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Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples

What is a veterinary medicine personal statement?

Your veterinary medicine personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself to admissions tutors, and tell them why you would make a great candidate on their course.

Your statement should include how you meet all the entry requirements for a veterinary science degree and demands of the course. For example, your love of animals, patience, empathy, and your academic and practical skills.

How do I write a veterinary medicine personal statement?

Most veterinary medicine candidates open their personal statement with why they want to become a vet. Motivations for wanting to study any course at university are always important.

We recommend you write a series a notes about your skills, experience, hobbies, extracurricular activities, career plans and anything else that is relevant to your application.

When you have put an initial draft together, proofread it and leave yourself plenty of time to amend your statement.

Ask family, friends and tutors to read your veterinary medicine personal statement, and invite them to make suggestions, comments and any other feedback to help you improve it.

What should I include in my veterinary medicine personal statement?

• Your passion for animals should be obvious from the outset. Think about what made you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine in the first place - was it a childhood experience or something you read or encountered? Were you inspired by a family member or friend who is already a qualified vet?
• Talk about any work experience (paid or unpaid) or voluntary roles that have helped you gain experience in the veterinary science field. This will help demonstrate your skills, commitment and ambition to the university admissions tutors.
• If you're applying to Oxbridge, your personal statement will need to be exemplary. Veterinary medicine is a highly competitive course, so you have to show that you are a talented, dedicated and enthusiastic student that meets all the academic and vocational requirements.

For more help and advice on what to write in your veterinary medicine personal statement, please see:

• Personal Statement Editing Services
• Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
• Analysis Of A Personal Statement
• The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
• Personal Statement FAQs
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• 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
• What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

What can I do with a veterinary medicine degree?

There are many career options available to those wanting to study veterinary medicine, including:

• Animal nutritionist
• Veterinary surgeon
• Animal physiotherapist

However, there are other job roles where your veterinary science degree could be useful, such as:

• Animal technician
• Veterinary nurse
• Environmental consultant
• Nature conservation officer.

For more information about careers with a veterianary science degree, please see Prospects and The Times .

What are the best UK universities for veterinary medicine?

Currently the best UK universities for veterinary medicine are:

For more information about UK university rankings for veterinary science, please see The Complete University Guide and The Guardian .

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• Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University

Step into the University of veterinary medicine as you delve into two exceptional personal statements that showcase the unwavering passion, exceptional skills, and profound dedication of aspiring veterinarians. Use our Veterinary personal statement examples to write your application for the Vet course to make a successful university application. 

Veterinary Personal Statement

I grow up on the farm. Since a young age, my passion for horses has ignited a deep connection with these magnificent animals. Growing up, I immersed myself in the world of equine care, constantly learning and developing my knowledge of their well-being. It was through this journey that I discovered my fervour for trimming and caring for horse hooves in their natural state, favouring the preservation of their inherent grace over conventional shoeing methods. This hands-on experience not only allowed me to witness the profound impact of proper hoof care but also instilled in me an unwavering desire to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

While my love for horses, I have always been fascinated by the world of exotic pets. My commitment to understanding diverse animal care requirements led me to take on the responsibility of caring for Josh, a beautiful chameleon. Delving into the unique intricacies of reptiles and tropical animal care hypnotised me, as I discovered the delicate balance required to provide them with a prosperous atmosphere. This experience further solidified my determination to specialize in exotic animal Vet medicine and contribute to the well-being of these remarkable pieces.

For my best practical experience, I actively aspired to opportunities to expand my knowledge beyond horses and reptiles. Working at an animal shelter exposed me to the day-to-day care of various animals, primarily dogs and cats. However, I used every chance to assist in the care of other pieces, including Josh the chameleon. This experience not only let me develop my skills in treating different species but also taught me the importance of empathy and kindness in providing quality Veterinary care.

I wanted to further broaden my horizons, I pursued employment at a city zoo. This opportunity proved to be transformative, as it provided me with adequate exposure to an extensive range of exotic animals. Working alongside the zoo’s best veterinarians, I absorbed knowledge from experts while sharpening my clinical skills. It was during this time that I was fortunate enough to form a mentorship with Dr Martin Bellford, a seasoned veterinarian. His guidance and support have been very valuable, enabling my ambitions and providing me with opportunities to excel in veterinary medicine.

Academically, my love for biology has been my driver in my educational journey. Biology labs, in particular, have provided a platform for me to explore the intricacies of life and deepen my understanding of animal physiology. Though my empathy for animals sometimes makes dissection uncomfortable, I appreciate the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of animal anatomy and its practical application in veterinary medicine.

Looking to the future, I have ambitious career goals. As an exotic animal specialist, I aspire to work with unique and wild species, employing my knowledge and skills to safeguard their well-being. Furthermore, I am passionate about wildlife preservation and hope to contribute to this cause through active involvement with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund. By combining my veterinary expertise with a dedication to conservation, I aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of animals, both domestic and wild.

My journey in veterinary medicine has been shaped by a lifelong passion for horses and an unwavering dedication to animal care. The diverse experiences I have gained, from working with horses to caring for exotic pets and assisting at a city zoo, have solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. With a strong academic foundation in biology and a burning desire to make a difference, I am eager to embark on this transformative journey and contribute to the well-being of animals in need.

Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Example

Ever since I can remember, my fascination with animals has been my driver in shaping my school achievements and personal goals. The intricate biology of animals, their diverse forms, and their profound impact on the world have fascinated me, igniting a passion that has led me to seek a career in veterinary medicine. With an interest in genetics and its application to animal health, I am eager to contribute my knowledge and skills, while improving the welfare of our dear “buddies”.

As I delved more in-depth into biology, my focus on genetics strengthened. Studying the complexity of evolution and selective breeding, I became aware of the challenges that certain species face due to genetic defects. Ventricular septal defects in bulldogs demonstrate the importance of genetic predispositions and the impact they have on health. It is my earnest wish to utilise this knowledge to diagnose, treat, and mitigate such conditions, ensuring good health for animals.

Throughout my academic journey, I have always displayed an affinity for the sciences, particularly biology. I have demonstrated a strong grasp of fundamental principles and an ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real scenarios. Moreover, my overall performance in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) demonstrates a positive mindset and a commitment to hard work across all mentioned disciplines.

To complement my academic work, I have eagerly aspired to relevant work experiences in veterinary medicine. Assisting with surgeries and consultations, I have seen the dedication and skill required to provide humane care to animals in need. These experiences have extended beyond the borders of my home country, allowing me to observe veterinary practices in diverse environments. Additionally, my work with horse husbandry and breeding, as well as my involvement with racehorses and farming animals, has upgraded my knowledge to the next level.

Beyond my academic and professional goals, I actively engage in extracurricular activities that have honed my attributes and fostered a well-rounded character. As a dedicated sportsman and Silver Sports Ambassador, I have been privileged to promote the values of the Olympics and inspire others to embrace an active lifestyle. My participation in rugby for Sheppey RFC and my school team has instilled in me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.

Driven by a real desire to make a positive result, I have enthusiastically taken part in charity work. Regularly participating in fundraising runs and embarking on an expedition to Tanzania, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of collective action. These experiences have taught me empathy and my commitment to managing animal welfare issues with my heart and dedication.

My dedication to my studies is further demonstrated by my participation in a Vetsim course, where I developed a particular interest in avian veterinary surgery. Immersed in a simulated veterinary environment, I honed my technical skills and deepened my understanding of avian health and treatment. This experience solidified my conviction to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, as it allowed me to witness the profound impact that veterinary care can have on the lives of animals and their owners.

My empathetic nature, excellent communication skills, and strong affinity for animal welfare issues have shaped me into a candidate ready to make a meaningful contribution to the field of veterinary medicine. Through the learning of genetics, a dedication to lifelong learning, and an unwavering dedication to the welfare of animals, I am confident in my ability to excel in the rigorous academic program of veterinary medicine. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and skills to animal health, ultimately making a positive impact.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

Submitted by Gina

Become highly employable with a Veterinary degree.

Embark on a rewarding career in Veterinary Nursing at Middlesex. Expertise, compassion, and hands-on training await you!

Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

As a Goldfinch collided with my living room window. Everyone jumped but no one moved, only me. I gently placed the bird in a well ventilated, dark box to reduce stress. After a while the bird was ready to continue flying. The value of an animal's life was one of the most inspirational lessons I ever learnt as a child. All I have ever wanted to do since then is to ensure animals have the best chance at life. It was when I rescued a small frog from a chlorinated pool when I was on holiday, that my parents were convinced I would one day be a vet. What motivates me the most to be a Veterinarian, is that unlike humans, animals are unable to express a feeling of pain or distress. My interest in Veterinary Medicine continued to grow throughout my A-Level Biology course, as the more I learn about how certain diseases can affect the body, the more eager I am to discover the cure. I enjoy being able to associate ideas from the classroom to real situations. My first placement was at an Equine Clinic, as I was eager to understand Equine Medicine due to my long-term involvement with horses. I had the opportunity to be involved in different diagnosis and treatments including a gastroscopy of a horse that was admitted with Colic, during the procedure we discovered grade 3 Glandular mucosa on the stomach lining. By following up on patient cases, I developed an understanding of the capabilities and limits of Veterinary Medicine.

My placement at a small animal practice allowed me to develop my animal handling skills. This placement gave me an understanding that despite the efforts Veterinarians go to, sometimes euthanasia is the best option. I was given the opportunity to develop my communication skills by having challenging conversations discussing the options the owners had during consultations. This allowed me to instil a feeling of assurance, that we were there to support the decisions they made. During this period, I became more aware of the affinity between an owner and their animal. I demonstrated my ability to work on my own initiative and cope under pressure when complications emerged. This work experience placement was a very beneficial one, as I was able to spend time in the large animal department where I witnessed procedures such as removing tumours and administering antibiotics to treat mastitis.

In addition to Veterinary work experience, I became involved with my local RDA site, The Pegasus Centre, it provides a restorative riding program for the disabled. As a volunteer, I assisted in regular lessons that gave pupils the chance to work with horses. This gave me the opportunity to communicate with a range of different people, allowing me to be more confident when empathising with owners. Many of the horses used at The Pegasus Centre are rescues, some of which were too old for their previous owners to continue eventing. The Veterinarian that was treating the horses at the centre, taught me an invaluable lesson of the importance of veterinary medicine as, without it, this programme would not be available. A Volunteering Project to Sri Lanka helped me develop my time management skills as I had to contribute to fundraising the £17,000 cost whilst simultaneously doing my A-Levels. During my time there I worked at an 'Elephant Orphanage' and a 'Turtle Hatchery' as well as working with underprivileged people who live in the area. The main skill I developed whilst in Sri Lanka is maturity. I am a lot more empathetic which I believe is an appropriate skill to have.

I have completed two online courses 'Animal Behaviour and Welfare' and 'Do you have what it takes to be a Veterinarian?' Both of which have provided me with a greater understanding of some of the main welfare issues animals have to cope with. In addition to confirming that veterinary medicine is right for me, these courses have allowed me to supplement my studies in A Level Biology in order to understand key aspects of an animal's life, for example, Immunity.

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Vet School Personal Statement Examples to Guide You

You’ve done the work you needed to to prepare yourself for vet school. The academic work. The volunteer work. The clinical work. And now you must answer the VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) essay prompt “Why do you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?”  You have just 3,000 characters with which to do so.  

Many vet school candidates find writing scientific lab reports or manuscripts easier than writing a narrative vet school personal statement. And there are so many suggestions of what you should and should not do when writing a personal statement that it’s easy to get overwhelmed.  

To help you better understand what a strong vet school personal statement looks like, in this post, we present the following example, which was written by an Accepted client who ultimately received several offers of acceptance.  

Titans. In Greek mythology, the Titans were the pre-Olympians, the elder gods. They ruled the Earth and had enormous amounts of strength. In my childhood, I had a titan too, a canine. At the age of nine my family adopted a healthy Leonberger puppy that we named Titan. Little did we know at the time that his name would not only represent his size but also his unwavering strength. At the age of one, he was diagnosed with a multitude of chronic health issues and was not expected to make it to two years of age. However, as a true titan, he proved everyone wrong. I watched his bravery and will to live as the veterinarians went above and beyond to help Titan with numerous treatment plans all while showing great kindness and empathy. This helped me realize I wanted to be a veterinarian to help other animals and foster strong relations between clients and veterinarians; Titan was my defining moment.

Growing up, I lacked self-confidence and avoided talking to people I did not know. With Titan as my constant companion, I had a plethora of strangers ask me questions about him, thus fostering my interpersonal communication skills. Being able to confidently answer questions about Titan, his breed, and his health helped to prepare me for similar conversations I currently have in my position as a veterinary assistant. I am able to handle both easy and difficult conversations with pet owners by being an engaged listener, an empathetic pet owner, and having confidence in my knowledge of animals and in myself. I also recognize that not all owners have the courage or understanding to ask the questions needed to best support their animals. With this in mind, one goal I have as a future veterinarian is to help bridge the gap of knowledge that exists between animal owners and those in the veterinary industry by providing more education for owners about their animals.

 Another aspect that I will bring to the veterinary profession is inclusivity. My older brother has special needs and I have seen the progress he has made through interactions with our dogs and cats. He has gained confidence, become more social, and is able to more freely express himself. My long-term goal to contribute to the field of veterinary medicine is to create a veterinary practice that employs people with disabilities. My future practice would offer a valuable and engaging place of employment by helping decrease the stigma surrounding the capabilities of those with special needs, and foster meaningful relationships between people and animals.

The connection and experiences I had with Titan started me on my path to becoming a veterinarian. I have persevered through every opposition I have faced, learning from my mistakes and successes while remaining dedicated to my goal of becoming a veterinarian. By being a strong communicator and working well with others I have shown my ability to lead by example. All of these attributes and more are why I will be a successful veterinarian. 

This vet school personal statement has three key strengths: 

#1: The initial narrative about the applicant’s childhood pet, Titan, coupled with the writer’s ability to be vulnerable (e.g., stating that they lacked self-confidence), allows an adcom reader to form an image of the candidate and want to learn more. Furthermore, the connection between the candidate and their dog clearly lays the foundation for their interest in the field of veterinary medicine.  

#2: This applicant not only refers to their position as a veterinary assistant but also notes very specific skills they’ve cultivated in that role, such as being an engaged listener and their ability to have difficult conversations. This demonstrates that the applicant is actively invested in the process of learning as much as possible while working.  

#3: The applicant does a great job of highlighting their vision of their future as a practitioner, both holistically (i.e., wanting to be a good educator) and specifically (i.e., wanting to employ staff with special needs). This lets the adcom know that the applicant is thinking not just about the point of matriculation but also about being a provider who will contribute to the growth and development of the field.  

As the former assistant dean of student affairs and career development at the William Beaumont School of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Wherley worked directly with the dean of the School of Medicine, the associate dean of student affairs, the associate dean of clinical curriculum, and the assistant dean of admissions, as well as with Year 4 students on both residency application reviews/critiques and mock interview preparation. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources:

• Highlighting Your Leadership Experience in Your Application
• Four Tips for Displaying Teamwork in Your Application Essays
• How Personal Is Too Personal In Your Application Essays?

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How to Write a Vet School Personal Statement

Personal statements are one of the first big steps towards becoming a vet, but how do you write one? Find out in our detailed guide.

Last updated: October 10, 2024

How to write a veterinary school personal statement

Interested in a career as a practicing veterinarian? If so, it’s important to know that admissions for veterinary school programs, such as the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Program at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, can be very competitive. So it’s extremely important to do everything you can to prove that you are an exceptional candidate, which certainly includes writing a great vet school personal statement. 

Today, we’ll look at how to write a personal statement for veterinary school, key items to include and why nailing your personal statement is important.

Why we have to write personal statements

Your personal statement for veterinary medicine is your chance to add a personal touch to your application and make yourself stand out from the crowd. While your complete application will list all of your accomplishments, educational background and experience, your vet personal statement is where you tie everything together in a cohesive story, and also where you are encouraged to highlight your passion, personality and enthusiasm for animals and veterinary medicine. Furthermore, you can mention anything that doesn’t fit into the other sections of your application and reinforce how you meet the admissions requirements .

You’ll introduce yourself and explain why you’ll be a great fit for the program, touch on what has inspired you to further your studies and share why you think you are a good candidate to become a veterinarian . You might also want to include what you like about the particular program, and how you think it will enrich your knowledge and understanding of veterinary medicine.

This means that when you get an interview for admission , the admissions officer should already know a bit about you, which allows you both to jump straight into discussing more in-depth and information questions.

Demonstrate your passion for animals 

It’s important to use part of your statement to highlight for the admissions team why your passion for animals would make you an excellent veterinarian.

In order to uniquely demonstrate your passion for animals, try to think outside of the box. Don’t just talk about family pets. Mention times you’ve been proactive, hands-on and gained experience with animal care. This might include helping with the birthing season on a local farm, volunteering in kennels or helping strays find foster homes in animal shelters.

It’s also important to specify what type of animals you have interacted with. Did you grow up riding horses and love tending to large mammals? Or did your family raise small animals? Whatever your particular interest in the veterinary world, be sure to add it. Schools like to see students who have a plan for where to specialize and continue their education.

Of course, don’t forget that most vets have to work with people too, so it’s a good idea to include something that shows you can work as part of a team or with clients. Customer service, leadership experience and care initiatives are also valuable things to include.

Highlight all relevant experience

Whatever you’ve done for animals outside your normal household, include it, especially if it’s something related to wellbeing and health. Even better, if you can remember a particular interaction that made you want to be a veterinarian, be sure to highlight it. Even if it’s a relatively small anecdote, the admissions team likes to get a real sense of who you are as both a person and aspiring veterinarian.

Your application will generally include your experience and qualifications, but your vet school personal statement is where you can say why your experience is relevant to the program. When you’re planning your statement, start by noting what experience you have and what transferable skills you have gained from those experiences. Then find ways to tie those skills to animal care. For example, if you’re an empathetic person who has worked in customer service, you can relate this to dealing with clients at a standard vet practice. If you have experience running a social group, this ties into leadership skills, teamwork and the ability to proactively pursue your passions.

Remember, you’ll have gained invaluable experience from almost everything you do, whether that’s education, work, volunteer roles or hobbies. You just need to think about how it is relevant to what you want to do next.

Set yourself apart from the crowd  

First, you should try to think about what makes you unique. Consider the things you’ve done that may be different/unusual or experiences you’ve had that stand out as formative, as they relate to your veterinary goals. Remember that you’ll be competing for a seat against people from all over the world, so even things you consider to be basic may be unusual compared to other applicants and worth sharing, as long as they’re authentic and related to your passion.

Just like in the previous section, think about how your background gives you a different perspective or relevant skills. Try to tie it into the topics you’ll be learning in vet school and the challenges you would face in your daily life as a veterinarian.

While you might want a large portion of your statement to be positive, you can also bring up any difficulties you’ve had and how you’ve used problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to overcome them. It shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile to achieve your goals, which suggests you’ll be a focused and dedicated student.

You should also strive to be relatable and personable. Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say, while keeping word limitations in mind. However, you should aim for a conversational, friendly tone. Your personal statement is about you, so it should give the admissions committee an insight into your personality. Try to find a happy medium, where you don’t sound too stiff and formal, but also don’t lean towards unprofessional.

Preparation is key

There are a lot of different things you will want to cover in your personal statement for veterinary medicine, and it’s more than simply a ‘why I want to be a veterinarian’ essay. That’s why it’s vital to prepare and plan your statement before you write it.

Just like any other assignment, you should break the statement down into sections. Make sure you highlight the goal of each section – one section might be talking about your background, and another might be about your relevant experience. Then plan out each section with some key points to include, such as the skills your experience has provided. Then you can write the actual content without wavering too much – and you definitely don’t want to waste words.

Afterward, be sure to proofread it thoroughly. If you can, you should ask someone else to read it too. Ask them if it makes sense, whether it’s engaging and if there are any errors (grammatical or factual).

One final note is to aim precisely for the required word count. If the limit is 500 words, as it is at St. Matthew’s School of Veterinary Medicine (SMUSVM), aim to write just under that many words (490 for example). Furthermore, ensure that everything you share is clear, concise and relevant; you want to avoid the appearance of writing to make it to the word count.

Studying at St. Matthew’s University

If you’re planning to apply to SMUSVM and have any questions at all about the required personal statement, general application process or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact us .

We’re proud to deliver veterinary education and early-hands on training for aspiring veterinarians and animal health leaders, and we’d love to have you join our community.  So if you’re ready to take the next step towards your career in care, apply today !

Still considering what it means to join SMUSVM? Check out this video testimonial from a current student:

If you’d like more info, check out our upcoming enrollment events to see when we’ll be in a town near you!

FAQs About Applying to Veterinary School

What do you write in a personal statement for vet school.

Like all such personal statements, you’ll want to highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, passion and what you’ll bring to the program. Unique for veterinarians however, is that you’ll need to share experiences you’ve had working with and caring for animals. Otherwise, focus on clearly sharing why you want to be a vet and why you think you’ll succeed in veterinary school.

How long should a veterinary personal statement be?

The requirements will vary by school, but the required personal statement length for the St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine DVM program is 500 words. No matter the required length however, try to write just under the stated limit. This shows that you have a breadth of information to share, and also that you’re conscientious about following instructions.

What makes you stand out on a vet school application?

The more authentic you are, the better off you’ll be. While it is useful to share unique, interesting and engaging stories if possible, always be true to your personal journey. Write simply and clearly about why you are committed to animal care and passionate about a veterinary career, and the knowledge and experiences you have that will allow you to succeed in veterinary school, and you are bound to make a positive impact on your readers.

How should you end a personal statement for vet school?

Like all writing assignments, it is a good idea to end your statement by tying together everything you’ve shared and ending on a clear conclusion. In this case, that would be making it very clear why your knowledge, passion and experiences will help you succeed in veterinary school and as a practicing veterinarian in the future.

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Successful Personal Statement For Veterinary Medicine At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rohan Agarwal

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Veterinary Medicine applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Veterinary Medicine Course at Cambridge offers a world-class opportunity to study the scientific basis of veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary science.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to secure an offer from a world-class department.  

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

LONDON VET SCHOOL

INTERVIEW + REJECTED

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With our Cambridge Veterinary Medicine  Premium Programme, your tutor will give you regular actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

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Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

Witnessing the birth of a calf was a wonderful experience and has helped to confirm my long-term ambition to be a vet. This desire has been a motivating force in all my decisions at school. Veterinary medicine is a challenging and worthwhile career that encapsulates my profound interest in animal welfare, scientific enquiry and problem solving.  It will satisfy my passion to work with people and animals as well as my love of science. It requires academic rigour, is scientifically-based and provides opportunities for further research either in laboratory or clinical settings. It involves considerable practical skills and the potential for great job satisfaction with the possibility of running my own practice.

My work experience has been thoroughly enjoyable and included working with a country vet, a farrier, at a private stables, a commercial reptile centre, a dairy farm and a small animal clinic. With the country vet I observed two successful treatments on cows to correct displacement of the abomasum by external manipulation and surgery. I helped with TB testing, learning the process, its importance and the wider context. Working with the farrier opened my mind to other people who interact with the veterinary profession. Whilst involved in cleaning and feeding at the private stables I developed a great respect for horses including an awareness of the danger they can pose for humans and other animals. At the reptile centre I handled a bearded dragon, monitor lizard and snakes whilst assisting in an educational talk and at Beaver World learnt to care for guinea pigs, rabbits, beavers, pheasants and fish. During my nine-day stay on a dairy farm I took part in the daily routine of milking, and as well as observing the birth of a calf, I saw the deterioration of a cow and the eventual decision to put her down. It was apparent that working in a small animal clinic involves many routine operations like the castration and spaying of cats and dogs. I learnt that diagnosis involves history-taking, examination and investigations such as blood tests and diagnostic imaging. To gain more experience I plan to work at a city farm, participate in the delivery of lambs and carry out placements at London Zoo and the London Aquarium.

I attended VetMedlink at Nottingham University, thirty six lectures on all aspects of veterinary care. As part of this course I voluntarily undertook my own research into potential new uses of stem cells and submitted a paper which was marked and for which I received a distinction. This is due to be published on-line sometime this year. My focus was how stem cells inserted into the brain could be used in the future to improve intelligence and treat neural problems such as Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, I will be attending a course in November to enable me to administer aid to stranded or injured marine mammals.

As well as good examination grades, my other school achievements include prize certificates in mathematics and biology; I was especially pleased to win Gold Certificates in the UK Maths Challenge. This year I was commended for the quality of my answers in the Chemistry Challenge set by my school which required logical reasoning skills. I have a special aptitude for mathematics and attended six maths lectures at Greenwich University on themes which included matrices and types of mathematical proof.

I aim to involve myself whole-heartedly in university life, using my musical skills by playing the keyboard and perhaps playing in or starting a sports team.

I truly believe I have the ability to work effectively with people and animals. I am excited about the veterinary course since it offers the opportunity to undertake research projects, understand the scientific basis of medicine, gain in-depth knowledge of veterinary practice and develop key practical skills. I am determined to become a vet and eager to begin the formal course of training in what I know will prove to be a fascinating field of study.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

A well written and well-structured statement that provides a good insight into the student’s character and development, both academically as well as personally. The student demonstrates a good scientific foundation, achieving various degrees of academic excellence and also demonstrates a wide range of different work-experience attachments giving insight into different specialities of veterinary medicine. This is particularly important due to the wide range of differences between different animal species. The broader the experience before starting the degree, the better. Furthermore, the work-experience placements will provide valuable contacts for when the student will be required to conduct care attachments during his/her studies at university.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

One of the central points of veterinary medicine not related to the academic side is the funding structure. Recognising the challenges that come in regard to the treatment of patients, as well as in regard to the interaction with owners, is an important component. Since the student experienced care in different practice settings, it is likely that he/she has come across this issue.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

Good statement giving good detail about the student and his/her motivation as well as his/her individual development. It could be improved by additional reflection on the challenges of veterinary practice, for example, the existing funding structures.

This Personal Statement for Vet Med is a good example of demonstrating motivation and development which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Cambridge, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Go to our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Cambridge Veterinary application.

With our  Cambridge Veterinary Science Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the NSAA and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

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