Personal Statement:Veterinary Science 20

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Veterinary science is a field that will continually grow and develop. It is the only degree that will allow me to improve the welfare of animals through surgery and medicine, whilst also working closely with people. The added challenge of having no means of communication with a patient makes my chosen career even more fascinating.

For over four years, I have been undertaking work placements at various establishments, all of which have amplified my enthusiasm and understanding of veterinary science.

On my eight month placement at a small animal practice, I saw many routine spays and castrations. I noticed that early neutering was becoming more common. I found that it causes osteosarcoma to become more prevalent and reduces the effectiveness of preventing other cancers, in comparison to conventional age neutering. Here, I realised my interest in veterinary research, which I will enjoy becoming more involved with in the future.

During my two year placement at another practice, I observed less routine procedures including enucleation, learning that it is most common in brachycephalic breeds; this became the inspiration for my EPQ. The insight I gained was useful for when I completed a placement with St. Bernard stud dogs, giving me the chance to apply knowledge I had gathered about genetic conditions that the breed is predisposed to, such as entropion.

Moreover, I spent a day watching equine surgery and four weeks at stables, developing my confidence and handling skills with large animals and it has increased my knowledge of conditions that are common in practice, such as lameness. I have also completed a week working with chickens and a week at an animal shelter housing cats, dogs and pigs. Both have helped me gain knowledge of an array of domestic species. This highlighted how varied veterinary science is and has taught me that I must be prepared for the unexpected; this will be useful as the course and my career progresses.

Ultimately I am determined to succeed in veterinary science and I am devoted to advancing the welfare of animals, through the prevention or treatment of disease. It is a lifelong ambition that will never wane, hence why I am applying once again.

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

It is imperative to have a degree of emotional detachment, as it is important to remain professional whilst euthanasing a pet or giving discouraging prognoses. This was instilled in me whilst working at a dairy farm for five months. I always knew that the males were to be slaughtered at fourteen weeks. Situations like this can be stressful, but I can handle stress well, which will be an essential skill. In my current job I regularly manage long hours and night shifts, helping me realise how my chosen career may affect other areas of my life.

I noticed that early neutering causes osteosarcoma to become more prevalent and reduces the effectiveness of preventing other cancers, in comparison to conventional age neutering, during my placement at a small animal practice. This experience sparked my interest in veterinary research.

The insight I gained from observing less routine procedures like enucleation during a two year practice placement inspired my EPQ and gave me practical knowledge about genetic conditions such as entropion in St. Bernard stud dogs.

My studies, including core subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, backed by an A grade EPQ, show my academic preparation and enthusiasm for the detailed scientific knowledge required for veterinary medicine.

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

For over four years, I have undertaken various work placements at veterinary practices, farms, stables, and animal shelters, greatly enhancing my practical knowledge and skills with a wide range of domestic species.

I love to participate in performing arts, which have greatly enhanced my teamwork skills. This is vital for a veterinary professional, as communicating well ensures accurate client records. This is especially important in on-going cases, as maintaining consent on treatments and fees, is paramount to continue client satisfaction. I often play tennis, which helps me deal with stress and has taught me to remain calm under pressure, a trait that will be useful in the future.

I enjoy working with people and was named employee of the month for receiving more praise letters than any of the 80+ crew. This was after only five weeks of employment.

For my gap year, I continue to run the SEN maths club I founded at school and have completed placements with horses and sheep. This year, I will take on the role of a teacher for a team-building holiday for children with special educational needs, requiring me to be decisive in unfamiliar situations. This will be vital for coping in emergencies.

Additionally, I am currently liaising with the Wigan Borough Commander of GM Fire and Rescue to organise a fundraiser, as I am now an RMHC coordinator at Stonecross McDonalds. This is usually a manager's responsibility and requires great organisational skills.

Universities applied to:

• RVC (VetMed)
• Bristol (VetMed)
• Surrey (VetMed)
• Glasgow (VetMed)

Grades achieved:

• Biology A2 - A
• Chemistry A2 - A
• Mathematics A2 - A
• EPQ - A
• Physics AS - C

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.