[x_Bex_x]

I think that in every profession there are people who regret thier choice, and usually they are the most vocal, but you never know until you get there.
Sooo looking forward to it now though, so I'm not going to let worries spoil it

[Dissey]

Exactimento Bex. Life is short, so we should just take one step at a time and enjoy the present instead of stressing about the future, which is basically what I've been doing all year, but anyway;o

[irishwannabevet]

I think alot of Vets historically have gone into the profession because it requires the most intelligent people, just like medicine etc.The profession attracts alot of people with the highest exam results. We all know people who apply for these courses just because they are intelligent enough and perhaps seeking some sort of validation or prestige. However as we all know, high exam results don't automatically mean that you have the personality, dedication, compassion and strength of character to make it as a Vet ( just as they don't mean that a doctor will have a pleasing bedside manner etc). Here in Ireland where I am from, the entry to Veterinary and Medicine is still exam based i.e no work experience or interviews required( although it is slowly changing) - and I think that is wrong and risks alot more people entering the career without thought. I think the entry procedures in the UK mean that less people will fall into the "unhappy Vet who didn't know what they were getting themselves into" category.Alot who are not suitable are weeded out during the application stage. ( Unfortunatley some, more unconventional applicants *ahem LIKE ME ahem* who are suitable also get thrown out with the dishwater too...) So in summary anyone who can convince a university selection panel usually consisting of some Vets, that they know what they are signing up for shouldn't worry themselves about their future in the career. Sure, they may find that down the road it is not making them happy but if that happens it happens - no point worrying your head about it now!! "Do not look forward anxiously.......". If you have been lucky enough to secure an offer , celebrate and pat yourself on the back - chances are, years of preparation have just payed off for you and you can look forward to a great university experience and hopefully your dream career. Make a career of what you love and you'll never work a day in your life......

...ok I'll put down the wine now!!!

[Botticello]

Sometimes I feel scared that Im not clever enough

[x_Bex_x]

I get that too, the sixth form I went was very academic, and there were some genius girls there (one of which is studying quantum physics at cambridge OMG!!!!) with several doing 5 A levels all at A grade and many more doing four at A, which kinda made my AAB seem pathetic, but thats not the point, to quote one of thoses annoying phrases ' its not what you know but what you do when you dont that counts' and I totally agree, in my view exams do NOT measured intelligence, just academic ability (Einstien was dyslexic), which is why vet schools look at the whole person, and that is why I'm sure that you will be fine

[Dissey]

I'm.glad.it's.not.just.me.that.t hinks.that.getting.AAA.is.really .hard!I.also.have.some.genius.ki ds.in.my.year.that.got.into.Oxbr idge
even.though.A.levels.reflect.how .much.information.you.can.retain ,and.how.you.are.with.time-pressure.etc,being.a.vet.is.also .
about.being.a.keen.observer,bein g.able.to.be.calm.in.times.of.ma yhem,having.a.good.bedside.manne r,how.enthusiastic/hard-working/ambitious/caring/
and.sometimes.how.creative.you.a re.

[James G]

I got that book for Christmas and it definately made me slightly nervous, as I could certainly see a lot of the things that Josh wrote seemed very true even with my limited experience. Then again, I did enjoy my work experience and I'm sure (assuming I meet my offer) I'll enjoy vet school, from where I'm standing right now I could hardly think of any more career where I could be more satisified, but the book does highlight some key issues. I think it just highlights the importance of finding a good practice and particularly of having outside interests and hobbies aside from Veterinary in which you can get away from it somewhat. Even if I find though that the area of veterinary I plan to go in (probably something like a decent mixed practice if I can) doesn't cut it for me, the options available to you are so diverse that there will almost certainly be some area like research or whatever which you can enjoy. I guess there's no way to tell for sure until you get out there, so best to try not worry too much about it

[GemmyMonster]

Truth is, if you don't enjoy the kind of work involved in actually being a vet, I'm sure getting a job in a zoo would be easy - perhaps even training to be a curator or something.

[bumbleboy]

For me id rather spend years fighting to secure a place on the course and struggling through years of uni, to realise that perhaps the career isnt what I hoped but still have option open to me than, let my fears make me follow the easy route and spend the rest of my life thinking what if...

[x_Bex_x]

It's more often the things you don't do that you regret, rather than the things you do do.

[pyrogena]

(Original post by Sarah_V)
My grandad's wife (step-grandmother???) spent her whole life wanting to be a vet. She was easily clever enough, but her dad was a doctor and would absolutely not let her (this was a long time ago), and she had to become a dentist. She still does the whole what if... thing

That's what gave me the final push I needed. I'm going to be 36 when I graduate (eeeeek!) - but I would rather have 20 odd years of doing what I really want to do rather than a lifetime of what if.

[Botticello]

Same here - I think harder things are usually the most worthwhile in the long run

[WolfishSmile]

Autonomy later in on in the job.

[Botticello]

aaargh that website is so depressing!

What the RVC girl who gave a speech at a uni conference once said "You don't have to be a vet for the rest of your life" so there's noone forcing anyone to stay if they don't like it!

[Botticello]

You lot sound like youre loving it!

[city_chic]

(Original post by Sarah_V)
Coming here was officially the best thing I ever did.

That's so great

[Botticello]

(Original post by Sarah_V)
Coming here was officially the best thing I ever did.

Are there any disadvantages though?