Starting my Pre-Vet, Tips

[Ninak2014]

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Hello,

I just joined SDN and I wanted people's input on how I, personally, can build a strong resume and application prior to applying to vet school. I know that there might be threads already regarding this question but I don't know how this all works so bear with me!

I plan on applying to UC Davis, WSU, and OSU vet school programs.
I will be getting my undergrad at the University of Washington, right now I am on course to transfer there with an AA in Biology.
I am looking to major in something that will complete the pre-reqs for vet schools. Either BioChem, Bio, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, or something unique that UW has to offer.

Here are my extracurriculars: equestrian and orchestra

I have work experience as an equine vet assistant. My biggest question is regarding where I should work to gain well rounded experience. Since I probably will want to specialize in equine medicine, I have almost no experience in small animal. I have hundreds of hours of experience working with horses but none with small animals. I have three years to get it though before I apply!
Since I am aware of this early and I see many people who have already applied realizing they have a ton of experience in one area, but not so much in another, would it be good for me to dedicate the next three years working/volunteering in a small animal practice?

That's pretty much it. Thank ya much

 

[breenie]

If you're passionate about equine, continue doing equine, but I think you should still make an effort to get a variety of experiences.

Growing up, I was like you! I loved horses, and spent all of my time with them. Since I knew all about ponies, I decided to see if I liked the other species I'd have to spend time with were cool, too.

I ended up learning that I liked a few other areas of vet med, and had a more rounded appreciation for the profession. Even if you're never going to work with cattle, I think every pre-vet/vet student should spend a little time with them to appreciate the species, the medicine, the industry, and their own relationship to those things. It's okay not to want to work on cattle, but you should have experience to back up that choice! Cattle are just one example, and I think the same applies to SA, exotic, etc.

I spent my 3 years of undergrad doing anything BUT horses, and I'm glad I did. I explained my choices to the adcoms and why I did what I did, which they seemed to understand and appreciate. That doesn't mean a more focused and approach applicant was frowned upon, but that was just the road I decided to take.

Regardless of how you feel/think adcoms want, I think it's personally beneficial for you to spend at least some time in other areas of vet med. If nothing else, it will teach you the basics like keeping your mouth closed during anal gland expression. 😉 Might save some embarrassment later on in clinics!

 

[Tegan05]

Definitely get small animal experience! I used to want to do equine, but after working in a SA clinic, I'm highly considering going that route and trying to get a residency.

It's completely different. The main draw for me was that you can see 20 patients in a day, versus driving around for ages and seeing maybe 4. I feel like I can put my time to better use. Also, I may actually have the time and money to enjoy my own horses... I don't know a lot of equine vets that are able to do that.

If you do want to do equine, focus most of your experience on that, but try to get a couple hundred hours small animal, and then maybe some food animal or exotic for variety.

 

[Fireflysushi]

My recommendation to you is to try to get a job at a small animal clinic somehow. If you don't mind working while in school, you can look for a clinic that will allow you to work the amount of hours that you want. Many want full or part time employees, which can be difficult while taking classes, so you can always volunteer while in school and get a job during vacations. Begining by volunteering will probably help you a lot as well because you don't have any SA experience (many won't hire you without any previous experience).
You can also get large animal experience by volunteering at your school's farm if they have one. Try to get in touch with the Animal Science Department and they can hook you up. This might not all be veterinary experience, but working with large animals always looks good. You can also use the old fashioned approach and just look up LA vets in your area, and bug them until they let you shadow 😉

Good luck! It is always nice to start early!

 

[Ninak2014]

Thank you all for your inputs. So basically I DO need that small animal experience like I thought. I will always have my experience with horses and volunteering at horse rescues, etc. I will probably focus the next few years on getting comfortable dealing with cats and other animals I'm unfamiliar with.
I will do my research then.
Thank you all. 🙂

 

[that redhead]

It's okay not to want to work on cattle, but you should have experience to back up that choice! Cattle are just one example, and I think the same applies to SA, exotic, etc.

👍 I'm of the opinion that working with everything and making the decision based on what you don't like is a better approach than just assuming what you like now is what you're going to pursue with narrow-minded focus. Despite having made the decision to pursue lab animal, I'm trying to make myself take other opportunities as they present themselves, even in vet school. I'd suggest you get something other than equine experience; it doesn't have to be small animal, but that's usually most convenient.