Our members range from undergraduates who are curious about the field of veterinary medicine to students who have wanted to become veterinarians since they were young. Regardless of the path, Duke PVS is here for students to share their interests. Members meet throughout the year alongside our great advisors to plan required animal and veterinary experiences, prepare for the VMCAS application process, and attend presentations from various admissions officers, past Dukies, and local veterinarians. Past PVS trips include a visit to the annual NC State College of Veterinary Medicine Open House. If you have any questions throughout the year, don’t hesitate to send any of the PVS executive board members or advisors an email!
Subscribe to our email list:
From the Duke Mailing List Manager, click the “Search for List(s)” button, search for “pre-vet,” click “prevet@duke.edu,” and hit “subscribe” on the menu to the left.
Contact us:
Claire Song (President) – claire.song@duke.edu
Cat Gamard (Vice president) – laura.gamard@duke.edu
Angelica Deoleo Valentin (Treasurer) – angelica.deoleo@duke.edu
Dr. Bernie Fischer, DVM, PhD (PVS Faculty Advisor) – bernie.fischer@duke.edu
Visit our Instagram (@dukeprevetsociety) for more information or to contact us through Instagram.
Hi I am a student in 8th grade my dream is to become a vet I was wondering what steps can I take in high school that would help me. And if you could send some information about your pre-vet program my way that be great Thank you.
Hi Kayla! Prioritizing academics and exploring as many STEM subjects as possible in high school is a great start to your pre-veterinary pathway. Also, reach out to your local animal shelter, veterinary clinic, and/or anywhere else with animals and see if they accept high school volunteers. An ultimate goal of pre-veterinary students is to gain a wide variety of animal- and veterinary-related experiences, and you can absolutely start in high school! Leadership experience is a plus, too. 🙂
Pre-veterinary students in college must take certain classes, excel academically, and gain experiences in multiple areas of veterinary medicine to apply to veterinary school. Duke’s Pre-Veterinary Society exists to guide Duke pre-vet students through their college career and veterinary school applications.
Best of luck!
Emma
Hi, my name is Natalie.I’m going to 10th grade this upcoming school year. I wanted to become a veterinarian ophthalmologist. My question is what classes
Should I take to be greatly considered for admission? I have a 4.0 g.p.a as of right now. But I’m aware of the competitiveness at Duke university. So, how do I stand out on my application to your Pre-Vet Undergraduate Program ?
Hi Natalie! Duke seems to care less about the classes you take and more about the passion and drive you show within your academics and extra-curricular activities. As long as you show strength in STEM classes, I would suggest also emphasizing and demonstrating your specific interests to make you stand out.
Hi, my name is Rebekah. I am starting 4th grade and I was invited to sign up for the gifted program Duke Tip. My ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian. My passion is working with all types of large and small animals including horses. I am soon volunteering at a local horse rescue center. My question is what is the process to get a mentor in Veterinarian Education to help guide me in this challenging and rewarding field. I currently take care of two guinea pigs, a rabbit, two cats, two dogs, and occasionally a horse.
Hi! What opportunities does Duke provide for someone pursuing a Pre-Vet major? Besides places like the Lemur Center and the Marine Lab, what other resources are provided?
Hi Isa,
Duke provides many opportunities such as research in the Biology and Evolutionary Anthropology departments or in medical center labs with laboratory veterinarians. Many students also shadow local small animal veterinarians. For more complete information check out our in Duke/Durham tab!
Hello, I am graduating this year, and have noticed that my STEM subject grades are not great in 11th grade, because I had health issues and constant hospital visits and absences in classes. Is it possible to shine in other areas and stand out? Will my chances be low? Now my grades are a lot better, but I am not sure if first term grades will make it into my application.
Hi Madina,
You can definitely shine in other areas by demonstrating your interests outside of school by volunteering with animals and doing well on standardized test scores. If your grades improved admissions will take that into account as well. Make sure you can explain really well why you want to go to Duke (with specific examples of departments or programs you might want to join – for example, the Lemur Center is very popular with prevets) and what you believe you can offer. In addition, if it doesn’t make you uncomfortable, there should be a place on the Common App to explain personal circumstances where you can describe why that year was not as good as others. I wish you the best of luck – I had a very similar experience one year so I understand where you’re coming from!
Good luck,
Christi
Hi, my name is Addyson Sherman and I’m currently in the 8th grade. I have always dreamed of becoming a Veterinarian, especially for small animals, I was wondering what classes to take in high school to prepare for college? Also, I would love to go to Duke so how could I stand out? Thanks!
Hi Addyson,
A good base in STEM is a great way to prepare for college – take AP science and math classes if you can! Duke requires high grades and test scores but beyond that they like to see that you have a passion. Volunteering with animal shelters, veterinarians or other animal organizations outside of school can show that you are interested in veterinary medicine and gaining experience. In addition, make sure you know what resources at Duke you might be interested in so you can talk about that on an application, for example the Lemur Center, Puppy Kindergarten or working with lab animals. Good luck!
Best,
Christi
Hi, my name is Alexis Mitchell. I am currently in 10th grade and I am interested in your program. I was wondering what are some key things for me to keep in mind in order to get into your college for pre-vet. I do have good grades and a 3.9 Gpa, but are there any specific classes that I should be advanced in. I am currently in a Chemistry club where college undergraduate students teach us about crystals but I am wanting to get involved in working with animals at the clinic to get more experience. I also applied to a program where I would be a certified vet tech at the end of high school education and I hopefully will get in and have some more experience in aniamils. Any tips I would love, thank you!
Hey Alexis,
It sounds like you are doing a lot of relevant coursework and experience. Taking any advanced courses that you can will help with applying to Duke since a diverse resume is preferred, but some other schools will care more about science specifically. It sounds like you will have plenty of experience with animals, which is great! In addition, it would be valuable to join other clubs such as charity work or other interests you may have besides animals, as once again Duke tends to prefer candidates with many different interests. In addition, showing leadership skills where you can is important (for example, try applying for a leadership position in your chemistry club). Duke also considers your SAT/ACT scores potentially more than other universities, so keep that in mind. Continue the great work in your science classes and animal experience, and consider diversifying your schedule if you can find the time. It’s definitely difficult to find a balance while keeping your grades up, so good luck!
Best,
Christi
I am interested in partnering with your organization in order to share the scholarship opportunities available through the army. We also have Army subject matter experts available to do didactics, grand rounds, and clinics. In addition, army physicians are eager to share their story as an army doctor with each of you.
Rhonda M. Alexander, PhD
Education Services Specialist
2nd Medical Recruiting Battalion
3435 Snooper Rd
Redstone Arsenal, Al 35898
☎ Office 256-450-9623
So excited to join!
I’m sorry but this is an undergraduate website not DVMs yet.