So the UCAS application is finally on the horizon. With shorter UCAS deadlines than the average applicant, as well as entrance tests and interviews, applying to Vet School can be a long-winded and stressful journey.
No one likes a copy cat
Originality is the key behind writing the dreaded personal statement whilst ensuring your motivation behind studying Veterinary Science is clear to admissions tutors. A “love of animals” or being inspired by “watching Animal Hospital as a child” are not good enough motivations to make you a strong contender for an interview. Other areas that should be mentioned include any work experience placements of interest, any achievements or areas of responsibility either in or out of an academic environment, as well as any sporting or social interests.
When mentioning placements, particular emphasis should be made of the diversity of the cases or species that were worked with. Just listing the weeks of placements that have been completed is a waste of precious characters and is rather mundane. Writing about any cases of interest can also be useful in adding further depth to an application. The character limit can be enough to drive you to distraction but with some re-drafting and proof reading, it can help your personal statement become more concise rather than a three-page essay.
Conquering the BMAT
For applicants not studying A Level Maths or Physics, the prospect of the 2 hour BMAT exam can be daunting, especially as some consider their days of Trigonometry and SURDs to be in the distant past. The BMAT, required by Cambridge and the RVC, has three sections.
Section one is an aptitude and skills test similar to Critical Thinking, whereas section two is where an applicant’s previous mathematical and scientific knowledge is examined. This can include knowledge from across the curriculum at GCSE, so revision prior to the exam is the best approach. The third section is an essay task with the choice of three titles, which aims to test your ability to evaluate different sides of an argument. Purchasing the official BMAT guide is definitely recommended and will hardly break the bank.
Preparation, preparation, preparation
If you are fortunate enough to be invited to interview, preparation is key to your success. Reading up on the latest Veterinary developments, as well as common diseases, vaccinations and ailments in a variety of species, can be beneficial. Furthermore, knowing your personal statement and work experience cases inside out can help refresh your memory and prevent you doing a goldfish impression when asked questions related to it at interview. School mock interviews can be beneficial preparation for a panel interview and potentially more daunting than the real thing, especially if conducted by a particularly intimidating teacher.
The multiple stations interviews are becoming increasingly common. Often compared to “speed dating”, this consists of a broad range of short interviews or tests, such as questions on your motivations and work experience, as well as role play situations, data interpretation and calculations. The best approach is to remain calm even when faced with unexpected scenarios or trying to complete mathematical calculations under time pressure. Afterwards, expect a seemingly endless wait whilst your fate is decided, resulting in impatient checks of UCAS for any developments.
Remember, while, in the words of Chris Martin,”nobody said it was easy”, if you are determined and work hard, a place at Vet School can be a possibility.
Do you have any more tips for aspiring vets? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Lucinda Giles
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