3 Things You Have To Know When Applying to Veterinary School

Guest Author: Melissa Thompson | Reviewed by: Nancy George | November 29, 2022 | Updated July 18, 2023
certified veterinary surgeon, professional vet, veterinarian, veterinary school
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Students at a Veterinary School
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Having made the brave and exciting decision to pursue a long and successful career as a vet, there are certain things you should learn, whether you are at the initial stage of choosing which veterinary school is best or have already been accepted into a program.  

So, with that being said, continue reading to discover three things you must know when applying to veterinary school. 

Self-Care Is Crucial

Hopefully you are already aware that studying to become a professionally qualified and certified veterinary takes many years of intensive research, learning and dedication. You will, therefore, probably not be surprised to learn that many people tend to drop out of vet school in the first year. 

To avoid this happening to you and your career, from the very first day you start vet school, make sure that you look after not only your physical well-being with healthy eating habits, but also your emotional health and well-being. 

Self-care advice for veterinary students includes:

  • Learning basic meditative techniques
  • Exercising before each shift, if only for fifteen minutes
  • Making your own meals that you can eat quickly between appointments
  • Practicing a healthy disassociation with any animals like your own
  • Learning to keep a cool head and calm emotions in the face of trauma 

Be Aware of Your Options

Obviously, nothing is tying you to a career as a veterinarian for the rest of your life. However, if you do decide to continue on being a vet, and not branch out into other fields using your expertise, such as animal welfare and research development, then there is another exciting option.

With the help of the prestigious vetcelerator.com, you could open your own private veterinary surgery and essentially work for yourself. Now to consider this decision will likely come only after many years of practicing as a professional vet, but there is nothing wrong with planning the move as soon as possible.

It may sound strange to start thinking about what you are going to do after you graduate from veterinary school before you have even attended your first lecture, but the more decisive and focused you are on your end goals, the better you will perform. 

Make the Most of Your Mentors and Professors

The third most invaluable thing to always keep in the forefront of your mind when applying, and then subsequently attending veterinary school, is to take advantage of those teachers, peers and guest speakers who are doing the job you want to do every single day. 

Never feel embarrassed or shy about asking any questions, either in a group setting or during one-to-one lessons with your personal tutor. As previously mentioned, training to become a qualified vet is as arduous as it is fascinating, and you will need the strength and support of not just your inner voice, but of those around you, both in a professional and personal context.

About the Author

Students at a Veterinary School

Melissa Thompson

Melissa Thompson brings a unique blend of academic training and personal experience to the world of pet literature. With over 20 years dedicated to understanding and caring for animals, her work reflects a deep passion for the animals that enrich our lives.

Melissa's journey began in [...] Author Details

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