Bright Future? (Help!)

I plan on going to a community college first to get the prerequisite classes completed then transfer. I'm going to apply like crazy for scholarships and possibly get a part-time job if there's anything available. Another problem is transportation, I have to carpool with friends and basically beg for rides from my FFA meetings and my competitions, so it makes me feel really low. I should be getting my first car in January, but until then I can't do much. The nearest vet is about 20 miles from my home, and I can't walk that. It's just so disappointing that I have a great chance at a wonderful future, but it's the small things holding me back.

Are there any colleges in your area that offer a Small Animal Vet course? My mom really wanted to be a vet, but schooling was much to expensive for her so she took a Small Animal course at a local college, she worked at a vets office for years just with that, it's not a full out vet course, but you still get into that atmosphere & you are hands on, helping in surgerys and what not.

Unfortunately, I live in a small rural town and the closest college is about 100 miles away. My town is building a small sister community college/shelter for Angelina College that's located in Lufkin but it's not going to have all the courses and won't be done for 4 more years. Also, I'm wanting to be a large animal vet because I'm allergic to cats, fleas, and pet dander.

You could vet tech during college to start saving money before you have to pay it back. And a plus would be working with animals= experience!!

Going to school outside of your state will raise expenses. Try sticking to an in-state college to get a resident discount on top of whatever grants you receive. Check out "FAFSA" to see if you qualify for the pell grants. Even if you think you won't there's no harm trying cause you can get better offers on loans as well. However, if you plan on submitting one- Make sure you apply before the deadlines.

I'm in almost the same situation as you, Leemew. I live in Texas and want to be a large animal veterinarian, but have very little financial help as well. I aim to attempt TAMU as well but am unsure about exact logistics. I might move cross-state. Not sure yet. My family is lower middle class. The only difference is that I'm a junior, so I won't be going to college for two years.

Have you applied for financial aid? I just applied for it, to see what I can get. Its worth a try.

I've been lucky enough to shadow a local small animal veterinarian for the past two years (three times a year) because we built a relationship with her through my wobblers/luxating patella recoveree puppy- strangely enough. One thing that both she and my BO have suggested to me is to go to a community college that offers a tech program and go there. Get the classes that I need for my associates, but also work towards becoming certified as a veterinary tech at the same tim (a lot of work, but possibly worth it) so that I can work at a clinic as a Vet Tech through my actual veterinary college, or even before that if I have to- to save up money in order to pay off tuition/housing/car. I've also been told that Blinn community college is a great one to attend if you're aiming for TAMU, because they are a sister college to the university. They actually even have some of the same professors and some great A&M prep classes/family groups that you can become a part of to make transitioning to TAMU smoother.

My personal plan is to work my senior year as much as I can, and either attend a community college here in town but also take online courses from Texas Tech (they'll certify you as a vet tech) or blinn to get my vet tech degree before I graduate junior college, then transfer to TAMU and hopefully get a part time job as a vet tech or assistant. That way I can at least pay for my housing, if not part of my tuition. I'll pinch pennies all of the way through college and after while I'm finding a job, until I've paid off my students loans and can buy a house (at 60 years old maybe? LOL) its not a perfect plan but it seems like the closest that someone in my (or your) situation can get to.

I wish I could be more helpful. Good luck and know that I'm cheering for you! I know just how frustrating it can be.

Don't overlook community college. No one cares where you do your undergrad. You can do 2 years of community college then transfer.
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I was considering getting my tech degree while trying for the other, but I thought it wouldn't be worth it because they require different things so it would add more years and debt. I'm most likely going to apply at every college that's in Texas, costing a pretty penny. Most of the people at my High School get accepted to TAMU or Texas Tech. I just honestly have no idea what to do.