Vet med reapplication

Hi, thought it might be useful to have a thread for reapplication as i know there are quite a few people in the same boat.

Firstly, i was wondering if anyone had any experience in applying independently with a reference from a vet (eg gained by doing several weeks or experience at their practice) in comparison to applying via the school they took their alevels at with a reference from their teacher.

I was also wondering if there are any current vet med students who reapplied who have any useful tips about being more successful in the second application. For reference i am predicted 3 a*s at Alevel and had more work experience than any of the mandatory amounts, so just trying to figure out where i went wrong! /

Also now i am taking a gap year i would like to do some travelling but all my friends already have plans/most are going straight to uni, so if anyone on here would be interested then please message!