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A Pre-Vet's Guide to Becoming a Vet

So, you wanna be a vet huh? We're here to help!

Here are some things to help guide you in the right direction. Much of this process is going to require you to do your own research, and to talk to a whole lot of real vets - so don't take this guide as your one-stop pre-vet shop. 

1

Decide Which Schools You Want to Go to

Things to Consider: Location, Cost, Areas of Specialty, School Environment/vibe, Curriculum, Programs (i.e research, study abroad, partnerships with zoos, farms, etc.), and more! A good start would be to make a list of your top 3 choices.

2

Check Course Prerequisites For the Schools you Want

Sometimes, you get lucky, and you can finish your prereqs just by completing your degree - but this isn't always the case! Make sure you check and plan ahead. Scroll through the PDF below for a list of prereqs.

*Note: Always Double Check with the School Website! Do not depend on this document alone!*

3

Get Experience

This is probably the most important step. Getting experience is not only required by vet schools, but it also serves as an opportunity to figure out if being a vet is really right for you. Go for what you like, but try to get experience with as many different kinds of animals as you can - you never know what you'll end up loving! And you'll be a more well-rounded vet.

Of course, we know getting experience isn't easy - so we have a collection of potential opportunities just for you!

Get Experience (cont.)

4

Study for & Take the GRE

Some schools don't require the GRE, so be sure to check their specific requirements. The results are good for 5 years, so take it at the beginning of your junior year so you can get it done before all the application stress rolls in. This also gives you time to try again if you're unhappy with your score.

Click these to find some great & FREE study resources for the GRE:

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Find dedicated GRE books w/ practice tests on Z-Lib. Strengthen/Review specific math skills using Khan Academy.

GRE (cont.)

5

Get Letters of Recommendation

Though you generally won't ask for letters of rec until you begin your vet school application, you should start thinking about it as soon as possible. Pretty much every school will require at least 1 letter from a vet, so be sure to get to know a vet through your work & volunteer experiences. Also try to participate in class and attend office hours so you can comfortably ask for a letter from a professor. 

General Tips

  • Make note of deadlines! Start things ahead of time. Tests and school applications are important (and can be expensive). 

  • Make the most of any experience you get. Don't be there just to be there. You're there to learn.

  • Student loan debt is a big issue with many vets. Try to find scholarships and save where you can.

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