FAQs for high school and junior high school students
As a junior high or high school student, it is never too early to begin preparing. So what can you do now to prepare for vet school?
High School & Junior High Students
Becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine involves a program of academic preparation, usually 8 years after high school. Applicants typically complete 3 to 4 years of undergraduate coursework and the majority earn a bachelor's degree. The professional school is 4 years of education in basic sciences and clinical procedures. It is important to know that the foundation for veterinary medicine is science. Make sure you take as many science courses as you can, however, we also look for students who are well-rounded, with various interests.
Your guidance counselor will be able to assist you in arranging your schedule in high school. Your course selection will also be dependent upon the college/university you wish to attend to complete your pre-vet courses.
Here is a list of courses you should consider:
- 4 years mathematics - algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus
- 4 years laboratory sciences - biology, chemistry, physics
- 4 years English composition
Shadow a local veterinarian or volunteer at a local clinic. Keep a journal that includes hours you worked, types of animals you worked with, contact information of the veterinarian(s) you worked with, and unique experiences.
Get involved in activities that will help develop your interpersonal, leadership and communication skills. Veterinary medicine is not only a science and animal profession, but is also a people profession as well. Keep a log that lists all your extracurricular activities, awards, honors or any special accomplishments.
It is also important to think about where you want to go to college to complete your pre-veterinary courses and your major. For information about Ohio State University undergraduate programs, click here!
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for Junior High School Students
Overview of Career Opportunities
Website - So, you want to be a vet?
Want to learn more about veterinarians and play cool veterinary games? Check out our website "So, you want to be a Vet," click here.
This website is designed to help those who are interested in veterinary medicine become familiar with what a veterinarian does, the examination process, different businesses that employ veterinarians, learning about animals and anatomy and, of course, let you play some really cool veterinary games!
Open House
The college hosts an Open House for the community sometime in April. This event is only held once a year. You can find details about our Open House at vet.osu.edu, choose Open House.
2013 Buckeye Vet Prep Academy
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a summer day for high school juniors and seniors (as of Fall 2013). This is a five day camp that give participants an opportunity to learn more about veterinary school and the profession. If you love science, animals and working with people you don't want to miss out on this opportunity to explore the diverse career options in veterinary medicine.
Place: OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210
Dates: Monday, July 15 - Friday, July 19
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $300. Need based scholarships are available.
We are now accepting applications for Summer 2013
2013 Buckeye Vet Prep Academy Application
*Please complete application, print and send to:
April L. Pugh
Director, Recruitment & Admissions
The Ohio State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
1900 Coffey Road, 127 VMAB
Columbus, Ohio 43210
If you have questions, please email pugh [dot] 102 [at] osu [dot] edu or call (614) 247-1512
Application Deadline: postmarked by May 15, 2013
Final acceptance notifications will be mailed on or before June 1, 2013
Payment due: June 15, 2013 (nonrefundable); Make checks payable to OSU CVM
Please note: Transportation and housing will NOT be provided
