Recommended Curriculum for High School Students

This is a suggested four-year plan for students who plan to attend a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) school, an out-of-state public university, or a private university. Check the website of the schools you plan on applying for specific pre-requisite information.

Freshman	Junior
Biology/Biology Honors*	Physics/Physics Honors*
English/English Honors	English/English Honors/AP Lit./AP Lang.
Algebra 1/Geometry	Algebra 2/Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus
Social Studies	U.S. History/AP U.S. History
Foreign Language	Foreign Language
Physical Education	AP Biology/AP Chemistry*
Visual Arts/Performing Arts	Elective
Sophomore	Senior
Chemistry/Chemistry Honors*	AP Biology/AP Chemistry/AP Physics*
English/English Honors	English/English Honors/AP Lit./AP Lang.
Geometry/Algebra 2	Pre-Calculus/AP Calsulus AB or BC
World History	American Gov. & Politics/AP Am. Gov. & Pol.
Foreign Language	Economics/AP Economics
Physical Education	Elective
Elective	Elective

*Science classes should include a laboratory section.

It might seem obvious to take many science-based courses, such as biology, chemistry, or physics if you want to become a veterinarian. While these are important, don’t forget to also focus on English and Math courses. This will come in handy in the veterinary profession. Some other interesting electives that may benefit you in the veterinary field include Economics, Statistics, Spanish, Anatomy, and Public Speaking.

The UC and CSU schools require either the SAT or the ACT with writing. Other schools may require just one or the other. For more information on the UC application requirements, click here. For more information on the CSU application requirements, click here.

As a high school student, you should know that earning good grades in honors, AP, and “hard” academic courses will improve your chances for success whether or not you become a veterinarian!

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