Advice on my journey to vet med
Hi!
Im looking for some advice on my next steps, im loosing hope on the idea of vet med, not because im becoming unmotivated but because it feels there are so many obstacles in the way its impossible.
For some context, I really struggled throughout secondary school with anorexia and ended up hospitalised with attendence incredibly low. I left with 8-7,8,8,7,7,6,6,5 in GCSE and while impressive considering my situation I know these are not competitive grades.
I knew I wanted to be a vet at this point, however I was failing chemistry GCSE right up until my exams (got a 9 and an 8 in my real papers), because of this my chemistry teacher at the time told me I would fail A level chemistry and so I cant take it. Looking back now I can see that he was a bully to me and others struggling.
My school didn't allow me to change after results day and so I have took biology, geography and psychology A level. I am predicted A*AA and i achieved an A* in EPQ on zoological veterinary medicine. Throughout year 12 and 13 I have genuinely dedicated everything to my A levels. I have 10 months work experience, I took on a research project and was awarded a Gold award by the British Science Association, I read countless book and conducted endless hours of research.
When it came around to applying to university I was ultimately looking to apply to some form of gateway to vet med course, as i knew that would be my only chance of going to university next year. I applied to Warwick for Health and Medical sciences which I hold and offer for, RVC Bioveterinary sciences which I hold a contextual offer for (BCC). I was rejected from UClan pre-interview (after being told by the course coordinator I was their perfect applicant at open days), rejected from Harper Adams access course post interview and waitlisted by Nottingham Preliminary year. I have seen on here that people have received offers for the preliminary year and so I can imagine my application will end up as a rejection. I am absolutely heartbroken. Nottingham is honestly my dream university and the place that i genuinely see myself at.
So I decided to make a plan for next year. I would sit a level chemistry in 1 year at my current sixth form and one of the chemistry teachers (who is honestly my rock in school, and led MedSoc) would teach me extra lessons after school. Alongside this over this summer i would get 2 more weeks work experience in my missing sections, equine and abattoirs, and then work alongside chemistry which would allow me to save up to volunteer abroad at a rescue center over summer post-chemistry. Mean while I would reapply for vet med and chase my dream of studying at Nottingham.
Today I have been told that this chemistry teacher is leaving, and while he has promised to still help me outside school i cant help but feel totally lost. I know that if i stay at my current sixth form without this teacher I wont receive the right academic support - mostly because I will be taught by the 'bully' chemistry teacher who I already know disagrees with me taking the subject next year. I have thought about moving to the school that the chemistry teacher is also going to, however, this school is highly competitive with GCSE grades accepting people with only 8s and 9s. The positives of this would be that majority of students here leave with outstanding a level grades. However at the minute the cons outweigh the pros, the school in notorious for its high pressure environment with a history of students committing due to the stress, its also an hour commute away, and I think my GCSE grades will prevent me getting a place. Also I doubt my chemistry teacher will have any time to teach me at this new job due to the sheer amount of work, students and pressure.
I have considered other sixth forms however I don't know if they would accept me on the basis that I will only be doing 1 A level in one year. I have also thought about taking the RVC offer as it is looking appealing at times like this, however I know biovet is not what i want to do and so while there is the possibility of postgrad vet med, I know that its even harder to pursue than undergrad and further I am not in the financial place to self fund a second degree.
Its difficult seeing everyone around me go on and succeed when I have literally put my all into my studies. I feel at the minute I just keep getting bad news after bad news and its honestly been so bad for my mental health and confidence. I have started to find myself questioning if maybe I'm not good enough for this career path and its just not meant to be?
If anyone has suggestions on my next steps I would be so grateful.
Thank you
Im looking for some advice on my next steps, im loosing hope on the idea of vet med, not because im becoming unmotivated but because it feels there are so many obstacles in the way its impossible.
For some context, I really struggled throughout secondary school with anorexia and ended up hospitalised with attendence incredibly low. I left with 8-7,8,8,7,7,6,6,5 in GCSE and while impressive considering my situation I know these are not competitive grades.
I knew I wanted to be a vet at this point, however I was failing chemistry GCSE right up until my exams (got a 9 and an 8 in my real papers), because of this my chemistry teacher at the time told me I would fail A level chemistry and so I cant take it. Looking back now I can see that he was a bully to me and others struggling.
My school didn't allow me to change after results day and so I have took biology, geography and psychology A level. I am predicted A*AA and i achieved an A* in EPQ on zoological veterinary medicine. Throughout year 12 and 13 I have genuinely dedicated everything to my A levels. I have 10 months work experience, I took on a research project and was awarded a Gold award by the British Science Association, I read countless book and conducted endless hours of research.
When it came around to applying to university I was ultimately looking to apply to some form of gateway to vet med course, as i knew that would be my only chance of going to university next year. I applied to Warwick for Health and Medical sciences which I hold and offer for, RVC Bioveterinary sciences which I hold a contextual offer for (BCC). I was rejected from UClan pre-interview (after being told by the course coordinator I was their perfect applicant at open days), rejected from Harper Adams access course post interview and waitlisted by Nottingham Preliminary year. I have seen on here that people have received offers for the preliminary year and so I can imagine my application will end up as a rejection. I am absolutely heartbroken. Nottingham is honestly my dream university and the place that i genuinely see myself at.
So I decided to make a plan for next year. I would sit a level chemistry in 1 year at my current sixth form and one of the chemistry teachers (who is honestly my rock in school, and led MedSoc) would teach me extra lessons after school. Alongside this over this summer i would get 2 more weeks work experience in my missing sections, equine and abattoirs, and then work alongside chemistry which would allow me to save up to volunteer abroad at a rescue center over summer post-chemistry. Mean while I would reapply for vet med and chase my dream of studying at Nottingham.
Today I have been told that this chemistry teacher is leaving, and while he has promised to still help me outside school i cant help but feel totally lost. I know that if i stay at my current sixth form without this teacher I wont receive the right academic support - mostly because I will be taught by the 'bully' chemistry teacher who I already know disagrees with me taking the subject next year. I have thought about moving to the school that the chemistry teacher is also going to, however, this school is highly competitive with GCSE grades accepting people with only 8s and 9s. The positives of this would be that majority of students here leave with outstanding a level grades. However at the minute the cons outweigh the pros, the school in notorious for its high pressure environment with a history of students committing due to the stress, its also an hour commute away, and I think my GCSE grades will prevent me getting a place. Also I doubt my chemistry teacher will have any time to teach me at this new job due to the sheer amount of work, students and pressure.
I have considered other sixth forms however I don't know if they would accept me on the basis that I will only be doing 1 A level in one year. I have also thought about taking the RVC offer as it is looking appealing at times like this, however I know biovet is not what i want to do and so while there is the possibility of postgrad vet med, I know that its even harder to pursue than undergrad and further I am not in the financial place to self fund a second degree.
Its difficult seeing everyone around me go on and succeed when I have literally put my all into my studies. I feel at the minute I just keep getting bad news after bad news and its honestly been so bad for my mental health and confidence. I have started to find myself questioning if maybe I'm not good enough for this career path and its just not meant to be?
If anyone has suggestions on my next steps I would be so grateful.
Thank you
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Firstly, you have excellent predicted grades, so I would focus on achieving those first.
Secondly, I’m confident you’ll be able to find a college that offers A-level Chemistry. There may also be online colleges that provide this option. I don’t know your background, but you sound very hardworking. If all else fails, you could self-study and book your exams through a college—it’s a challenging route, but certainly not impossible.
And good luck!
Secondly, I’m confident you’ll be able to find a college that offers A-level Chemistry. There may also be online colleges that provide this option. I don’t know your background, but you sound very hardworking. If all else fails, you could self-study and book your exams through a college—it’s a challenging route, but certainly not impossible.
And good luck!
Original post by ImyBee
Hi,
I don't have much to add on your specific situation, apart from don't give up !
I agree that you sound very motivated. I am currently studying 3 A-levels including Chemistry via an online college, and got 2 offers for VetMed, so if you need any information, don't hesitate to ask !
I don't have much to add on your specific situation, apart from don't give up !
I agree that you sound very motivated. I am currently studying 3 A-levels including Chemistry via an online college, and got 2 offers for VetMed, so if you need any information, don't hesitate to ask !
Thank you for your response!
quick question, how do you do chemistry online when theres a practical endorsement?
Original post by katieiys
Thank you for your response!
quick question, how do you do chemistry online when theres a practical endorsement?
quick question, how do you do chemistry online when theres a practical endorsement?
I have an intensive week of labs to get the practical endorsement coming up in April, it's all bookable via the online college
Original post by ImyBee
I have an intensive week of labs to get the practical endorsement coming up in April, it's all bookable via the online college
please can you provide me the link to ‘online college’ thank you so much this is so helpful
Original post by katieiys
please can you provide me the link to ‘online college’ thank you so much this is so helpful
Glad to help !
I am studying at the National Extension College https://www.nec.ac.uk/
Original post by BelindaFlamazing
Firstly, you have excellent predicted grades, so I would focus on achieving those first.
Secondly, I’m confident you’ll be able to find a college that offers A-level Chemistry. There may also be online colleges that provide this option. I don’t know your background, but you sound very hardworking. If all else fails, you could self-study and book your exams through a college—it’s a challenging route, but certainly not impossible.
And good luck!
Secondly, I’m confident you’ll be able to find a college that offers A-level Chemistry. There may also be online colleges that provide this option. I don’t know your background, but you sound very hardworking. If all else fails, you could self-study and book your exams through a college—it’s a challenging route, but certainly not impossible.
And good luck!
Hi, I just wanted to ask, I am in year 13, I have always wanted to do vet med, but I did not take chemistry initially. My A levels are around the corner and I hope to achieve my predicted grades of AAA. I got 4 offers, to study Animal science at nottingham , Bioveterinary science at Liverpool and surrey, and Veterinary nursing at Bristol. None of these courses are what I really want to study, however at the time of applying to vet med which was early entry (last september/october) My predictions were ABB so no chance of getting accepted to vet med and my teachers wouldnt budge. I am considering a gap year if all goes to plan and I get AAA. I went to Nottingham’s open day for vet med, and the Prelim seems perfect for me as I chose wrong subejcts ( I do biology psychology and economics) but have al the relevant work experience and have completed the online work experience form. The University of Liverpool also require AAA and see Psych as a 2nd science but I realise I will be up against A* students who also do chem. What do you think is a better idea- wait till results day, take a gap year and reapply to vet med at notts and liverpool / continue at one of my 4 places and postgrad route (expensive and not guaranteed entry to vet med) or try and do chemistry like the user above, in 1 year/ at least do AS? Thanks.
Reply 8
Original post by inayahax
Hi, I just wanted to ask, I am in year 13, I have always wanted to do vet med, but I did not take chemistry initially. My A levels are around the corner and I hope to achieve my predicted grades of AAA. I got 4 offers, to study Animal science at nottingham , Bioveterinary science at Liverpool and surrey, and Veterinary nursing at Bristol. None of these courses are what I really want to study, however at the time of applying to vet med which was early entry (last september/october) My predictions were ABB so no chance of getting accepted to vet med and my teachers wouldnt budge. I am considering a gap year if all goes to plan and I get AAA. I went to Nottingham’s open day for vet med, and the Prelim seems perfect for me as I chose wrong subejcts ( I do biology psychology and economics) but have al the relevant work experience and have completed the online work experience form. The University of Liverpool also require AAA and see Psych as a 2nd science but I realise I will be up against A* students who also do chem. What do you think is a better idea- wait till results day, take a gap year and reapply to vet med at notts and liverpool / continue at one of my 4 places and postgrad route (expensive and not guaranteed entry to vet med) or try and do chemistry like the user above, in 1 year/ at least do AS? Thanks.
Hello
Firstly, if your goal is to study vet med, I would certainly not take up another degree:
•
You don't get finance for the second degree, only maintenance loan.
•
Both Edinburgh and Glasgow class students who have completed one degree as "full fee" , i.e. international student rate, so that rules those schools out.
•
Graduate entry has also less places then a 5 year course, so the competition is higher. See admissions stats post.
Secondly, it's a tricky question what to do:
•
what's the deadline for applying to study AS chemistry? Is it after the A-level results?
•
If you can wait fro A-level results - I would do that and then check with the admissions straight away whether they would recommend you apply for a course with a foundtaion year or just do AS chemistry during your gap year.
•
If you have to enrol before your A-level results, I would again email admissions first to check if they are happy with just AS level or they require a full A-level.
•
There is also an option to do Access to HE course (which you can do in 9-10 months) and some vet schools accept it. However, you will need to check whether this is suitable for you, as normally it is aimed for someone out of education. Bristol, RVC, Surrey accept the one from learn direct. Liverpool accepts Access to HE but learndirect is not on their approved list. Nottingham and Cambridge do not accept Access to HE.
•
Also, given the competition, I would definitely apply to 4 schools not just two. Originally I only intented to apply to Surrey as it was closest to where I live. But having recieved offers from all 4 choices, I have chosen Nottingham (just loved it!). You never know which school will like you or vice versa, so don't limit yourself.
Good luck! Let us know what you decide 🙂
(edited 6 days ago)
Original post by inayahax
Hi, I just wanted to ask, I am in year 13, I have always wanted to do vet med, but I did not take chemistry initially. My A levels are around the corner and I hope to achieve my predicted grades of AAA. I got 4 offers, to study Animal science at nottingham , Bioveterinary science at Liverpool and surrey, and Veterinary nursing at Bristol. None of these courses are what I really want to study, however at the time of applying to vet med which was early entry (last september/october) My predictions were ABB so no chance of getting accepted to vet med and my teachers wouldnt budge. I am considering a gap year if all goes to plan and I get AAA. I went to Nottingham’s open day for vet med, and the Prelim seems perfect for me as I chose wrong subejcts ( I do biology psychology and economics) but have al the relevant work experience and have completed the online work experience form. The University of Liverpool also require AAA and see Psych as a 2nd science but I realise I will be up against A* students who also do chem. What do you think is a better idea- wait till results day, take a gap year and reapply to vet med at notts and liverpool / continue at one of my 4 places and postgrad route (expensive and not guaranteed entry to vet med) or try and do chemistry like the user above, in 1 year/ at least do AS? Thanks.
Hey,
1.
for liverpool they still ask for at least AS level chemistry
2.
in my personal experience the ‘gateway’ or ‘prelim’ courses have very limited space 10-20 people so arguably even more difficult to get into that the traditional entry vet med courses - although im not saying its impossible and you would definitely have a shot
3.
this is where im currently at - im not sure if you read my post above- im going to sit a level chemistry in one year through an online college which will allow me to apply to the traditional courses - maybe this is something to consider if you were planning on a gap year anyway
Original post by katieiys
Hey,
1.
for liverpool they still ask for at least AS level chemistry
2.
in my personal experience the ‘gateway’ or ‘prelim’ courses have very limited space 10-20 people so arguably even more difficult to get into that the traditional entry vet med courses - although im not saying its impossible and you would definitely have a shot
3.
this is where im currently at - im not sure if you read my post above- im going to sit a level chemistry in one year through an online college which will allow me to apply to the traditional courses - maybe this is something to consider if you were planning on a gap year anyway
Thank you for the reply. This is what liverpool say:
“AAA including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry. If Chemistry is not taken at A level, it must be taken at AS level (at grade B or above) and the second A level must be another academic science-related subject (from any of the following: Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology)”
I do Biology and Pscyhology- If i got an A in both of these, would I be eligible? As it says the second A level must be from another academic science, and psychology counts.
-I will look into doing A level chem / AS, but i’m very nervous as it took me a very long time to grasp biology and i’d have to work super hard to get at least a B to do it in one year.
Original post by inayahax
Thank you for the reply. This is what liverpool say:
“AAA including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry. If Chemistry is not taken at A level, it must be taken at AS level (at grade B or above) and the second A level must be another academic science-related subject (from any of the following: Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology)”
I do Biology and Pscyhology- If i got an A in both of these, would I be eligible? As it says the second A level must be from another academic science, and psychology counts.
-I will look into doing A level chem / AS, but i’m very nervous as it took me a very long time to grasp biology and i’d have to work super hard to get at least a B to do it in one year.
“AAA including Biology (or Human Biology) and Chemistry. If Chemistry is not taken at A level, it must be taken at AS level (at grade B or above) and the second A level must be another academic science-related subject (from any of the following: Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Psychology)”
I do Biology and Pscyhology- If i got an A in both of these, would I be eligible? As it says the second A level must be from another academic science, and psychology counts.
-I will look into doing A level chem / AS, but i’m very nervous as it took me a very long time to grasp biology and i’d have to work super hard to get at least a B to do it in one year.
hey,
so as it says ‘if chemistry is not taken at a level it must be taken at as level’ - aside from this just something to think about by only doing AS chemistry you are limiting yourself to only 1 university by taking a level chemistry you can apply to all.
also UCLAN accepts psychology and biology as teo sciences for their main course however they arent accredited uet
Original post by katieiys
hey,
so as it says ‘if chemistry is not taken at a level it must be taken at as level’ - aside from this just something to think about by only doing AS chemistry you are limiting yourself to only 1 university by taking a level chemistry you can apply to all.
also UCLAN accepts psychology and biology as teo sciences for their main course however they arent accredited uet
so as it says ‘if chemistry is not taken at a level it must be taken at as level’ - aside from this just something to think about by only doing AS chemistry you are limiting yourself to only 1 university by taking a level chemistry you can apply to all.
also UCLAN accepts psychology and biology as teo sciences for their main course however they arent accredited uet
I see- but i’ve emailed their admissions for further clarity on what i should do, as it states the 2nd science, if you don’t do chemistry, can be either geography, maths, psych etc. It obvs makes sense to do both as many applicants will have both.
Also i wanted to ask, how does it work then, if you are in y13 right- so you’ll get your results for the 3 a levels you take, and then your sitting A level chem in a year- in a gap year- on UCAS applying for vet med then you’ve got like 4 a levels? like which unis are u applying to that will accept doing an A level in a gap year. thank you x
Original post by ImyBee
Hi,
I don't have much to add on your specific situation, apart from don't give up !
I agree that you sound very motivated. I am currently studying 3 A-levels including Chemistry via an online college, and got 2 offers for VetMed, so if you need any information, don't hesitate to ask !
I don't have much to add on your specific situation, apart from don't give up !
I agree that you sound very motivated. I am currently studying 3 A-levels including Chemistry via an online college, and got 2 offers for VetMed, so if you need any information, don't hesitate to ask !
Hi! are you in 13? I am in a similar position to the applicant above, i’m looking to study Chemistry online and also complete the practical endorsement. Is this possible in 1 year at the place you are studying in cambridge- do you do practicals on site? thanks
Original post by inayahax
I see- but i’ve emailed their admissions for further clarity on what i should do, as it states the 2nd science, if you don’t do chemistry, can be either geography, maths, psych etc. It obvs makes sense to do both as many applicants will have both.
Also i wanted to ask, how does it work then, if you are in y13 right- so you’ll get your results for the 3 a levels you take, and then your sitting A level chem in a year- in a gap year- on UCAS applying for vet med then you’ve got like 4 a levels? like which unis are u applying to that will accept doing an A level in a gap year. thank you x
Also i wanted to ask, how does it work then, if you are in y13 right- so you’ll get your results for the 3 a levels you take, and then your sitting A level chem in a year- in a gap year- on UCAS applying for vet med then you’ve got like 4 a levels? like which unis are u applying to that will accept doing an A level in a gap year. thank you x
All unis will accept doing an a level in a gap year - if you are doing the subject from scratch you arent resitting it so it doesnt matter, lots of people self teach/ use online colleges to do a levels by themselves
Original post by inayahax
Hi! are you in 13? I am in a similar position to the applicant above, i’m looking to study Chemistry online and also complete the practical endorsement. Is this possible in 1 year at the place you are studying in cambridge- do you do practicals on site? thanks
im registering with NEC next year which is an alevel chemistry intensive course which takes one year to complete edexcel chemistry. In terms of the practicals, with the online college you travel to the nearest lab near you and complete all the practicals with them across two weekends
Original post by katieiys
All unis will accept doing an a level in a gap year - if you are doing the subject from scratch you arent resitting it so it doesnt matter, lots of people self teach/ use online colleges to do a levels by themselves
Okay thank you. I will wait back to see what nottingham and liverpool say about doing chem in the gap year. If they agree it’s a good idea, i wil definitley look into it now as well as call up some european vet places as tbh i cant escape chem lol. honestly its my dream to study vet med here!! so i will try everything fingers crossed.
Original post by inayahax
Okay thank you. I will wait back to see what nottingham and liverpool say about doing chem in the gap year. If they agree it’s a good idea, i wil definitley look into it now as well as call up some european vet places as tbh i cant escape chem lol. honestly its my dream to study vet med here!! so i will try everything fingers crossed.
The only thing about studying elsewhere in europe is that 1. international study can be super expensive up to £50,000+ a year and 2. make sure that the qualification makes you accredited to practise in the UK
I did biology, psychology and geography for A level, then sat chemistry a year later by myself. I used the NEC but honestly, it wasn't that helpful- although good for booking exams. I found a tutor and did it in a couple months. I didn't sit the practical component, and out of every vet school I asked, only RVC cared. I'm now happily in second year! The only issue I found was that I didn't have a predicted grade, but again, only RVC cared. I had offers from nottingham and liverpool (withdrew from the others as I already had places and didn't want to wait), and both only asked for a B. Good luck!!
Original post by rosie468
I did biology, psychology and geography for A level, then sat chemistry a year later by myself. I used the NEC but honestly, it wasn't that helpful- although good for booking exams. I found a tutor and did it in a couple months. I didn't sit the practical component, and out of every vet school I asked, only RVC cared. I'm now happily in second year! The only issue I found was that I didn't have a predicted grade, but again, only RVC cared. I had offers from nottingham and liverpool (withdrew from the others as I already had places and didn't want to wait), and both only asked for a B. Good luck!!
That’s so interesting to hear, I’m in a very similar position. Which vet school are you at now? And did you do AS or A level chemistry in your gap year. And when do you have to apply to do it remotely? Can you do this on results day or way before. Doing the full A level online will not be suitable for me so I will definitley try and do an AS, online, and aim for a B!! I think it is the best option for me and will widen my choices- especially as Liverpool admissions stated this. Of course, this iss subject to me getting at least AAB/AAA in my real A levels. I am yet to speak to my biology teacher when I get back to school, to hear her opinions. At the moment, Im focusing on achieving AAB as this will allow me to apply to Nottingham Prelim, UCLAN vet med + foundation year, Harper Keele foundation year, and I will probably apply to Animal science at nottingham (3 years) as another safety on UCAS, for 2026 entry. If my teacher thinks doing an AS remotely (without practicals) is a good idea, I’ll then also put Liverpool down!
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