Advice for High School Students pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine

"I am 17 and a junior in high school in Knoxville, TN. I have always had a love for animals and I've dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since I was in elementary school! I have shadowed at my local veterinary hospital and volunteered with animal rescue groups. What advice do you have for a high school student wanting to pursue a career in this field? I know that I still have another year before starting my undergrad in pre-vet, but what can I be doing now to ensure I have the best chance possible to get accepted into veterinary school? Also, any idea what jobs are typically offered at animal hospitals for my age group? Any advice would be much appreciated! This is my dream and I am so motivated to do anything possible to make it happen." 

First off, way to go on getting started early! That is the first thing you can do right! The second is figuring out what part of vet med you like the most, do you like working with dogs and cats or horses or farm animals, or even lab animals. And keep in mind those are not your only options, just the most common. There are many other choices out there.  Keep your options open, try a little bit of everything!

I think you should focus on looking at colleges to go to. Keep in mind, junior colleges are much less expensive to go to than state schools and harbor a much more "personal" learning environment. Visiting colleges both undergraduate and veterinary is a great idea right now. Consider that veterinary school is very expensive, so if you can save any money on your road there, I would take that opportunity! 


As far as a job in a veterinary hospital right now, I would suggest applying to clean kennels and walk dogs. I know it doesn't sound that pretty, but we all have to start somewhere. I started mucking stalls (that horses lived in) when I was 11 years old in exchange for board for my horse and riding lessons. Eventually your experience pays off and you can move on to more advanced things, like maybe learning some technician skills. 


Also, think about volunteering with local Shelters and rescue groups, they have a wealth of animal experience that you can gain. In addition, you are also helping animals!