How to succeed in vet school | Veterinary School Success
Find the best way to study in vet school for your individual learning style and how you can manage your time most efficiently in our handy guide for vet school success.
Tips to help you succeed in vet school
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably considering a career in veterinary medicine. Congratulations! Veterinary school can be challenging, but also very rewarding. We will help you find the best way to study in vet school for your individual learning style and how you can manage your time most efficiently.
Learn how to study
Learning how to study in vet school will be key to getting through the vast amount of material you’ll need to know. Vet school is intense and you’ll need to be able to focus and retain a lot of information. This means you’ll not only need to plan your time wisely, but you’ll also find the right study methods that work for you. Here are a few study tips for vet school:
Create a study schedule
For students in vet school, it’s especially important to create a study schedule and stick to it. There are always new topics to cover, and reviewing for exams is always necessary. But with a study schedule, you can break down the material into manageable chunks and ensure that you have time for everything. Start by making a list of all the topics you need to cover. Then, create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for lectures, labs, and studying. Make sure to include breaks and free time in your schedule as well, so you don’t get overwhelmed. Finally, try to stick to your schedule as much as possible. Life gets in the way sometimes, but if you can stay on track most of the time, you’ll be well on your way to success in vet school.
Improve time management
It is also important to learn how to manage your time wisely.
- Learn how to prioritize tasks: This is a skill that will come in handy throughout your career. When you have a lot of tasks to complete, assess what your priorities are. Focus on the most important tasks first and make sure they get done. Ask yourself questions like: “What tasks are most important?” and “What deadlines are looming?” to help you make decisions about what to do first.
- Eliminate distractions: If possible, find a place to study where you can focus and won’t be interrupted. This might mean studying in the library instead of at home or turning off your phone while studying. Make sure that when you sit down to study, you’re able to focus on the task at hand.
- Avoid procrastination: Some people find that setting smaller goals helps them avoid getting overwhelmed. Others find that setting a specific day and time for studying helps them stay on track and avoid procrastination. Methods like the Pomodoro Technique (where you study for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break) can also help. Find what works for you and stick to it.
Try out different study methods
Everyone learns differently. The best way to find out what study methods work best for you is to try out different ones and see what sticks.
- Reading and highlighting: This is a pretty common method, and it can be effective if used correctly. When you’re reading through the material, try to summarize it as you go. Then, highlight key points and concepts that you want to remember. This will help you review the material later on and make sure you’re retaining the most important information.
- Making study guides: For some people, making study guides is an effective way to learn new material. If you’re the type of person who likes to organize information, this might be a good method for you. Start by making a list of all the topics you need to cover. Then, create a study guide for each topic, including key points and concepts. Use these guides when you’re studying and taking practice exams.
- Taking practice exams: This is a great way to prepare for actual exams. When you take practice exams, you’ll get a feel for the format of the exam and the type of questions that will be asked and identify any areas where you need more study. There are a few ways to get practice exams. Buy a study guide that includes practice exams or search online for free practice exams.
- Making flashcards: Flashcards can be a helpful way to memorize vocabulary or key concepts. Either make your own flashcards or use an online flashcard service like Quizlet.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re struggling in vet school, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are several sources of help that you can tap into, and your peers can be a great resource. Whether it’s preparing for an exam or trying to understand a difficult concept, there’s no shame in asking for help.
Get support from your fellow students
You’re not alone in vet school. Your fellow students are struggling with the same material that you are. This can be a great opportunity to form study groups and help each other out. If you’re stuck on a concept, chances are someone in your study group will be able to explain it to you. In turn, you can help them with the material that they’re struggling with.
Find a mentor
If you’re struggling with the material or adjusting to vet school, it can be helpful to find a mentor. A mentor is someone who can offer guidance and support. They can help you with your studies or give you advice on how to deal with the challenges of vet school. Find a mentor in your family or friends or through your school or a professional organization.
Take care of yourself, too
You can’t perform well if you’re not taking care of yourself, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and exercising regularly. Make time for activities that you enjoy outside of vet school and see your friends and family when you can. This will help you relax and recharge, so you can go back to your studies with a fresh perspective.
Finding time for self-care during busy times (such as exam periods) can be difficult, but it’s important to take a break when you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try taking a few deep breaths or going for a walk outside. These simple activities can help you clear your head and refocus on your studies.
Apply to a veterinary school that supports you
If you’re wondering how to succeed in veterinary school, it’s important to remember that it’s not all just down to you. The environment at your veterinary school can also make a difference in how well you do. Some schools are incredibly high-pressure and competitive, while others are more supportive. To ensure that you’ll be able to thrive, it’s important to apply to a school that will push you to be your best in a caring and supportive manner.
At St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, we are dedicated to supporting our students throughout their veterinary journey by providing the resources and support that our students need to succeed.
If you’re considering applying to vet school, we encourage you to learn more about our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree Program and read our admissions requirements. You can also contact us to learn more about our program or attend one of our online webinars to get a better idea about what life is like as a St. Matthew’s vet student. Still unsure? Take a look at our top reasons to choose a Caribbean veterinary school.