Personal Statement:Veterinary science 26

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Diagnosing illness in animals presents a practitioner with a complex challenge. Having experienced a variety of consultations, I appreciate the need to identify the most likely cause of illness and act on a range of data: observation of the animal, appropriate clinical tests as well as the symptoms described by the owner. Watching these consultations and seeing how adept the vets must be at problem solving, thinking about what examination techniques or clinical tests to perform and the appropriateness of each all within a reasonably short consultation has made me appreciate the sharp mind needed for veterinary medicine all the more.

Watching entropion being treated with blepharoplasty surgery at a referral clinic demonstrated the co-ordination and precision needed for surgery. However, there is not always a solution to the challenges faced by veterinarians. Having witnessed clients who have brought a pet in to be euthanized helped me appreciate how important it is to discern the needs of the client as well as the animal.

I am aware that Veterinary Medicine is a profession which requires commitment to ongoing development and learning to ensure that patients are given the most suited treatment.

I acknowledge the interdependence people have with animals. This opened my eyes to the economics and ethics of farming and the cost of drugs and treatment versus the potential profit from selling an animal. Appreciation of wider contexts such as this is important when working with large animals; an area in which I hope to specialise.

I found watching an ultrasound pregnancy test extremely interesting as I am fascinated by the precision digital imaging can provide.

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

Living with a carer who volunteers for Animal Concern Cumbria (ACC), I have varied experience with many small animals. During my 90 voluntary hours with the ACC for my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, I helped to improve animals’ quality of life by providing good husbandry, and developed a wide knowledge of animal welfare. Whilst being left in charge of the animals over a weekend, I provided worming treatment, learning the importance of preventative medicine. An outbreak of VHD meant that many rabbits died. I understand the empathy and people skills needed in these unfortunate situations. To stop further spreading, cages had to be decontaminated; giving me an appreciation of the need for a sterile environment.

I spent a day at the Newton Rigg College where I learned about meerkat, reptile and avian husbandry. Using my experience of anatomy I was able to listen to a meerkat’s heart.

Volunteering at Ivy House Stables for two weeks built up my confidence with larger animals. Being able to walk and swim horses with ease, shows how I can adapt my skills to new situations.

At Paragon Vets, a much larger practice than Coomara (where I have worked for a year), I had to adapt to new surroundings and new people. It was busier, with several operations happening at once, but I got the most out of the fortnight by not being afraid to ask questions. I learned a lot about Parvovirus, which was in the area due to dogs not being vaccinated.

Spending two weeks on an organic farm, I found that the farm I went to also had an educational site where I had the opportunity to do a lambing question and answer session with a group of six year olds and their parents. I demonstrated tailing, castrating, dipping cords and clipping the ewes’ feet. This was very successful and shows my strong interpersonal and clinical skills.

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

I am working towards my grade 5 piano and have recently taken aid to a partner school in Uganda after two years of fundraising; showing I am a dedicated and hardworking person. My ability to communicate has been enhanced by my experiences: from playing the lead in “Antony and Cleopatra” to being the chair of Carlisle Youth Council. This has made me more sensitive to the different register required in different settings, preparing me for the need to communicate with colleagues, clients and animals.

Universities applied to:

• University of Nottingham (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (AAB) Firm
• University of Bristol (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (AAB) Insurance
• University of Edinburgh (Veterinary Medicine) - Offer (AAA) Rejected the offer
• University of Liverpool (Veterinary Medicine) - Rejection hadn't completed the quantity of work exp they wanted. (sometimes it is obviously quantity over quality)

Grades achieved:

• Chemistry AS and A2 - A
• Biology (AQA) AS and A2 - A
• Maths (AQA) AS and A2 - A
• English Language (AQA) AS only - 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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