Personal Statement:Veterinary science 12 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My aspiration of becoming a vet stems from my first visit to a veterinary practice, sitting anxiously in the waiting room. Many years later, my hours of work experience and research into veterinary science finds me still pursuing this ambition.

Studying chemistry has developed my analytical, logical & observational skills, giving me an insight into the chemistry within all living organisms, whilst biology has been particularly interesting for me, as I like to understand the complexities of living organisms. I especially enjoy the topics of conservation, the circulatory system & disease. I enjoy maths, because it challenges me to think logically and to try solving problems based on prior knowledge. Physics is inspiring; a chance to consider how the universe around me works. I like to think about how the work I do in each subject links together, as it deepens my understanding and applies theoretical ideas to real situations.

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

Academically, I have developed excellent skills in teamwork through presentations & experiments, as well as superb independent study & ICT skills. These enable me to learn effectively through research & text books as well as lessons and read articles on the RCVS & New Scientist websites, to keep up with developments in my chosen career path.

Completing the Royal Society of Chemistry 5 decade challenge, 5 UK & 2 European Maths Challenges (achieving high outcomes in all) increased my understanding & tested my abilities.

Participation in conservation surveys, where we used butterfly transects, Longworth & pitfall traps to sample the wildlife allowed me to see the variety of animals co-existing in a small habitat, also allowing me to see into the intriguing world of the animal kingdom.

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

I have participated in many extra-curricular activities, developing my time management and organisational skills. These include sports such as football, skipping (including representing the UK in team competitions) and scuba diving, which is an amazing opportunity to see the miraculous aquatic life and the beauty of the marine world, whilst considering the adaptations the creatures have made for life underwater.

Teamwork was built on through bronze Duke of Edinburgh award & taking part in Young Enterprise, which gave me a taster of business, developing presentational skills through our company's speech. I gained the BA's Gold Science Communicator award, through running science club at a primary school, and help at school events such as the 'science of alcohol' session for parents.

I have a "vfifty" award for 50 hours volunteering with St John Ambulance & as a young leader for a brownie pack, teaching responsibility as they both include looking after children, and a World Wide Volunteering Gold certificate for 100 hours of volunteer work.

I have completed many hours of work experience, gaining insight into how animal establishments work. I observed 3 weeks of veterinary practice, including routine operations & consultations, as well as some orthopaedics & spent 2 weeks at a pet hotel; mostly working with the smaller animals & assisting with some basic jobs at the stable yard. I have helped a local farmer with lambing for a day and shadowed an animal keeper at a children's farm, where I was later offered a job, and with a place booked on vet-link for December 2009 the learning process is continuing.

In addition I enjoy travelling; I went to Mozambique to help with scientific research through an Operation Wallacea expedition, where I was involved with the handling of some small animals in pitfall traps & completing habitat surveys. This involved learning about animal behaviour, identification & how to work safely in their presence. We also collected specimens of shrews to be sent to dissection labs for further insight into the anatomy of shrew species.

In conclusion, I am a well-rounded diligent student, who takes advantage of opportunities and has a thirst for veterinary knowledge, which makes me an ideal candidate for your course.

Universities applied to:

• University of Bristol (D100)
• University of Cambridge (D100)
• University of Nottingham (D100)
• Royal Veterinary College (D100)
• Nottingham Trent University (C300 - BSc Zoo Biology)

Grades achieved:

• Biology (A2) - A
• Chemistry (A2) - B
• Mathematics (Mechanics) (A2) - A
• Physics (A2) - 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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