College of Veterinary Medicine

Prospective Students

Getting Ready


As a junior high or high school student, you have a chance to start preparing early and strengthen your application for vet school. So what do you need to do?

  • Take and successfully complete as many science and math courses as you can. Your guidance counselor will be able to assist you in arranging your schedule. The foundation for veterinary medicine is science, so make sure you are prepared!
  • Shadow a local veterinarian or volunteer at a local clinic. Be sure to keep track of the hours you spend at this, as well as the contact information of the veterinarian(s) you work with.
  • Keep a log or portfolio that lists all of your extracurricular activities, (including the dates of membership, any offices held, special projects you accomplished), any honors and/or awards you receive (including scholarships) and any community service you participate in. All of these things can be included on your vet school application…Yes, high school counts!
  • Work on developing your interpersonal and communication skills. While veterinary medicine is rooted in science, it is very much a people profession. The best veterinarians are skilled doctors as well as good communicators!
Another important thing to think about in high school is where you want to go to get an undergraduate degree, and what you want to major in. Apply WSU



Last Edited: Feb 07, 2007 11:14 AM
Veterinary Admissions, PO Box 647012 , Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-7012, 509-335-5107, Contact Us   Safety Links