If you love caring for animals, veterinarian school could be a great option. Becoming a licensed vet requires a four-year college degree, followed by veterinarian school. While in college, you will need to take a number of math and science courses. As of 2013, 35 of the 47 accredited veterinarian schools in the United States required specific math classes for admission.
Before College
If possible, it's best to start taking high-level math courses before you even enter college. The Princeton Review recommends studying calculus in high school as an ideal way to prepare yourself for the rigors of a pre-veterinary program. While this isn't absolutely necessary, it will make college easier and some schools may even allow you to earn college credit for taking an advanced high school calculus course.
Trigonometry
Many veterinary programs, such as Auburn University in Alabama, require a college course involving trigonometry for admissions. Trigonometry is the study of triangles and the relationships between their sides and angles. Often, the topic will be taught as a part of a calculus or pre-calculus class, although some universities offer it as a stand-alone course. Each veterinary program has its own requirements for what it will accept, so be sure to research the requirements of the schools you want to attend.
Statistics
The University of California at Davis and the University of Florida are among the schools that require statistics for admissions into their veterinary program. While many schools offer statistics courses through their business, sociology, or psychology departments, not every veterinary program will accept those credits for their prerequisites. Play it safe and take a statistics class in your college's math department.
Calculus
While only a few veterinary programs, including North Carolina State University, explicitly require a calculus course for admissions, many others recommend it. Other schools, like Michigan State University, allow you to choose between pre-calculus and calculus. While it may be tempting to select the easier option, keep in mind that admissions to veterinary school is very competitive. Therefore, if you can handle it, it may be best to take the more challenging option to demonstrate your capabilities.
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Writer Bio
Basil Phillips works as both a columnist and editorial writer for the "Oklahoma Daily." Currently pursuing a double major in history and Arabic at the University of Oklahoma, Phillips specializes in writing about health, history, traveling, languages, video games and education.