veterinary medicine job. what do you think?

[dark angel of joy]

I'm thinking of going to a good vet school, but I want to know at least a little bit about the subject before I apply to a school. Is there any good advice you people have to give to me? Just so I can at least be a little prepared?

That would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[[F.F.]] ninja

[dark angel of joy]

Gotta go for now. But please still post your replys still.

PLEASE AND THANK YOU!

[[F.F]]

p.s. I would love to hear your facts and opinions!

THANK YOU!

[riffkitty]

You have to have good grades, like super super good. Vet. school is more competitive to get into then Medical school.

[Dr Dimari]

Well first of all, where do you live, and where were you looking for going in to vet school.

In the UK I think my friend says that there are only five vet school you should consider: Cardiff, Cambridge, London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bristol. These five schools are extremely hard to get into; my friend applied about two years ago.

You need to have a good knowledge in Biology but especially in Chemistry. If you are a UK student, you'll be expected to attain at least AAB at A-level, with some schools; Cambridge and Edinburgh wanting AAA. These A-levels should be in at least two traditional science subjects; but it is much more important to have at least one of these being chemistry. These requirements are quite similar to that of med school; which is still pretty darn competitive. When I went to med school I took, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, German and General Studies. You obviously don't need to do five A-levels, but you have to admit, as they were all A's apart from general studies (which was a B) its quite impressive.

You need to show the institution that you are committed to their university and also to their course and for the development of your skills. Basically you need to be a jack of all trades, and a master in a few too. What I mean is, you need to be knowledgeable of something to a level. They like to see achievement outside of science. If you are sporty, do you have any sporting commitments and do you get awards. If you were like me, and practical, what kind of jobs did you have, where did you work, why and stuff. Maybe getting some work experience with a vet surgery; even as a receptionist, will count towards the points to getting in.

You should also be trying to stay on top of current scientific issues and have a knowledge of previous breakthroughs and important ones as well. In particularly focus of ethical issues; in your case vivisection especially. Know for example animal testing is a big thing, but not for cosmetics; only 1% of all testing. I dont know how old you are when you are thinking to go for it, but start reading so literature on science in particularly health and animals sciences. Stem cells, psychologies etc are a good thing to keep up with. Try the NewScientist (but even more so their actual magazines. Also try reading BBC Health News.

But just try to be enthusiastic but balanced. And dont be afraid to get your hands dirty xD

[thegreatdictator]

Veterinary Medicine is a wonderful field! Go for it! I've been working as a Vet Tech for two years, and I personally love it. I would never do it professionally, I'm a music major, but I've learned a lot and I have a great respect for veterinarians. Working as a tech is exactly what got me interested in Science in general. The one thing I can tell you, is that experience goes a long way. Find out now if its what you want to do. Get a job or volunteer at a clinic or shelter. Learn as much as you can. Here's a good place to start!

http://www.avma.org/

[dark angel of joy]

Thank you guys! You've been a real help! I hope I can get more replys too!

[dark angel of joy]

Any more pointers anyone?

[Taimmi]

dark angel of joy

Any more pointers anyone?

I'm aiming towards becoming a vet, too. I'm doing volunteer work at a local pony sanctuary, and I'm going to work as a vet assistant over the summer - that's basically what you need to do. I'm only 14, so I've got plenty of time to get as much experience as possible.
I don't know how old you are, and it might be a little too late for you, but I would recommend learning an instrument. I've been playing piano for four years now, and in the UK, where I live, you can get points towards university after you get to a certain grade. That'll give you extra brownie points. 3nodding Other than that, just study hard and revise what you learn in your lessons, science especially, obviously.

Good luck!! heart

[Boomfox]

Good vet schools are very competitive, so I suggest you work hard in high school and at your undergraduate college. I would recommend a course of study heavy in science and math in highschool, and a major in Animal Science or Biology in college. The best vet school in America is Cornell University, according to US news, (most people you ask will agree). It is very competitive, however. Many people don't get in the first time they apply, but many gain admittance the second or third time around.
I hope that you become a vet, just remember that it isn't easy by any means, so you need to be ready and apply yourself, and get that 4.0!

[Violent Sushi]

I also considered going into a veterinary science
based career track and what really helped me to decide
if I wanted to pursue it or not was by ordering a free
prospectus from a uni or college that
specializes in this sort of thing. 4laugh