Do I need perfect grades and animal experience for vet school?

I started in high school. I needed good grades to get into a good university. I did not get into vet school my first try. I went and got a master's degree and worked for a few years before trying again. I did get into vet school on my second try. If it's a dream of yours to be a vet, go for it and keep trying! There are tons of vet who didn't get into school the first time around. Having extracurricular activities is good as well. Well rounded people at looked highly upon for vet school. Someone who studies all the time may not have the social skills needed to be a vet, and you do see in school that the ones with the best grades in vet school tend to have the most trouble relating to clients. Sports are a good idea. I was a swimmer; in fact, it paid for my university education with a scholarship. I hope this helps!

You should talk to your vet about volunteering in the clinic. Vet offices often need help, and you're at a perfect age to start learning about how to take care of animals. You should also work very hard in school, get all A's, and apply to a good college with a good science program. There are only about 30 vet schools in the US, so competition is very fierce. Be sure to study hard and get as much experience working with animals as you can.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding veterinary school! The application process was similar to most applications. I used college professors, a local veterinarian with whom I worked and a personal friend for my recommendation letters. To help make my application stand out, I had over the minimum level of experience hours (1000hrs) and I took graduate level microbiolgy courses while still an undergraduate. I also had hours in a wide variety of areas of vet med (small animal, large animal, equine and laboratory animal) to make my application stronger. I received a letter that invited me to interview and it wasn't until after that, that I was actually accepted into school. I honestly do not remember how much time passed between my interview and acceptance letter. I was confident I would be accepted and I believe this helped me during the interview. Good luck!!

Hello, you'll need to complete all of your basic sciences and math (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry, genetics, physiology, zoology, physics, algebra, integrative math analysis, and calculus). You should speak to you counselor about determining which path would fit you best to get into veterinary school.

So I actually have a major in psychology with a minor in veterinary medicine. I really liked science and biochemistry, hated math and physics with a passion. They were my nemesis. Your interests do not have to align 100% to be a vet, just have the drive and concentration to learn and study. I did not enjoy pathology in vet school. It was my least favorite. Oh that and cattle!

Some vet schools do require calculus as a pre-requisite to apply, but not all vet school. So it really depends on where you will end up applying to. That being said, you still have your undergraduate career ahead of you to get a calculus course if needed and who knows, you may find something else that is more interesting to you than veterinary medicine!

Although I am not familiar with vet schools abroad, I do know the United States has several excellent veterinary schools. Cornell University, Colorado State University, and University of California Davis are in the top 3. However, getting into veterinary school is very competitive- even more completive than medical school tends to be, so really, any veterinary school you can get into is a good veterinary school :) Best of luck to you!