Ohio University

Animal/veterinary-related volunteer or work experience can be an important factor in a school’s decision to admit you. Try to find documentable volunteer or paid work with different kinds of animals in a variety of settings, such as a veterinary clinic, the humane society, laboratory animal facility or a zoo, farm, wildlife refuge or ranch. Research experience during school or summer internships may also be helpful.

We recommend that Ohio University students take the “long” organic chemistry series, i.e, CHEM 305-7. Organic chemistry labs are not required for your major or for admission to Ohio State. However, some veterinary schools may require them, so you should check their web site or the VMSAR. In addition, many veterinary schools recommend a course in public speaking or nutrition.

It is difficult to get into veterinary medical school. Nationally, even though the number of applicants in 1999 declined slightly from a high point in 1998, only 32.8% were accepted. More than one third of the applicants had applied previously. Students hoping to go into veterinary medicine must have very strong grades and test scores. All applicants should explore some backup options as well, such as graduate study in biological sciences or public health.