Personal Statement:Veterinary science 29 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Chemistry and Biology have always been of great interest to me and I love learning the theory behind how the two subjects are related. Simple and complex chemical reactions build together to make whole organisms, and the study of these relationships and how they change when the organism is ill has always fascinated me. Studying the anatomy of the heart and lungs as part of the AS Biology course was a good chance to carry out dissections and gain practical knowledge of the workings of the body. It also allowed me to understand the wider implications of cellular and molecular biology. Several lectures hosted by my sixth form have been relevant to my interests and given me an insight to how different disciplines of science can be used together to complete pioneering research. Nobel Prize winner Dr Tim Hunt gave a lecture about his research with sea urchins and his subsequent discovery of the protein Cyclin, a key regulator in the cell cycle. Although I want to go into referral practice I am also interested in research and think that the projects which are part of the veterinary course will give me the experience and skills I will need if I decide to go into that field.

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

As part of my Chemistry course I wrote an essay about morphine and its derivatives, which required research using a variety of sources. The sources were of a much higher level than A-level and I used this as another opportunity to read outside of the specification and to find out more about the structure of organic molecules. As drug molecules are of great interest to me I used this to learn more about how they are synthesised and modified to make better medicines. An online course called The Science of Medicines has helped me to learn more about how drugs interact with receptors to produce different effects in the body, and how these effects reduce symptoms or help cure a health problem. It has helped me to expand upon my knowledge of Chemistry and given me a greater insight into what causes illness in the body and how it can be combated by the use of different combinations of drugs.

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

I have completed a week of work experience at a small local veterinary practice and another week at a larger animal hospital, where there was a wider variety of cases. I got to see the removal of a mast cell tumour from the neck of a Staffordshire bull terrier, and was surprised to learn that this type of tumour had the potential to release large amounts of histamine which could cause serious stomach damage. During my three weeks of volunteering at a pet shop which specialises in reptiles I improved my time management skills and had the chance to handle a variety of exotic animals including snakes, lizards and frogs. As they breed royal python morphs I got to see first hand how genetic combinations can work and how codominant genes can lead to even more variety in the colours and patterns of the snakes. Outside of my studies I also help out with a variety of activities at college including the year eleven introductory days, during which I gave students advice on the course, the challenges of A-levels and how they could prepare themselves. In the next few months I will also be joining a first year Biology class to help students who are struggling and need more individual attention. Outside of college I am a dancer and have recently completed my Grade 7 Ballet exam. I am also currently working towards my Intermediate Tap exam. I have been committed to dancing since the age of four and enjoyed learning new styles and disciplines as I have grown as a performer. I have also been given roles of responsibility during our annual showcases where I often help look after younger students and get them ready for each dance while I am off stage. I am a hard-working and motivated individual and I am looking forward to learning more about Biology and Chemistry in the context of my future career.

Universities applied to:

• The Royal Veterinary College (Veterinary Medicine)
• University of Cambridge (Veterinary Medicine)
• University of Bristol (Veterinary Medicine)
• University of Nottingham (Veterinary Medicine)

Grades achieved:

• Biology (A2) - A
• Chemistry (A2) - A
• Maths (A2) – A*
• Further Maths (A2) - 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.

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