F.A.Q.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – A Simplistic Guide To The Veterinary School Application Process

What is the best vet school in the United States?

• According to US News & World Reports in 2011, the best vet schools are Cornell, Davis, and then Colorado and North Carolina tied for 3rd.
• What Is The Best Vet School In The US?

Does it matter where I go to college?

• No. Go to the best college you can where you will also be happy and excel!
• Q&A: Which College Should I Attend?

Does it matter what I major in?

• No. As long as you complete the prerequisite requirements for the vet schools you are interested in applying to, it doesn’t matter whether you major in Animal Science, Religious Studies or English.
• Q&A: Deciding on a College Major
• Q&A: Which Minor Should I Choose?

How much does vet school cost?

• A lot. Tuition alone ranged from $9,352 to $58,533 amongst the vet schools in 2011. Then you must factor in living expenses.
• Average debt for veterinary students graduating is over 100k and heading towards 200k. If you have hopes of attending Davis or Western, expect to be in more or less 200k of debt when you graduate unless you have money to begin with.
• As you can see from this graph, the average debt of veterinary students has increased tremendously in the last decade and yet starting salary hasn’t budged much.
• Student Debt
• Student Debt Now Exceeds All Credit Card Debt

How much money do veterinarians make?

• According to a survey on starting wages that AVMA conducted in 2010, the average full-time starting salary was $48,674.
• The average salary for a veterinarian in 2010 was $92,570.
• As you can see from this graph, the average debt of veterinary students has increased tremendously in the last decade and yet starting salary hasn’t budged much.

How can I start getting veterinary experience?

• Most people cannot expect to get a job working in a vet hospital without any experience. You may have to start out as a kennel worker and work your way up the totem pole or you can find places to volunteer.
• Inquire with your local animal shelter about opportunities to volunteer.
• Dress professionally and drop off your professional resume and cover letter to some local veterinary offices. (You are never too young to have a professional resume and everyone should become accustomed to writing cover letters!)
• Inquire with your own veterinarian about opportunities to volunteer in his/her practice or if they know any places in the area that would accept volunteers.

Do I need a 4.0 GPA and perfect GRE scores to get accepted?

• No. No. No! Vet schools want to see that you are competent but do not expect you to be perfect. Check out this post for the Profile of the Average Veterinary Student and you will see that the GPA and GRE scores are no way near perfect.
• Q&A: I Might Not Be a Veterinarian All Because of My GPA
• Q&A: Do I Even Have A Shot?

Will I never be accepted if I have F’s, W’s or other not-so-hot grades on my transcript?

• Never say never. I know enough people who have had these blemishes on their transcripts and are still in veterinary school to say confidently that you can overcome these blemishes. Consider re-taking the courses or take higher level courses and do well to alleviate any doubts in the admissions committee’s mind about your ability to handle the rigorous vet school curriculum.
• Q&A: Failing Chemistry

Am I too old to change careers and become a veterinarian?

• Chances are, the answer is no. Though the average vet student is in their 20s, there are a good number of vet students in their 30s and 40s.
• Am I Too Old For Vet School?
• Q&A: I’m 50, Am I Too Old To Change Careers?

Do I have a chance?

• Yes! Believe in yourself.

Where can I get cool Pre-Vet clothing?

Tees2FitUrLife provides clothing for men & women, boys & girls, infants and even your dog in various colors and styles that are related to veterinary medicine. Also available: iPod/iPhone/iPad skins, bags, hats, glassware, and more! Perfect gifts for Birthdays, Christmas, Chanukah, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or as a “Congratulations You Got Into Vet School” Gift!