Curriculum
Medicinal knowledge is a core part of being a veterinarian, but schools are looking for a range of other skills and character attributes.
The BGSU Office of Pre-Professional Programs has laid out an example curriculum for a pre-vet track course load. This is just one option, your PPP advisor will help you develop yours.
What are DVM schools looking for?
DVM programs are looking for students that will make great vets and enhance the reputation of their school. Commitment to the profession is one important attribute, but hard to prove on paper. One way to show you care about the improvement of the profession is to engage in veterinarian care research projects.
Research into animal care is one way the profession moves forward. The BGSU CURS program allows undergrads to participate in live research projects. Some students have published papers, posters or conference presentations to their names when they graduate, showing another key skill DVM schools value.
The DVM school admissions GPA minimum should be your floor. Looking at the admissions data, the most competitive programs admit students with GPA scores higher than the minimum.
Communication ability
The best veterinarians are the ones who know how to communicate effectively. One veterinarian estimated a full 50% of their day was spent talking to people.
Classes in public speaking are often a DVM school admission requirement. Taking this further, a forensics or debate club membership throughout your time at college would develop your skills as a confident communicator, especially if your team regularly wins national competitions!
Veterinary business and financial health
Many vets run a small practice or join a group practice, understanding business fundamentals, HR, accounting and marketing will make running a practice achievable and sustainable.
The Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business offers courses specifically for non-business majors or those considering a minor in business.
A major in business is another possible pathway to a DVM program. The BGSU Office of Pre-Professional Programs has two pre-vet sample curricula mapped out that involve graduating from the BGSU Schmidthorst College of Business, with most DVM program pre-requisites included.
Personal and client wellbeing
People have complex relationships with their animals. With the lifespans of animals being shorter than humans, pet owners may go through many cycles of grief and joy over their lifetime. Understanding how people relate to their animals and the emotions they are experiencing can be helpful in working with the people you will encounter.
BGSU psychology classes can provide valuable skills to differentiate your application and help you in your professional practice.
Extracurricular activities
As well as gaining experience working with qualified veterinarians and gaining contact hours with small or large animals, following your particular interests with your extracurricular activities will make a much stronger case when applying to DVM programs.
For example, one pre-vet student considered giving up their role volunteering at a center for people with learning disabilities. They were advised to keep going; the experience of working with people is almost as important as working with animals.
