u/mamapjs

Hi! My son (who's currently only in Grade 8 😅) thinks
he wants to be a vet. Since mahaba at mahal ang college, I'm trying to prepare as early as now.

I’m hoping to hear from current vetmed students or recent graduates.

1. What are the biggest things my son (and I as a parent) should start preparing for now? Or take into consideration—academically? Financially? Mentally or emotionally?
2. How much Filipino proficiency is expected?
   Part siya ng generation na mas comforable magEnglish, pero kaya naman niya magconverse in Filipino, depende sa kausap niya. Will this be a disadvantage tor the UPCAT? I never took the UPCAT myselt, so l honestly don't know what to expect. But I've heard may mga parts na in Filipino na mahirap.
3. Roughly how much do you spend per month (including for food and accommodation)? Or ano yung biggest expenses ninyo?
4. How is the career outlook for veterinarians in the Philippines? Would you still recommend the profession today? Are there enough opportunities and is the compensation enough to build a comfortable life?
5. Looking back, what do you wish someone had told you betore entering VetMed?
6. Since he's just in 8th grade, what subjects or extracurricular activities do you think have helped you the most looking back? Or may mga dapat ba ko pakita or ipa-alam sakanya to help him with his decision?

Any other advice for a parent trying to support a future vetmed student would also be greatly appreciated.

Thank you! 🙏🏻