#vet school help

[vet-life]

Hi there, im a first year vet med student who's just had a couple tests and deadlines met, I'm feeling really down looking at my results because they're just not what I expected of myself. Every one of my friends seems to have done way better than me, and though they say it doesnt matter we all are sure to compare with each other subconsciously. I've always gotten good results in high school, should I throw that mindset away now? I know vet school is hard, but now im a bit terrified tbh.

Hello and I’m so sorry I’ve taken so long to get back to you, anon. I 100% know how you feel. I was surrounded by people who did SO well and would get upset with 85% and always wanted A’s while I was happy just getting over a 70% grade. I know it’s easy to say to not compare yourself, but I think it’s important to take it a different way. Go to your friends for help and keep yourself surrounded by the motivated people.

Do NOT let it bring you down. Learn from your mistakes and also remember, this is your first go around. Undergraduate studies and high school studies came easy for many of the vet med students. You just have to make adjustments and don’t lose sight of your goals. Also remember to NEVER be afraid to ask for help. Vet school is VERY HARD. It’s challenging and will push you to your limits, but remember that the beauty of this career is that everyone wants to help you. 

Also remember that you are absolutely not alone in how you feel. I was scared every step of the way with vet school. The first year is absolutely the hardest, but once you find your flow, you will succeed. Remember you are here to learn veterinary medicine. While passing is important of course, people who memorize to get A’s don’t always do as well as those who get C’s but actually LEARNED the material.

You will succeed!! Don’t give up!!

[vet-life]

Hey, so I'm in high school right now, how do I prepare to get into vet school? I know it's very competitive, but what would be desirable in a resume? Should I shadow my local vets? What type of animal experience are schools looking for? And what back up careers are there just in case it doesn't work out? Thanks!

This is a great question! I will answer each question separately.

how do I prepare to get into vet school?This can depend on the school you wish to attend. All in all, the best way to prepare is to learn how to study properly. Not the night before, but small amounts every day. Value sleep. Sleep is important and you lose a lot of it when veterinary school starts, but it’s important that as long as you follow a proper study method, you should be able to sleep in school. 

what would be desirable in a resume?Work experience and extracurricular activities is important!! Hold some leadership positions, apply for scholarships, join a sport, volunteer in your community. Veterinary schools like candidates who work hard outside of school. Everyone who applies has great grades and scores. What sets you apart is what you do with your free time. I unfortunately had no extracurriculars or research experience but worked my butt off at a veterinary clinic all during my undergrad. I was able to get through due to my recommendations and I think my interviews really helped. 

should I shadow my local vets?  what type of animal experience are schools looking for? Yes, yes yes! Shadow different types of vets as well. Small animal, exotics, equine, and food animal. Get well rounded in all your options, even if it’s only for 6 months to a year. This makes you look like you are serious about this career. I was one of the students in the interview process for new first years and those who had shadowed or helped with many different veterinarians had better scores on their portfolios. This will also help you see if you absolutely want this career. Many who shadow vets or work in the clinics realize that veterinary medicine is more than what you think or read about. It’s much different working there than you think. 

what back up careers are there just in case it doesn’t work out?If you’re asking careers if you don’t want to do veterinary medicine? That question I can’t quite answer because it depends on you personally. You can do absolutely anything. If you’re asking if you finish vet school but don’t want to be a doctor? You can work in the USDA, FDA, pharamaceuticals, nutrition, research, agriculture, etc. This question is hard for me to answer because this really depends on your specific interests. I would however make sure you really want to go to vet school before joining due to the significant amount of debt involved and the stress involved with veterinary school in general. 

I hope this helps!

[vet-life]

I'm in uni rn and I really wanna be a vet!! How competitive was it and how long did it take for you to be accepted somewhere? How many schools did you apply to and which one did you end up going to? Sorry this is a long question lol

It’s extremely competitive, especially as an out of state student!! Many schools, you have 800 students fighting for 80-100 seats. I applied to 3 schools, was alternate at all three then got in after my first try. A lot of my classmates reapply 3 times before getting in! Totally depends on the year. I wish you luck in applying!! Never be discouraged if you don’t get in the first try. Many students have to reapply!

[vet-life]

What could a vet student do when chronically demotivated? I am exhausted by the way of teaching, long hours on uni, awful literature for exams, the people there.. how do you manage?

I try to find hobbies I REALLY love! I knit and play video games and cook on the weekends. I don’t value grades nearly as much as many people. I try to stick with my sanity. I take an hour break after classes are done so my brain can rest and absorb what just happened. Then I study until dinner while take a little break every 30 mins or so. Eat dinner while watching an episode of something. Study until about an hour before bed then knit or read until bed :)

It all depends on the individual person. When I started taking more breaks and doing more work on my sanity, I actually did a lot better in school, even though I don’t study for hours and hours and hours! I never study during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Motivation gets really hard to come by, but if your hobbies don’t even make you happy, go outside and enjoy fresh air or look at pictures of really cute animals. I also like reading success stories to remind me why I absolutely love this field.

The most important thing to remember is that you arent going to be a vet student forever. There is a light a the end of the very long and dark tunnel!!