What are good volunteer activities?

What high school classes or other training after school jobs volunteer opportunities or extracurricular activities would be good experience for veterinarians?

• Answer:

  Recommendations for High School: English : A good, strong background is essential for university level English classes but you must also be able to write and communicate if you hope to do well in science courses. This is especially true for biology! SAT scores must be 450 or higher or else remedial courses will be required. Math: You need to have a good background in algebra and trigonometry. Some calculus will be beneficial if offered at your school. SAT scores to enter 200 level math (calculus) are 620 or higher. SAT of 460-600 will put you into 100 level courses and you lose time in your pre-veterinary training. SAT of 440 or below means you must start in remedial courses and you should seek counsel on whether you should pursue a professional degree. Physics: YES Physics! It is well worth your time to take this in high school. Veterinary schools require at least 1 or 2 semesters of University level physics. Chemistry: There is a heavy chemistry requirement in pre-veterinary medicine. Be prepared or you will have to take remedial courses. Biology: This is obvious and everyone knows you must take high school biology. Do not be disappointed when you discover that your first few years of university have few biology courses. The veterinary curriculum is mostly biology so the veterinary schools do not require many courses in the pre-veterinary years. Other courses: Anything that will give you a well rounded education but DO NOT SKIMP ON THE BASICS LISTED ABOVE!