Help?

[Odd]

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I have only recently decided that I wish to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I transferred from abroad with a below par GPA of 3.0, yet currently - I am working to graduate with a 4.0 from my current school. However, based on what I'm seeing - because there aren't many veterinary schools, the selection process is extremely rigid, much more than medical school.

I've researched on most of the schools, but what do I need to get into most of them? I don't really think I can make it at Cornell since I'm only about to start my volunteering and all my extra curriculars...

Appreciated!

 

[rileyroo]

if someone knows this answer, let me know too. thanks. 😉


the best thing you can do is get experience in the field - there are various areas like small animal, large animal, zoo, lab, emergency/critical care, equine, etc. maybe find an area you would like to start in (either by shadowing/volunteering/working at a clinic) and see how that goes and what you like/don't like.

you'll need at least one letter of recommendation from a veterinarian for the application.

the GRE is the standard exam required for admission and some schools require the subject GRE (UGA and Ok. St. come to mind) while others might accept the MCAT.

in addition to those requirements, each school has individual prereq. requirements, so you'll want to look at the schools you're interested in applying to and make sure you are aware of their individual requirements.

those who have been accepted to vet school would probably be able to tell you what it takes, more than i can since i'm just a lowly applicant. 🙂

good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[BlacKAT33]

It really depends on the school but here is a general list. You should have parts of it but I wouldn't drive yourself insane trying to complete EVERYTHING.

1) small animal experience (at leasttttttt 100 hrs, but I would aim for 300+, and if you get a job instead of volunteering you can stack up the hours fast)

2) large animal experience (same as above but really depends if this is your interest. if not, just make sure you take some courses involving large animals so at least you have been exposed to them)

3) research ( if you like this field DEF get into a lab. if its not your goal it is ok if you dont have any research experience but schools reallly love this!)

4) lab experience (basically like research except maybe you aren't involved in a project but you do a lot of lab procedures/assays etc)

5) GPA- in my opinion you need at least a 3.2 (with really good stats besides GPA), a 3.5 you def have a shot, and anything above a 3.7 you're totally set in this category

6) GRE- again, depends on the school. i'd def try to stay above 1100 and like i said before, you would need a higher stat to balance that out like a high GPA. The avg. is about 1150-1250.

7) i forgot wildlife/zoo/reptile experience (if it is in your interest)

8) DONT FORGET ABOUT A SOCIAL LIFE! be involved in clubs, activities, sports, LEADERSHIPP!!

hope this helps! 🙂