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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