate next year (2012), three years after I graduated from high school. 8 AP classes and physics II over the summer. So glad I did it this way. I feel like undergrad is just something I need to do before moving on to the next step. If you would like more info, you can PM me🙂

 

[psilovethomas]

From the RVC website:
"USA:

Successfully complete the High School Diploma and have at least 4 full year Advanced Placement examinations at grade 5/4 including Biology and Chemistry both at grade 5."

Only 4 AP classes?! Wow...😱

 

[hunterjumper12]

You don't? How do you graduate in 3 years?

Although I did not apply internationally, I too am a person who will be completing my undergrad in 3 years. Not only did I take AP classes in high school to get college credit, I also did dual enrollment my senior year at the local community college in which I was able to take classes that counted for both college and high school credit. It was a good way to knock out all of those required humanities, fine arts, etc. classes that are probably going to be the same about anywhere. As a result, I started my first year of undergrad with 29 credit hours (so I was essentially a sophomore). Combine that with taking summer classes, I only had 7 hours that I have to take this semester to graduate in May 😀 So yes, it is possible, and I even changed my major twice and it still wasn't too hard to do everything in 3 years.

 

[njsturrock]

I am a senior in highschool in the US. I actually applied to University of Edinburgh's 5 year veterinary science program in October and am waiting for the results of the application. I put a lot of research into it + I have family in England, in the english education system who have been helping me figure out entry requirments and everything. Basically- the british education system allows someone to complete a normal undergraduate year in 3 years- which compared to our 4 does tell you that generally they are more ready to skip that first year. (it is 4 years in scotland) However- the difference is that that first year in America is all general education. Now, for kids who are looking at the vet science degree, I imagine are like me and know that they want to be veterinarians. So the general ed courses the first year would teach in college are somewhat useless because i could care less about history and english, etc. However- for entry requirments they require AP exams. I have heard that generally the average offer is AAB- which is equivalent to 5, 5, 4. You NEED a 5 in Ap Chemistry, and then a 5 or 4 in math (calculus) or Biology. with at least one of those being a 5. Although you may be a little behind to what kids in the UK have been through- AP courses are college courses, and if you have enough drive I think it is totally worth doing. I would also highly recommend getting as much experience with animals and vets as physically possible.

When I find out my results from the University I can post them on this forum- with my results. So you can kinda see where you stand.

Hope this helps!

 

[Trilt]

Yes yes yes 👍

No offense to the US, and I really do mean it, but compared to the UK and Australian high school education levels, the US sucks. Thats one of the reasons we can do vet in 5 years - we don't need that undergrad background. And it shows when you get to study vet with American students who have done a full degree, and honestly, they don't do any better than the younger students and they don't have any obviously superior mastery of the basics. A lot of the stuff done by Americans in their prereqs, I did in high school. And I have had in depth conversations with international students - this isnt just going off what i think.

I know this thread is old... but seriously, you can't paint all american high schools with that same brush. I attended my first year at a top-100 public high school in the US, then moved to a cruddy rural school in NC. People who excelled and then went on to colleges from my first school often commented on it being significantly easier than our high school - obviously this also varied with the university, but it's something I've heard a lot. That school was a magnet school with lots of AP courses, IB program, etc - the sort of place I'd think would prepare a student for a professional program abroad well enough.

In comparison, I was one of the lowest ranked students from my second high school to go to college (mainly from first-year grades at the good school), and I'm one of maybe five or so who hasn't failed out or otherwise given up at university. We didn't offer AP physics or chemistry. This is the sort of school that wouldn't prepare enough, haha. It wasn't even enough to prepare me for university - worked my absolute ass off to get good grades with no solid foundations.

Anyway this long spiel is just saying that, imo, there are definitely schools in the US that would prepare students adequately to go straight into a veterinary program. Not most schools, but there are definitely some.

 

[sunshinevet]

I know this thread is old... but seriously, you can't paint all american high schools with that same brush. I attended my first year at a top-100 public high school in the US, then moved to a cruddy rural school in NC. People who excelled and then went on to colleges from my first school often commented on it being significantly easier than our high school - obviously this also varied with the university, but it's something I've heard a lot. That school was a magnet school with lots of AP courses, IB program, etc - the sort of place I'd think would prepare a student for a professional program abroad well enough.

In comparison, I was one of the lowest ranked students from my second high school to go to college (mainly from first-year grades at the good school), and I'm one of maybe five or so who hasn't failed out or otherwise given up at university. We didn't offer AP physics or chemistry. This is the sort of school that wouldn't prepare enough, haha. It wasn't even enough to prepare me for university - worked my absolute ass off to get good grades with no solid foundations.

Anyway this long spiel is just saying that, imo, there are definitely schools in the US that would prepare students adequately to go straight into a veterinary program. Not most schools, but there are definitely some.

The point is, you have to consider the system as a whole. 99% of high schools in Aus prepare students adequately to enter veterinary and medicine courses straight out of high school. This includes high schools in underserved and underprivilaged areas. Obviously some schools are still better than others but at a base level, the standard of education of the average highschool leaver in Aus or the UK is higher than that of the US. Of course there will be exceptions. But you have to examine it as a whole system and on averages. And you have to base your university system on the average of your highschool system. Hence why the US has their system and we have ours. That was my point.

 

[fromthebox]

SunshineVet I wouldn't worry about having the "maturity" to study a professional level course. I started vet when I was 17 and I've been just fine. Its just a different system - i don't buy that being older when you start makes you a better vet etc.

I worry about it with US students (and I am one) The maturity level is different in the US because we are not treated as adults 'till nearly 21 these days. Heck, I'm 24 with a high responsibility job and people still don't consider me to be a true adult at times.

As to your education being more in-depth I am assuming you are including the A-levels? A-levels, to my understanding count as tertiary education and as such are not part of the "secondary school" which should be compared to US high schools. They seem to be much more equivalent to the prerequisites that US students take at university, they are just taken in a different environment. I would also like to know if, in high school you took animal nutrition, microbiology, genetics etc. since you seem to have taken "most things Americans take as pre-reqs" in high school.

And 99% of Aus schools adequately prepare students for medical curricula? I am amazed that given their ability Aus is not overrun with MD/VMDs

I'm not saying the US is perfect or even superior, I'm just saying you have a lot of bias

 

[orca2011]

I worry about it with US students (and I am one) The maturity level is different in the US because we are not treated as adults 'till nearly 21 these days. Heck, I'm 24 with a high responsibility job and people still don't consider me to be a true adult at times.

The maturity level is still somewhat similar I felt.

I studied abroad in England for a year and actually dated a 1st year med student who was only about a year older than someone right out of high school, so I know a little bit about the professional schools over there. I personally wouldn't advise going to vet school in the UK or elsewhere right out of high school just because you have the requirements. It's a huge change. That will most likely be your first real experience away from home and if something happens, it's not very easy to just pick up and go back home until it's better.

I also don't think you'd be prepared for that academic setting. I know I wouldn't have. I messed up a little bit my Freshman year in college because I was more interested in staying up late, going out and hanging out with people. Do you really want that to happen during your first year of vet school? Remember drinking is legal there, so it's not like you have to worry about being caught. The med school at the school I studied out had an open bar every Friday for their med students. They definitely took advantage of that and probably partied more than I did. Many of them ended up dropping out of med school after their first year because they fell so far behind.

Also, the educational system is different. You will most likely only have 1 test for each subject at the end of term. I kind of preferred it that way, but it's definitely an adjustment if you're used to having tests every 4 weeks or so. It also doesn't really allow any room for error. You'll also be in class from 9-5 pretty much every day and have sessions after classes to learn basic skills. I never really saw my bf until late at night if at all during the week.


I guess what it really comes down to is, I think one should be able to still enjoy their young adult years without all the pressure of professional school. Sure it might be cheaper in the long run, but going to college first allowed me to prepare myself and mature. I was also able to enjoy myself and I wouldn't really give that up if I could do it again.

 

[sunshinevet]

I worry about it with US students (and I am one) The maturity level is different in the US because we are not treated as adults 'till nearly 21 these days. Heck, I'm 24 with a high responsibility job and people still don't consider me to be a true adult at times.

As to your education being more in-depth I am assuming you are including the A-levels? A-levels, to my understanding count as tertiary education and as such are not part of the "secondary school" which should be compared to US high schools. They seem to be much more equivalent to the prerequisites that US students take at university, they are just taken in a different environment. I would also like to know if, in high school you took animal nutrition, microbiology, genetics etc. since you seem to have taken "most things Americans take as pre-reqs" in high school.

And 99% of Aus schools adequately prepare students for medical curricula? I am amazed that given their ability Aus is not overrun with MD/VMDs

I'm not saying the US is perfect or even superior, I'm just saying you have a lot of bias

Here in Australia we don't do A-levels. You just complete year 12 - and exactly how that is done varies a bit from state to state, but it is still definately high school and it is not tertiary education.

Yes I would say that 99% of high schools adequately prepare you to take on a medical curriculum. I don't understand how that relates to how many doctors though? The amount of doctors and vets is restricted by the amount of university places, not how well people did in high school. So i don't understand what you were getting at there.

I know it may seem like bias. And I don't expect a lot of people on this site to take the information readily, given most of you are American. But SERIOUSLY you DO come out of Australian year 12 with a higher knowledge base than you do in the majority of US schools. And this has been supported by the opinions and information of my American classmates and other people I know who have studied in both the US and Australia. I'm not saying we're "better" - there are many things US highschools and colleges do better than us - inclusion of sports into school life is a big one - but this one of the reasons why we do an undergraduate vet degree , and the US does a post graduate one. A lot of the prereq material that you guys do I got in my standard highschool classes. And I have compared our curriculum face to face with other american students.

 

[breenie]

I went to a "good" public school and was heaps more prepared for college than many of my Freshman year classmates...

... but high school still felt like a big waste of time.

I have no doubt in my mind there exists a better system. Maybe it's in the UK/AUS. My step mother is from Australia and did her PhD there. She had interesting things to say about the system, and it seemed like a really good set up for her, at least. *shrug*

I'd like to be all butthurt that the mean Australian is making fun of our school system, but frankly, I think it sucks.