Personal Statement:Veterinary Science 5

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As a discipline that is continually changing, veterinary medicine will provide me with the knowledge and skills to try to ensure an animal's health and wellbeing. I will be able to indulge my interest in biochemistry, and better understand the intricate details of how particular species function. I look forward to consultations providing me with varied challenges, which will stimulate and continue to advance my scientific knowledge and experience after undertaking a degree.

My understanding and interest in studying veterinary medicine as a career has been strengthened while undertaking varied work experience placements. I never appreciated how genetic diseases, such as syringomyelia, were inbred into each breed until it was highlighted during my six months Monday night voluntary work and three full weeks of small animal vet experience. In addition, although a vet has to be compassionate towards an animal's welfare, there has to be some emotional detachment. In my opinion, this is one of the hardest aspects of the career. I learnt the hard truth of this lesson while observing a complicated caesarean on a Neapolitan Mastiff; after helping with the delivery of its fourteen puppies, the bitch, in poor condition, had to be euthanised.

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

Biochemistry fascinates me; DNA contains genes that code each individual sequence of amino acids to form a protein, and I find it amazing how this sequence decides the protein's function. Dissecting a rat during biology enabled me to explore the different parts of an animal, and understand the bigger picture of what I was learning in class. I am convinced that veterinary medicine is the perfect vehicle to explore my particular scientific interests.

My understanding and interest in studying veterinary medicine as a career has been strengthened while undertaking varied work experience placements.

I particularly enjoyed my week at Grange Farm. The rigorous work was at times traumatic, including when a premature bull calf I was helping to feed died due to digestion problems and not being able to pass faeces, but where veterinary intervention would have been unprofitable because many bull calves are slaughtered after birth. It was however very rewarding. I learned a great deal about how disease, for example mastitis, has to be carefully controlled to maximise milk production and protect the welfare of the public. It showed how a balance between the animal's welfare and the farm's responsibilities are essential.

Other work experience placements have included two weeks at a kennels, one week at a dog groomers and three weeks at a mixed animal farm. Working with disabled children at the farm showed me I had the patience to cope with clients with different needs, transferable to the kennels when matching clients to strays. I relished working both as part of a team, and on my own to get each task done. A further week at an equine practice and a day at a stables showed me the rigorousness of large animal work. This environment was new to me, and I would savour the chance to learn more. In addition, I have work experience in a vet lab, stables, an abattoir and calving fixed for the forthcoming year.

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

For three years I have clicker trained my dog in obedience and flyball. The pinnacle of this hard work was when we qualified for Crufts. This became the focus for my extended project where I investigated the methods by which canines learn most effectively.

My part time job at McDonalds, adapting and learning practical techniques, applying them in busy times where accuracy, speed and teamwork are important factors for securing happy customers, also shows my dedication and motivation to succeed even when problems might occur. In my spare time I enjoy reading, creating digital art and writing. Three of my works have been published through entering writing competitions, and I co-own an online academy teaching people how to use their graphics programs.

Whilst I am aware of the demands and rewards of this career, this has only re-enforced my determination to become a successful vet and I believe I have all the neccessary qualities needed.

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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