Essential Basics for Aspiring Veterinarians
This page is designed to help you grow professionally and academically as you work toward your veterinary career. Explore the sections below for vetted resources, guidance, and tips.
Core Pre-Vet Resources
Quick access to the most important pre-vet websites and tools:
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AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges): Explore site
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VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service): Explore site
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SAVMA (Student American Veterinary Medical Association): Explore site
Tip: Bookmark these sites and check them monthly for updates!
Professionalism & Career Development
Strengthen your professional brand and prepare for the next level:
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LinkedIn Setup Guide (with screenshots) – [Download PDF]
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Writing a Professional Bio – [Template & Examples]
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Email Etiquette for Students & Applicants – [Quick Tips]
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Networking Basics: How to reach out to professionals & follow up
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Resume & Cover Letter Templates – [Downloadable Word & Google Docs templates]
Veterinary School Prerequistes
Preparing as An Undergraduate
- Gain a solid background in math and science. Keep GPAs high!
- Take part in extracurricular activities (athletics, school clubs, etc)
- Study and maintain a high GPA and high SAT/ACT scores (headed to undergraduate studies next!)
- Gain as much experience with animal handling as possible. Consider volunteering at your local humane society, shelter or with a local veterinarian.
- Take a pre-vet or comparable curriculum, that is, one that includes math and several science courses such as biology and chemistry.
- Maintain a high GPA (ideal 3.4>)
- Gain as much broad exposure to veterinary medicine as possible. Consider job shadowing with veterinarians, research, working on a farm or volunteering at an animal shelter, international experience, etc.
- Join a Pre-Vet club or other related club (MANNRS, Zoology, other) - ** Be an officer!!
The Application Process
Your Journey to Veterinary School Starts Here
You’re deep into your undergraduate studies now, pushing through classes, stacking up animal experience, and getting closer to your dream. So, what’s next?
It’s time to start preparing for your veterinary school application! Applications are submitted through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS), a centralized system that makes it easy to apply to multiple schools at once.
Even if the current cycle is closed, this is the perfect time to get yourself ready. Preparing early gives you the best chance to put together a strong application and sets the foundation for the next big step in your journey to becoming a veterinarian.
