..::HELP PLEASE::.. Increasing chances of getting into veterinary medicine?

Hey there! (:

I'm 15, I'm currently studying my National 5's, and I really want to be accepted into VetMed one day (2017/18 I think it would be. I'm in fourth year) and appreciate all the help I can get. I have LOADS of questions and I'm not sure where else I can get them answered... :confused:

•

Is Biology, Chemistry & Physics at higher along with Maths and English possible? I LOVE science and the Social Subjects/Modern Languages are my weakest subjects by FAR.

•

To anyone that's been accepted into VetMed at uni, what work experience did you do and how much of it? I'm a bit lost at what to do, when to start, how to find it, etc, although I've started sending off letters and such already.

•

What extra-curricular things should I be doing? I really, really want in and always have - it really matters to me that I can do something really important that I have a passion for with my life. I think that saving the life/ending the suffering of someone's best friend and companion is one of the most incredible roles, and I know the vet schools look for well-rounded and balanced people - what things should I be doing to achieve this?

•

Glasgow or Edinburgh University? Should I consider applying to English University's too when the time comes? At present we can't afford the fees - around nine grand a year, are they not? Will this have a massive impact on my acceptance chances or would it be not too catastrophic?

•

Do you guys as students/prospective students/whatever and whoever you are prefer Edinburgh or Glasgow? Next year I'll be going to open days and the like, but just to get a rough idea, what are people on here generally liking the look of? Are the interview systems vastly different? Are the teaching styles/methods any different? What are each like as far as being a student in the city? I live in Glasgow, but obviously not as a student so I really have no way of telling which is the better city to study at.

•

What can I expect to be asked at interview? I know it's years away but I'm very keen to hear of what I can (hopefully) expect to be asked one day. I find the whole process interesting in itself anyway - any stories are very welcome :tongue:

•

Last, but not least, is it too early to start working now? The work experience I have done has been typed up on a file and also written in a notebook as a back-up, but does it still count if you're 15 when you do it, or is there an age baseline? Should I bring this file to the interview (if I get one)? I found the Edinburgh websites a bit confusing to navigate, and Glasgow's especially told me very little from what I could understand of the links.

Thank you all so much for your time just reading this, sorry it's a bit long-winded. I really want VetMed in the future, and I always have :biggrin:

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 1

SilverstarDJ

18

Original post by Kilbae

To anyone that's been accepted into VetMed at uni, what work experience did you do and how much of it? I'm a bit lost at what to do, when to start, how to find it, etc, although I've started sending off letters and such already.

My work experience is in my profile. I would recommend getting 10+ weeks, 15+ if you want to apply to Liverpool.

The 'staples' include: lambing, dairy, cattery/kennels, horses (e.g. livery/school/stud - the latter only if you are really confident with horses). Large animals AND small animal vets (or a mixed practice), ideally you want to go to more than one vets.

Icing on the cake or extras: abattoir, lab (pathology or research), wildlife centres, zoos.

I did most of my work exp from the age of 16 (many places won't take you <16 due to insurance), and a lot of unis only count recent work exp (RVC counts anything from 18months).

Letters are good, but if you get no response then phone up! Sometimes going in person to places is a good idea.

Look at the 'work experience bible' thread for more info.

What extra-curricular things should I be doing? I really, really want in and always have - it really matters to me that I can do something really important that I have a passion for with my life. I think that saving the life/ending the suffering of someone's best friend and companion is one of the most incredible roles, and I know the vet schools look for well-rounded and balanced people - what things should I be doing to achieve this?

Anything you want really! Good things might include: getting a job that involves working with people, being on committees etc., hobbies but the list is endless! You HAVE to link this back to vet med though, e.g. I said that my hobbies in art have developed my dexterity which is vital for surgery.

Glasgow or Edinburgh University? Should I consider applying to English University's too when the time comes? At present we can't afford the fees - around nine grand a year, are they not? Will this have a massive impact on my acceptance chances or would it be not too catastrophic?

I didn't realise Scottish students couldn't take out a loan like us? If that is the case, fees *might* be different - do your research. If you *definitely* can't afford fees then it seems to me there is little point to applying but it's your choice and you might do it for the experience (of interviews etc).

Last, but not least, is it too early to start working now? The work experience I have done has been typed up on a file and also written in a notebook as a back-up, but does it still count if you're 15 when you do it, or is there an age baseline? Should I bring this file to the interview (if I get one)? I found the Edinburgh websites a bit confusing to navigate, and Glasgow's especially told me very little from what I could understand of the links.

As I mentioned before - some unis prefer recent experience (ranging from 18 months to 3 years) but if you are not sure about the Scottish unis e-mail and ask them!

At interview, they won't have time to look at your notebook, keep this for your own records.

I have answered all I could :smile:

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 2

Lochender

5

I am in 6th year and did Biology Chemistry Maths Graphics and Tech Studies at higher it doesnt really matter what you take (as long as you have Bio and Chem and physics is probably advisable as i am picking that up at nat 5 this year) but you must be confident you can get an A in every subject
I just got my interview for edinburgh today so will let you know what like their questions are but I only applied to edinburgh and glasgow ucas doesn't disclose your other choices so it doesn't really affect you that way. i also have a friend at my local practice who just applied to those two and she has just qualified.
speak to your local vets about a regular placement and also try to see about dairy farm, lambing, abattoir (i know but trust me) and equine(riding school)
i have done
vets (4 weeks plus every friday afternoon for about 3 months now in my free periods at school)
equine (various days but its my cousins riding school so i kind of come and go when i can)
lambing (2 weeks)
dairy farm (1 week - they also asked me back to do a week when they are calving so this is also a gateway to other things - this one also really increased my confidence in working with cattle)
abattoir (2 days as this allowed me to see all species going through)
with regard to extra curriculars sport is a great one for vet med as you can say how it teaches you to be calm in tricky situations and to always be positive, the rest are probably the same as any application
with regard to unis at the end of the day the both give you that qualification - most peoples preference is edinburgh but if you live in glasgow you might think otherwise as you could maybe live at home but both are really good. i was at bout open days this year and couldn't go round the vet schools as they were both getting renovated so both state-of-the-art facilities
and absolutely never to early to start (as long as it doesn't affect your academic stuff) and a life long goal looks good in an application.

above all good luck and getting started now is certainly the way to go
hope this helped and if you have any more questions please do not hesitate to ask

Reply 3

Kilbae

OP

Thank you so much, both of you! (:

Silverstar: What's vet school like, if you can answer that one? From what I've heard/researched, it sounds really tough but really good - would you agree with that? Thanks so much for your time for the other response, your work experience looks amazing c:

Lochender: Thank you so much for all the advice, wow! Best of luck with Edinburgh, I want to leave home if I'm honest ehe, any tips for getting through the abbatoir placements without curling up and dying? They sound awful (if Peta is to be trusted, which is doubtful.) Thanks for your time C:

Reply 4

Rachelmcl13

4

Hi kilbae, im 15 too and really want to be a vet too, what nat 5s are you doing? Im doing chem, bio, English, maths, modern studies business and music! Im thinking of taking chem, bio, English, maths and maybe physics! Are you from near Glasgow? Ive not got a lot of work experience so far, a few months every Saturday in cats protection and a couple of days at the vets but its so hard to find places that'll accept 15 year olds cause of insurance :frown:

EDIT: sorrt just realised you said in your post that you're from glasgow! You should check if your school is included in the reach programme at Glasgow uni, mine is so ive signed up for it!

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(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 5

SteveJB

Original post by Kilbae

Hey there! (:

I'm 15, I'm currently studying my National 5's, and I really want to be accepted into VetMed one day (2017/18 I think it would be. I'm in fourth year) and appreciate all the help I can get. I have LOADS of questions and I'm not sure where else I can get them answered... :confused:

•

Is Biology, Chemistry & Physics at higher along with Maths and English possible? I LOVE science and the Social Subjects/Modern Languages are my weakest subjects by FAR.

•

To anyone that's been accepted into VetMed at uni, what work experience did you do and how much of it? I'm a bit lost at what to do, when to start, how to find it, etc, although I've started sending off letters and such already.

•

What extra-curricular things should I be doing? I really, really want in and always have - it really matters to me that I can do something really important that I have a passion for with my life. I think that saving the life/ending the suffering of someone's best friend and companion is one of the most incredible roles, and I know the vet schools look for well-rounded and balanced people - what things should I be doing to achieve this?

•

Glasgow or Edinburgh University? Should I consider applying to English University's too when the time comes? At present we can't afford the fees - around nine grand a year, are they not? Will this have a massive impact on my acceptance chances or would it be not too catastrophic?

•

Do you guys as students/prospective students/whatever and whoever you are prefer Edinburgh or Glasgow? Next year I'll be going to open days and the like, but just to get a rough idea, what are people on here generally liking the look of? Are the interview systems vastly different? Are the teaching styles/methods any different? What are each like as far as being a student in the city? I live in Glasgow, but obviously not as a student so I really have no way of telling which is the better city to study at.

•

What can I expect to be asked at interview? I know it's years away but I'm very keen to hear of what I can (hopefully) expect to be asked one day. I find the whole process interesting in itself anyway - any stories are very welcome :tongue:

•

Last, but not least, is it too early to start working now? The work experience I have done has been typed up on a file and also written in a notebook as a back-up, but does it still count if you're 15 when you do it, or is there an age baseline? Should I bring this file to the interview (if I get one)? I found the Edinburgh websites a bit confusing to navigate, and Glasgow's especially told me very little from what I could understand of the links.

Thank you all so much for your time just reading this, sorry it's a bit long-winded. I really want VetMed in the future, and I always have :biggrin:

Hi, like the above I am also in 6th year studying AH chem and bio and Higher Physics and also received an invitation for interview at Edinburgh today.

Last year I done chemistry, human biology, mathematics, English and history so really as long as you include chem, bio and either maths or physics then it doesn't matter what else you do - so long as, like has been said, you enjoy them and are convinced you can get an A in them.

Obviously I haven't been accepted yet but from what I have read, and from speaking to friends in the course already with regards work experience it's as much about duration and what you take from as well as variety. Yes, they want you have as much as possible in a wide range of areas of the field but it is definitely beneficial if you have one or two placements that have lasted for some time (perhaps upwards of 6 months?) For example I have been volunteering for just over 3 years at an exotic animals pet store nearly every weekend and have been in a small animal practise on a weekly basis for nearly a year. Along with this I have also spent time on a farm helping with the dairy herd and a research project involving sheep, spent a day at Ayr Race Course with two equine vets, spent two days with a small animal vet that specialises in exotics, have arranged to attend a couple of veterinary related talks and with some luck should be doing lambing this spring.
So really what I would say is just try and get placements early and get a variety and if there is an are you would like to specialise (for me exotics) try and get a longer placement there. Also (as hard as it can be) try and make contacts in the field where possible, either current students or qualified vets - this can be very useful.

When it comes to extra-curricular activities do what you enjoy! There is no point in doing something you hate just because it might look good on your application. I am depute head boy in my school so I mentioned that in my PS, alongside being a long term member and now young leader with the scouting association, and helping with a charity that creates talking magazines for blind people. Then if you play/do any sports then that shows you have balanced your time well and have an activity you can do to relax, for me that was skiing.

Of course I can't fully answer your 4th question cause I am still in the process myself but I have applied to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Nottingham. I applied to an English University because that way if I was excepted there and not Glasgow or Edinburgh I would consider it cause you can take out a loan to pay the fees, just means once you qualify and start earning over a certain amount it gets taken from your wage. It really just gives you the option there, if they did except you.

With regards to Glasgow or Edinburgh just do your research, see what one suits what you want best and speak to people (students and lecturers) at both and gauge for yourself. But obviously apply to both and see what offers you get.

Like I said, I have just been invited to interview as have a few others on the Vet Med Hopefuls 2014/15 Forum (I think that's it) so stay tuned and it may be a point of discussion within the next few months.

Well yes, it has been said about some places only including work experience from the last 18 months or whatever they decide but I would say the earlier you get started the better!! Hopefully any placements you get can continue on into the time they would count it, but even if they don't count some experience it is still valuable for you; a) As it can confirm whether veterinary medicine is for you and b) you can still learn from it and talk about it in an interview.

Hope this helps, any other questions just ask - although it isn't guaranteed that I can answer them but may know people who could.
Also, I see you said you are from Glasgow, does your area/school qualify to participate in the Reach programme? If so this is very valuable!

Reply 6

Kilbae

OP

Rachel: Aw, sweet! I'm taking: physics bio chem geo French English pe drama math. I don't think they do - if they do, I've not been told anything about it :/

Steve: Best of luck with your interview :smile:

thanks so much for the reply, I don't think my school do but I can definitely find out :P sorry for ignorance, but what exactly is the reach programme? I haven't heard of it haha.

Thank you both so much for your time (:

Reply 7

Rachelmcl13

4

I know you've asked steve what it is but I'll explain a bit anyway haha!
If you go on glasgow uni website and find widening participation and click reach it tells you more about it and the list of school involved!
Its basically a programme for those looking to do dentistry, vet med, medicine or law and it takes you right through to s6. In 4th year I think you get a visit to the uni and find out more about the course you want to do and they tell you about which subjects to take etc. Then in fifth year they do more things with you and then in sixth year they do like personal statement workshops and stuff like that!
Sorry if its a bit long and some of this may be a bit different to what actually happens, im just getting this roughly from the website and we've only just been told about it so your school may tell you about it soon if its involved! :smile:

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Reply 8

falling

2

Would you consider applying to Irish uni's (University College Dublin etc)- they focus purely on academics/a points system and don't require experience/do interviews

Reply 9

SteveJB

Original post by Kilbae

Rachel: Aw, sweet! I'm taking: physics bio chem geo French English pe drama math. I don't think they do - if they do, I've not been told anything about it :/

Steve: Best of luck with your interview :smile:

thanks so much for the reply, I don't think my school do but I can definitely find out :P sorry for ignorance, but what exactly is the reach programme? I haven't heard of it haha.

Thank you both so much for your time (:

Cheers. I also just found out there I have an interview for Glasgow so today has been excellent!
Eh... It requires you to complete a written task in 5th year on a topic relating to veterinary medicine and gives you the opportunity to go the Glasgow vet school for a week at the end of 5th year and take part in various activities, like some basic skills (suturing, bandaging, gloving and gowning) and communication skills. I think it can also help if you didn't get the grades in 5th year...but not entirely sure on that. I think only certain schools 'qualify' for it so you would need to check.

Reply 10

Kilbae

OP

My school aren't part of it, just checked the website haha. Looks fun though c: it all seems so daunting! To all of you with interviews, congrats and good luck c: thanks for your time (:

Falling; I haven't actually checked that out - I'll have a nosy. Thanks!(:

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Reply 11

SilverstarDJ

18

Original post by Kilbae

Silverstar: What's vet school like, if you can answer that one? From what I've heard/researched, it sounds really tough but really good - would you agree with that? Thanks so much for your time for the other response, your work experience looks amazing c:

It's enjoyable overall. I had quite bit of free time in 1st year (almost every weekend off) but this has gradually decreased as the years have gone by and my workload as increased (almost no free time now in 4th year). Some parts of uni and the course I love - it's great to be studying something you love after all and uni has given me so many opportunities and I have a great bunch of friends now. But there are other parts I like less so (some lectures are boring, not enough free time, not being able to have lots of time off in the summer like other students) etc. The course content isn't difficult at all, much less taxing than some of my A level subject, but there is A LOT in terms of shear volume to memorise which is what can make the course challenging! Not sure what else to say...! Let me know if you have specific questions.

Reply 12

Kilbae

OP

Oh my I have so much I want to know! Hahaha, what part of the course do you find most challenging? What are lectures like? How different is uni compared to high school? What are your start/finish times as far as your lectures and practicals go? And how do you make sure you hit the minimum grades? Exams terrify me quite honestly aha, not so much the test, more the invigilators! *hides* sorry for so many questions, you don't have to answer them all (:

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Reply 13

Tash.Friesinger

10

Wow I am findin this thread great! One question about the abbatoir work experience. How did you cope with it. How without like dying 😦

Reply 14

Kilbae

OP

Tash: yeah, that's what I want to know, too. My instinct is to stop their pain and bleeding - not 100% sure how I'm gonna get through it without curling up and crying for a week tbh :erm:

Reply 15

Lochender

5

i was a bit unsure about the abattoir but it wasn't all that bad
pigs tend to scream a lot so that was a bit off putting but otherwise it was alright
its a really good one to do and you don't have to do it for all that long just try and make sure you get to see the main ones (cattle,sheep and pigs)
yes there is a lot of blood but i'm sure that the people working there will be quite understanding if you say that you are feeling a bit ill and will likely take you somewhere to sit down.
and from what i found the people there don't really enjoy their job so everyone does appreciate that its not very pleasant

Reply 16

Tash.Friesinger

10

Original post by Lochender

i was a bit unsure about the abattoir but it wasn't all that bad
pigs tend to scream a lot so that was a bit off putting but otherwise it was alright
its a really good one to do and you don't have to do it for all that long just try and make sure you get to see the main ones (cattle,sheep and pigs)
yes there is a lot of blood but i'm sure that the people working there will be quite understanding if you say that you are feeling a bit ill and will likely take you somewhere to sit down.
and from what i found the people there don't really enjoy their job so everyone does appreciate that its not very pleasant

I'm still very nervous haha 😕

I'm in year 10 now so do I start work experience this summer holidays?

Reply 17

Kilbae

OP

Awesome, thanks. It sounds... Difficult but my mum's friend inspects them so I'm getting mine through her... Nervous xD

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Reply 18

Kilbae

OP

So as a rough guideline, is a long term placement necessary? And what sorts of work experience and how long is the best way to do things? Edinburgh are a bit vague, and Glasgow say next to nothing, a bit confused by what they're looking for.

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Reply 19

SteveJB

Original post by Kilbae

So as a rough guideline, is a long term placement necessary? And what sorts of work experience and how long is the best way to do things? Edinburgh are a bit vague, and Glasgow say next to nothing, a bit confused by what they're looking for.

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Hi again. I cannot guarantee exactly what they want because a) I am not a student yet and b) It depends how you articulate what you saw and how it has helped you/shows you are suitable/confirmed your passion.
I advised earlier at least one longer placement as it shows commitment or interest in a particular area, however I don't think it is a requirement - will just help. The bare minimum requirements I believe they will expect is small animal, equine, farm and another one of your choice, of course animal related.
Also, when you say the universities are vague, I assume you mean the websites? If so, try emailing or phoning admissions and see what they say or getting in contact with current students on this via PM or if you have another way.

..::HELP PLEASE::.. Increasing chances of getting into veterinary medicine?

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