Navigating the prerequisite requirements for veterinary school is tough. Scrolling through this list can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know, and as always, if you have any additional questions feel free to contact us!
Part 1: Selecting your Major
Believe it or not, you can go to veterinary school with any major, and in some cases you don't even need a Bachelor's degree! You simply need to fulfill the necessary prerequisites for the school you are interested in. That being said, it is generally beneficial to select an undergraduate major that covers the majority of these prerequisites so that you can complete them in a timely major without too heavy of a course load. At UCSB, you are relatively flexible in your options. Majors like Biology, Zoology, and other STEM concentrations are common, but if you’re passionate about another area of study, you can make it work!
Part 2: Freshman Year
Freshman year marks a challenging transition, so don’t be discouraged if you feel a little lost! Most students complete the general chemistry series at this time (CHEM 1A-C and 1AL-CL). While it is difficult, just try your best and know that there is a learning curve for college courses. It takes a while to get used to being a college student!
Additionally, you can start the physics series this year if you choose (PHYS 6A-C and 6AL-CL). If you feel you can handle it, go for it, but no pressure to get it done now! You can complete it in future years if that works better for you.
You can take PSTAT 5A or 5LS as an elective one quarter as well, which would prove helpful because statistics is a prerequisite for many schools.
Something to note is that UCSB offers the fulfillment of many general education requirements (like physics) through the Education Abroad Program (UCEAP). While these are currently canceled due to the pandemic, it is something you can pursue in the future!
One last thing I’d like to mention is that you should utilize this time to take electives that interest you! Now is your opportunity to really explore the subjects you enjoy, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up double-majoring or minoring in one of these fields! They'll hopefully boost your GPA as well, which is an added bonus.
The bottom line: This year marks the beginning of your pre-veterinary journey. While it is easy to get caught up in everything UCSB has to offer, try to remember your goals. Veterinary schools really value your undergraduate GPA, which begins with the courses you take this year. Start off on the right foot!
Part 3: Sophomore Year
Welcome to the year of craziness! Now’s the time you take organic chemistry (CHEM 109A-109C) and introductory biology (MCDB 1A-B and EEMB 2-3) with lab (MCDB 1LL and EEMB 2LL). Hopefully you’re more familiar with the flow of things and can add some interesting electives to your course line-up as well.
Something unique about the organic chemistry series is that its lab (6AL-BL) is completely separate from its lecture course. While the topics align if you take them in conjunction with each other, this is by no means required. You can take the lab this year if you’d like, or you can start it over the summer and complete it during your junior year. There are some people who don’t even take it until senior year! This is another situation where you do what you feel it best suited to you.
You may have seen that UCSB made changes to certain major requirements recently. The last class of the organic chemistry series (CHEM 109C) is no longer necessary to graduate with degrees like Biology, but you will need this class for veterinary school! Please be sure to take it!
The bottom line: This year challenges your ability to balance a heavier course load. Have faith in your abilities and work hard - these classes make up a large portion of your science GPA and veterinary prerequisites.
Part 4: Junior and Senior Year
You’re an upperclassman now! Congratulations! You’ll be given more freedom in selecting your classes, but use this wisely.
Now is your chance to fulfill the last of the prerequisites you need. Be sure to take:
Genetics (MCDB 101A-B)
Biochemistry (MCDB 108A-C or MCDB 110)
Microbiology (MCDB 131 and 131L)
Physiology (MCDB 111)
These will cover your bases, as they are courses most veterinary schools want their applicants to complete. Upper division biology classes with a lab component are also recommended.
The bottom line: The final two years of your undergraduate education offer you more flexibility, but you need to make sure you have a rough outline of what classes you need to take. It can be difficult to satisfy the requirements for your major while trying to meet veterinary admissions criteria, so preparation is key! It's easy to let a course or two slip through the cracks.
A Note about Elective Selection
Some veterinary schools require electives that are unique. They may catch you by surprise and you never took them, or they are not offered at UCSB and will have to be taken elsewhere. Be sure to plan ahead if you want to go to a school that falls into this category.
These classes include:
Public Speaking (WRIT 105PS, COMM 143)
Medical Terminology
Animal Nutrition
Conclusion
I hope you found this post helpful! Class selection is deceptively simple, and unfortunately forgetting to take even one course can disqualify you from applying to certain schools. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about planning your schedule or the logistics of any of the classes mentioned here!
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