The Student Room Group

Urgent Help for Vet Medicine- Can I actually be a vet or is it never going to happen?

Hey,

I'm a year 13 student who applied for Uclan Vet medicine and recently got rejected, with my other university applications being for vet nursing. I'm taking A level biology, psychology and Religious studies. I was thinking about taking an accelerated A level Chemistry course in a gap year- but most vet universities ask for a grade 6 or 7 in chemistry, and some with a higher grade for maths. (I got a 5 in both GCSE maths and chemistry due to personal circumstances at the time, which meant I couldn't take chem A level at my school). So that would mean that there's no point in me taking A level Chemistry without retaking those GCSEs. Can I do vet medicine without retaking those GCSEs? Do certain vet medicine Universities not accept retakes?

Is anything about this plausable? I need someone to tell me if this is irrational and that unfortunately I can't be a vet. I could always take these additional steps and apply in 2 years- but then I may still be rejected. I can take a gap year and reapply for Uclan vet medicine next year as I can get into that one- but once again this is all based on chance.

I could do a university course and then apply for the graduate vet medicine programmes but that is a huge financial burden.

I need some advice!! Someone please help. This has always been my dream but I don't want to grasp at straws that aren't really there. Thank you so much! :smile:

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Have you tried contacting the UCLan vet school team directly for feedback? They’re usually quite helpful. Or going to an open day?

You could also be a good candidate for their Foundation course - have you applied to that - it closes at the end of January.

Other foundation or gateway courses might still be accepting applications too

Reply 2

Original post
by VetMedGuru
Have you tried contacting the UCLan vet school team directly for feedback? They’re usually quite helpful. Or going to an open day?
You could also be a good candidate for their Foundation course - have you applied to that - it closes at the end of January.
Other foundation or gateway courses might still be accepting applications too

Hey,
Thank you for a response. I've emailed Uclan asking for feedback on my personal statement, I'm just waiting for a response. However, I don't think I can apply for the foundation year as I applied through UCAS and have recieved offers from my other choices- unless its somehow possible?
Thank you!! :smile:

Reply 3

I wouldn't do a degree with the intention of then studying veterinary because, as you said, that's a massive financial burden.

Not all universities want grade 7 at GCSE. Bristol require grade 4/C Maths and English, though they do require A-level Chemistry.

If it doesn't happen now, that doesn't mean it never will! An Access to HE course could, depending on the university, be an option in the future.

Reply 4

Original post
by wombats
I wouldn't do a degree with the intention of then studying veterinary because, as you said, that's a massive financial burden.
Not all universities want grade 7 at GCSE. Bristol require grade 4/C Maths and English, though they do require A-level Chemistry.
If it doesn't happen now, that doesn't mean it never will! An Access to HE course could, depending on the university, be an option in the future.

Hey! Thanks for the reply.

I was thinking about an access to HE course- but won't the university still consider my Gcse grades? Its nice to know that Bristol will consider (with access to HE) and Central Lancashire. But I went through the universities earlier today- and grade 5 chem doesn't look like it will cut it for the others.

Thanks for the advice 🙂 I'll have a look at access to HE courses that I might be able to take- as well as the universities "opinion" on them.

Reply 5

SRUC does not require A level chemistry but does require a science (you’ve got biology!) maybe apply there for next year if you aren’t up for doing the chemistry?!

Reply 6

Original post
by AMMillar
SRUC does not require A level chemistry but does require a science (you’ve got biology!) maybe apply there for next year if you aren’t up for doing the chemistry?!

Thanks so much!!! It requires a grade 6 in maths so I'll still need to retake that. But that is perfect and I appreciate your respose- I never really looked in Scotland 🙂

Reply 7

Original post
by MikaylaLC
Hey,
I'm a year 13 student who applied for Uclan Vet medicine and recently got rejected, with my other university applications being for vet nursing. I'm taking A level biology, psychology and Religious studies. I was thinking about taking an accelerated A level Chemistry course in a gap year- but most vet universities ask for a grade 6 or 7 in chemistry, and some with a higher grade for maths. (I got a 5 in both GCSE maths and chemistry due to personal circumstances at the time, which meant I couldn't take chem A level at my school). So that would mean that there's no point in me taking A level Chemistry without retaking those GCSEs. Can I do vet medicine without retaking those GCSEs? Do certain vet medicine Universities not accept retakes?
Is anything about this plausable? I need someone to tell me if this is irrational and that unfortunately I can't be a vet. I could always take these additional steps and apply in 2 years- but then I may still be rejected. I can take a gap year and reapply for Uclan vet medicine next year as I can get into that one- but once again this is all based on chance.
I could do a university course and then apply for the graduate vet medicine programmes but that is a huge financial burden.
I need some advice!! Someone please help. This has always been my dream but I don't want to grasp at straws that aren't really there. Thank you so much! :smile:

Hey, So... my advice would be whatever you do don't do an undergraduate course and then apply to vet med because it is like you rightly recognised a huge financial burden. I will share my experience but of course this may not be applicable to your financial situation. I know first hand how difficult the financial burden being a second degree student is because this is what I'm currently doing! I do receive a means tested yearly maintenance loan of £10,447 from Student Finance England (SFE) but due to being a second degree student I am not eligible for tuition fee funding. The £10,447 is spent on tuition fees (£9,250 per year - which I know has increased for future applicants) and then have to pay rent due to my university not being in my hometown which equates to roughly £3,500. This leaves me a shortfall of just over £2000 which I have to make up from part time work alongside a 40 hour uni timetable (mon-fri 9-5), not factoring in study/ revision time. Then factor in all the EMS requirements and you soon realise how difficult working alongside the vet med degree is. I left school aged 16 with a C in lower math and lower science and was told a career in veterinary medicine would be unrealistic and unachievable for me. I pursued modern languages instead (which I did enjoy) achieving a first class honours and aged 26 post-graduation whilst working with horses and greyhounds in Spain I decided to return to the UK to pursue vet med. I completed an Access to HE in Biochemical Science and gained all 45 credits at distinction whilst working part time as a veterinary receptionist. I undertook lots of work experience in a variety of animal settings which combined with my life skills and work experience in customer service sectors helped to strengthen my application. I received offers from Bristol and UCLan, also attended an interview for RVC but was rejected, and a rejection from Nottingham. I am currently in 2nd year at UCLan. Believe me, if I can do it - anyone can! Don't give up on your dreams and don't let people tell you it can't be achieved. It took me 10 years to build up the courage to give it a go. There are several universities that accept the Access to HE course and it is government funded. My advice would be to get as much hands on experience as you can working with animals and also experience working within customer-facing roles to showcase your interpersonal skills as working with people is a vital part of the profession. I haven't posted on here in a long time but saw your post and couldn't help but reach out. I used the student room back when I was unsure how to proceed into veterinary medicine and was thankful to receive fantastic advice and support that helped me. Happy for you to send me a dm and it's good that you have reached out to the UCLan team for feedback on your application. Good luck!

Reply 8

Original post
by Sasha087
Hey, So... my advice would be whatever you do don't do an undergraduate course and then apply to vet med because it is like you rightly recognised a huge financial burden. I will share my experience but of course this may not be applicable to your financial situation. I know first hand how difficult the financial burden being a second degree student is because this is what I'm currently doing! I do receive a means tested yearly maintenance loan of £10,447 from Student Finance England (SFE) but due to being a second degree student I am not eligible for tuition fee funding. The £10,447 is spent on tuition fees (£9,250 per year - which I know has increased for future applicants) and then have to pay rent due to my university not being in my hometown which equates to roughly £3,500. This leaves me a shortfall of just over £2000 which I have to make up from part time work alongside a 40 hour uni timetable (mon-fri 9-5), not factoring in study/ revision time. Then factor in all the EMS requirements and you soon realise how difficult working alongside the vet med degree is. I left school aged 16 with a C in lower math and lower science and was told a career in veterinary medicine would be unrealistic and unachievable for me. I pursued modern languages instead (which I did enjoy) achieving a first class honours and aged 26 post-graduation whilst working with horses and greyhounds in Spain I decided to return to the UK to pursue vet med. I completed an Access to HE in Biochemical Science and gained all 45 credits at distinction whilst working part time as a veterinary receptionist. I undertook lots of work experience in a variety of animal settings which combined with my life skills and work experience in customer service sectors helped to strengthen my application. I received offers from Bristol and UCLan, also attended an interview for RVC but was rejected, and a rejection from Nottingham. I am currently in 2nd year at UCLan. Believe me, if I can do it - anyone can! Don't give up on your dreams and don't let people tell you it can't be achieved. It took me 10 years to build up the courage to give it a go. There are several universities that accept the Access to HE course and it is government funded. My advice would be to get as much hands on experience as you can working with animals and also experience working within customer-facing roles to showcase your interpersonal skills as working with people is a vital part of the profession. I haven't posted on here in a long time but saw your post and couldn't help but reach out. I used the student room back when I was unsure how to proceed into veterinary medicine and was thankful to receive fantastic advice and support that helped me. Happy for you to send me a dm and it's good that you have reached out to the UCLan team for feedback on your application. Good luck!

Hey, thanks so much.

This has helped me tons and I've pretty much boasted to everyone I know about your advice. It's really nice to see and gain an insight from someone who has gone through the process- and it is incredibly reasurring.
These past couple I've weeks I've felt like I've had to find a new career choice despite being in love with vet medicine for as long as I can remember. So I'm happy to know that there are other options- and different pathways I'm able to take to get where I want to be.

I did email UCLan but they were unable to provide feedback due to the high volume of applications, but I'm glad I tried anyway :smile:

I can't thank you enough for this reply or truly explain how much this has really helped- I really appreciate it.

Thanks so much!! :smile:

Reply 9

Original post
by MikaylaLC
Hey,
I'm a year 13 student who applied for Uclan Vet medicine and recently got rejected, with my other university applications being for vet nursing. I'm taking A level biology, psychology and Religious studies. I was thinking about taking an accelerated A level Chemistry course in a gap year- but most vet universities ask for a grade 6 or 7 in chemistry, and some with a higher grade for maths. (I got a 5 in both GCSE maths and chemistry due to personal circumstances at the time, which meant I couldn't take chem A level at my school). So that would mean that there's no point in me taking A level Chemistry without retaking those GCSEs. Can I do vet medicine without retaking those GCSEs? Do certain vet medicine Universities not accept retakes?
Is anything about this plausable? I need someone to tell me if this is irrational and that unfortunately I can't be a vet. I could always take these additional steps and apply in 2 years- but then I may still be rejected. I can take a gap year and reapply for Uclan vet medicine next year as I can get into that one- but once again this is all based on chance.
I could do a university course and then apply for the graduate vet medicine programmes but that is a huge financial burden.
I need some advice!! Someone please help. This has always been my dream but I don't want to grasp at straws that aren't really there. Thank you so much! :smile:

Hi there,
I’m a mature student as well, and I recently made a post about my experience Here. I also didn’t strictly meet the requirements.

Since admissions are currently swamped with applications, I recommend waiting until July. Then, email all 11 universities, listing your achieved grades and predicted A-level grades. Ask them:
a) If they will consider your application
b) If not, how you can strengthen it

Some universities, also have foundation years for vet med.
If you need to take a gap year, that’s not a bad thing. It gives you time to gain work experience, which is great for interviews, MMIs, and SJTs! Plus, you can save some money during that time.

Good luck!🍀

Reply 10

Original post
by MikaylaLC
Hey,
I'm a year 13 student who applied for Uclan Vet medicine and recently got rejected, with my other university applications being for vet nursing. I'm taking A level biology, psychology and Religious studies. I was thinking about taking an accelerated A level Chemistry course in a gap year- but most vet universities ask for a grade 6 or 7 in chemistry, and some with a higher grade for maths. (I got a 5 in both GCSE maths and chemistry due to personal circumstances at the time, which meant I couldn't take chem A level at my school). So that would mean that there's no point in me taking A level Chemistry without retaking those GCSEs. Can I do vet medicine without retaking those GCSEs? Do certain vet medicine Universities not accept retakes?
Is anything about this plausable? I need someone to tell me if this is irrational and that unfortunately I can't be a vet. I could always take these additional steps and apply in 2 years- but then I may still be rejected. I can take a gap year and reapply for Uclan vet medicine next year as I can get into that one- but once again this is all based on chance.
I could do a university course and then apply for the graduate vet medicine programmes but that is a huge financial burden.
I need some advice!! Someone please help. This has always been my dream but I don't want to grasp at straws that aren't really there. Thank you so much! :smile:

hey girl.

yes it is !!! i was in a similar situation to you and also had to resit gcse’s for vet school. i had to redo maths and combined science whilst in year 12.

Since you’re in year 13 now i would suggest taking a gap year maybe to resit gcse’s and then do all the work experience for your application during this year 13 summer so you don’t have to worry about it in october when you apply.

And yes most vet schools accept resits, i think the only ones that don’t are the scottish vet schools but i wouldn’t reccomend applying to them anyway.

i took a gap year before starting uni and i promise that you won’t feel behind or older than everyone else, and it’ll be so worth it to get onto your dream course ! ❤️❤️

Reply 11

Original post
by Sasha087
Hey, So... my advice would be whatever you do don't do an undergraduate course and then apply to vet med because it is like you rightly recognised a huge financial burden. I will share my experience but of course this may not be applicable to your financial situation. I know first hand how difficult the financial burden being a second degree student is because this is what I'm currently doing! I do receive a means tested yearly maintenance loan of £10,447 from Student Finance England (SFE) but due to being a second degree student I am not eligible for tuition fee funding. The £10,447 is spent on tuition fees (£9,250 per year - which I know has increased for future applicants) and then have to pay rent due to my university not being in my hometown which equates to roughly £3,500. This leaves me a shortfall of just over £2000 which I have to make up from part time work alongside a 40 hour uni timetable (mon-fri 9-5), not factoring in study/ revision time. Then factor in all the EMS requirements and you soon realise how difficult working alongside the vet med degree is. I left school aged 16 with a C in lower math and lower science and was told a career in veterinary medicine would be unrealistic and unachievable for me. I pursued modern languages instead (which I did enjoy) achieving a first class honours and aged 26 post-graduation whilst working with horses and greyhounds in Spain I decided to return to the UK to pursue vet med. I completed an Access to HE in Biochemical Science and gained all 45 credits at distinction whilst working part time as a veterinary receptionist. I undertook lots of work experience in a variety of animal settings which combined with my life skills and work experience in customer service sectors helped to strengthen my application. I received offers from Bristol and UCLan, also attended an interview for RVC but was rejected, and a rejection from Nottingham. I am currently in 2nd year at UCLan. Believe me, if I can do it - anyone can! Don't give up on your dreams and don't let people tell you it can't be achieved. It took me 10 years to build up the courage to give it a go. There are several universities that accept the Access to HE course and it is government funded. My advice would be to get as much hands on experience as you can working with animals and also experience working within customer-facing roles to showcase your interpersonal skills as working with people is a vital part of the profession. I haven't posted on here in a long time but saw your post and couldn't help but reach out. I used the student room back when I was unsure how to proceed into veterinary medicine and was thankful to receive fantastic advice and support that helped me. Happy for you to send me a dm and it's good that you have reached out to the UCLan team for feedback on your application. Good luck!

this is really inspiring to read, you’re incredible and you’ll make such a brilliant vet ! ❤️

Reply 12

Original post
by aliaa03
hey girl.
yes it is !!! i was in a similar situation to you and also had to resit gcse’s for vet school. i had to redo maths and combined science whilst in year 12.
Since you’re in year 13 now i would suggest taking a gap year maybe to resit gcse’s and then do all the work experience for your application during this year 13 summer so you don’t have to worry about it in october when you apply.
And yes most vet schools accept resits, i think the only ones that don’t are the scottish vet schools but i wouldn’t reccomend applying to them anyway.
i took a gap year before starting uni and i promise that you won’t feel behind or older than everyone else, and it’ll be so worth it to get onto your dream course ! ❤️❤️

Hey, thanks so much for your reply :smile:

I did ask my careers advisor about resits at the beginning of year 12 and she said no ☹️

The only thing I'm concerned about with resits in a gap year is that I don't think I'm not able to apply until 2026 and then start in 2027? I was hoping I could apply again this year in October- but while doing resits I don’t necessarily have an achieved GCSE grade in chemistry and maths to apply with. I don't think it works with predicted grades?

Its nice to see someone in a similar situation as me 🙂 Thank you!!

Reply 13

Original post
by aliaa03
this is really inspiring to read, you’re incredible and you’ll make such a brilliant vet ! ❤️

Thank you so much, It has taken SO much hard work and determination.. and I'm not even half-way! haha. Great to hear your story too! ❤️

Reply 14

Original post
by MikaylaLC
Hey, thanks so much for your reply :smile:
I did ask my careers advisor about resits at the beginning of year 12 and she said no ☹️
The only thing I'm concerned about with resits in a gap year is that I don't think I'm not able to apply until 2026 and then start in 2027? I was hoping I could apply again this year in October- but while doing resits I don’t necessarily have an achieved GCSE grade in chemistry and maths to apply with. I don't think it works with predicted grades?
Its nice to see someone in a similar situation as me 🙂 Thank you!!

if you’re doing your exams this summer then you can apply with a pending predicted grade for gcse’s ! it just depends on whether you can manage doing A levels and gcse’s at the same time

Reply 15

Original post
by Sasha087
Hey, So... my advice would be whatever you do don't do an undergraduate course and then apply to vet med because it is like you rightly recognised a huge financial burden. I will share my experience but of course this may not be applicable to your financial situation. I know first hand how difficult the financial burden being a second degree student is because this is what I'm currently doing! I do receive a means tested yearly maintenance loan of £10,447 from Student Finance England (SFE) but due to being a second degree student I am not eligible for tuition fee funding. The £10,447 is spent on tuition fees (£9,250 per year - which I know has increased for future applicants) and then have to pay rent due to my university not being in my hometown which equates to roughly £3,500. This leaves me a shortfall of just over £2000 which I have to make up from part time work alongside a 40 hour uni timetable (mon-fri 9-5), not factoring in study/ revision time. Then factor in all the EMS requirements and you soon realise how difficult working alongside the vet med degree is. I left school aged 16 with a C in lower math and lower science and was told a career in veterinary medicine would be unrealistic and unachievable for me. I pursued modern languages instead (which I did enjoy) achieving a first class honours and aged 26 post-graduation whilst working with horses and greyhounds in Spain I decided to return to the UK to pursue vet med. I completed an Access to HE in Biochemical Science and gained all 45 credits at distinction whilst working part time as a veterinary receptionist. I undertook lots of work experience in a variety of animal settings which combined with my life skills and work experience in customer service sectors helped to strengthen my application. I received offers from Bristol and UCLan, also attended an interview for RVC but was rejected, and a rejection from Nottingham. I am currently in 2nd year at UCLan. Believe me, if I can do it - anyone can! Don't give up on your dreams and don't let people tell you it can't be achieved. It took me 10 years to build up the courage to give it a go. There are several universities that accept the Access to HE course and it is government funded. My advice would be to get as much hands on experience as you can working with animals and also experience working within customer-facing roles to showcase your interpersonal skills as working with people is a vital part of the profession. I haven't posted on here in a long time but saw your post and couldn't help but reach out. I used the student room back when I was unsure how to proceed into veterinary medicine and was thankful to receive fantastic advice and support that helped me. Happy for you to send me a dm and it's good that you have reached out to the UCLan team for feedback on your application. Good luck!

Hey, what access course did you take? x

Reply 16

Original post
by dvgc
Hey, what access course did you take? x

Access to He Biochemical Science at Newcastle College x

Reply 17

If you are considering doing an Access to HE diploma at some juncture, what will REALLY strengthen your application is actually working in a veterinary practice whilst you complete the course. You will also learn a whole host of clinical and non-clinical things from working there. Make the next year or two really work for you and it will pay off bigly later because you'll be an even more effective clinician.

Reply 18

Original post
by aliaa03
hey girl.
yes it is !!! i was in a similar situation to you and also had to resit gcse’s for vet school. i had to redo maths and combined science whilst in year 12.
Since you’re in year 13 now i would suggest taking a gap year maybe to resit gcse’s and then do all the work experience for your application during this year 13 summer so you don’t have to worry about it in october when you apply.
And yes most vet schools accept resits, i think the only ones that don’t are the scottish vet schools but i wouldn’t reccomend applying to them anyway.
i took a gap year before starting uni and i promise that you won’t feel behind or older than everyone else, and it’ll be so worth it to get onto your dream course ! ❤️❤️

Hey!!

I know this was a couple of months back but I was hoping if you could offer some advice again?

I finished year 13 with an A* in Religious Studies, an A in Psychology and a B in biology.
I have an offer for veterinary nursing currently at RVC for late September (which I haven't withdrawn yet because I'm really stuck!)

I'm planning on taking a gap year. With those A levels and my GCSE grades currently at a 5 in maths and a 5 in chemistry I can apply to Uclan's 5 year veterinary medicine course, and their foundation year?

I've considered resitting both Chemistry and maths GCSE in order to apply to Nottinghams Preliminary year. But I can't apply anywhere else. So I'd be solely resitting for Nottingham and to give me an extra University place.

I'm just worried that I'm going to take a gap year AND still not get a place somehow. I've considered taking an access to HE course alongside resitting GCSEs so that I can apply to Bristol for my 4th choice. But I think that's alot to do for an extra uni place.

I've also considered doing A level Chemistry as well as GCSE chem and maths- but I kind of think GCSE and A level chem will clash massively. And it might be difficult to cover all three in a year. Also- I haven't really looked at if vet schools would take me if I only have a B in A level biology & with the resits.

I know that this is alot- but if you can offer any advice at all it would be super helpful. I'm not sure what the best course to take is. I really want to do veterinary medicine- I know I will enjoy vet nursing- but medicine is my passion. And I don't think I want to give up on it just yet.

Thank you so much!! :smile:

Reply 19

Original post
by MikaylaLC
Hey!!
I know this was a couple of months back but I was hoping if you could offer some advice again?
I finished year 13 with an A* in Religious Studies, an A in Psychology and a B in biology.
I have an offer for veterinary nursing currently at RVC for late September (which I haven't withdrawn yet because I'm really stuck!)
I'm planning on taking a gap year. With those A levels and my GCSE grades currently at a 5 in maths and a 5 in chemistry I can apply to Uclan's 5 year veterinary medicine course, and their foundation year?
I've considered resitting both Chemistry and maths GCSE in order to apply to Nottinghams Preliminary year. But I can't apply anywhere else. So I'd be solely resitting for Nottingham and to give me an extra University place.
I'm just worried that I'm going to take a gap year AND still not get a place somehow. I've considered taking an access to HE course alongside resitting GCSEs so that I can apply to Bristol for my 4th choice. But I think that's alot to do for an extra uni place.
I've also considered doing A level Chemistry as well as GCSE chem and maths- but I kind of think GCSE and A level chem will clash massively. And it might be difficult to cover all three in a year. Also- I haven't really looked at if vet schools would take me if I only have a B in A level biology & with the resits.
I know that this is alot- but if you can offer any advice at all it would be super helpful. I'm not sure what the best course to take is. I really want to do veterinary medicine- I know I will enjoy vet nursing- but medicine is my passion. And I don't think I want to give up on it just yet.
Thank you so much!! :smile:

hey!!

I hope you're well 🙂

first of all congrats, those grades are so impressive !!

everyone will offer you different advice and you do need to trust your gut and go with what YOU think would be best, but personally I would strongly advise against taking the vet nursing offer. it's a pretty intensive degree and there's a high risk of burn out meaning by the time you finish that degree you might not even feel mentally ready to go on and do vet med, not to mention that it would be a second degree and you'd have to self-fund the tuition fees as well as accommodation fees which can be a bit tricky.

the uclan thing could work, but remember those courses that offer a foundation year are quite hard to get onto, you need to get 70% I believe overall in first year and even then you still have to do an interview and pass that to get onto the course. one of my friends rang them this year about it as she didn't meet her vet med offer and they said they only had a couple of spots available for those wanting to transfer onto the main course so it was a bit risky.

I've resat both GCSE maths as well as GCSE combined science whilst doing year 12, it wasn't easy and my sixth form were really irritated at me for doing it but I did it anyway and I went from a 5 in maths to an 8 and then a 7-6 in combined science to a couple marks off a 9-8. it was tricky balancing it but personally I found the GCSE content a lot easier once I had started my A levels. I do get what you mean about the cross over with GCSE chemistry and A level chemistry, it's a bit weird revising GCSE terminology and then getting to A level and then being told that concept is wrong and having to relearn it a diff way, e.g. electron configuration, so you'd have to really make sure you know how to compartmentalise between the subjects. That said, A level chemistry is really difficult and even though I had a year of intensive revision I still wasn't able to get an A during my resit and I was a few marks off. I did have extenuating circumstances and I also wasn't given the extra time I was meant to have but it's still worth considering the difficulty of it. It's also worth noting the grade boundaries for A level chemistry are very high, I think its like 80/100 in paper 1 and 2 or something to get an A.

I'm not trying to put you off by telling you that information, I just want to be super realistic because it might be a waste of time for you to spend so long revising for a subject from scratch just to not get the grade you need, but everyone is different and if you enjoyed biology you might enjoy A level chemistry, but with a 5 in GCSE chemistry it might be hard to achieve an A.

I haven't done an access to HE course so I can't advise on that but I know a couple of people on the main thread that did that so you could ask for their advice?

I think the GCSE's will be fine, maths doesn't need to be super high you just need to get that up to a grade 6, I think it's only RVC that had some weird requirement for a 7 but you'll need to check they haven't changed that. GCSE chemistry should be relatively straightforward too now you've done A level bio, and there's loads of resources online to help. the main thing with that is doing past paper qs and doing flashcards to learn the content and definitions.

to summarise, I wouldn't recommend taking the vet nursing offer but I'd research the diff vet schools and see their requirements. I know there's a couple that don't need A level chem or something but I'm not 100% sure. maybe make a spreadsheet? taking a gap year really isn't awful, it is risky but if you manage to get through then it would be great, you can always apply for vet bioscience or vet nursing again as your 5th UCAS choice so if you didn't get an A in chem you could go through the post-grad route? but that is quite expensive so it really depends on your situation, it is important to think about whether you'll be able to get through a degree without burning out, because if you don't want to do vet med at the end of it that's absolutely fine but make sure you'd still be happy working a career in nursing or bioscience just in case.

the foundation years could be good but just remember they're quite competitive and you would need to make sure you get 70% overall for first year.

I hope this was somewhat helpful, I'm sorry I can't give you a super definitive suggestion of what to do, I can only highlight the pros and cons of each of them because it is a tricky situation. let me know what your thoughts are tho and if you have any other qs !!! 💗

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