<p>Hey I'm not sure how many vets are on this site. Maybe there are some people who are currently studying to become veterinarians. That is what I plan to do. I have always wanted to be a vet. Now that it's almost time for me to choose a college for my undergrad education, I don't want to make the wrong decision. I want the best possible education to prepare me for vet school. </p>
<p>Here's my dilemma:
1) Is it better for me to go to the college in which I will graduate with the least amount of debt.(considering vet school is very expensive.) </p>
<p>OR:</p>
<p>2) Is it better for me to go the Ivy League root - Penn. Penn has a vet school. They have the Ryan Veterinary Hospital right on campus. Easy access for me to volunteer or even get an internship while I'm an undergrad student. </p>
<p>Should I go the extra mile and challenge myself at a school like Penn for undergrad? Is it worth it? Or would I be better off going to a smaller liberal arts college that offers me a pretty scholarship?</p>
<p>Also, if there are any vets out there, can you please give me some advice about how you got started. I currently work at a kennel on weekends. I just need some advice on how to get my foot in the door in the field of veterinary medicine. </p>
<p>I’m not a Veterinarian, but I do want to become a Veterinary Pathologist. You don’t have to go a Ivy league school. It’s really about choosing an ideal major,(Biology, Biochemistry, Animal Science, Chemistry etc.) and completing as well as getting good grades in the prerequisite classes. Each school has Vet school has their own prerequisite list. PM me so I can email it to you if you want it. Vet school looks only at your college education. Make sure you have a pretty strong foundation in math and science. If you really want to go for Penn, go ahead.</p>
<p>Sorry for not answering all of your questions, but I hoped I helped a little bit :)</p>
<p>You should limit your undergrad debt as much as possible. Average debt coming out is $150,000. Average starting salary about $60000. Average monthly loan payment-$1500. Not only is vet school expensive, starting salaries are not high. I would encourage you not to go to a community college since the rigor of your classes will prepare you for the tough vet school classes coming up. State school or a reputable four year college is great.</p>
<p>Experience with animals–be it walking the neighbor dogs, volunteering at a clinic or humane society. Leadership experience and communication skills are huge too. </p>
<p>All of the vet school websites will give you a list of courses and requirements for admission. </p>
<p>Working at a kennel is a fine start - this was my daughter’s first job and she just started her first year in vet school. Even if it is just your family’s veterinarian, find oportunities to shadow a veterinarian. Expand your shadowing to include small animal, large animal, and mixed practices. Volunteer at a zoo or wildlife rescue center. This exposes you to the realities of the day to day job and shows initiative and interest.</p>
<p>It is certainly important to limit debt. However, the acceptance rate to veterinary schools is very low. Be realistic about whether you have very strong science capabilities and grades. Your ACT scores should be in the top 5% or so. Your college undergraduate GPA will need to be around 3.4 or so. No concerns yet? Be realistic. Does this describe your academic record? If it does not, than a couple years at a community college might make sense if it will boost your science strength and GPA. If this IS you, skip community college.</p>
<p>Next, figure out if there is a veterinary college in your state. If so, this will be the best place for you to go as an undergrad. Going to school there as an undergrad lets you investigate the grad school, understand their admissions criteria and focus, and even have opportunities to join pre-vet clubs, get a part time job at the vet school or research center, and more. In addition, there is some favoritism in acceptance of students known to the graduate program. Also note in-state residents and students in neighboring contracted states have a major acceptance advantage over out of state students, but you also have to be able to do very well in undergrad. I do not agree with the suggestion of going to a community college unless you need to supplement high school academics before pursuing college. Veterinary medicine acceptance is highly selective and the college will expect a strong record of academic success in a full university. However, ivy legue is not necessary or even a real benefit. But in your situation, yes, I would go to the school that has the vet program. You highlighted some of the major advantages yourself! I checked, and Penn does have a pre-vet club. This gives you great opportunities to mean Vet grad students and faculty! Did you see their summer VETS program?</p>
<p>IMO, the best veterinary schools strongly advise undergraduates to major in animal science, biology, or a related field as an undergraduate in ‘pre-veterinary medicine’ does not provide a degree.</p>