Getting to Veterinary School
Real life perspective and tips from a GVSU pre-veterinary student
Veterinary Testimonies
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital
Dr. Richelle Smith
"My best advice would be to sit down with a financial advisor and PLAN your future. Everyone will tell you you're "going to be in a lot of debt". They won't tell you how crippling that debt will be to any plans for your future for the next 15-25 years. Live at home for undergrad and save/save/save/save as much as you can right now. Live as sparsely as you can during school. Borrow as little as possible and remember, as rewarding as this job can be at times, you must weigh the pros AND the cons.
Here is a good link that I recommend student take a look at:
www.iwanttobeaveterinarian.org
There's also a good article/video on dvm360 about the state of the veterinary profession.
http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=786633
Good luck and think long and hard before you enter this profession."
Eastown Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Lynn Happel
"My advice for pre-veterinary students is focus on the sciences. Good grades are important to get into veterinary school!"
- This advice is short and sweet, but extremely important and true. Before you can realize your ultimate dream of becoming a veterinarian you have to complete 8 years of academics. Those first four years in undergrad are extremely important because they will determine if you are even able to get admitted. As unfortunate as it is, a big portion of the admissions program is GPA. Schools need to make sure that you can handle the rigorous studies of veterinary school. So make sure that you are focused on your studies while in undergrad. It is also very important to focus on the sciences because those are the courses that are going to help prepare you for succeeding in veterinary school.
West Michigan Animal Emergency Hospital
Dr. Kelly Juergensen
http://www.westmichiganaeh.com/
I advise students to gain as much experience as possible prior to applying to vet school. I understand that it is often challenging to obtain a job in a vet clinic with little experience. You may consider volunteering at a few local clinics. It is important to have an understanding of the day in the life of a veterinarian. It is fast paced and full of variety. Try to get advice from all members of the veterinary team including, DVMs, LVTs, veterinary assistants and office managers. I know that you are often very focused when tackling the pre-vet courses. Consider taking business and communication courses as well. Broadening your experience will help prepare you for the medical and business aspects of veterinary medicine.