Is there anyone here who can give me some advice on Veterinary Studies in the

[glinda]

State? Or advice or knowledge on getting State Residency?
My niece, who I never met, is moving to MN. next year. She wants to become a Veterinarian. For birds. LOL! My uncle, her father passed away when she was five and I will be a "late mother" in my life I think (she will not be living here).....so since I live in mid-MN....is it wise for her to go to a community college or something nearer us for this or doesn't it matter. The only Vet Program is at the U. There is a Vet tech Program at St. Cloud though.... I am soooo confused.
I just know she hasn't very much money and will have to get help going to school.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. The vet program at the U is excellent.

However, it is not very easy to get into. Your niece will need to get her B.S. (four year) degree with very good grades in biology or a related science. A woman I know was on a waiting list for four years before she was admitted. This was quite awhile ago, though, so it might not be the same now. If your niece doesn't have a lot of money she might want to do the vet tech thing first, then finish her four-year degree later and apply for vet school when she has finished college and is in a better financial situation.

[dflprincess]

2. It may be the same.

A woman I work with daughter was on the wait list here and at a school in California for a couple years. She got into the California school this year.

It's harder to get into a veterinary medicine school than it is to get into (human) med school. One reason for that is there are fewer vet schools.

[glinda]

3. I appreciate the heads up on getting in. Man....I almost think she should stay in

Hawaii. I know she thought about California since a friend is moving there but she has no one else there. Madison has a vet school. I wonder if it would easier for her to get into that one? She is pretty bright. I think I need to confer with her mother and get additional info.

[Bjorn Against]

4. If she wants to specialize in birds the U is definitely the place to go...

The U of M has a raptor center at their school of veterinary medicine so they are constantly working on rehabilitating eagles, hawks and other types of birds. My sister used to volunteer there and she was very impressed. Here is their web site: http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/