Personal Statement:Veterinary science 14 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Will Rogers said, "The best doctor in the world is a veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter - he's just got to know". From the age of four it has been my passion to know how to treat, and care for, sick and injured animals. My interest in the wide variety of treatments available, intensified after our goat became ill leading to an emergency call out from the vet. From this experience I learnt about the important role that vets play not only to an animal, but also to the owner, and decided to study as much about all aspects of veterinary procedures as I could. Carrying out work experience and observing many different veterinary procedures in both a small animal and mixed animal practice has left me with a keen desire to learn more about the anatomy and health of animals at university, being the first person in my family to do so.

My decision to return to college was not easy, but to be able to study veterinary medicine, and be able to help, cure and take care of animals, is a dream vocation that I have had since the age of four and am determined to achieve.

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

During the time I spent at a small animal practice, Alpha Vets, a routine procedure was carried out during which the dog's heart stopped. I was able to instantly apply the knowledge I learned in biology to relate to the treatment given by the vet. I understand however that there will be times when there are no further treatment options available and that the animal must be euthanized. This situation occurred during my work experience and I felt honoured that both the senior vet and the animal's owner felt I was competent enough to be present during the procedure.

In school I have also gained many skills which a vet needs. In Year 12 I assisted with a reading scheme, and every morning I worked with less able pupils to improve their reading. I wrote reports on their progress and liaised with the special needs teacher, teaching me how to communicate effectively on all levels, which is key with a vet and their clients. I had the privilege of being a peer education mentor in Year 12, and helped to lead sessions on difficult issues such as alcoholism and bullying, aimed at lower school pupils and I was also a prefect. This was valuable experience showing me the responsibility that comes when people trust you.

The experiences I gained at school, alongside those I have gained at college, have prepared me for university since I have faced many challenges during my A levels giving me the determination needed to complete a veterinary degree.

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

To aid me with my goal of becoming a vet I have undertaken a number of different work experience placements. These have included attending a small animal course, working at an equine college in Carmarthen, a week at a dog kennels and cattery, a week at a mixed animal practice and a week at a small animal practice. My interest in a veterinary career was confirmed when I attended the residential 'Vetsim' course at the University of Nottingham. Some of the specialised sessions included exotics, arachnids and equines, suturing, keyhole surgery, and an emergency call out scenario.

I have a work placement at an equine clinic arranged and am looking forward to seeing operations on horses, something I have not seen before.

Outside of school, I participated in the Duke of Edinburgh's bronze award and have recently completed the silver award encouraging me to embrace new challenges and work to well in a team. I am also a keen badminton player and horse rider. Through owning three horses, and being solely responsible for their care, I have learnt much about these very intelligent animals. In the past, I have also had a part-time job at an agricultural merchant where I was in constant contact with the public, advising customers on the suitability of particular products, after being given the appropriate training.

Universities applied to:

• Royal Veterinary College (Gateway) - Offer (C) Firm
• University of Nottingham (Animal Science) - Offer (B) Declined
• University of Lincoln (Animal Behaviour Science) - Offer (Complete College Course) Insurance
• University of Glasgow (Veterinary Biosciences) - Rejection
• Queen Mary (Zoology) - Offer (A) Declined

Grades achieved:

• English Literature (A2) - B
• Biology (A2) - C
• Chemistry (Salters) (A2) - D
• Chemistry (OCR A) (A2) - B

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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