Personal Statement:Veterinary medicine 25 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Advancements in Veterinary Medicine affect every aspect of modern life. Although many live unaware of how meat is assured for consumption, how zoonotic diseases are controlled and monitored, or how the definition of “veterinarian” encompasses more than addressing ailments in domesticated pets, its intrinsic position in society is clear. My desire to become a vet not only stems from my love of animals; undertaking work experience at IDEXX laboratories in the haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, histology and pathology departments gave me an insight into veterinary diagnostics that was fascinating.

Veterinary Medicine requires commitment, resilience and determination - qualities I believe I constantly exhibit. The opportunity to study this subject brings wealth, not in money, but in life. Through its practice we help to reverse the effects of human ignorance and educate, so that animals do not suffer in the future. I am under no illusions about the demands of the course but I believe this profession is one to which I am eminently suited.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Every Wednesday evening since September 2013 I have worked at a farm where I am responsible for milking and feeding the calves. I thoroughly enjoy my time among the livestock learning about their care, their illnesses and assisting with calving and farrowing. Spending a week there delivering lambs, often unassisted, was highly rewarding. Having witnessed and treated Mastitis in the dairy herd, the prevalent nature of the disease inspired my Extended Project which focused on assessing the management of the disease. This qualification has improved my research skills, time management and my ability to convey complex information to someone with no familiarity with the subject.

I have aided an animal behaviourist with puppy training classes every Thursday since September 2012. This has advanced my knowledge of body language which I employ when dealing with frightened and aggressive pets each Saturday in an small animal practice. I restrain the inpatients for administration of medication and general assessments as well as being accountable for the preparation of meals, exercising the patients and the hygiene of the kennel room. My curiosity regarding the cases prompts me to independently research their illnesses and treatments.

Having spent two weeks in a small animal practice and watching The Blue Cross operate at a shelter I have realised that not all operations are routine. Often a veterinarian has to show flexibility and resolve in undertaking complicated surgery. Such a situation arose when the owners of a dog with dry eye declared they could not manage the application of artificial tears or cyclosporine, and therefore the decision was made to perform a parotid duct transposition to provide lubrication.

During a week’s placement at a stable yard and another at an equine practice, I have become more familiar with horses and the maladies they are susceptible to. I learnt how poor performance can be attributed to gastric ulcers, how that can be investigated via gastric endoscopy and I was able to observe the castration of a colt with a retained testicle.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Deputy Head Girl is a role I have fully immersed myself in. Working with the Sixth Form Management Team I have addressed prospective students, participated in careers events and actively canvassed Sixth Form students’ for their input to improve the College. This has developed my confidence, extended interpersonal skills and has afforded me opportunities to work as part of a team; much like in a practice environment.

Furthermore I organised a charity project for a local animal shelter, creating a presentation and video about its residents to encourage 2,000 secondary school pupils to donate food and toys. In my spare time I have taught myself to play guitar and ukulele. Music helps me to relax and in recent years I have attended over fifty live musical performances.

Universities applied to:

• Royal Veterinary College
• Edinburgh
• Nottingham
• Bristol
• Nottingham

Grades achieved:

• Biology (A2) - A*
• Chemistry (A2) - A
• Maths (A2) - A
• English Literature and Language (AS) - A
• EPQ (AS) - A

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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