Personal statement - zoology

Yes she knows this. She doesn’t want to work in a zoo. She thinks she wants to work with animals in the field doing research/conservation etc.

I'd be happy to send my PS if that'd help. I based mine on studying Zoology - you should look into her doing the ZSL Academy programme during the Summer if you have some extra money as I found it really beneficial. Try to cram in as much experience you have as possible, I even went as far as to mention visiting Kew's Botanical Gardens as it related to one of the core practicals I did during A-Level Biology. Plus it relates to the fact that Zoology is about environments too, etc.

I'll be going to MMU for Zoology this year and know we look into frogs and fish as contact with live specimens during the course. Besides that, Zoology doesn't necessarily have to take you into working at just a zoo, my Uncle is an Aquarist on top of a Zoologist or she could go into something completely unrelated. For example, my Sister does Marketing but has a degree in History! I hope this helps

I'd be happy to send my PS if that'd help. I based mine on studying Zoology - you should look into her doing the ZSL Academy programme during the Summer if you have some extra money as I found it really beneficial. Try to cram in as much experience you have as possible, I even went as far as to mention visiting Kew's Botanical Gardens as it related to one of the core practicals I did during A-Level Biology. Plus it relates to the fact that Zoology is about environments too, etc.

I'll be going to MMU for Zoology this year and know we look into frogs and fish as contact with live specimens during the course. Besides that, Zoology doesn't necessarily have to take you into working at just a zoo, my Uncle is an Aquarist on top of a Zoologist or she could go into something completely unrelated. For example, my Sister does Marketing but has a degree in History! I hope this helps

That’s so helpful thank you. What do you think about the captive animal experience she’s had? Still shows love for animal world and certain skills? The ZSL thing sounds great as it seems impossible to actually get zoo experience before you’re 18.
I really think she will end up doing something animal related but not necessarily in a a zoo. A peek at your statement would be wonderful! Thanks!

Sorry to butt in, but would you be able to send me your PS too? I’d love to see how you incorporated zoology into it.
Im keen on studying zoology at uni as well, so it’s interesting to hear about the ZSL program! May I ask if you had a lot of experience working with animals before you applied to universities by doing work experience and volunteer work at animal/wildlife centres and whatnot? Or did any projects relating to zoology/bio?
Hope you don’t mind the questions!

You're not butting in at all, don't worry and I'm happy to answer any questions I'd be happy to send it if you can give me your e-mail.

The only experience I had was the ZSL Academy programme from last summer and vaguely helping my Uncle with his job caring for specimens, mainly invertebrates. Besides that, I'd done absolutely nothing. Also good to mention that I took an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which surrounded the basis of zoology too. However, this mainly focused on ethics, as my question was "To what extent is inbreeding and crossbreeding within captive, endangered populations effective?"

I don't think many people doing Zoology this year - at my school anyways - have had much experience, most have pets but that's about it. You just need to understand that Zoology is a branch of Biological Sciences and the majority of subtopics don't call for volunteering or in-depth experience, so you're likely to be accepted onto a course regardless of your participation, unless stated otherwise by your University.

Thank you so much! I’ll send you my email now.

Oh that’s good to know. I already have quite a few things planned in terms of volunteering and getting experience, but I guess there’s no harm in doing those things even if it’s not necessary , it’ll give me more to write about and include in my application and honestly I enjoy it. Last question (sorry!), did you do chemistry or maths along with bio for a levels/IB ? Bio is a requirement but most universities need two sciences (at least at IB) and recommend chemistry to be your second one. Have you found there’s a lot of chemistry involved in zoology?

Hello - advice wanted from anyone who's written or read good personal statements!
My daughter had been trying to decide whether to do Zoology or Vet Med and as a result in the last six months she spent time organising and doing relevant work experience lambing and in a vet small animal clinic. She has now decided that Zoology is more her bag but if she talks about this experience in her personal statement is it relevant as it is very different dealing with captive animals vs wild?
Would you mention "I had wanted to be a vet and organised xyz but I discovered that I was much more drawn to the biology of wildlife" or something similar.
Or is it better to mention the work experience and try to marry that with relevant topics in the Biological Sciences/Zoology degrees?
As anyone who has applied for Zoology will know, it is v hard to get any experience in a zoo as you mostly have to be 18+. Plus, she doesn't think she wants to work in a zoo. Gawd. Help!