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July 11, 2024

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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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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Veterinary School

VMCAS Essay Examples

VMCAS essay examples are a great place to start when you're preparing to apply to veterinary school. After researching vet school rankings and looking into the best vet schools in your chosen area, you’ve finally decided on the schools you would like to apply to. One of the items you’ll need to include in your VMCAS application is a personal essay. We’re here to show you how to highlight your personal story and provide you with some VMCAS essay examples to make the process easier.

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Article Contents 10 min read

Personal essay example 1.

I grew up in a family with no pets. An experimental goldfish or two, but there is no family dog I can look back on fondly. My parents were both immigrants who left their homes young and understandably focused on providing for their kids and ensuring we did well in school.

But like a lot of young kids, I developed a love and fascination for horses. My parents thought it was a phase, but when my requests for horseback riding lessons continued year after year, they finally relented and took me to a local farm for lessons. I remember my first connection with the pony. I felt like it could understand, hear, and accept me, without being able to say a word. That’s when I started to understand the relationship that people have with the animals in their lives, and I wanted nothing more than to experience it again.

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Several years later, I jumped at the opportunity to help out at the riding camp during the summer break. I didn’t realize until then how different it is to participate in the care of the animals, instead of just passively riding them. Every chore was to make sure the horses were comfortable, healthy, and happy. I felt like they relied on me, and they, in turn, provided peace and enjoyment to the people around them.

Since then, I’ve volunteered at the Second Chances Animal Sanctuary for several years, developing and applying the knowledge I’ve gained from my biology and zoology classes. My proudest moments were when we were able to help a family’s beloved pony walk again after a leg fracture that might have otherwise resulted in euthanasia. Being able to give the family hope when they thought there was nothing we could do was amazing, and giving the animal a chance at a full life was incredibly fulfilling.

I developed a special interest in animal orthopedics while completing an internship at the Main Street Animal Hospital. What I want more than anything is to be a vet who works within the field of orthopedics for large animals, developing therapies and treatment programs to help regain mobility. These animals are often essential to rural businesses or farms and should get the care a partner deserves. The sense of responsibility I feel toward them and their quality of life continues to drive me to pursue the skills and knowledge I need to care for them as a practitioner of veterinary medicine.

My parents didn’t believe in going to conventional places when it came to vacations. They wanted to see places that were unusual and immerse themselves in everything the locals did while they were there.

This meant that my brother and I were regularly exposed to places that were very culturally different from ours, but also climates that were totally new to us. As I got older, what struck me wasn’t always the exotic animals and plants, but the relationship a lot of people had with wildlife, and how it was different from what I experienced at home. At home in the urban setting where I lived, “wildlife” was what got into your garbage if you didn’t secure the lid properly. It was what dug through your flower pots at night. But in a lot of countries I visited, wildlife was an inseparable part of everyday life, and vital to the local economies. The animals there were valued as pollinators, decomposers, and yes, food. It made me curious about how people could value and experience wildlife back in the city where I lived.

At the beginning of high school, a friend and I decided to volunteer at the city’s wildlife center. As untrained volunteers we would mostly be cleaning cages and measuring feed for the animals, but I had never been so excited. The vets and vet technicians were so dedicated and resourceful. They relied on local donations, and the center survived on a shoestring budget, but they made it work. To them, even the common sparrows deserved kindness and care. Witnessing that level of empathy from vets and vet techs is humbling and inspiring.

Since that experience, I’ve taken as many opportunities as possible to work with wildlife organizations as possible. I volunteered at a summer program that was specifically created to help and preserve local turtle species, treating and tracking injured animals to ensure their survival. I’ve also participated in local songbird data collection, aiding in gathering information about migration patterns and population decline.

What I want is to be one of those veterinarians who cares for animals that don’t have anyone to care for them, or are treated like nuisances. Dogs and cats are loved and cared for, but so many city-dwelling animals are displaced or trapped or impacted negatively by humans. Working at a wildlife organization has taught me to be creative and resourceful, making the most out of the materials and equipment we had. I want to show people that even the plainest city wildlife deserves respect and help when they need it.

The VMCAS essay is one of the application components required by the Veterinary Medical College Application Service when you use their process to apply to vet schools. This essay is intended to provide admissions committees with “a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.” While they may have your credentials on paper through your vet school resume , they might not have a good idea of what your personality is like, or what your goals are. Even your veterinary school letters of recommendation only represent who you are through someone else’s eyes, not your own.

Different from your vet school letter of intent , which must make a clear connection between your background, training, areas of interest, and the objectives and mission of your chosen veterinary school program, the VMCAS essay is more personal. It’s your chance to show the admissions committee why you love veterinary medicine and why you think you will make a good veterinarian.

Requirements

The VMCAS essay or vet school personal statement can be a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces). This comes out to about one page of writing. It’s important to make sure your essay falls within the character count and contains all the listed requirements .

Note that the application site doesn’t have spell-check, and you can’t edit your work once you’ve submitted it. Making sure your punctuation and spelling is correct is the most basic way to show you’ve paid attention to the details in your essay. If you aren’t sure about a word or grammar choice, look it up so you know you’ve used it properly.

For help writing your essay, you could consider medical school personal statement editing services, which can easily be modified by an advisor to suit veterinary school requirements. Engaging an expert, such as those at BeMo Academic Consulting, is well worth it to improve your application documents and stand out from the crowd.

Is the VMCAS Essay Important?

The personal essay might not seem as formal or intensive as other parts of your application, but it’s still very important and can help or hurt your chances of being accepted into a program. A great essay showcases your personality traits, your sense of responsibility, as well as your motivations for going into veterinary medicine. A middling essay may be acceptable but fail to separate you from the pack, while a poor essay can show a want of attention to detail. One of the easiest ways to figure out what should be in yours is to look up VMCAS essay examples and see what you should aim for.

Want to learn more about vet school rankings? Check out this infographic:

What Should I Include in My Essay?

You may immediately think of a hundred things you want to tell the admissions committee, from your first pet hamster to your experience as an intern at the city zoo. However, keep in mind that you only have about 500 words, and you need to make them count. Here are some ideas of what you’ll want to include in your VMCAS essay.

Career goals. Where do you ultimately want to be, and what is your dream job? Don’t just list a title – explain what appeals to you about it, or why you want this specific position over any others.
What you want to contribute. You don’t need to make up a grand, world-altering contribution here, unless that is what you sincerely want to do. Your goal can be to simply bring joy and comfort to families by taking care of their pets. It can also be to make significant advancements to the field of veterinary science. Make sure you’re authentic.
Characteristics that make you a good vet. Yes, you need good marks to get into vet school, but the admissions committee also wants to know that you have the right personality traits. For example, you may be a very motivated self-learner. This is a great attribute to have, but you need to highlight how being an excellent self-learner would help you in vet school and ultimately, as a vet.
Always give examples. Remember that the committee doesn’t know you, so they will be wary of applicants who make claims without backing them up. It’s important to give examples so that the committee can see how you’ve used your skills and individual attributes in real-life situations: “show, don’t tell.” If you write that you’re an empathetic and caring person, write about a time when you demonstrated that empathy. This shows that you aren’t just listing what you think they want to hear.
Set yourself apart. Any special experiences, personal revelations, or big life events that affected your desire to be in veterinary medicine are worth noting. You have a limited amount of space, so stick to the most important ones. These unique experiences are what will help the admissions committee remember you and set you apart from the crowd.

With only 500 or so words to make your case, what you don’t include can be just as vital as what you do include. The admissions committee likely doesn’t want an entire essay on your childhood pet, so be careful about getting stuck on one aspect. In fact, the VMCAS guide explains that while many applicants “have had meaningful experiences with animals or veterinarians as children … these should only be mentioned briefly.”

Here are some other things you’ll want to make sure you avoid when writing your VMCAS essay.

Information they already have. At this point, the admissions committee already knows about your academic achievements. They may be familiar with the jobs you’ve had, based on your letter of intent or high school resume . They may have a list of any vet school extracurriculars in which you participated. In your essay, don’t repeat what they already know. Instead, tell them something they don’t have on paper, expand on one or two of those experiences, or explain how an event impacted your motivation to go into veterinary medicine.
Vague, generalized information. Telling them that “you’ve always liked animals” is nice, but vague, and likely a trait that many applicants share. Make it more specific: What is it that draws you to animals? When, exactly, did you start taking a special interest in animals?
Jargon, unless it’s necessary. The admissions committee is unfortunately not going to be impressed if you throw terms around or use 5-syllable words in every sentence. You aren’t a vet yet, and one of the more embarrassing things you can do is attempt to use a term and use it wrong. Stick with language that is used in everyday conversation.
Make unnecessary explanations. The members of the admissions committee don’t need you to explain the process of getting into vet school or how medical procedures work. Explain something if it is very specific to you, like the type of club you were in at school, or an event that occurred in your year of study. Giving an example is a better way of showing the committee what you mean, instead of getting bogged down in explanations.
Irrelevant things. If the event isn’t relevant to why you want to be a vet or what you are looking for in a school/program, you probably don’t need to write it here. Take note of the various parts of the application process that would allow you to go into more detail. For example, should you be invited to answer vet school interview questions , you will have such an opportunity. The “tell me about yourself” vet school interview question would be the perfect moment to discuss your personal background further. It’s a good idea to go back and examine each piece of information you’ve provided in your essay and make sure it ties into the main topic: why you want to have a career in veterinary medicine.

Language and Tone

Ideally, the tone in which you write your VMCAS essay is similar to the way you would talk with someone in person. Keep your word choice conversational. Writing in a way that is overly formal doesn’t give the admissions committee members a clear sense of your own voice, and doesn’t humanize you. You’re writing your story, so it helps to read the essay aloud and see if it sounds like an accurate representation of yourself. Having a friend or family member read it can also be beneficial.

Admission to vet school is challenging, as shown by veterinary school acceptance rates ; some schools are more difficult to get into than others. Applying is a long process with a lot of pieces to consider. Your VMCAS essay is perhaps one of the least restrictive parts, where you’re given the freedom to tell the admissions committee why you’re there and what you want to do. Being authentic and specific is your best approach to being accepted into the school of your choice.

It won’t make as much of an impact as your grades or your resume, but it can make you more memorable and more likeable to the committee members. An average essay likely won’t hurt you too much, but a bad one can.

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges is a good place to start. There you’ll find all the pieces you’ll need to submit for the application as well as contacts if you need more help. You can also have a look at our list of the best vet schools, along with tips for getting in.

A letter of intent shows how serious you are about your application and emphasizes what sort of experience and education you have related to veterinary medicine. The personal essay is more about your personality, motivation, and goals.

You don’t need to list everything you’ve ever done that is related to the field. That is already outlined in other parts of the application. Highlight the personal impact certain experiences have had on you – be specific about how they made you feel, how they changed your perspective, and how they moved you in the direction of veterinary studies.

Admissions committee members aren’t expecting fine literature when you submit your personal essay. They know that not all candidates are natural writers. What they’re interested in is your ability to express yourself in a short piece of writing. Don’t worry about using fancy terms – write in a way that sounds natural and authentic to you.

The committee will want to know about your experiences if they’re specific to you and have impacted you in a tangible way. You don’t have to tell them about every interaction you’ve had with animals, just the ones that were special to you.

Use the language you would use in a normal conversation in your essay. Very few people speak in a formal tone, and it can end up sounding stilted and unnatural. Be expressive but stick to the requirements.

There is no editing once your VMCAS essay has been submitted. However, if there is a serious mistake in the essay, you can contact the admissions committee and forward them a corrected copy as soon as possible.

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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
Personal Statement Timeline
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:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

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

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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.

How to write a vet school personal statement

Getting into a great veterinary school can be tough. Vet course admissions are very competitive, so you need to do everything you can to prove that you are an exceptional candidate. This includes writing a great vet school personal statement. We look at how to write a personal statement for veterinary medicine, 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 an important part of your application process, as veterinary school is highly competitive. This is the chance to add a personal touch to your application and make you stand out from the crowd. While your resume will list all of your accomplishments, educational background, and experience, your personal statement veterinary medicine allows you to tie all of this together and let your passion, personality, and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine shine through. Your vet personal statement is also where you can mention anything that doesn’t fit into the other sections of your application, and it’s an ideal place to reinforce how you meet the admission requirements .

Here, 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 why you think you are a good candidate to become a veterinarian. You might also want to include what you like about this 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 and allows you to jump straight into answering their questions.

Demonstrate your passion for animals

Since you only have limited space on your personal statement , it’s important to use this space to convince the admissions team that 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 animals. 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 of 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.

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 include it.

Your resume will list your experience and qualifications, but your vet school personal statement examples are where you can say why your experience is relevant to the program. When you’re planning your statement, you can make notes of what experience you have, and what transferable skills you have gained. Then you can find ways to tie this into veterinary medicine. 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 and motivation to go above and beyond for something you’re interested in.

Remember, you’ll have gained invaluable experience from almost everything you do, whether that’s education, work, voluntary 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. Try to think about the things you’ve done that other people haven’t, or experiences you’ve had. Remember that you’ll be competing for a seat against people all over the country and potentially all over the world, so even the most basic things might be unusual compared to other applicants.

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 do a lot to reach your dream, which suggests you’ll be a focused and dedicated student.

You should also be sure to be personable in your personal statement for veterinary medicine . Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say with 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 use slang too much.

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 one might be about your 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 contents 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, as well as get them to note any errors they find.

If you’re ready to take the next step and start studying at a leading vet school, contact us to speak to one of our expert advisors. St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine provides graduates with new knowledge, skills, and methods necessary to become caring, competent veterinarians. Check out webinar events at St. Matthew’s School of Veterinary Medicine for more information about the application process, including your personal statement examples veterinary medicine .

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References for mature students

The University of Liverpool's veterinary science department gets straight to the point when it comes to making an application to its veterinary science department: 'the competition is fierce.'

This is where a good personal statement can be an asset. 'Most applicants will have good predicted grades and references, so your personal statement is your main opportunity to set yourself apart from the rest,’ the Royal Veterinary College adds.

Work experience: do your research

Normally, you will need to have a range of relevant work experience before you apply and to reflect on this in your statement. The quality of your insights into the profession is crucial.

You also need to be clear about what individual veterinary schools expect, because it varies. For instance, Liverpool requires a minimum of ten weeks’ experience, while most others require a minimum of four or six weeks. The range of experience typically needs to include:

at least one veterinary practice
working with large domestic animals on a livestock farm, especially dairy or lambing
other animal experience such as stables, kennels, catteries, zoos, wildlife, or rescue centres, pig or poultry farms, or something more unusual

A day at an abattoir may be especially beneficial, and observing research in a veterinary or biomedical laboratory could be valuable too.

Do note that the University of Cambridge's requirements are slightly different, as they are more concerned about your interest in 'the scientific principles that underlie both the health and disease of animals.' They do require you to demonstrate a commitment to the profession and say that some experience will be useful, but they don't want you to give up on your other extra-curricular interests for the sake of gaining extensive work experience.

It's essential to research this in detail beforehand. Check out department websites and, where possible, attend open days or events.

Getting the balance and flow right

With the required experience under your belt, the next step is to achieve the right balance between brevity and detail in your statement, and to gear it to what your chosen universities are looking for. It will probably be a challenge to condense it all down to 47 lines, but here are some key points you could include:

Motivation: show what has motivated you to follow this career path. Be specific, and make it current or recent. What aspects are of special interest to you? Where do you hope the degree will lead? Reflect on what it is that’s driving you now, not something out-of-date.
Experience: provide some detailed evidence that shows you’re realistic and informed about the challenges you will face. Describe some of your experiences and observations, both of veterinary practice and from your wider animal experience. Get the balance right. They want you to show the breadth of your experience, but they want depth as well. Try to write briefly but reflectively about some of the highlights and what you learned from them. Also, try to include something that demonstrates your understanding of why interpersonal skills are crucial.
Academic interests and wider reading: give them a glimpse of your current academic and scientific interests, whether it’s from your studies, a project or issues you’ve come across in journals, books, blogs, events you’ve attended, and so on. If Cambridge is amongst your choices, it’s especially important to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and your passion for science.
Extra-curricular activities: demonstrate your resilience, initiative, self-motivation, compassion, or other relevant transferable skills. This could be through the contribution you have made to school, college, or community activities, volunteering, your part-time work, or any wider interests, personal achievements, or responsibilities. Again, be specific!

Then consider the flow of your statement. Tell them enough to engage them and win yourself an interview, but leave enough unsaid that can be discussed in more depth at the interview itself. Remember that everything you write could be used as an interview starting point.

Successful Personal Statement For Veterinary Medicine At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rohan Agarwal

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

Enrolling on our Cambridge Veterinary Science comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts.

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.

Discover our Premium Programmes today to learn how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.

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 .

Discover our Cambridge Veterinary Science Premium Programme by clicking the button below to enrol and triple your chances of success.

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Vet School Personal Statement Examples

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Learn to Write an Impactful Vet School Personal Statement With Inspira’s Database!

Your personal statement is one of the most important application materials you can submit for vet school. However, it can be challenging to write. That's why Inspira Advantage's Veterinary School Personal Statement Database is here to provide you with the relief and the reassurance you need.

Our database provides successful samples to inspire your personal statement. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy and free to use. No need to worry about complicated processes.

Start today and make your vet school application stand out, giving you the relief and reassurance you need.

How Do You Access Our Veterinary School Personal Statement Database?

Simply provide your first and last names and a valid email address to access our database.

Once submitted, you'll gain access to our successful vet school personal statement samples—a valuable resource to guide you in writing your own statement.

Take a look through our database and use these examples to create a personal statement that stands out to the admissions office!

4 Tips to Writing a Stand-out Vet School Personal Statement

1. start with a strong introduction.

Your introduction should make a good first impression and set the tone for the rest of your statement. Make it personal and unique to you, avoiding clichés like "I've always wanted to be a vet." Instead, focus on a specific experience or event that sparked your interest in veterinary medicine.

2. Use a Specific Anecdote to Illustrate Your Passion for Veterinary Medicine

Instead of simply stating that you're passionate about veterinary medicine, use a specific anecdote to illustrate this passion. For example, you could describe when you helped care for a sick animal and how this experience reaffirmed your desire to become a vet. Make sure to include sensory details and emotions to bring the story to life.

3. Highlight a Specific Skill or Knowledge Area You've Developed Through Experience

Rather than just listing your experiences, focus on a specific skill or knowledge area you've developed through these experiences. For example, you could describe how working at an animal shelter taught you about animal behavior and body language and how this knowledge will help you as a vet. Be specific about what you learned and how you applied it.

4. Address a Specific Challenge Facing the Veterinary Profession and How You Plan to Address It

Show that you're aware of the challenges facing the veterinary profession and that you're thinking critically about how to address them. For example, you could discuss the issue of antimicrobial resistance and how you plan to contribute to solving this problem through your work as a vet. Be specific about the steps you would take and the skills you would use to address this challenge.

Inspira Advantage offers vet school admission services , including help with personal statements. If this is something that you’re interested in, you can book a free consultation with us. Increase your chances of getting into your dream veterinary school today!

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

1. How To Write A Personal Statement For Vet School Admissions?

A good veterinary medicine personal statement should convey your dedication to the field and highlight unique experiences and qualities. It must also demonstrate a strong connection with animals and utilize effective storytelling and structure.

2. What Is The Best Line To Start A Personal Statement?

The best line to start a personal statement grabs attention by highlighting a pivotal moment or unique experience that sparked your passion, such as: "From the first time I cared for an injured animal, I knew veterinary medicine was my true calling.

Wondering How We Can Help You?

Applying to Veterinary School in 2024: Veterinary Personal Statement Top Tips From Cambridge & RVC Graduates

Applying to vet school can seem intimidating. In this article, we hope to demystify the process for you, discussing top tips for writing your personal statement, exploring the subject prior to interviews and preparing you to follow your veterinary dreams!

Preparing a Veterinary Personal Statement

When writing your personal statement, it is important to ensure breadth and depth, discussing topics in detail and ensuring you can mention a range of different topics/ experience to show a wider knowledge of the subject area. Make sure you mention people as well as animals, and choose topics you would be comfortable discussing further at interview.

Why are you applying?

Before you begin preparing for your veterinary application, it is worth taking a few minutes to think about the reasons why you wish to study veterinary medicine. This will be crucial for personal statement writing and you may be asked about your motivations for applying at interview. Your reasons for application should be well-thought out and specific. When you have some work experience of volunteering done, you can incorporate these experiences in your answers.

Begin by planning how you will structure your response. You could split your answer into three sections:

1. Why the university?

Extensively research the university, societies you might want to join etc. and know the style of veterinary school. N.B. Most veterinary schools will have a page dedicated to what they want from applicants - take your cue from them!

2. Why veterinary?

Think about what YOU will gain from the degree itself

Think about what the degree will allow you to do once you are done e.g. The different routes you could take: Veterinary surgeon, zoo industry, scientific research, higher education lecturer, conservation work, charity sector (RSPCA) etc.

Ideas: You could think about how veterinary scientists benefit our community, maintaining animal welfare standards, improving food security, informing policy changes, the lifelong learning experience…

What are your ambitions? What interests you about veterinary medicine?

Consider the top 6 qualities you think it will be most important to evidence in your personal statement – consider practical and non practical skills

3. Why are you a suitable candidate?

When answering "Why me?" style questions at interview, or brainstorming when writing your personal statement, you must be able to demonstrate your quality and relate back to veterinary.

What makes YOU suitable for this subject? What relevant skills do you have? What relevant experiences or achievements can evidence these skills?

Which qualities would your chosen university most admire? e.g. practical skills, communication skills, problem solving, empathy and sensitivity

Work experience is great to mention as the stimulus that led you to apply for veterinary medicine, rather than just "helping animals", which is the formulaic answer a surprising number of students give! Work experience placements also make perfect examples for questions on your skills/ attributes and veterinary as a career.

Example skills

How to ensure breadth and depth in your Vet personal statement

Those who are going to review your personal statement for university admissions, or interview you, live the subject. They have decided to dedicate their lives to studying this discipline. Therefore, it is important to show that you are closely involved with the subject, even though it is not a subject studied at school. How to do this?

Background Reading/ Research for Vet Science

Evidence of off-curriculum exploration and outside reading is crucial to success in entry to the top veterinary schools . Research some relevant topics in veterinary medicine such as one health, bovine tB, animal welfare, pet obesity and nutrition (80% of horses are obese!), euthanasia and equine notifiable diseases.

Also think about current "“hot topics” in veterinary e.g. equine herpes virus is a hot topic in the UK after a recent outbreak. Students may also like to mention Covid-19 on their personal statement and the questions/ issues the pandemic has thrown up e.g.

Zoonotic diseases (diseases spread between animals and people): The origins of the pandemic are unclear

Coronavirus in pets e.g. dogs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/animals.html - Concerns over animals/ pets with reported SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in vets being pooled into the research

The effectiveness of tele-consultations/ whether this accelerated the possible digitalisation of some elements of veterinary practice

The importance of non-emergency treatments: Vets encourage dog owners to come for vaccinations each year, but these were classes as non-emergency during the pandemic. Does this mean vaccinations are not essential for dogs?

Are vets key workers? (They were not classes ad key workers originally)

Puppy farming/ ethics of imported rescues

Pet travel/ passports

You could keep a reading chart with a page dedicated to each veterinary related topic. This will be useful for personal statement writing and prospective interviews too. To practise for interview, why not try presenting the topic out loud and pre-empting questions?

New Scientist: Great for articles on current affairs in veterinary science: https://www.newscientist.com/search/?q=veterinary

BBC Radio 4 In Our Time : You’ll find a number of veterinary-related episodes e.g. “The Evolution of Horses” or “Echolocation”

Linking research/ work experience to skills

Mention a range of different topics to show a wider knowledge of the subject area

Pick a topic or experience to discuss in more detail in your personal statement, but use this to show off a quality of yours

Example: Communication skills are central to being a successful vet – you could mention how you used communication skills during work experience or watched a vet demonstrate communication skills in a challenging scenario such as an angry or upset client

Work experience:

Consider which of these placements you have enjoyed the most, and why

Consider a time during your work experience placements when you have learnt something about the practical aspect of working in veterinary science, and also a non-practical aspect

You could also refer to examples of cases seen during work experience

Extracurricular

These may or may not be relevant to veterinary science. If unrelated e.g. a sport, public speaking, music, ensure you link back to why undertaking the extracurricular activity stands you in good stead for a veterinary degree i.e. what skill has it honed? Mention of non-veterinary related extracurriculars should be c.4 lines at the end of the statement.

Example Activities:

Write, write, write! For other subjects, essay competitions are a great way of delving into a topic area in depth and trying your hand at high level academic writing. Whilst veterinary competitions are slightly harder to come by, there are some opportunities for students to get involved in/ mention on their personal statement. Even if the deadline is passed, why not practise brainstorming an answer to, essay planning, or writing a full essay in response to the questions? Questions such as these could also be asked at interview. Even if you don’t mention the competition, you could mention an interest in the field on your personal statement or even turn it into an independent research project

The Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics Competition : Example Question - “ Even when animal euthanasia is ethically indicated, many veterinarians and vet staff become stressed because they feel like executioners. What might change their paradigm?”

Lucy Cavendish College Veterinary Competition : Example Question - ”’Brachycephalic dogs spend their entire lives struggling to breathe. Their popularity is regrettable and their breeding should be strictly regulated.’ Discuss.”

Newnham College, Cambridge Biological Sciences Competition : Example Question - “Replace, reduce, refine: Why do we still need to experiment on animals?”

Research Projects

Zooniverse allows you to take part in science research projects from home. For example, the project “Whooping Cranes” involves virtually looking for large white birds (Whooping Cranes) in Northern Canada to monitor the population of the endangered species, or the “Monkey Health Explorer” project allows you to learn more about monkey health by identifying white blood cell types

We also offer specialised research projects through our co-curricular division, Minds Underground™ . The projects are great to mention on personal statements, and make impressive talking points at interview, particularly for top UK universities such as Cambridge, who favour applicants with an interest in scientific research

These are typically taken over a 4-week duration, involving weekly hour-long project tutorials and a final review session. The aim is to combine teaching of high-level subject-specific content with exposure to real-world applications of these concepts, giving you the opportunity to undertake a project that is both useful for a university application and future career

We have a selection of projects available on the website, but further veterinary projects can also be customised around your interests with a mentor who has a specialism in the field

Veterinary Courses/ Masterclasses

We run an online Veterinary Summer School (June - August), with two hosts from the Royal Veterinary College

If you have missed the summer course, we also host all of the masterclasses as 1-1 sessions, price on application. Example masterclasses: https://www.mindsunderground.com/stem/veterinary

Online Veterinary Summer School

12 interactive masterclasses on topics such as “Immune Response and Vaccines”, “Basic Life Support and First Aid in the Emergency Patient” and “Veterinary Case Studies: The Vomiting Dog, The Cat Losing Weight, and the Horse with Colic”

Designed to support content building for personal statements, and prepare for veterinary interviews

Hopefully this article has given you more of an idea as to how you should go about content building, writing and structuring a standout vet personal statement. Be concise (you only have 4000 characters!), be honest and speak in detail about specific interests within the veterinary course, emphasising a few in-depth discussions of experience and topics of interest to convey your passion for the subject.

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Veterinary School Application?

Veterinary science personal statement.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a veterinary personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Veterinary Mentoring (Cambridge, RVC and More)

U2 offers both ad hoc tuition and wider Medical School / Oxbridge Mentoring programmes ( book a free consultation to discuss options ). We have a great team of Cambridge-educated and RVC Veterinary mentors, with experience supporting students in application to the UK’s top veterinary schools.

The Process:

1) We suggest a Veterinary mentor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation, test preparation (if applicable) and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal assessment/ taster session , where the mentor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular veterinary application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview. Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within veterinary, and is exposed to a range of key themes and topics. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and mentor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Veterinary summer school and mock interview days.

Sessions from £70/h.

Applying for Linguistics at University in 2024: Reading, Personal Statement and Interview Tips From an Oxford Linguistics Graduate

How to approach the ucat test in 2024: tips for the best ucat preparation.

Life In Vet School & Tips On Getting In

So you want to become a veterinarian. Now what? Some people say that veterinary school is the hardest type of professional school to get accepted to. I disagree. Getting accepted in to veterinary school is not that hard, but it does take strategy! This blog will: 1) Provide information to aspiring veterinary students that will help them become the most competitive candidate they can be. 2) Provide a glimpse into what veterinary school is like at UC Davis. Enjoy! -Sharon

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Posted on June 21, 2010 Author [email protected] 4 Comments

Personal statements are often the most difficult and yet the most fun part of the veterinary school application. Most of the VMCAS application is simply a matter of entering in data from transcripts or copying and pasting information from your resume or CV. The personal statement is the one and only area of the VMCAS application that allows the admissions committee to get a sense of who you are and your personality. This is why I consider the personal statement to be fun!

My advice for writing a winning personal statement for veterinary school:

Don’t force yourself to write. While you may be able to write a paper for class at the last minute (or even ahead of time) by simply forcing yourself to sit down and write, this is generally not an effective strategy for a personal statement. Rather than forcing yourself to start, simply let ideas formulate in your head for some time before you actually sit down to write.
Jot ideas down as they come to mind. When you’re working in the field or just going about your daily life, jot ideas down as they come to mind. Many of them you will ultimately not end up using; nevertheless it is beneficial to get those ideas down on paper as they come to mind so that you can contemplate them more later. Of course, writing down one word might not do the trick. I can speak from personal experience that you may write down a word or two when you have an epiphany and then come back to your notepad hours or days later and the notes mean nothing and you stare at the words, confused, wondering whether that is really your hand writing and what you might have been getting at. That being said, be sure to write down the thought process or at least where you’re going with your idea. The more you can include in your notes, the more helpful your notes will be when you sit down to write your statement.
Don’t expect to write the entire statement in one, two, or even three sittings. Sure it can be done, but you really don’t want that to be the case for you. The amount of time and thought you put into your statement will be readily apparent in the finished product. Sit down to write when inspiration strikes and stop when you’re feeling like you’re tired or have run out of things to say. Come back to it later to add, revise, etc. I know even once I created the first full draft of my personal statement (which took many writing sessions), I did another 13 revisions before I was content with the final version.
Do not waste time or space attempting to put your resume into your personal statement. There are places in the VMCAS application to list all veterinary, animal, and other employment experience as well as to list honors and activities you’ve been involved in. Your personal statement should not sound like an autobiography! If it does, you should scratch it and re-write or make significant revisions.
Spend the most time on the first sentence! You need to catch the audience’s attention and draw them into the statement, making them excited and interested to read and learn more about you. You can do this in many ways and there is no real way to advise you to write the perfect introductory sentence, but you’ll know it when you have it. My personal statement began with the following, “Brakes screeched, tires squealed, and the car abruptly came to a halt.” You may wonder how that statement is at all related to veterinary medicine, but I can guarantee you that it all tied in. In fact, I will be posting my own personal statement on this blog in the near future — so stay tuned for it!
Make sure the first paragraph and the last paragraph are the strongest. Notice that I do not call these paragraphs the introduction and conclusion; that is because a personal statement doesn’t necessarily have to have the strict format that is generally used in literary essays. That being said, if you are able to, try to tie things together by referencing something from the first paragraph in the last paragraph, excellent! If not, don’t stress over it. Sometimes it just won’t work and it is better not to force the connection. In psychology we talk about something called primacy and recency effects. This is a principle that describes how people tend to remember the first and last things in a list or, in this case, essay the best. A good way to gauge whether or not you have effectively developed your first and last paragraphs is to read them by themselves and ask yourself whether or not you sound like a person that should be accepted.
Proofread, proofread, proofread! I cannot stress this enough! Proofreading can often get difficult when you’ve read your statement so many times that you can practically recite it by heart (yes, I almost got to that point). Once you’re there, no matter what you read, it will sound correct to you. My advice is to read it aloud and slowly — perhaps to a friend or family member, if they are around. By doing so you are forcing yourself to hear how the words sound and often makes mistakes or awkward sentences more apparent. Or, you can do the reverse and have a friend or family member read the statement aloud to you. This is particularly useful because you are able to hear how an admissions committee member is likely to read the statement and will make any potential issues readily apparent.
Get feedback! Once your statement is at a point that you are happy with it and it’s been proofread for any and all grammatical and spelling mistakes, email it out as an attachment to anyone and everyone who would be willing to read it. Don’t just send it out though — be sure to ask people ahead of time whether they will have time and are willing to provide feedback to you on your statement. The more people, the better, but try not to send it out to multiple people at the same time. This is for multiple reasons: 1) many of them will provide the same feedback which creates redundancy 2) it gets difficult to coordinate the changes of so many different people. It’s okay to ask people if they can have it back to you by a certain date/time so that you can pass it on to the next person.
Let your personality shine through! The entire purpose of the personal statement is to give the reader an idea of what you’re like. This can give the admissions committee a “good” or “bad” feeling about you, so be sure to make a good impression! Of course, I would advise you to avoid things like negativity and sarcasm, even if that is really your personality as they won’t translate well to admissions committees. W hen you ask people for feedback, be sure to ask them whether or not the statement sounded like “you” and had your personality. If they know you, they’ll be able to gauge that pretty well.

Real life perspective and tips from a GVSU pre-veterinary student

The Personal Statement

The personal statement is arguably one of the most important aspects of your application because it is one of your only chances to speak directly to the review committee about yourself. The 5000 characters alloted is your opportunity to show the committee that there is more to you than just your academics and experiences. You need to show them that you are a unique individual that is passionate about the profession and prepared to take the next step of going to veterinary school. Many schools no longer do interviews, so this most likely will be your only chance to show them why you deserve that last spot in their class over another applicant who is just as qualified as you.

Whoa!! I know that seems really intense, but this is truly how you should view the personal statement when you start writing it. Many people wait until the last minute or don't put enough effort into their personal statement, which can really hurt their application. Below are some very basic tips about writing your personal statement and then my own completed personal statement. Once you have looked through this, you can continue down into the next area where we will take a more in-depth look at how to write a personal statement.

Tips:

- Start EARLY!!! I started writing my personal statement nine months before the VMCAS was due.

- Write lots of drafts. You are not going to write your final statement the first time. You need to continually revise. I personally wrote 6 complete drafts, with many small revisions inbetween.

- Have lots of people look at your statement throughout the entire process. Ask your Mom, best friend, random professor, writing center consultants, academic advisor, veterinarian, and anyone else who will take a look at your statement. The more eyes you have looking at it the better it will become. Other people will be able to catch mistakes, give you new perspectives, and help you continually improve your thoughts.

My Personal Statement

The following is my actual personal statement that I submitted to the VMCAS application for the 2013-2014 cycle. I am giving you access to this very personal document because I want you to be able to see a real-life example of what a student just like you wrote about. Please do not copy or takes parts of my personal statement for your own use. Instead, I hope that you will use this as a jump start to thinking about what you want to write about with your own experience and aspirations.

There I stood holding the oxygen support mask near the mouth of Tanner, the family's beloved labrador, as he took his last breaths. His body was shutting down; toxins were spreading through him due to acute renal failure. His weeping owners stood next to me. They had come to our emergency hospital with no inclination that their precious family member, who had been seemingly healthy that morning, was dying. Despite it being heart wrenching, I kept my composure. It was my job to support the family during their time of suffering by means of comforting words, reassurance, and emotional support. As we stood there together while Tanner passed away, I saw so much love mixed with grief. It is that human-animal connection that has drawn me into this profession. I have experienced nothing more satisfying and heart touching than reuniting a previously ill pet with their eager owner or witnessing the true bond between pet and owner as a pet passes away.

I first applied for the veterinary assistant position at West Michigan Animal Emergency Hospital (AEH) during the summer after my freshman year. It was disappointing when I was not extended a position at the hospital, but they reassured me that I should apply the following year. Over the next twelve months, I shadowed at four different veterinary clinics in the area, volunteered at a cat rescue center, was awarded a grant-funded research project in chemistry, and pushed even harder in school to maintain my high academic standards. When I went back into that interview with the same manager a year later, I was a more confident and experienced individual. In a matter of weeks, I was hired as a new trainee and began preparing for my position as a veterinary assistant for the summer.

Providing treatment for patients is a central component of the veterinary profession, but being a part of the AEH team has really shown me that our primary role is working with people. As an exam assistant, the moment a client walks in through the door he or she become my responsibility, which was the case when a frantic woman rushed in one night with a cat howling in pain. I quickly assessed the situation, determined that the cat was in distress due to a severe urinary blockage, and hurried him to the treatment area. A history was collected, which I communicated to the doctor, and a treatment plan was drawn up for me to present to the distraught owner. I could hear crying as I approached the door of the waiting room, but I remained professional. My training had prepared me to walk in calmly, provide comfort through reassurance and understanding, and thoroughly explain to the owner exactly what we needed to do for treatment. I left the room with a signed treatment plan and a much more relaxed client. This ability to understand the different perspectives and needs of clients is just one of the extremely valuable skills I have learned from working at AEH.

In addition to my employment at AEH, I have gained experiences and valuable skills through observing at four small animal clinics, an equine practice, a zoological hospital, and at the West Michigan Beef Company. I eagerly continue to pursue any opportunity I encounter to widen my breadth of knowledge about veterinary medicine. Through my experiences, I am beginning to appreciate that the possible career options for a veterinarian are endless. Examining the carcasses of beef cattle for signs of illness, monitoring the fertility of horses with an ultrasound, caring for exotic frogs that have a prolapsed rectum, and doing routine check-ups for companion animals are all opportunities I have had over the past two years. With each experience, I get a different perspective of the profession and invaluable mentoring from the veterinarians. Communication, teamwork, leadership, and most importantly passion are all aspects that I am continuously developing each day I work as a veterinary assistant, observe in clinics, and further my education.

Being accepted into a veterinary program has been the driving force in my life for the past five years and now that it is becoming a reality, I have no doubt that I will make veterinary medicine my career. Upon completing a degree in veterinary medicine, I aspire to work as a companion animal veterinarian, eventually open my own practice, and continue to advance my knowledge. The medical field is constantly evolving and I am excited to find opportunities to help further these advancements and utilize them in my own practice in the future. As this year unfolds, I am eagerly anticipating where life takes me in these next steps towards achieving my life-long passion of becoming a veterinarian. I am confident my strong academic background, extensive clinical skills, leadership abilities, and motivated work ethic will make me a competitive candidate for your DVM program.

- 4861 characters

Why I wrote this......

My personal statement took months to write and many different drafts. I was lucky enough to have had the privilege of taking the course Writing for Graduate and Professional School at GVSU with Professor White. It was during this course that I began, wrote, and finished my personal statement. My biggest advice is to get started early, have a lot of people look over it, and revise it many times.

Paragraph 1: Introduction/Attention Grabber

- The purpose of this paragraph was to grab the attention of the committee members reading my personal statement. I wanted them to want to get to know me more so that they would continue reading.

- I chose this particular story because it is personal and showcased my employment. Through this story I hoped that committee members would see my passion and understanding of the profession.

Paragraph 2: Background

- After my attention grabbing introduction, I went into a little bit of background about how I became employed at AEH. Here I wanted to show them my persistance and hard work because at first I didn't get the job at AEH. However, over that next year I improved both academically and in respect to veterinary experiences. This ultimately led to my employment as a veterinary assistant at AEH.

- This was also another way for me to outline some of my non-veterinary related achievements, such as my research, volunteering, and high academics.

Paragraph 3: Skills/Qualifications

- After setting up the background, I went straight into showcasing the skills that I have obtained by working at AEH. My goal with this paragraph was to show them that I am a unique student who is highly experienced due to my extensive training and on-the-job opportunities, as well as my in-depth understanding and passion for veterinary medicine.

- This was my paragraph to shine and show them what I can do as an undergraduate student and how that will help me succeed in veterinary school.

Paragraph 4: Showcasing my experiences

- I had spent a lot of time talking about my employmet at AEH, so in this paragraph I wanted to give them a quick glimpse at everything else that I have done related to animals and veterinary medicine. I wanted to show them that I am well-rounded and passionate about all aspects of the profession.

- I tried to point out the very unique opportunities that I had, such as observing at a beef company, volunteering at a zoo, and assisting an equine vet in the field.

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

- In this paragraph I summarized my career goals and desires related to veterinary medicine. A lot of schools like you to directly addess what type of medicine you want to go into and what kind of future you see for yourself.

- These are the final thoughts that the committee is going to be reviewing, so you want to make sure you point back to your strengths and highlight why you should be chosen.

How to write a Personal Statement!

Overview: The personal statement is supposed to be a portrait of your life that is set in a narrative tone that is supposed to show the addmissions committee that you are unique and qualified. You also want to highlight your career vision and long-term goals. Unfortunately for professional students you are not able to customize your personal statement since it is sent out in bulk through the VMCAS. Your time for being able to customize comes in during the secondary application process.

Questions: Since the personal statement is an intimate portrait of yourself you are going to want to answer the following questions:

- Where did you come from (past)?

- Where are you now (present)?

- Where are you going (vision/future)?

These are really important questions that the admissions committees are going to be looking for you to answer. You don't necissarily need to do it in that order, honestly chronological is probably not the best route.

Be vivid: Your goal when writing this personal statement is to get the admissions officers to put you into the yes pile. The way that you are going to do that is be engaging, memorable, and make your readers think. You want to show them and not just tell them, so use vivid details that appeal to your readers senses in order to recreate experiences that are personal to you.

Be sincere: Another point to remember is to be sincere. Don't write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Write from your heart and personal experiences to show them that you are the right applicant. Always include a vision for your future and be definitive about it because they want to know you have a plan.

Stay positive: Try to keep the main statement of your essay positive. You can talk about your negative attributes if you like, but make sure to spin them in a positive light.

Use your resources: The best thing you can do is get help. Meet with professors, advisors, university faculty, veterinarians, and even your friends to get ideas to start writing your personal statement. Ultimately you know yourself best and it will be the sincerest if you write it yourself. However, using all of the resources avaliable to you is definetely in your benefit. Once you start getting ideas down and you begin your rough draft.....just write from the heart. Your first rough draft isn't going to be anywhere near perfect and you might not even use it, but you have to start somewhere! Once you get some solid ideas and even a full rough draft done you can go to the writing center at you college or have your advisor look over it. The more eyes you have looking at your personal statement, the better it is going to get. The internet also has a lot of resources out there that can be very helpful in getting started. Below I have some helpful links that I recommend you take a look at.

Time: The earlier you start working on your personal statement the better! I started my personal statement nine months prior to the time when the VMCAS was due. When it comes down to the wire in September/October you don't want to be frantically revising your personal statement. In addition to starting early you need to realize that it will take a lot of time to write a quality personal statement that will get you into veterinary school. You will probably go through 8-10 different rough drafts before you get a personal statement worth sending in. It is up to you how much effort you want to put into the personal statement, but remember that this is your chance to speak to the admissions committee directly on a personal level.

You aren't in this alone! There are so many different people and resources out there that can help you put together the best possible personal statment and application possible.

Helpful Links

Writing a Personal Statement - http://www.studential.com/guide/write_personal_statement.htm

Purdue OWL: Personal Statement - https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/

Writers Workshop - http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/personalstatement/

28 Tips for Writing a Personal Statement - http://www.public.coe.edu/wac/28tipspersonalstatement.htm

Huffington Post Perfect Personal Statement - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/personal-statement-tips_n_4191226.html

Top Rated Personal Statements - http://www.studential.com/personalstatements/pstop.asp

MSU Example Personal Statement - http://www2.onu.edu/~n-woodley/Excellentpersonalstatement.pdf

Life in Vet School Blog/Personal Statement - http://sharonostermann.blog.com/2010/06/23/veterinary-school-personal-statement-example/

GVSU Personal Statement Guide - http://www.gvsu.edu/cms3/assets/C7078FCF-E2C3-F3DD-7F8E1630561E3F3E/personal_statement_handout.pdf

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Veterinary science and medicine personal statements

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study veterinary science and related courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement.

Veterinary science personal statement examples

More help with your personal statement.

You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

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Personal Statements Bank

Want some help from successful applicants.

Writing your personal statement can be daunting – for many university applicants it might be their first time preparing a formal summary of their academic achievements, and that can often feel boastful or uncomfortable – where should you even begin!?

Our current students have very kindly given us permission to publish some of their unammended personal statements to help give you some suggestions as to how to structure your personal statement. Most importantly, these personal statements are by no means perfect, but they earned these students their places at the University of Oxford, and therefore your personal statement doesn't have to be perfect either.

If you haven't already, check out our Personal Statements Overview video where we explain the basics of personal statements, and watch our Personal Statements Tips video, where students give some of the advice they found most useful when writing their own personal statements. Even if the subject you are applying for isn't contained in the list below, seeing how the students structured their personal statements and the kinds of language & sentences they used can be really useful in writing your own – but always make sure to be original and not plagiarise! UCAS does use anti-plagiarism software to verify each personal statement's originality.

This page is being regularly updated as more St Anne's students kindly submit their personal statements, so watch this space for developments. If there isn't yet an example personal statement here for the subject you're applying for, then please get in touch and we may still have one on-file that we can send to you.

Academic year application was made: 2022-23

What attracts me to biochemistry is the potential to explore the molecular intricacies that uphold life in all its forms. I find it compelling how the closer I look into a certain function, the more complex it becomes. Learning about immunology in A-Level biology piqued my initial interest in biochemistry, as I questioned how communication between cells occurs. This inspired me to read ‘Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System that Keeps Us Alive’ by Philip Dettmer, which deepened my interest as I discovered the vast diversity of cells in the immune system. My previous perception of immune cells fighting pathogens was elevated to a sophisticated sequence of cells and molecules interacting to defend the body via initiation, propagation and termination of the immune response. I was also fascinated by the key role of proteins in the mechanisms of immune cells, such as signalling and response.

My research into proteomics led me to a podcast on protein structure and AI, where researchers discussed the development of an AI computer programme, AlphaFold2 (AF2): a breakthrough in predicting the 3D structure of proteins using existing data. The importance of this technological advance was stressed to me as I investigated protein structure further. I learned about Levinthal’s paradox, which illustrates the complexity of the protein folding problem and helped me to grasp the significance and potential of AF2. I gained an appreciation for the increasing relevance of bioinformatics in life science. It was also exciting to learn of the advances in molecular medicine that AF2 can lead to. I attended a taster lecture at Oxford focusing on physiological adaptations of the neuromuscular junction. A memorable segment looked at the crucial function of SNARE proteins in membrane fusion, and their importance in synapse transmission. I thought back to AF2’s discovery and how it can allow scientists to model these kinds of proteins more accurately. At university, I hope to delve further into the field of computational biochemistry and its future applications, such as advancements in drug development. It amazes me how understanding details of life on a molecular level can answer wider questions and help to solve real-life problems.

My interest in cells motivated me to engage in Gonville and Caius’ essay competition, answering the question “What are the logistical challenges of multicellularity and how do organisms overcome them?”. I enjoyed evaluating the pros and cons of organisms becoming multicellular, and the evolutionary stages that led to the unique range of life that we observe today. It revealed to me many advantages of unicellularity that I had not considered before, such as exchange with the environment and adapting to changing conditions. While researching single-celled organisms, I was struck by the simplicity of some of their structures and behaviours, leading me to question the borderline between living and non-living matter. I was inspired to read Prof. Paul Davies’ article titled “What is life?” which examines the philosophical and scientific debate surrounding matter and life. Aristotle took a teleological approach, while Schrodinger suggested that new laws of nature may be required to fully comprehend life. From a biochemist’s perspective, I would counter that life is a series of chemical reactions occurring within and between cells, evolved for sustenance and reproduction. It is this seemingly simple yet astonishingly complex idea which makes biochemistry so enthralling to me.

Aside from my studies, I’m also an active member of my community. In addition to volunteering and mentoring, I cultivated my leadership skills and initiative to celebrate diversity at my school by leading the organisation of our first ever Culture Week. Through this, I developed my teamwork and management skills, which are applicable in any lab setting. I was glad to make an impact at my school, and look forward to continuing to do so at university.

My interest in biochemistry began while I read an article on the dynamics of ssDNA hybridisation. The scientists achieved an extraordinary amount of detail when using TIRF imaging. They revealed the kinetics of independent strands and explained how these were affected by extrinsic factors with the Eyring equation. Their precision inspired me – chemical principles can be applied to produce a dynamic view of biological systems. The overlap between biology and chemistry highlighted the intricacies of the molecules which allow for life – all of which contain carbon. This special atom has the perfect number of electrons to have sp3 hybridised orbitals, lending it the ability to form 4 equal sigma bonds and long chains – a phenomenon known as catenation. When a lecture and supervision by Stewart Sage of Selwyn College, Cambridge presented the delicate subcellular pathways of osmoregulation, I was fixed on learning more about the chemistry of life. Having taken part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, I enjoy being exposed to problems which at first seem challenging but can be solved by applying prior knowledge in elegant ways. I have been especially interested in methods with which enzymes carry out their functions. By gaining a detailed understanding of these mechanisms, we can seek to use the biological machinery to our advantage, as I saw when at the Royal Institution. I was tasked with using gel electrophoresis to compare DNA fragments from different group A Streptococci strains. After running the gel successfully, I understood that palindromic mutations in the fragments had acted as markers for the restriction enzymes, producing DNA bands which were identifiable with the ladder. When analysing the results, we were able to predict the severity of the infection, ranging from mild strep throat to necrotising fasciitis. The first section of MITx’s Molecular Biology MOOC, discussing DNA replication and repair, drew me more towards enzyme mechanics. I enjoyed learning about the structure of DNA polymerase and how its ‘fingers’ hold dNTPs in place using pi-stacking, interactions with other charged amino acids in the O-helix, and Mg2+ ions. Nucleotide tautomerisation also poses a threat to the accuracy of replication; therefore, the dienzyme contains a proofreading exonuclease, making the process 100 times more accurate. The overlap between mutation and apoptosis interested me; changes in the fine balance between bcl2 and Bax expressions could escalate to cell death, with bh3 mimetic drugs being used to combat this. I saw how problems in the biological field could be solved using chemistry. Articles on the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s and ARMD led me to read about iPSCs and their use in deriving specialised tissues in vitro – tissues which were used as organoids to study potential therapies for the diseases. After listening to Shinya Yamanaka’s lecture on the future of iPSCs, I was inspired to undertake an EPQ dissertation on the viability of iPSCs in precision medicine. During the research phase, I shadowed researchers in the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, where I was trained in primer design, protein BLAST, western blots, genotyping murine lines, and PBMC isolation. Above all, I was able to speak to researchers in Prof. Pete Coffey’s lab about their work using a patient-derived iPSC organoid model. This led me closer to understanding how research was approaching to their use in medicine – the team had already developed a strong stem cell replacement therapy. I found an importance in self-study early as I taught myself the drums and guitar to a high level. This gave me a sense of accomplishment as I sought to imitate this in other impersonal interests. In college, I found it fulfilling to study ancient world literature, via a MOOC; stretching my interests in the arts, I read classical plays and joined a college poetry society. On my DofE Bronze expedition, I developed an interest in adventure sports, camping frequently since.

Academic year application was made: 2021-22

Used to also apply for: Medical Biosciences; Biochemistry

Used to also apply for: Geology

Used to also apply for: Mechanical Engineering

From the age of seven I have had a world map on my bedroom wall. I was fascinated by the borders, flags, and the perspective it gave me of my position in the wider world. Throughout the years since, I have loved the natural world and embraced every opportunity to be outside and explore the physical landscape.
My interest in Geography started as a desire to learn and understand how and why the world around me has formed. Studying Geography has allowed me to immerse myself into the breadth of the subject and I have been fascinated by the intricacies of mobilities within Geography, as well as the many issues and challenges associated with transport planning in the cities of our world. My interest in Urban Geography was first ignited when I was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in an international Geography essay writing competition, working on this essay provided an opportunity for me to develop my research and analytical skills. I explored affordable ways to solve London’s housing crisis and was inspired by the architect Walter Segal, Chile’s ‘Half Houses’ and other bottom up, community led approaches to development. This led to a further research project into the implementation of ‘Shared Spaces’ and a video call with an Urban Planner in Portland, Oregon. Throughout these projects, I was challenged to consider different forms of active transport, designed to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. As I worked on my Shared Space project, I investigated the accessibility and inclusivity issues surrounding implementing Shared Spaces, leading me to consider alternative modes of active transport, including cycleways. I am now researching a cycleway in Cardiff for my Geography Non-Examined Assessment, and have been in contact with members of the Welsh Government who played key roles in designing and planning the scheme. Part of this coursework involved me meeting and interviewing business owners who had been impacted by the cycleway. I have thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of geographical fieldwork and getting to know the individual stakeholders, who were impacted, gave me a valuable insight into the challenges of government initiatives versus community led development.
I further broadened my experience during a week with a Chartered Surveying company where I observed another stakeholder’s viewpoint. I learnt about rural land management from a professional business perspective and had a basic introduction into the role of GIS and Mapping within infrastructure planning (inspired by my love of maps). This brought to life many of the geographies surrounding conflicts between opposing stakeholders, and allowed me to empathise with different people impacted by new developments. As my interest in Urban Geographies has grown, I remain passionate about Physical Geography and am concerned about the environmental impact of our everyday lives. I have been a founding member of my Sixth Form’s Environmental Society, and have taken a leading role in establishing the new ‘College Community Garden’ as well as other projects designed to reduce my College’s carbon footprint. Further opportunities for leadership have become possible through Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Scouting, as I have shared my experience and skills in team situations. As a Young Leader with the Cub Scouts and youth representative on the District Executive Committee for Mid Cheshire Scouts, I have grown in confidence and learnt to communicate effectively across age groups in different situations and with different stakeholders.
10 years later, the same map is still up on my wall, and I am even more fascinated by the world in which we live. I am driven to understand more about the geographies of our world and a degree in Geography is my next step in learning how I can make a positive contribution to our planet within my lifetime.

Academic year application was made: 2021-22

Academic year application was made: 2019-20

Used to also apply for: Liberal arts; Languages and cultures; Sociology

Without studying History, we would never draw patterns in our failures to act with humanity, nor prevent such patterns from recurring. When I visited Auschwitz Birkenau as a HET Ambassador its emptiness infuriated me, for it serves as a reminder of the grim capacity of humans to facilitate genocide remorselessly until caught in the act, but this lesson is lost without the correct historical context. Hearing an account of the bureaucracy involved in transporting 1800 Jews from Corfu to Auschwitz enlightened me to the consequences of being a bystander, but through studying History, we reject complacency on behalf of those who made that mistake before us.
Attending two university summer schools encouraged me to assess different sources and compare historians’ interpretations whilst presenting my own, a skill that I have developed through evaluating case studies in A-Level Sociology and apply to historiographical debate through my NEA. From these residentials I gained an awareness of how society is fabricated through headlines and omissions. For this reason, I believe that engagement with History is inseparable from engagement with the present day, for historians’ skills are crucial for navigating current affairs. By studying History at a higher level, I hope to reach beyond the timeline of events and influential figures that constitutes mainstream history, uncovering who is missing from this grand rhetoric, which in truth, is a product of the biases of those who have made active decisions over time to construct it; a systemic erasure of women and people of colour. Through Cheryl Rubenberg’s book ‘Palestinian Women’, I found that this process of erasure persists where women still suffer immense exploitation, due to the inadvertent ignorance of those with the privilege to speak on their behalf towards rural areas of the country.
The value of Spanish proficiency today cannot be underestimated, given how the impending Venezuelan migrant crisis and xenophobic rhetoric that pollutes the US border lend a growing political relevance to Spanish. Investigating Hispanic culture has shown me how languages provide a broader perspective of History that would otherwise have been overlooked; the series ‘Las Chicas del Cable’ offers a convergence of my interests in Women’s History and Spanish, and my interest in the artist Frida Kahlo enhanced my understanding of the Russian communist movement as I uncovered her involvement with Leon Trotsky. I am determined to continue advancing with my Spanish, as languages grant access to primary sources such as oral history, and empower human connection. I have shown dedication to Spanish by aiding a Year 11 class with their grammar and pronunciation, which motivated me to busk to fundraise for a TEFL project abroad.
I am eager to continue my extra-curricular interests of drama and music at university, as I value the strong sense of community that musical theatre cultivates. At school, I recently played Sandy in Grease, a demanding role but one that I relished, often leading warm-ups for younger students and peers. I accredit much of my self-confidence and drive to my involvement with MH:2K, a project which gave me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded young people on the creation and delivery of workshops about youth mental health. We then pitched proposals for policies and activities that would support young people’s wellbeing to over 200 decision makers and social workers. These projects have reminded me to maintain a positive outlook when facing difficulty and provided insight into effective individual and collective working, thus they have not acted as a detriment to my studies but enhanced them greatly.
I believe that the personal and academic skills that I have gained from these experiences combined with my high level of self-motivation and enthusiasm for knowledge demonstrate my suitability for university life and the demands of pursuing History and Spanish at a more advanced level.

Academic year application was made: 2022-23

Academic year application was made: 2020-21

Used to also apply for: Theoretical Physics; Mathematics and Physics

Current St Anne’s Students

Want to add yours to help out.

If you are a current St Anne’s student and want to share your personal statement as a way to guide prospective applicants toward a more successful application, please submit your personal statement (anonymously) here .

– Medical School Blog

How to Craft an Excellent MD Residency Personal Statement

Your residency is a critical step on the road to becoming a board-certified physician. Unsurprisingly, the residency matching process is incredibly competitive. Program directors look for candidates who have demonstrated excellent academic performance, boast a strong academic record as well as great USMLE scores, and are supported by impressive letters of recommendation.

Before you have a medical residency interview , you can write an impactful personal statement. It is the perfect opportunity to catch a residency program director’s eye. We share some tips from an St. George’s University School of Medicine Alumni and their tips for how to craft a strong residency personal statement.

Physician-approved tips for writing a great residency personal statement

The National Resident Matching Program’s (NRMP) 2024 Program Director Survey indicates that a candidate’s personal statement for medical residency is among the most important criteria program directors consider when reviewing applications.

Many programs begin filtering candidates by USLME scores, which essentially leaves everyone on a level playing field at that point. You’ll want to craft an eye-catching personal statement to help you stand out in the crowd. Follow these tips for doing just that:

1. Express your individuality

You can demonstrate your academic excellence by offering evidence of a strong medical school performance and a solid USMLE score. However, your residency personal statement offers the opportunity to give program directors a more complete picture of who you are as an individual.

This essay is a chance to highlight what sets you apart from other applicants, so it’s important to go beyond simply listing your achievements. These items will already be included in your curriculum vitae (CV) , so it won’t help admissions committees learn anything new about you.

It’s also smart to ensure that any of the experiences or extracurricular activities you do write about in your personal statement are true interests of yours. Dr. Natasha Sriraman, pediatrician and St. George’s University (SGU) graduate, notes that review committees can tell when you’re not being genuine.

“Don’t do things because you think it’s going to look good,” she advises. “Do things that you’re passionate about.”

2. Demonstrate your interest in the specialty

By the time you reach medical residency, you should have a solid idea of the medical specialty you’re want pursue. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to focus on why you are drawn to that specialty in your residency personal statement.

Be sure to do this in a way that is true to your personal passions rather than providing generic, surface-level motivations. For example, Dr. Sriraman says she’s come across too many candidates applying to pediatrics programs who say they love of working with children. “We all like kids,” she jokes. “That’s not a reason to go into this field of medicine.”

Instead, she suggests sharing an anecdote from an experience you had that influenced your decision to pursue that area of practice. This example could be a recent encounter during clinical rotations, a string of interactions with a particular instructor, or even something that happened prior to your time in medical school. By making a logical connection with you education and practical experience, review committees will have a better understanding of how your experiences will contribute to your success as a physician.

3.Address any potential concerns head-on

It can be uncomfortable to feel like you have any sort of blemish on your CV. But rather than shying away from a bad semester or a mysterious gap in your education, you can use your personal statement as an opportunity to elaborate on what was going on in your life at that time.

Putting academic issues or delays into context can make a big difference. It demonstrates that you possess levels of self-awareness and personal responsibility that can be pretty crucial when practicing medicine.

Furthermore, omitting issues in your personal statement doesn’t mean you can avoid addressing them—if you make it to the next phase of the application process, you can expect these topics to come up in your medical residency interview s. “While it is important to address this gap within your personal statement, I also advise medical students to practice what they’re going to verbally say when asked about the gap during the interview,” Dr. Sriraman says.

4. Be thoughtful about the structure

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) helps streamline the process of applying to residency programs . They do provide ERAS application information and webinars, but the user guide can be pretty vague about the content when it comes to the personal statement for residency. As long as you structure your essay with an introduction, a middle section, and a conclusion, how you choose to arrange your personal statement is really up to you. What’s most important is that you’re able to keep your readers interested.

If you’re unsure of where to begin, apply the same approach you would with a paper in high school or college. Create an outline to help organize your thoughts, building a logical progression of ideas and experiences. While the parameters around the structure of your residency personal statement are loose, it is a common best practice to limit it to one page in length.

5. Don’t forget to edit and proofread

It’s often helpful to employ an iterative process when drafting this essay. Start by getting everything out on paper. Then go back and begin whittling your story down to include only the most important pieces.

Once you’re happy with how you’ve articulated your experiences and aspirations, it’s smart to enlist some outside opinions. Having a trusted mentor, instructor, or classmate read through your personal statement can be helpful, as they’re familiar with the inner workings of the medical field.

In addition, feedback from people from more casual acquaintances can help you collect objective opinions based solely on your writing. And be sure to have any strong writers or editors you know proofread your essay because even the smallest errors could make a big statement about your focus or attention to detail. Students at SGU have the advantage of submitting their personal statements to be edited by physicians who are residency mentors.

6. Give yourself enough time

Given how many elements you need to complete for residency applications, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor by starting your personal statement with plenty of time to spare. Even if you consider yourself a fast writer, it’s smart to be proactive. In fact, it’s often recommended to spend at least two months working on this essay.

“Between taking exams, finishing your applications, and regular life, you want to give yourself two to three months,” Dr. Sriraman specifies. Giving yourself extra time allows you to progress through the multiple phases of writing and editing without feeling rushed.

Start writing your residency success story

You don’t have to be a seasoned writer to pen an effective residency personal statement. With some careful planning, thoughtful phrasing, and a thorough review process, you can write an essay that will make program directors take notice.

Your personal statement for residency could end up being the factor that helps you secure a coveted interview invitation. These face-to-face meetings will be the final stage that allows program directors to determine if you’d be a good fit for their residency positions.

Get ready to put your best foot forward in those conversations by reviewing the advice in our article “ Residency Interview Preparation Tips for Medical Students. ”

Ready to start your medical school journey?

Are you considering St. George’s University Medical School? If you need any more convincing, just reach out to some graduates or current students. They’re happy to tell you what their experiences were like.

If you feel like SGU could be the right medical school for you, take the next step. Continue your research by visiting our request information page.

*This article was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated to reflect new information.

Doctors & nurses smiling and chatting in a busy hospital hallway, showcasing teamwork and care in a healthcare setting.

How Long Is Medical Residency? And 5 Other FAQs About Residency Training

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Our School of Medicine offers rolling admissions for our January, April, and August classes.

Watch this short video to learn about the SGU School of Medicine and fill out the form out the form to speak with a practicing graduate, a current student, or an admissions officer.

US residencies in 2024 1

US residency placement rate for graduates over the last five years 2

USMLE Step 1 pass rate for first-time test-takers over the last three years 3

USMLE Step 2CK pass rate for first-time test-takers over the last three years 4

1 Data as of March 2024.

2 As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of March 2024.

3 Average of 2019, 2020, 2021 scores. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.

4 Average of academic years 2019, 2020, 2021 scores. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time. USMLE Step 2 CK is typically taken upon completion of third-year core clinical rotations.

Request More Information

US Residencies in 2024 1

US residency placement rate for graduates over the last five years 2

USMLE Step 2CK pass rate for first-time test takers over the last three years 4

Contact SGU

+1 (631) 665-8500 ext. 1380, st. george’s university university centre grenada, west indies.

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IMAGES

Veterinary Residency Personal Statement Done Right
How To Write A Personal Statement
How to write a personal statement for veterinary science
8 x UCAS sample personal statements / Royal Veterinary College
Vet School Personal Statement
Veterinary Residency Personal Statement Done Right

VIDEO

MY GKS PERSONAL STATEMENT + TIPS
Personal Statement Example
Medical School Personal Statement Examples (TO USE!!)
The Medical School Personal Statement
6 Tips to Writing Your Personal Statement for Vet School
How to write an amazing personal statement for any university / College application

COMMENTS

Vet school personal statement examples
Vet Personal Statement Example #1. "Saddle up," is my favorite phrase of all time and it conveys with it a sense of adventure that few other phrases ever can. I suppose a lot of this comes from my early years where I loved cowboy stories, but it continued on through my life once I started learning about horses.
PDF Veterinary School Personal Statements
Veterinary school admission committees generally judge a candidate's merit based upon. undergraduate grade-point averages (GPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, interviews, veterinary related experiences, letters of recommendation, and the personal. statements (Roush et al., 2014).
Vet School Personal Statement: How to Write + Examples
1. Example From the Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "Living with my single mother, a nurse who often works over 60 hours a week to support my family, has taught me the value of hard work. From her, I have learned to be passionate and meticulous in all the work that I do.
Vet School Personal Statement Examples to Guide You
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.
10 Tips for Your Vet School Personal Statement
Let the reader decide how rare or exciting something is, even if you grew up among a pride of lions. 9. Conclude With a Vision. Sum up your experience to show what a well-rounded vet school applicant you are. Show how your background, personality, and passion make you an ideal candidate.
Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
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 ...
VMCAS Essay Examples
The VMCAS essay or vet school personal statement can be a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces). This comes out to about one page of writing. This comes out to about one page of writing. It's important to make sure your essay falls within the character count and contains all the listed requirements .
Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples
Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Example 1. I have always wanted to be a vet and love animals. I am studying biology which I find particularly fascinating, chemistry, maths, history and animal related diplomas. I am looking at the link between euthanasia and lameness in horses as an Extended Project...
How To Write a Vet School Personal Statement
Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say with 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 ...
Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
Experience: provide some detailed evidence that shows you're realistic and informed about the challenges you will face. Describe some of your experiences and observations, both of veterinary practice and from your wider animal experience. Get the balance right. They want you to show the breadth of your experience, but they want depth as well.
Successful Personal Statement For Veterinary Medicine ...
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 ...
PDF VET SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT
VET SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT. Living with my single mother, a nurse who often works over 60 hours a week to support my family, has taught me the value of hard work. From her, I have learned to be passionate and meticulous in all the work that I do. She instilled in me need to constantly stay busy and involved.
Vet School Personal Statement Examples
4 Tips to Writing a Stand-out Vet School Personal Statement. 1. Start with a Strong Introduction. Your introduction should make a good first impression and set the tone for the rest of your statement. Make it personal and unique to you, avoiding clichés like "I've always wanted to be a vet." Instead, focus on a specific experience or event ...
PDF University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Personal Statements The personal statement is part of the VMCAS application, and will be seen by all of the veterinary schools to which you apply. Three prompts are given regarding career choices and goals, contributions to society, and essential attributes for veterinarians. Supplemental Essays The supplemental essays are part of the UFCVM
Vet School 2024: Personal Statement Tips
3) U2's approach for regular veterinary application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview. Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within veterinary, and is exposed to a range of key themes and topics.
Veterinary School
Veterinary School - Personal Statement Example Posted on June 23, 2010 April 27, 2015 Author [email protected] 6 Comments I know it helps to read a successful veterinary school applicant's personal statement, so I am posting mine on this site.
How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School
Don't expect to write the entire statement in one, two, or even three sittings. Sure it can be done, but you really don't want that to be the case for you. The amount of time and thought you put into your statement will be readily apparent in the finished product. Sit down to write when inspiration strikes and stop when you're feeling ...
Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement
Inspire your Veterinary Medicine personal statement with our UCAS examples and learn from previous students who have already applied to university.
Personal Statement
The Personal Statement. The personal statement is arguably one of the most important aspects of your application because it is one of your only chances to speak directly to the review committee about yourself. The 5000 characters alloted is your opportunity to show the committee that there is more to you than just your academics and experiences.
Veterinary science and medicine personal statements
Veterinary science and medicine personal statements. On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study veterinary science and related courses at university. These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these ...
Personal Essay examples? : r/veterinaryschool
Your personal statement is your opportunity to talk about not only why you want to be a vet, but what kind of vet you want to be. Unless it specifically says not to mention animals or veterinary experiences (like Tufts' essay prompt did last year), those things are totally fair game. I hope all that made sense. 4. Reply.
Veterinary Personal Statement Examples
Degree Course Quiz. Find the ideal university course for you in minutes by taking our degree matchmaker quiz today. Browse our range of Veterinary personal statement examples. Gain inspiration & make sure you're on the right track when writing your own personal statement.
Vet School Essays : r/vetschool
Can I get some example essays? I'm having trouble with the flow of my stories, especially with the personal statement because reasons why I want to be a vet have grown and developed throughout my entire life. Writing my life chronologically seems boring, but I'm not sure how to write it any differently. Thank you in advance
Personal Statements Bank
Personal Statements Bank. ... If there isn't yet an example personal statement here for the subject you're applying for, then please get in touch and we may still have one on-file ... This gave me a sense of accomplishment as I sought to imitate this in other impersonal interests. In college, I found it fulfilling to study ancient world ...
How to Craft an Excellent MD Residency Personal Statement
1 Data as of March 2024.. 2 As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of March 2024.. 3 Average of 2019, 2020, 2021 scores. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 1 on ...

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This vet school personal statement has three key strengths:

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Learn to Write an Impactful Vet School Personal Statement With Inspira’s Database!

How Do You Access Our Veterinary School Personal Statement Database?

4 Tips to Writing a Stand-out Vet School Personal Statement

2. Use a Specific Anecdote to Illustrate Your Passion for Veterinary Medicine

3. Highlight a Specific Skill or Knowledge Area You've Developed Through Experience

4. Address a Specific Challenge Facing the Veterinary Profession and How You Plan to Address It

1. How To Write A Personal Statement For Vet School Admissions?

2. What Is The Best Line To Start A Personal Statement?

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Applying to Veterinary School in 2024: Veterinary Personal Statement Top Tips From Cambridge & RVC Graduates

Preparing a Veterinary Personal Statement

Why are you applying?

How to ensure breadth and depth in your Vet personal statement

Background Reading/ Research for Vet Science

Linking research/ work experience to skills

Extracurricular

Example Activities:

Online Veterinary Summer School

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Veterinary School Application?

Veterinary Mentoring (Cambridge, RVC and More)

Applying for Linguistics at University in 2024: Reading, Personal Statement and Interview Tips From an Oxford Linguistics Graduate

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

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Real life perspective and tips from a GVSU pre-veterinary student