University of Connecticut
Pre-Vet Frequently Asked Questions
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University of ConnecticutPre-Vet Frequently Asked Questions |
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A: The Department of Animal Science offers a pre-vet option for students majoring in Animal Science and this can be viewed at: http://www.canr.uconn.edu/ansci/handbook/optionprevet.pdf
This plan of study is designed to meet the entrance requirements of veterinary schools in the U.S. and abroad, and provides opportunities for valuable “hands-on” experience with animals. A student can major in any discipline, and as long as the entrance requirements for veterinary school are met, the student could be admitted to veterinary school. However, without animal experience, acceptance into vet school is more difficult. To help students get this important animal experience, our program provides many opportunities in the classroom, laboratories, independent study and internships to “learn by doing”. We have a solid record of success with our undergraduate students that persist in their goal of gaining admission into veterinary school.
A1: College students must perform well in coursework (i.e.- get good grades) and obtain practical experience with animals. This could be under the direction of a veterinarian, in a research lab or working in one of our animal units.
A2: Some schools require GRE, so individual vet schools need to be consulted.
A: Through 2 major strengths:
1. Academic success –
The Department of Animal Science has a strong commitment to undergraduate education including advising and teaching. All faculty and staff get to know their students/advisees on a first-name basis and are readily accessible for consultation. This open approach provides students with the opportunity to “keep on track” with their academic pursuits.
This commitment to undergraduate education by our faculty has been recognized with the following awards during the past five years:
2. Experience with Animals –
All Animal Science majors benefit from the most extensive domestic animal facilities in New England (http://www.canr.uconn.edu/ansci/handbook/labs.htm).
Specifically, we have facilities that house dairy, beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses and poultry. Most importantly, the barns are only a short 5 to 10 minute walk from the George White Building (home of the Department of Animal Science). This provides unparalleled opportunities for students to gain important hands-on experience in formal class work, undergraduate research, or as part-time employees at the barns without needing a car on campus.
A: There are many, many employment opportunities available to students that graduate with a B.S. in animal science. Some examples are listed at http://www.canr.uconn.edu/ansci/handbook/empop.htm, and firms that employ animal science graduates are listed at http://www.canr.uconn.edu/ansci/handbook/firms.htm.
A: The number of students varies from year to year depending on the number that actually apply. Those students in our program that have good grades in their courses and the required courses for vet school, and have a good record of animal experience typically are accepted into vet school in their first year of eligibility.
A: Take as many science and math courses as your school allows, these can include biology, chemistry, physics, physiology, algebra, trigonometry and calculus. In addition, take courses that provide writing experience and also take at least three years of one foreign language. In general, the better the academic background a student has, the better prepared they are for classes at UConn.
A: Yes, AP classes in almost any subject help. Taking AP classes in the kinds of classes listed above will provide you with an excellent background in those subjects. AP classes in other subjects, such as history, language, and English will also give you good background for general education classes at UConn. Achieving a good score on AP tests can allow you to meet specific course credits at UConn, and allow for greater flexibility in course scheduling. A word of caution…some veterinary programs do not accept AP credit in required courses. If you pass the AP exam, check with your prevet advisor to determine if accepting the AP credit is appropriate for you.
A: No, UConn and the Connecticut State legislature have decided not to have contracts with specific veterinary schools. Although this option is not available, our students have the flexibility to apply to a greater variety and number of veterinary schools, which in the long run improves their opportunities for acceptance into a veterinary program. It is important to understand that contracts typically are awarded to residents of a specific state and not for attendance at a specific University.
A: There is no college/school of veterinary medicine in the state of Connecticut. The only veterinary school in New England is at Tufts University.
A: No, UConn does not offer a program leading to certification as a veterinary technician. Typically vet tech programs are two-year associate degree programs. However, many of our students work as veterinary technicians while pursuing their degree and some get full-time jobs after they complete their Animal Science degree. In many cases veterinarians are seeking employees that have broad-based animal backgrounds with knowledge in animal management, physiology, nutrition, and health and disease. The Animal Science program offers students the opportunities to get this background.
If you have questions regarding our Animal Science program that are not addressed on this page, you can contact Dr. Steve Zinn, Dr. Sheila Andrew, Dr. Robert Milvae, Dr. Xiuchun (Cindy) Tain or Dr. Theodore Rasmussen.