Personal Statement:Veterinary Science 6

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

When considering career ideas several years ago, I realised veterinary medicine is ideal for me. It combines my sincere love of science and problem solving with my lifelong interest in the welfare of animals. I now aim to join the RAVC in order to be a part of the high quality veterinary care deserved by military animals.

Overall I feel that I am well suited for a veterinary career. I would enjoy working in a scientific and caring environment and my commitment and determination will help me to overcome any challenges I encounter along the way. I would make full use of all opportunities and would relish the chance to develop and use problem solving skills in a scientific capacity in my career.

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

I have gained work experience in relevant areas to further my knowledge of the profession, including 2.5 weeks Animed Veterinary Hospital; 2 weeks Manor Farm Country Park [public]; 2 weeks Isle of Wight Zoo; 1 day Dorthy Sheep Farm; 1 day visiting RAVC, Melton; 1 week Crofton Manor Stables; 1 week Cuddles Cattery.

At Animed I observed a range of procedures including the endoscopy of a dog and the subsequent operation to remove foreign bodies. I became well acquainted with the equally important caring side of the profession and the impact that this can have on medical issues. I also took a blood sample and helped with its analysis, introducing me to the wide range of diagnostic tools available to vets and inspiring me to learn more about them. At Manor Farm I was able to work with cattle, sheep, pigs, rabbits and poultry. During an outbreak of Infectious Coryza among the poultry, the DEFRA vet who culled the flock demonstrated the difficult decisions a vet has to face, such as the culling of healthy animals to protect others. I also gained an insight into the commercial aspects of farm work and dealing with customers. At the zoo I particularly enjoyed becoming involved in the tiger and lemur enrichment. The importance of this in the welfare of captive animals was something I had not considered previously and as such found this a valuable experience. Vetquest, Vetcam and Vetsim introduced me to the many facets of the profession.

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

Teamwork is vital for a vet constantly interacting with nurses, clients and colleagues and my regular role in a yacht racing crew has ensured that I understand the value of this. As a Young Leader for Rainbows I have developed my leadership and communication skills. I now appreciate the different methods of communication suitable for different audiences and can utilise a variety of skills to convey my message clearly and concisely. I also attended a RYLA course which expanded on these skills and gave me experience in forging relationships with unfamiliar people, a day to day requirement in veterinary practise. For my Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award I completed my RYA Day Skipper qualification, requiring perseverance and determination whilst independently studying the theory course. I play the Tenor Horn to Grade Six standard and have been involved with Area and County Brass Ensembles for six years, which relaxes me after a day's work. In my final year at school I was awarded the 'Fortek' Award for "outstanding academic achievement and contribution to school life". I believe that this represents me well as I concentrate on academic work but also put a lot into my activities outside of this. As a School Prefect, my duties included overseeing lunch queues and supervising younger years in the playgrounds. This showed me to be responsible and trustworthy, important qualities for a vet. Last year I also raised over 1000 pounds as part of a project to fund a visit and donation for Malawian orphanages, which was an eye-opening and memorable experience. It also taught me the huge impact a small action can have; something equally relevant in the veterinary world. I am working on the Open University's 'Molecules, Medicines and Drugs' short course which furthers my studies in a rewarding and absorbing way.

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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