Hello,
I am a 2013 graduate from the Dick Vet (Edinburgh), from Canada and currently practicing there.
I agree with SIlverstar. I would love to say 'where there is a will there is a way', and to some extent I believe this, but yes, grades to play part of it. So I agree, the grades are set not only to ensure a high quality of admitted applicants, but because that is the standard you are expected to perform at once in, and the basis of the level of knowledge you need to START the course. It only gets harder from here (academically). So, what do you think held you back, can you document it medically, and what do you realistically (an be honest with yourself) expect to have changed if you were to try again in vet school?
And speaking of trying again, one option you don't mention is repeating your A levels. Why not?
Another option you don't mention is applying in the UK as a graduate student, though you mention this as an option in Australia. Why not? Is it a lot cheaper in Australia? Are you from there? Or what is your reasoning? Similarly, if you have the funds to, and are considering going, abroad; what about North America? Also, as someone whom did the graduate entry course, this is not an 'easy way in'. I still had similar academic and work experience requirements, PLUS the course moved much faster, as since I already had a previous degree it was expected I know how to learn, how to study, and also know some of the material. Anatomy was covered in 5 WEEKS. Haven't done anatomy before? Well, s*cks to be you then, better do some extra studying. That sort of thing. Don't get me wrong help was available to those that asked for it, but you weren't hand-held or babied, either. There is a LOT of independent study and learning on any vet degree, school leaver or graduate entry.
If you can document a medical condition or learning "challenge" or similar, my experience is the university is willing to work with you-at least to a point- with regards to exams (give extra time, provide a scribe if a physical disability, etc.). However, anywhere from 90-100% of my passing grade for each year was examination-based, often on information from the whole year, or at least the whole module. That means if you don't pass the exam, you DO NOT PASS THE YEAR. So be honest with yourself about that. Were you lazy about A levels and your determination would keep you from being lazy with vet school? Ok then yes, determination might make the difference. But that doesn't sound like what you are saying. So how do you think you can make up the academic difference between A levels and vet? Have you now got your anxiety under control and your more recent grades reflect that? Well then I think you have a decent chance.
Are you prepared for the huge financial burden of doing a degree abroad and/or doing an undergraduate degree then a graduate degree, in the UK or abroad? Are you prepared to take on that much debt that you could easily be spending 25 years paying it off? Do you know what you are potentially getting yourself into? Sounds like you have done some research, and I'm not sure anyone really is prepared til they face it for 25 years
, but do you really know costs and length of terms of repayment?
Also, what sort of work experience do you have?
There are lots of people that don't make the grades. Unfortunately, vet school is competitive and it is also a highly skilled and fast-paced field. It would be great if everyone who wanted to could be a vet, just like it would be great if everyone who wanted to be a good singer could be, or to be a good actor could be, or....but that isn't realistic. If someone just doesn't have the prerequisite criteria, be it a good voice, good acting skills, or academic skills, is it kinder to let them try, then be honest and have them move on with their life, or to let them keep trying because 'they really want it', they get out of school head out on broadway and get panned and can't earn a living? I would say being honest early on, while heartbreaking, is kinder in the long run.
I don't mean to be discouraging, just honest. I was NOT top of my application pool grades-wise applying to vet I expect. I did a MSc in Canada to improve my grades/academic portfolio (and also because I was truly interested in the field-animal behaviour and welfare) and worked in the field for 2 years to gain more experience. A former classmate of mine failed first year vet school, then found out she was dyslexic. Since then I'm not going to say it has been easy, but she graduated this year and I think she'll be a great vet. Lots of people fail first sitting on some exam or another during vet school. But what do you really/honestly plan on doing to improve? Is it a realistic plan? If it were a plan for a loan, and you took it to the bank, does it look reasonable/backable? Is there substance to it?
Anyways, just my 2 cents and if you still want to go ahead, best of luck.