personal statements for veterinary medicine

Sign up to our Newsletter

Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University

Reviewed: 6/16/23

Writing your personal statement for vet school is no easy feat, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for expert tips and successful examples of vet school personal statements.

When it comes to your vet school application, one of the main requirements is your personal statement, which can hold a lot of weight. This essay is your first opportunity to demonstrate your personality and why you would be an excellent candidate beyond your grades. 

For some, an excellent personal statement can even help make up for low grades or test scores, so it’s important to get it right.

Luckily, we’ve compiled our best tips and successful vet school personal statement examples to help you through the process. We’ll review tips from our experts on how to write a stand-out essay, examine each of our essay samples, and explain what made them successful. 

If you’re currently applying for vet school and are looking for assistance on any part of the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how hard it is to get into vet school ; we can help!

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are some of our top tips when writing a personal statement for vet school.

Write Now, Edit Later

In most writing scenarios, getting started is the hardest part. The best way to relieve that stress is to start writing and keep going. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it can be longer or shorter than the word count initially. The purpose of this method is to pull out all the information and review it later on.

Try writing out your entire story, front to back, of how you grew up and developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to three relevant work experiences. 

Once you have nothing left to say, look at what you’ve written and highlight the best, most relevant parts. Then, you can begin editing backward and pull out your best ideas. 

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Your story, no matter what it is, has value. Vet schools are competitive, and your admissions committee will see hundreds of applications. Finding a way to frame your unique perspective in your personal statement can help to create a memorable essay that will leave a lasting impression on readers. 

Consider your hometown, culture, family, passions, etc. Some students compare their passion for learning a challenging skill like playing the piano to the commitment and dedication required for vet school. 

There are no wrong answers here, as long as you can connect what makes you unique to your work experiences and why you would be an excellent vet school candidate. 

Revise, Revise, Revise!

It may sound obvious, but there has never been a more important time to revise an essay repeatedly. Remember, vet school is competitive. Something as small as a spelling or grammatical error could make the difference between getting in or not. 

Run your work by your teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! Every word should sound like something you would authentically say. It would help if you had others help you edit, but ensure the paper still sounds like you. 

Vet School Personal Statement Examples

Here are three excellent examples of vet school personal statements. Below you’ll find veterinary school personal statement samples and our explanations of why the essay was successful. 

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. She instilled in me the need to constantly stay busy and involved.  I thrive in an environment that challenges me and requires quick thinking. Due to the influence of my mother, I have developed a strong perseverance and sense of determination. My parents’ divorce kept me in a changing environment growing up–I had to adapt to a variety of living situations with little finances to support us.  From this, I acquired the skills of being thrifty and knowing how to make sacrifices. The characteristics I have developed through my home environment growing up made me into an ideal candidate for vet school and a future veterinarian – a person who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but who also can cope with a fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  For the past seven years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering and caring for animals, developing my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I volunteered at Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of my role there included guest education about the animals on exhibit, usually using artifacts such as animal hides and skulls to explain various topics.  I worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, where I stayed in the exhibit with the birds while guests walked through. My jobs were to watch over the interactions between the birds and the guests, as well as to educate the guests about the birds.  From working there, I realized that I really liked getting to educate people about animals, a large portion of the job of a veterinarian. The most influential experience I’ve had on my decision to become a veterinarian was working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic.  I have been a kennel attendant there since 2007, where my job is to take care of all the in-house pets, care for the boarding animals, assist in appointments, give medications, and help with the cleaning of the clinic.  I have observed numerous surgeries, including routine spay and neuter surgeries, but also more unusual surgeries such as a 6 pound tumor removal from a dog and a surgery on the clinic’s ferret to remove tumors from his pancreas.  I have handled and cared for not only cats and dogs, but also macaws, cockatoos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through working there, I had the opportunity to observe the duties of a private practice vet and see how they normally handle appointments, surgeries, and client communication in difficult situations. I have observed the doctor discussing with clients care options and the possibility of euthanasia, as well as assisted in euthanasia.  I have also assisted during emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog hit by a car. Through working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, I have seen the responsibilities of a vet in caring for an animal in appointments and emergencies, as well as the importance of educating and discussing options with the pet owners.  I spent my junior year of college interning at the Champaign County Humane Society. I did an Animal Care Internship in the fall and a Medical/Lab Internship in the spring. The Medical/Lab Internship reaffirmed my decision of wanting to go to veterinary school.  While interning, I was able to gain experience performing physical exams, drawing blood, giving treatments and medications, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what signs to look for in a sick animal.  I learned how to make and read an ear cytology slide, as well as how to tell if an animal has a bacterial ear infection or ear mites. The animals that I worked with were mainly cats and dogs, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to compare the duties of a shelter veterinarian and a private practice veterinarian, which varied due to the financial constraints of a shelter and the fact that the animals in the shelter do not have owners for the veterinarian to consult with.  Through my internships, I learned how much I enjoy doing physical exams, finding out what is wrong with an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, I would be able to apply all of these experiences by working in a science that is continually advancing, while contributing to the field through research and public education.  The skills that I have developed and the knowledge I have gained through working with animals have strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine.  Overall, my experiences with animals, my profound passion for science, and the characteristics I have developed through my home environment have shaped me into an excellent candidate for veterinary school.” 

Why this essay works:

In this example, the student begins by connecting their passion for vet school to her childhood experiences. The applicant then lists their valuable experience to demonstrate continued investment in their chosen career path.

They conclude by summarizing their writing - mentioning their passions for animals, science, and experience, all as reasons to accept them into the program. 

This essay is strong overall; however, it lacks a bit of reading flow. While it’s good to remind the admissions committee of your achievements and how they helped you grow, keep in mind that they’ve already seen these accomplishments on your CV. 

Your personal statement should be focused on telling your story rather than simply listing your achievements. Still, this student wrote a successful essay. 

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, it was clear to me that my career path would involve working with animals in a clinical context, as I have always had a passion for science, animal health, and welfare.  My first exposure to the veterinary clinical environment was through a high school program, which provided me with the insight into how rewarding and fulfilling it was to be able to use scientific knowledge in order to diagnose, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led me to study Biochemistry for my undergraduate degree, as I wanted to have a solid basis for a comprehensive understanding of the metabolism and function of animals in health and disease. During my postgraduate studies, I had conducted a one-year research project working with Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents for African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease of wild and domestic animals and humans of sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease, this research experience had introduced me to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness of the intricate relationship between human and animal health.  I have developed a strong appreciation on the importance of both veterinarians and human health professionals working together in order to detect, prevent and control disease outbreaks, as well as the key role that veterinarians play in the bigger picture of society. My latest internship at a companion animal veterinary clinic has taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and optimal health maintenance by providing routine treatments and the appropriate vaccinations.  I thoroughly enjoyed working in a veterinary clinical setting, from communicating with the clients to determine the animal’s medical history, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the various laboratory equipment for diagnostics, to the hands-on component of the job such as dental cleaning and assisting during surgical procedures. I want to become a veterinarian because I am dedicated to improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating and managing animal health and zoonotic disease risks.  I will enjoy collaborating with other veterinarians and various health professionals, such as epidemiologists and pathologists, to understand and identify new and emerging diseases and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the animal population.  Working as a public health veterinarian would also involve protecting the welfare of animals by ensuring that the standards of animal-keeping are met.  This would ensure that the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases that could have repercussions on human health will be reduced as much as possible.  In this regard, I would also like to foster better collaboration with human health professionals so that future interdisciplinary public health issues can be tackled more efficiently. I believe that my educational background and experience have prepared me well for a veterinary medicine program and I would be honoured to be able to attend the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) program to pursue my career as a veterinarian.”

This applicant displays a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career experiences. Something unique that this student focuses on in their personal statement is how they intend to improve the world of veterinary medicine. 

This is an excellent perspective to present in your personal statement! Consider the specific shortcomings you’ve noticed in veterinary medicine and how you intend to improve upon those areas. It’s not essential if you don’t have any ideas, but it looks great on an application. 

3. Example from the University of Scranton  

“Ever since I can remember I have always had a passion for animals. Their beauty and ability to comfort me are only outmatched by their honesty, loyalty and faithfulness. My path to realizing that my true calling lies in veterinary medicine began when I took a life biology course in high school.  In this course I realized my intrigue with animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested in how they worked from the inside and realized that I should be their doctor. Ever since that first high school class I have focused my educational path in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.  I have volunteered at animal shelters, worked in clinics, shadowed veterinarians and participated in basic science research. Now that I stand at the doorstep of college graduation I cannot imagine my life if I do not attend veterinary school.  I shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed by his precision, immense knowledge and skill. I learned that in medicine many things can go wrong in a situation, but there are also many ways to solve problems.  I loved being able to meet clients whose love for their pets was apparent. That love between an animal and its owner drew me further into the love of veterinary medicine. This shared compassion and love for animals helped me relate to clients.  Volunteering at local shelters, I gained more perspective on a career as a veterinarian. I learned how to care for abused and homeless animals and to let go of the animals I had grown to love when it was in their best interest. While shadowing Dr. Michelle Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice was different.  Doctors bring their own personality to make each experience unique; it is never just a routine doctor's visit. I believe that I, too, will bring individuality to the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit my clients. I obtained a job at an emergency animal hospital where the number of patients and the variety of problems presented was vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians have to work under time constraints and I learned about the hard choices a family often makes. At first, I thought the patient-doctor bond was absent in these cases, but the doctors make sure the connection is still present by spending time talking to clients and personally calling them to disclose test results.  I learn a great deal everyday at the emergency clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for patients and animals in difficult situations. Seeing many prognoses, I learned that there is hope for even the worst one and that a doctor's optimism is important.  Most importantly this experience taught me the value of communication skills in veterinary medicine. I have to explain procedures and calm down many patients in order to be able to understand the problems involved with their pets. I will never forget the first time I watched a pet euthanized.  Distraught, I thought for a time I would refuse to perform euthanasia in my practice. As I took in more of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized this would not be fair. The bond between a veterinarian and a pet owner becomes very important and is needed throughout the animal's life.  The doctor, who has been there throughout the good and difficult times, needs to be there for the owner and the pet when the only choice left is to end the suffering of the animal. For more than a year I have been interning at The Commonwealth Medical College.  I am conducting a research study with Dr. John Arnott on the expression of connective tissue growth factor in osteoblasts. This experience provided me with new insights into the importance of the basic sciences and I have developed great respect for their study and place in clinical medicine.  More than anything scientific research has taught me humility and that success requires tenacity. This experience has helped me grow as an individual and to find that I am capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With my help, we are one step closer to figuring out the steps in the cellular pathway to bone growth and thus are closer to potentially identifying molecules that will enhance bone growth. Veterinary medicine is a love of the science used to care and treat animals.  This coincides with the compassion for and communication with pet owners. As these animals are unable to communicate as a human might, veterinarians become dependent on the owner's ability to detect and describe problems. This challenge continues to fascinate me and I look forward to devoting my life to the field of veterinary science.  Becoming a veterinarian began as a dream many years ago for me, and is now close to a reality. My dream has always been a simple one - to pursue a love I have harbored since a youth, carrying it from a fascination and love of animals, to creating a successful veterinary practice. I am ready for the next step to fulfill this dream.”

Why this essay works:  

This essay is the most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive language when they mention their previous experiences. 

They present their personal statement as a cohesive, flowing story from when they first became interested in veterinary medicine to now. It’s simple, compelling, honest, and - perhaps most importantly - easy to read. 

These examples of personal statements for vet school should guide you in the right direction when creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about personal statements for vet school.

1. What Should A Vet School Personal Statement Include?

Your vet school personal statement should describe how your passion for veterinary medicine began, and two to three experiences you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve improved upon that passion. It should flow nicely, be easy to read, and conclude by reinstating your passion for the profession and how you intend to improve the field. 

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Vet School?

Personal statements for vet school are typically one page or 3,000 words long. However, schools will often give you specific parameters for your essay. Pay close attention to the prompts given to you throughout your application process. 

3. How Do You End a Vet School Personal Statement?

There are several ways to end a vet school personal statement successfully. You should always reinstate your passion for veterinary medicine and end on a high note. Suppose you have a specific way you intend to improve veterinary medicine. In that case, the end of your personal statement is an excellent place to state your intentions. 

4. What Makes a Good Personal Statement for Vet School?

A good veterinary medicine personal statement must include your passion for the field, showcases unique experiences and qualities, exhibits a strong connection to animals, and utilizes effective storytelling and structure. 

It must also exhibit strong and concise writing and attention to detail. It should authentically convey your motivation and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

5. How Important Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

A personal statement for veterinary school is extremely important. It provides applicants a platform to showcase their individuality, express their motivation, and demonstrate their suitability for the veterinary profession. 

Personal statements offer insights into applicants' personal and professional qualities that may not be apparent from other application components. 

Final Thoughts

Your vet school personal statement should be thoughtful, heartfelt, and informative. You should ensure that your story is easy to read by using descriptive language and lining up the highlights of your work experience in order. 

Consider your unique perspective. Remember, these programs are competitive. Putting your unique twist on your essay will help you stand out from the pack and remain in the minds of the admissions committee. 

Good luck! 

Schedule A Free Consultation

You may also like.

Medical Ethics Questions: How to Nail Them in Your Interview

How to Become a Cosmetic Dentist

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

• 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.

Personal Statement Examples

• Statistics Personal Statements
• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
• Classics Personal Statement Examples
• Theology Personal Statement Examples
• Physics Personal Statement Examples
• Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
• Oncology Personal Statement Examples
• Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
• History Personal Statement Examples
• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
• Finance Personal Statement Examples
• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
• Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
• Film Production Personal Statement Examples
• Events Management Personal Statement Examples
• Counselling Personal Statement Examples
• Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
• Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
• Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
• Journalism Personal Statement Examples
• English Literature Personal Statement Examples
• Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
• Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
• Product Design Personal Statement Examples
• Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Geography Personal Statement Examples
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Politics Personal Statement Examples
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
• Zoology Personal Statement Example
• Sociology Personal Statement Example
• Fashion Personal Statement Example
• Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
• Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Philosophy Personal Statement
• International Relations Personal Statement Example
• Biochemistry Personal Statement Example
• Dentistry Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statement
• Law Personal Statement Example
• Medicine Personal Statement for Cambridge
• ICT Personal Statement
• Primary Teacher PGCE Personal Statement
• PGCE Personal Statement Example
• Games Design Personal Statement
• Paramedic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statement
• Pharmacy Personal Statement Example

• Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPE 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Economics 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Modern Languages 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Land Economy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Psychology 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge English 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Human Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge History 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Geography 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Philosophy 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Classics 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Architecture 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge HSPS Programme 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biomedical Sciences 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Engineering 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Natural Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Maths 24/25 Entry
• Oxbridge Computer Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Physics 24/25 Entry
• Oxford PPL 24/25 Entry
• Cambridge Veterinary Science 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Chemistry 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biology 24/25 Entry
• Oxford Biochemistry 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Non-Oxbridge Dentistry 24/25 Entry
• IMAT Medicine 24/25 Entry
• Can’t Find Your Subject?
• Law Interview Programme
• PPE Interview Programme
• Economics Interview Programme
• Oxbridge Medicine Interview Programme
• Natural Science Interview Programme
• Engineering Interview Programme
• Maths Interview Programme
• Dentistry Interview Programme
• Medicine MMI Interview Programme
• Our Guarantee

Our Students

Student Success Stories

• University Access Scheme
• New Tutor Application Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Free Expert Consultation
• +44 (0) 208 068 0438
• [email protected]

SCIENCE PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

HUMANITIES PROGRAMMES (25/26 ENTRY)

GET STARTED

Can't find your subject?

OXFORD TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

CAMBRIDGE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

MEDICINE TESTS (25/26 ENTRY)

View Our Free admissions guides & resources

How UniAdmissions Cracked The Oxbridge Formula

Applying for Oxbridge is an opportunity seldom approached correctly. So how do you enter the top 16% of a strong cohort of applicants that get an offer? Discover how UniAdmissions get 2/3 of our students in.

When Do 2024 Medicine Offers Come Out?

When do UK Medical School Interviews start and when do they release their final offers to applicants? Find out all the dates for 2024 medical school admissions in this helpful guide.

Inside The UniAdmissions Portal: The UA Advantage

UniAdmissions students have access to the world's first dedicated Oxbridge admissions preparation platform, and this guide will help you discover exactly how the Portal will help you get your offer.

Discover all guides

ABOUT UNIADMISSIONS

Learn about who the world's first Oxbridge prep school are.

Learn about the Portal; the heart of our Programmes.

UniAdmissions' Foundation

The Foundation is our charitable arm to support disadvantaged students.

Students & Tutors

Discover who a UniAdmissions student is and our admissions criteria.

Learn about our high-performing Oxbridge tutors.

We're proud of our alumni. Read about their journey with UniAdmissions here.

Admissions Resources

Free Admissions Guides

Visit our Learning Centre and read our in-depth free guides.

We are the world's biggest Oxbridge application publisher. Learn more here.

Teachers Learning Hub

Learn about how to help your students get their place at Oxbridge.

Get Started

• Access Student Portal
• Oxbridge Programmes
• Open Day Webinar
• Tutor Application Form
• Common Questions
• Download Our Prospectus
• Book Consultation

Successful Personal Statement For Veterinary Medicine At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rohan Agarwal

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

LONDON VET SCHOOL

INTERVIEW + REJECTED

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:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for chemistry at oxford, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for philosophy at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychology at oxford, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for medicine at oxford university, successful personal statement for modern languages at oxford, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for ppe at oxford, successful personal statement for law at cambridge, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge.

Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

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.

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

10 essential ucat keyboard shortcuts.

One of the greatest challenges in the UCAT is the time restrictions put in place for each subtest. You'll need…

AI Writing & UCAS Personal Statements: What You Need To Know

When it comes to writing in the 2020s, AI-Generation has become one of the most important issues for many industries,…

Cambridge Announces the ESAT to replace the NSAA and ENGAA

In 2023, it was announced by the University of Cambridge that many of their established admissions tests would stop being…

Oxford and Cambridge Move From BMAT To UCAT For 2025 Entry Medicine

It has been announced by the University of Oxford that they will be moving from the BMAT to the UCAT…

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

As a teacher, you will support students with their UCAS Personal Statements every year, but what about Personal Statements for…

Oxbridge vs Non-Oxbridge UK Medical Schools

Oxford and Cambridge are two of the most renowned universities in the world, but how do their medical schools stack…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

• We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
• Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
• Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
• Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

We have developed an 80-page E-Book filled with expert Personal Statement Advice. Inside, you’ll find guides on planning and writing your personal statement, as well as our full collection of 25+ Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements.

Get it directly to your inbox by registering your email.

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

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 veterinary personal statement. We look at how to write a personal statement for vet school, key items to include, and why nailing your personal statement is important.

Why we have to write personal statements

Your personal statement 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 allows you to tie all of this together and let your passion, personality, and enthusiasm for veterinary medicine shine through. Your 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 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 application personal statement is 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. 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 vet school, 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.

Get in touch for more information

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Linkedin

Related Blogs

How to prepare for a career in veterinary medicine, what is veterinary school like, nait partnership agreement, avma veterinary leadership conference.

• Veterinary School

Vet school personal statement examples

When you are putting together an application for vet school, vet school personal statement examples will be a great way to learn how to write your own. Samples statements are like templates, or a beaten path showing you the way forward.

You’ve consulted the vet school rankings , made your decision, and are getting set to apply to your top-choice schools. You need to ace the personal statement to go right along with your polished grad school resume and grad school letter of recommendation .

This article will give you a few veterinarian school personal statement examples to look over so you can perfect your own statement. We will also cover some helpful hints to make your statement as effective as possible, and some pointers on what writing mistakes you should avoid.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

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. I think that’s why I loved stories of the wild west to begin with: the horses – majestic, powerful, and almost living embodiments of freedom and adventure.

I grew up with horses. My cousin, Brianne, had horses and I spent as much of my time at Brianne’s place as I could. I found that other girls my age liked the idea of owning a pony, but weren’t as interested in the care of the animal. I didn’t mind it. I made connections, and learned rudimentary caring techniques. As I grew, I became more invested, and I started learning about how to care for animals on a deeper level.

My favorite thing that I learned was about trimming horse hooves. There are different schools of thought about shoeing, but I have always favored trimming and caring for horse hooves in their natural state. It is a difficult skill to master, but one of many I learned while looking after horses.

With that in mind, I took up my next job working in an animal shelter, and we dealt with all kinds of different animals that came through, mostly dogs and cats, but one animal we wound up with for a time was a chameleon named Fred who had been abandoned and neglected by his owner.

Fred proved to be a challenge – a less familiar creature than typical housepets. I started to read up on the care of lizards, tropical animals, and other exotic pets. I had to keep his cage warm, but mist it with water, and I learned that if another chameleon came into the store I would have to keep them separate, since they prefer living alone. I became fascinated with this lizard for these unique care items, and for his strange feet and rotating eyes. I knew that this was an area of study I wanted to pursue.

In case you were worried, Fred the chameleon is fine; I adopted him and he says, “Hello,” in his lizard way.

As much as I loved my job at the shelter, I decided that my experience would best come from the zoo. We live fairly near the city zoo, and a short bus ride brought me to work every day. I got first-hand experience working with exotic animals, and at last, my career goals, my love of exotic animals, and my love of adventure came all together to form one, clear path forward.

Whenever the zoo’s vets would come by and make their rounds, I would ask them questions and offered to help them with their activities. Through this, I got to “assist” on several routine events, usually with helping to control the animals and keep them still while medicine was being administered or a checkup was happening.

One of those doctors, Dr. Martin Bellford, offered to help me out with my studies, and has proved to be as inexhaustible at answering questions as I am at asking them. He has let me come with him on all subsequent zoo visits and has explained a lot of exotic animal medicine to me. He taught me about how to stay on my toes. There are so many different kinds of animals that a vet needs to know about!

My extracurricular activities inspired my academic pursuits. I have been studying biology extensively, and my favorite classes are my biology labs. I was a bit uncomfortable dissecting frogs; I didn’t know how to feel as an animal-enthusiast. I was grateful for the ability to learn about animal anatomy, but I do believe strongly in ethically caring for animals and ensuring their health and wellbeing, as well as their rights and welfare.

Someday, I hope to be an exotic animals specialist who works with strange, wild species. I’d also like to continue to care for horses, and serve as an expert or volunteer for organizations, like the World Wildlife Fund, to continue to aid the cause for wildlife preservation. Lofty goals, but goals that are filled with adventure and animals.

Saddle up.

I was screaming at a birthday party, trying to fold in on myself so completely that I couldn’t be seen by the dog sniffing me. My best friend Jake had a dog and I was terribly afraid of dogs. I had been knocked over when I was little and I guess that memory stayed with me long enough to develop a Pavlovian reaction to seeing a canid.

But, here I am, all these years later, writing this letter with two dogs’ heads resting on my lap. I went from terrified to an enthusiast.

This change of outlook happened while pet-sitting for a family friend. I was forced to come up against dogs. At first, I was all nerves and anxiety, but one of the dogs, named Lion, really was insistent that I play fetch. At first I was throwing the ball to get Lion away from me; without realizing it, I began to throw it for fun. That evening, I found myself petting Lion while watching TV. I made friends, and started to love those dogs.

I wanted to know more about animals and work with them. My uncle Carl is a vet, and in early high school days I asked if I could work for him at his clinic. He agreed, and while I mostly did menial office tasks befitting a summer job, I also got to help out with the animals

Most of what I did there was feed the animals and look after any overnight patients, but sometimes Uncle Carl would show me about a particular procedure, and he always made time to answer my questions. One day he got me to help him with a dog’s hurt hindleg – how to settle the animal, hold it gently but firmly, and how to dress the wound so that it would heal.

Again, my thirst for knowledge took over, and eventually Uncle Carl couldn’t keep up with me questions. He told me which classes I should be taking in school to learn more. I took as many biology classes as I could, and I read up on extra material. I found that I learned best by re-wording what I learned, and wrote several extra essays just so I could understand the material better.

Through working at Uncle Carl’s practice, I have discovered that I gravitate towards domestic animals. Pets are so important to me, and I want to enter a field where I can provide care for the fuzziest of family members

Last year, Uncle Carl promoted me, and I have been more directly helping with the animals under his supervision. I have come to appreciate and understand the complexities of the vet profession, and have received many hours of direct experience with medicines, evaluations, care, and treatment options for household pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, and a few spiders and snakes have all come under my purview.

I also volunteer several days every month with an animal shelter, bringing in my knowledge of how to care for these animals and help them with their health

I don’t have lofty ambitions of changing the world on a global scale; I want to be a family vet, caring for pets. I think that’s plenty of world-changing for many people who need their family cared for and their pets looked after. I have seen the relationship that vets have with their patients, and it is rewarding and wonderful.

There was nothing I could do, because when you have a three-inch gash across the stomach of a seven-inch piglet, it’s almost guaranteed to die. But hopelessness is for other professions. I’m a farm boy, so I dosed the piglet with Stresnil, grabbed a needle and thread, and sewed the little guy up.

Life on a farm has taught me a lot of things. It’s taught me about how to be tackled repeatedly by my older brother, how to fall in creeks your parents didn’t even know were there, and how to care for animals. I have seen every aspect of animal care, and participated in most of them as well.

I was there to welcome in newly-farrowed piglets, to care for them as they grew, to administer medicines and vaccinations, to feed them, scratch their backs, and put them down as quickly and humanely as possible when all else failed. Never have I lost an animal I haven’t fought for, and never have I given up on them, even in the last hours.

There is no question that this life has given me an excellent skillset and a lifetime of experience in working with animals, caring for them, and coming to understand their needs. As much as I appreciate being a farmer, my favorite aspect of the job is the care for the animals, and I want to focus on that. That’s why I want to go into the veterinary profession instead of following in my family’s business. Don’t worry, my brothers will keep the legacy going.

Maybe I shouldn’t tell you about my failures, but I feel like they were an important part of my journey, so I will. In college, when I started to study subjects I would need to become a vet, I found I had to get over myself. My experiences were valuable, but I didn’t know nearly enough. I had brought an arrogance with me; because I had direct experience with animal care, I thought I would breeze through my coursework and studies. I was wrong.

My first test score I got back for my environmental science course took me down a peg or two and I found out the hard way that I needed a better attitude, better studying habits, and to move into the hard sciences with more determination.

The attitude was a fairly easy adjustment. I have three brothers, and between their teasing and besting me in wrestling matches, my ego isn’t so fragile that it can’t take another hit. I accepted the fact that I needed to learn even more than my peers – I had allowed myself to fall behind. Then I fixed my study habits by setting a regular routine – I would always study directly after doing chores in the barn.

Finally, I took a whole new approach to my studies: I went in ignoring my grade entirely and instead just asking one question after another, allowing my curiosity to fuel my search forward. I have found that a need to understand is a far better incentive than a grade. A grade-seeker gets nothing more than a number, but a curious mind receives knowledge.

I won’t say I’m pleased that my grades have greatly improved, although they have, because I am far more wary of becoming egocentric again, but I will tell you that my studies are fairing better. I put in the work and have done some extra credit work to make up for my slow start.

Between school and farming I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I have made space to volunteer with an animal rescue organization, and I have even been fortunate enough to join them when they go out to retrieve loose animals. I have helped out with countless animals now, of many different kinds, and I am starting to expand my knowledge of the animal kingdom beyond those found on farms.

With that said, I do want to specialize in farm animals and become a veterinarian for farms. I might not be taking over for my parents, but I still love that life and those animals. I can’t save every piglet with a heavy wound, but I can try. What’s more, with training, I have the best chance possible of making every animal’s life a little bit better.

Each personal statement needs to answer one crucial question: why do you want to be a veterinarian? Answering that question is the main point of your VMCAS essay , but it must be more than that, or that reason won’t be impactful. Anybody can say “I like animals,” you need to say and show why, and you need to tell the story of your journey to getting to where you are.

The reason is because your personal statement being good also hinges on whether or not your story is personal, unique, and shows your journey in the best light. You’re going to show the application committee why you are the perfect fit for the profession of veterinarian.

You have probably done more than one thing, focused on something other than just being a vet, have a hobby or multiple types of experiences in the professional or academic fields \u2013 highlight that diversity in your life. Just make sure you stick to 2-3 main experiences. You don\u2019t need to include every connection you have with animals, just a couple of your finest experiences. Showing the admissions committee a well-rounded individual with a variety of experiences and accomplishments will go a long way to being an impressive candidate. "}]">

Could your personal statement apply to any number of candidates? Then it isn\u2019t good. Your personal statement should be, first and foremost, personal to you. The more unique it is, the more it highlights your individual traits and experiences, the more valuable it is to you. "}]">

A personal statement is one of the best ways to stand out to the applications committee. This makes you more than a number or a list of accomplishments. It gives context to those accomplishments and shows your humanity and uniqueness – two very important factors in your acceptance and moving towards your future as an animal doctor.

Different schools process applications in their own way – including personal statements. With that said, most aren’t going to mark or grade the statement. That’s why it’s so imperative to make a statement that grabs your reader and makes you stand out. It needs to be a statement that makes the committee think, “I need to interview this person; I want to meet them.”

Again, it really depends on the institution; some will weight the statement more or less than others.

What you need to know is that your statement needs to grab the attention of the reader and that you should consider all aspects of your application to be of utmost importance.

All kinds are valid, and more types are better.

If you have cared for pets, volunteered at a shelter, or have more direct, medical experience with animals, anything is on the table and valid. Get as many different types as you can. More impressive candidates will demonstrate a rapport with animals – caring for them – as well as medical and scientific knowledge.

No, it isn’t. Obviously, if you have direct contact with the kind of animal you want to specialize in, that’s great, but wanting to be an elephant doctor or somebody who helps save pandas from extinction are great goals, and you won’t be penalized because you’re not one of the rare few people who have access to pandas.

Focus on the experiences you do have to get to the ones you don’t.

No, but you should be an animal lover, so to speak. Even if you aren’t 100% sold on creep-crawlies like millipedes, you can still love animals and want to care for them. Nobody’s asking you to give a shot to an arthropod, anyway.

Animal shelters, farms, pet stores, zoos, aquariums, and possibly even a vet’s clinic will all be places you can volunteer or work to gain experience working with animals.

Not at all. You just have to be interested in animals and their wellbeing, the skillset, and the requisite academic requirements and experiences. Pet owner can be part of that, but it’s not the only factor.

Brainstorm for a couple minutes. Just take a paper and pen and free-associate about vets and animals for two minutes. Time yourself and stop at the end of those two minutes; you’ll probably have a lot to work with.

If you’re still stuck, try thinking of the moment or series of events that led you to your decision to be a vet. Start telling that story, highlight your achievements and growth along the way, and you’ll mostly be done your statement right there.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

How to write a personal statement for veterinary science

Focus on your experience and motivation – and show you understand the challenges of the job

I f you're applying to study veterinary science, a personal statement will be just one part of your application. Chances are you will also have to fill out a work experience questionnaire, do a test and possibly go to an interview as well.

"The work experience questionnaire is there to check that the student meets our minimum work experience requirements," says Vikki Cannon, head of admissions and recruitment at the Royal Veterinary College.

Some courses don't even look at the personal statement. Dr Kieron Salmon, director of admissions at the University of Liverpool, says: "In our experience, very few personal statements are 'personal'. They read very similarly and have hints of having being written under the guidance of a teacher or parent. So we focus more on face-to-face interviews."

But for the courses that do ask for one, the personal statement can play a really important role.

"If you get it wrong, then it can be the difference between you getting an interview and not getting an interview," says Cannon.

So here are some tips to help you when it comes to writing yours.

What to include

Why do you want to be a vet?

"What we're looking for from a personal statement is to get a feel for why they want to be a vet and an understanding of what they've done about it," says Cannon.

It's also worth thinking about your long-term career aims and what kind of vet you want to be.

Sam Hillage, assistant faculty registrar at the University of Surrey, says: "Showing your motivation and talking about some of your career aspirations would be good. Also acknowledging the diversity of roles in the field."

Work experience

"Sometimes people forget to actually mention the four weeks of work experience they've done," says Hillage. "As that's a mandatory requirement, it's important they get that in."

It might be that a particular moment from your work experience has stuck with you, and if you link that to why you want to be a vet and what you've learned, it can impress tutors.

Claire Phillips, director of admissions at Edinburgh University's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies says: "Sometimes it can be something quite minor that they have seen on work experience that has made an impression and shown them what it is all about."

Relevant hobbies

Use your statement to show your wider interests as well as your interest in veterinary medicine. Phillips says: "We're looking for a holistic, rounded student. It's not just about academic ability, we want to see people who have other things outside work and academics."

Try to link your hobbies back to your interest in veterinary medicine, but don't worry if not everything is relevant.

"It could be sport, music, voluntary work – it doesn't have to be animal-related," says Phillips.

"Being academically very good is not everything. They need an outlet to cope with the veterinary profession when they qualify. It's a tough job, especially if they go into a practice, so the fact they have something outside of academia is important."

Don't forget to mention people

A vet should understand that a big part of their job is dealing with people, say tutors.

"Some people just explain conditions or talk about animals, but it is important to talk about the sensitivity of the profession," says Phillips.

"You need to be aware that it's not just theory but about the overall sensitivity to people."

You could get this across by talking about some of the human interactions you encountered on your work experience, perhaps how you observed a vet dealing with a client.

Things to avoid

Spelling mistakes

You might not be applying to study English, but good spelling is still important.

Phillips says: "It's a professional degree and communication skills are very important."

And if you're going to refer to particular medical terms, it's really important that you spell them correctly.

"The number of people who write that they've witnessed caesareans in their personal statement but can't spell caesarean is amazing," says Cannon.

"One bad spelling isn't going to lose you a place, but you are marked on the quality of your writing, so if it was littered with spelling mistakes then it might be a problem."

"I've wanted to be a vet since I was..."

"We're not interested in the fact that you've wanted to be a vet for the last 16 years," says Cannon.

"You could have been interested in being a vet for the last 16 months, it's what you do about it that is the interesting thing."

That's not to say you should avoid the phrase altogether. Just make sure you link it back to why you would be good on the course.

Cannon says: "Lots of them will start their personal statement with: 'I've known I wanted to be a vet since I was 3, 4, 5, 6'. But then a lot of them do go on and say why. That's what we're looking for."

Too much technical detail

You might want to include some reference to a strand of veterinary medicine or a type of technology that interests you, but don't go overboard.

Sam Hillage, assistant faculty registrar at the University of Surrey, says: "I'd avoid getting bogged down in a lot of technical detail.

"While it's good to show you have some technical knowledge, it's not necessarily what we look for in a personal statement."

Mentioning the most up-to-date technology won't always win brownie points. "It's the more grounded things that make an impression," says Phillips.

Don't forget to mention animals

It might sound really obvious that a personal statement for veterinary science should include animals. But not everyone remembers. "Sometimes we get people who focus very much on the science side of things, without ever really mentioning animals," Cannon says.

Equally, make sure not to go too far in the other direction.

Cannon says: "Saying 'I want to be a vet because I like cats' doesn't really tell us anything."

If you're looking for more help in getting to vet school, why not apply for a place on a summer school? This year, the Royal Veterinary College is offering 50 places on a summer course with the Sutton Trust that will teach you what it's like to be a vet and give you tips on applying to study veterinary medicine at uni.

The scheme, sponsored by Barclays, is free to students from low and middle income backgrounds. If you're interested in applying for a place, take a look at the Sutton Trust's website .

• Guardian Students
• Higher education
• Applying to university
• Advice for students
• Veterinary science
• Personal statements

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

• UCAS Guide >
• Personal Statement >

Veterinary personal statement: The Introduction

Top tips for writing your veterinary personal statement introduction., write the introduction last.

It might seem logical to start writing your Veterinary Personal Statement from the beginning, brainstorming introduction starters. However, the introduction is arguably the most difficult paragraph to write. Many students fixate on writing a “killer opening line”, if you overthink your introduction, you many end up procrastinating from tackling the rest of your Veterinary Personal Statement. If you find that you are struggling with crafting an introduction, then it might be better to start writing the other sections (such as work experience or talking about your personal achievements) first.

Make it Personal.

When describing your motivation for studying Veterinary think about what you have learnt about being a vet and then why you want to be a vet. The introduction should be based around your personal motivation to study Veterinary Medicine, so avoid making your reasons generic.

Grip the reader immediately.

The introduction of your Veterinary Personal Statement should be the first thing to grasp the reader’s attention, make it snappy and captivating. This is the difference between your application grabbing someone’s attention and it being like all the others they have read. Use your judgement to assess whether your opening lines are authentic and personal to you.

Show an understanding of Veterinary as a degree and profession.

It is important to demonstrate that you understand what a career in Veterinary Medicine involves. Do not fall into the trap of describing your “love for cuddling animals.” This phrase will make the reader question if you are aware of what the job actually involves (it actually involves quite little of this). There are difficult, messy, and upsetting parts to the job.  

The Veterinary Schools Council Website provides excellent information about careers and admissions into Vet School

Common Pitfalls in a Veterinary Personal Statement Introduction

Using clichés..

Avoid sounding cliché and using phrases such as ‘I love animals and science.’ This is a hackneyed phrase that will not make you stand out. The word “Passion” croups up lots of times in Veterinary Personal Statements. Passion is an emotion… and it does not fit well describing your chosen career as an emotive feeling. Lastly, avoid using the word ‘dream’ and saying, ‘veterinary medicine is my dream’. This may be the case, but if you mention this it doesn’t come across as very professional, and can sound like you’re unaware of the realities of the profession. 

Using unnatural language

Using flowery and verbose language will not impress the admissions tutor. By using unnatural language, it immediately looks like you have used a thesaurus to change up your words. A common example of this is using the word ‘relish’ to describe how much you like doing something.  You may want to use synonyms to avoid repeating words. Make sure if that you are still using appropriate concise words in their correct context.

Using Sob Stories

You can use personal anecdotes to help explain your reasoning for wanting to study Veterinary Medicine. Be careful not to make these sound too cliché. Steer away from phrases such as ‘When I was 5 I had a pet hamster that became sick and its treatment at the vets is what inspired me to become one’.

Being Generic

Mentioning that you like science can be another common pitfall in Veterinary Personal Statement introductions. Veterinary medicine combines science and a love of working with animals’ hand in hand. Try to be original when explaining why you like the science aspect of the job. What specifically do you enjoy? How have you had experience of veterinary science in your schooling? e.g. dissections in class or learning about the heart can relate a lot to veterinary anatomy. 

N.B. – Do not let the fear of sounding too generic put you off from mentioning animals at all in your introduction. If you are studying to be a vet, you should like animals and you should talk about them in your Veterinary Personal Statement. Try to individually explain why you like them, what is it about working with them that you enjoy? Why is studying veterinary medicine a good choice for you given that you like animals? 

A Veterinary Personal Statement Introduction Idea

Consider beginning your Veterinary Personal Statement describing a particular ‘ology’ that you have enjoyed learning about or researching. Think about how you can use this to explain why you want to be a vet. For example, you may describe that you have an  interest in cardiology, because you’ve seen a cardio case on your Veterinary work experience. Did this inspire you to look into the future of veterinary cardiology? 

Check out our other Veterinary Personal Statement guides and feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

Frequently Asked Question

→what should a personal statement introduction include.

When describing your motivation for studying Veterinary think about what you have learnt about being a vet and then why you want to be a vet. The introduction should be based around your personal motivation to study Veterinary Medicine.

→What is a personal statement for vet school?

As part of your UCAS application you must submit a Personal Statement. Your personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate to the course providers why you want to study veterinary and why you’d make a brilliant student.

→Should I start my personal statement with a quote?

It is advised to avoid using quotes in your personal statement. Not only do quotes take up valuable space but they can be perceived as being cliché making your statement less credible.

→How long should my introduction be in my veterinary personal statement?

The length of your introduction may vary depending on the specific requirements of the programme you are applying for. However, most veterinary personal statement introductions are typically around 100-200 words in length.

→How can I make my introduction stand out in my veterinary personal statement?

To make your introduction stand out in your veterinary personal statement, you should use clear and concise language to convey your message. You should also focus on your personal experiences and qualities that make you a strong candidate for veterinary medicine. Using a creative hook or anecdote can also help to grab the reader’s attention and make your introduction more memorable.

→Why is the introduction of a veterinary personal statement important?

The introduction of a veterinary personal statement is important because it sets the tone for the rest of the statement and grabs the attention of the reader. It is the first opportunity for applicants to make a strong impression and demonstrate their motivation and passion for veterinary medicine.

Was this article helpful?

Still got a question leave a comment, leave a comment, cancel reply.

• Medic Mind Comparison Tool
• Vet Schools Council Official Website
• UCAS Official Website

Related links

• FREE Medical MMI mocks
• FREE Dentistry MMI mocks
• FREE Vet MMI mocks
• Medicine Interview Guides
• Medicine Interview E-Book
• Dentistry Interview E-Book
• Vet Interview E-Book

MMI interview preparation with our live interactive day and comprehensive feedback

Personalised 1-1 lessons, tailored to your interview preparation

Covering 8 interview topics, with model answers, live MMI analysis and hot topics

What are you looking for? ?

Let's get acquainted what is your name, nice to meet you, {{name}} what is your preferred e-mail address, nice to meet you, {{name}} what is your preferred phone number, what is your preferred phone number, just to check, what are you interested in, when should we call you, what time works best for you (uk time), how many hours of 1-1 tutoring are you looking for, my whatsapp number is..., for our safeguarding policy, please confirm....

Please provide the mobile number of a guardian/parent

Which online course are you interested in?

What is your query, you can apply for a bursary by clicking this link, sure, what is your query, thank you for your response. we will aim to get back to you within 12-24 hours., lock in a 2 hour 1-1 tutoring lesson now.

If you're ready and keen to get started click the button below to book your first 2 hour 1-1 tutoring lesson with us. Connect with a tutor from a university of your choice in minutes. (Use FAST5 to get 5% Off!)

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 2023: 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.

Username or email  *

Password  *

Forgotten password?

[email protected]

+44 (0)20 8834 4579

• Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

Get advice on how to start writing your personal statement for Veterinary Medicine and stand out from other applicants.

Jump to Section

• Deciding on Medicine
• Work Experience
• Choosing a Medical School
• Personal Statement
• Interview Guide
• Interview Questions
• NHS Hot Topics
• Medical Ethics
• Graduate Entry
• Studying Abroad
• Study Medicine Abroad In Europe
• Studying Abroad in the USA
• Study Abroad in Ireland
• Study Medicine In The Caribbean
• Study Abroad in Australia
• Study Abroad in Hong Kong
• How To Survive Your First Year Of Med School
• Science Hot Topics
• Veterinary Medicine Entry Requirements
• Becoming a Vet Without A-levels
• Veterinary Specialties

Costs of Studying Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary medicine: interviews.

• Veterinary Medicine Interview Questions
• Veterinary Medicine Hot Topic: Shortage of Vets in the UK
• Veterinary Medicine Clearing
• Allied Health
• Physician Associate
• The NHS Guide
• Parents’ Guide

If you would like to apply to study Veterinary Medicine , you’ll be required to make an application via UCAS . The application will have to include a Veterinary Medicine personal statement – which could make a big difference for vet schools looking to screen applicants prior to interviews!

How to Write a Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

Aspiring veterinarians will all have to meet specific grade requirements and provide suitable references. This means that one of the few chances to really stand out from the crowd is your personal statement.

It is your opportunity to showcase your interest and motivations in the field, as well as experiences, skills and attributes.

Personal statements need to be submitted before the UCAS deadline, which is typically in October for Veterinary Medicine.

Study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nicosia

Become a globally-acclaimed vet!

Structuring Your Personal Statement

The structure of a veterinary medicine personal statement consists of three key elements: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section serves a specific purpose in conveying your motivation, experiences, and goals.

Introduction

The first section is your introduction. This is your opening pitch, which should grab the reader’s attention. It is your opportunity to make a strong first impression. 

Avoid clichés like “I have always wanted to be a veterinarian” and instead focus on stating your motivation for pursuing veterinary medicine. Highlight any personal experiences or events that sparked your interest in the field. This section should demonstrate your genuine passion and commitment to veterinary medicine.

The next element is the body of your personal statement. Discuss any work experience, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that have contributed to your understanding of veterinary medicine. 

Showcase transferable skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and empathy. Provide specific examples to illustrate how these experiences have shaped your desire to become a veterinarian. 

This section should highlight your dedication, knowledge, and readiness for the challenges of veterinary medicine

The third and final element is your conclusion. The conclusion is your opportunity to summarize the main points of your personal statement and leave a lasting impression on the reader. 

Reinforce your passion, commitment, and future goals in veterinary medicine. Emphasize how your experiences have solidified your decision to pursue this career path. End with a strong and memorable statement that reflects your enthusiasm and readiness for the challenges and rewards of being a veterinarian. 

This section should leave the reader with a sense of your determination and excitement for your future career.

Personal Statement Help

Focus on one-to-one help with an admissions tutor for your Veterinary School application

Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Tips

Use our tips for writing your Veterinary Medicine personal statement!

Showcase Your Passion and Motivation

You should demonstrate your genuine passion for animal welfare and explain how your motivation aligns with Veterinary Medicine’s values.

You might be motivated by family members or friends who are in the Veterinary Medicine field. Or you might have developed a passion for animal welfare from a work experience placement at your local veterinarian’s. Whatever your motivation is, you should write about it in your personal statement and explain why it is relevant.

Highlight Relevant Experiences

Veterinary schools are looking for breadth and depth of experience, which 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 in stables, kennels, catteries, zoos, wildlife, or rescue centres, pig or poultry farms, or something more unusual
• At least one veterinary practice, working with large domestic animals on a livestock farm, especially dairy or lambing and other animal experience like stables, kennels, catteries, zoos, wildlife, or rescue centres, pig or poultry farms or something more unusual.

You should reflect on any lessons learnt, as well as how these experiences helped you to grow. Don’t forget to specify how many weeks of experience you have obtained!

Demonstrate Suitability for Veterinary Medicine

You should demonstrate that you understand the challenges and responsibilities of the Veterinary Medicine profession and highlight your ability to work in a team, handle stress and make ethical decisions.

You should also demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning throughout your Veterinary Medicine career and staying up-to-date with veterinary science developments.

However, you should not just consider experiences. You should also discuss key skills and attributes and provide examples of how you have demonstrated these in academic and personal settings.

Other writing tips

After writing your personal statement, you should review it carefully to ensure it is clear and coherent. You should also review it for any spelling or grammatical errors.

You should tailor your personal statement to each veterinary school you apply to. Veterinary schools have unique curricula, research opportunities, and values, and they want to admit students who align with their mission and can contribute to their community.

By tailoring your personal statement, you can highlight how your experiences, skills, and goals align with the specific strengths and values of each school, showing your genuine interest and dedication. 

You might also want to get feedback on your personal statement! You could ask a relative to read it and give you their thoughts or ask a friend or a teacher to comment on what impression it made on them.

You might also like to get professional help with your personal statement, 

• Get a Personal Statement Review by an Admissions Tutor
• Focus on one-to-one help with Personal Statement Tutoring for your Veterinary School application

Things to avoid

Some common personal statement mistakes include:

• Lack of focus: A common mistake is not having a clear focus or central theme in the personal statement. It is important to have a central idea or message that ties your experiences, skills, and goals together. Without a clear focus, the personal statement may come across as disjointed or lacking direction.
• Generic statements: Using generic statements or clichés, such as “I love animals” or “I have always wanted to be a veterinarian,” can weaken the personal statement. Admissions committees are looking for unique and genuine perspectives, so it is important to provide specific examples and personal anecdotes that demonstrate your passion and commitment to veterinary medicine.
• Lack of self-reflection: A personal statement should not just be a list of experiences or achievements. It should also include self-reflection and insight into how these experiences have shaped your desire to pursue veterinary medicine. Failing to reflect on the impact of your experiences can make the personal statement appear superficial or lacking depth.
• Poor organization and structure: A disorganized or poorly structured personal statement can make it difficult for the reader to follow your narrative. It is important to have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, with each section flowing logically into the next. Use paragraphs and transitions effectively to ensure a smooth and coherent flow of ideas.
• Grammatical and spelling errors: Neglecting to proofread your personal statement can lead to grammatical and spelling errors, which can detract from the overall quality of your writing. It is important to carefully review your personal statement for any mistakes and consider seeking feedback from others to ensure it is error-free.
• Overemphasis on grades and test scores: While academic achievements are important, focusing solely on grades and test scores can give the impression that you are only interested in the academic aspect of veterinary medicine. It is important to showcase a well-rounded profile that includes experiences, skills, and qualities beyond academic performance.

A well-written, persuasive and stand-out personal statement is your key to a potential veterinary school interview . 

Prep Packages

Get the best prep at the best price. Save up to 25% with prep packages for UCAT or Interview. Plus a new range of exciting medical experiences.

Trusted Courses

Our courses are trusted by world-leading schools and thousands of aspiring medics every year. 5*-rated UCAT and Interview Courses are available in person or live online.

1-2-1 Tutoring

Need one-to-one help? Our Doctor-trained Medicine tutors are ready to help you boost your UCAT score, nail your interviews and get you into Medical School.

Join Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list for weekly updates and tips on how to get into Medicine.

Loading More Content

• Prices/Payment
• Standard Service US$199.00
• VIP/Rush Service US$299.00
• Statement of Purpose Help
• Dr Robert Edinger, Personal Statement of Purpose Specialist
• Editing/Writing Service
• Guarantee/Privacy Policy
• Client Testimony
• Autobiographical
• Disadvantaged Status
• Letters of Recommendation

#header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ color:#000000 } @media (min-width: 650px) { #header_text h2#site_subheading a, #header_text h2#site_subheading{ } }

Anonymous samples of my work in veterinary medicine.

• BSc Veterinary Medicine, UK, Music
• MSc Veterinary Medicine, Marine, Zoology
• Internship Equine Medicine, Surgery
• MS Veterinary Medicine, African-American
• MS Veterinary Medicine, Brazilian Woman

Search by Degree, Field, or Country of Origin

• Accountancy
• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Asian Studies
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Construction Management
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Ethnic Studies
• Food Science
• Gender Studies
• Graphic Design
• Hospitality
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• International Relations
• Latin American Studies
• Law Enforcement
• Library & Information Science
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Medical School
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Political Science
• Real Estate
• Religious Studies
• Security Studies
• Translation
• Veterinary Medicine
• Women's Studies

Statements of Excellence for Graduate Programs and Internships in Veterinary Medicine

It is always a special pleasure to help applicants in the area of Veterinary Medicine and I look forward to having the opportunity to help more applicants in this area in the future. I have always been a great lover of animals; thus, I enjoy learning as much about them as I can, how to protect them, care for them, etc. I also appreciate the sensitivity and unselfish character of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine. I just purchased two puppies for my only child David, 7, so I have a fresh, lifelong commitment on a personal level as well.

I want to help you get accepted into an Advanced Education or Training Program in Veterinary Medicine.

It is very important that you carefully review the style and presentation of your application material for graduate school or a certificate program before submitting it, especially your Personal Statement of Purpose. Seeking the assistance of a professional writer is often a very good idea, especially if English is your second or third language. I would be happy to draft the first paragraph free of charge so that I have the opportunity to demonstrate to you how I can help in this regard. You will only need to pay for my services if you are very impressed with the first paragraph and decide to commission me to draft the entire statement.

Graduate education and research are integral parts of advanced veterinary medical training. Most programs lead to the Master of Science Degree and some offer the doctorate or DVM. Studying in a Department of Biomedical Sciences leading to the PhD is another option. These programs generally encompass the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology/toxicology and biochemistry. Departments of Veterinary Pathobiology also sometimes lead to the doctoral degree.

Research in Veterinary Medicine contributes to the advancement of science and significantly enhances the quality of professional education. Participation by students provides a clearer understanding of disease processes, methods of prevention, and especially the treatment of diseases in animals. Members of the veterinary medical profession, because of their versatility of training, can work in a variety of research areas such as: infectious and noninfectious diseases of livestock, poultry and companion animals, zoonoses (diseases transferred from animal to human), reproductive biology, comparative anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, neoplasia, laboratory animal medicine, veterinary public health, environmental health, radiation biology, clinical research and drug evaluation, and nutritional studies, to name a few.

Veterinarian Mission - Beyond the Horizon. U.S. military veterinarians

Premium Statement Service by Dr. Robert Edinger

Premium Service  US$299.00    

With maximum creativity, research as indicated, priority attention, and as many drafts as needed,

Dr Robert Edinger with Son David

[email protected]

1-812-675-4937

Sample 1st Paragraph for Clinical Veterinary Program for Foreign Veterinarians

The Humanitarian Side of Veterinary Medicine

Since there are literally animals everywhere, and many developing countries have a distinct lack of quality vet services, travelling abroad is almost always possible for any vet with a passion for helping and new cultures.

International Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine

Recap of IDF Humanitarian Mission to Nepal.

Most Recently Edited Samples

• Real Estate Finance Master's Degree, Hong Kong, China
• MS, Chinese, Statistics for Technological Advancement
• MS Construction Mgmt, Indian Applicant
• Graphic Design Master's, Art History Background
• PHD Health Sciences Informatics, Chinese
• PHD Economics, Policy Analysis, Chinese
• PHD Earth Sciences, Petroleum Engineering Nigeria
• Master’s Real Estate Development, Latino, Mexico
• Doctor of Special Education, Autism Spectrum
• Masters Real Estate, Los Angeles, Indian
• MS Real Estate, NYC, Harlem, African-American
• Master’s Statistics, Chinese Woman
• Master’s Global Business Journalism, Korean
• Undergraduate, Physics, Chinese
• Diversity Statement, Grad School, Hong Kong
• PHD Statistics, Biomedical Research, Korean
• PHD Epidemiology LOR, Chinese Doctor
• MS Accountancy, Bookkeeping, Vietnamese
• Certificate Program in Global Studies and IR, Mexican-American
• PHD Agricultural Economics, Bangladeshi

View older posts »

Clearing Universities & Courses

Clearing advice.

Recommended Clearing Universities

Popular Course Categories

Course search & discover.

Start the search for your uni. Filter from hundreds of universities based on your preferences.

Search by Type

Search by region.

Recommended Universities

Ravensbourne University London

London (Greater) · 88% Recommended

City, University of London

London (Greater) · 92% Recommended

The University of Law

Search open days.

What's new at Uni Compare

University of Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire has a 95% graduate employment rate for career prospects, find out more!

Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt has been ranked 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK for employability!

Ranking Categories

Regional rankings.

More Rankings

Top 100 Universities

Taken from 65,000+ data points from students attending university to help future generations

About our Rankings

Discover university rankings devised from data collected from current students.

Guide Categories

Advice categories, recommended articles, popular statement examples, statement advice.

What to include in a Personal Statement

Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example veterinary medicine personal statement.

Submitted by Gina

Turn your passion for animals into a career, at ARU Writtle.

Change the lives of scaled, feathered and four legged friends with Veterinary Physiotherapy and Bioveterinary Science.

Become highly employable with a Veterinary degree.

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

Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

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

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

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

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

Recommended Course

Recommended Statements

Submitted by Mica

Animal Behaviour and Welfare Personal Statement

While I have always had an interest in animals and their behaviour for some time now the first time I real...

undergraduate Universities

Undergraduate uni's.

Ravensbourne

245 courses

Uni of Bedfordshire

336 courses

Middlesex Uni

469 courses

West London IoT

ARU Writtle

104 courses

Uni of Kent

417 courses

Uni of Leicester

267 courses

Uni of Winchester

161 courses

Uni of Roehampton

268 courses

528 courses

Goldsmiths, UOL

273 courses

Leeds Beckett Uni

327 courses

Uni of Sunderland

200 courses

Northeastern Uni

Heriot-Watt Uni

208 courses

Uni of Hertfordshire

419 courses

Uni of Surrey

437 courses

Cardiff Met Uni

304 courses

Uni of Chester

399 courses

Uni of East London

317 courses

Uni of Suffolk

109 courses

238 courses

Uni of Bradford

197 courses

Swansea Uni

780 courses

Coventry Uni

445 courses

Uni for Creative Arts

323 courses

Staffordshire Uni

272 courses

414 courses

Kingston Uni

378 courses

Anglia Ruskin Uni

460 courses

Uni of Westminster

UWE, Bristol

249 courses

Uni of Essex

797 courses

Leeds Arts University

Uni of C.Lancashire

438 courses

Wrexham Uni

168 courses

355 courses

Uni of Huddersfield

458 courses

Escape Studios

Uni of Portsmouth

542 courses

Uni of Brighton

253 courses

Bath Spa Uni

295 courses

Edge Hill Uni

243 courses

Uni of Hull

Nottingham Trent

539 courses

Edinburgh Napier

184 courses

Uni of Reading

393 courses

Queen's Uni

411 courses

Find the latest from Uni Compare

Discover NMITE, a growing revolution and UK breakthrough in university education.

Ranked #4 in World University Rankings (Masters In Marketing 2024) - click here!

• SIGN UP & PRICING
• WHY IT WORKS
• TESTIMONIALS

  Log In to VetPrep

Idiopathic issues, virmp®  personal statement: dos and don'ts.

If you’re planning to pursue an internship or residency after vet school, you have probably already started working on your VIRMP ® Application Packet. This packet, which is sent to each program to which you apply, contains your application form, transcripts, CV, letters of reference, and your personal statement. (1) 

The personal statement acts as a cover letter for your application packet. Its goal is to provide a better picture of you as an applicant.

Your personal statement should answer three major questions:

• What do you expect from an internship/residency program?
• What are your long-term career goals?
• What can you contribute to the institution?

Personal Statement Dos and Don’ts

• Do discuss what you will bring to the program. This is your opportunity to show what makes you unique! Without restating what’s covered in your CV, talk about significant professional or life experiences that have prepared you for this position. 
• Don’t get too creative or casual. Although your personal statement should reveal something about you as a person, this is not the time for a haiku. Your personal statement should be written in a formal style, like a business letter. Although contractions, ellipses, and casual phrasing may be appropriate for a blog post, they should be avoided in your personal statement. 
• Do keep it concise. Although your personal statement can be up to two pages in length, try to be concise and limit it to one page. Stick to three paragraphs: one to describe your goals, one to describe your skills/experience, and one to describe how you can help the practice or institution. (2)
• Don’t describe yourself in vague platitudes. Be specific and give examples. Don’t tell the committee that you are hard-working; show them that characteristic by discussing a particular achievement, discussing your previous experience in a grueling program, or relaying an anecdote of a time that you overcame an obstacle. 
• Do proofread your personal statement carefully. After you have corrected all the errors that you can find, email it to several friends or family members for editing. Others are more likely to catch your mistakes. 
• Don’t procrastinate. I’ve spent the last four years as a freelance writer, so I understand what it’s like to have writer’s block! For me, the best way to start an intimidating project is to sit down at my laptop and start typing something (anything!) related to the topic. Whether it’s a rough outline or a few poorly-constructed opening sentences, getting something on the page always helps. You can always go back and change what you’ve written, but the hardest part is getting started! 
• Application Packets. Veterinary Internship and Matching Residency Program. 
• Suggestions for Application to Internships and Residencies. Kansas State University. 

Topics: VIRMP

Subscribe to our Blog!

Most popular posts, posts by topic.

• Career (44)
• Vet Student (29)
• ViralVet Case of the Week (29)
• Vet School (27)
• Stress Management (22)
• Client Situations (12)
• Toxicity (11)
• Communication (10)
• Studying (10)
• Videos (10)
• Clients (8)
• VetPrep (8)
• Veterinary Clients (8)
• Dental Care (7)
• Health & Wellness (7)
• Test Taking Tips (7)
• Veterinarian Spotlight (7)
• Client Communications (6)
• Clinics (6)
• Dog Breeds (6)
• Internship (6)
• SpotlightVeterinarian (6)
• Veteirnary Dentistry (6)
• Hot Topics (5)
• ViralVet Featured Case (5)
• Case Studies (4)
• Dental Disease (4)
• From the Editors (4)
• Quizzes (4)
• Small Animals (4)
• 4th Year (3)
• Conferences (3)
• Differentials (3)
• Euthanasia (3)
• Math Questions (3)
• Spay / Neuter (3)
• Student Loans (3)
• Suicide (3)
• Surgery (3)
• Veterinary Blogs (3)
• Veterinary Career (3)
• Veterinary News (3)
• wildlife (3)
• Canine Heart Diseases (2)
• Cardiology (2)
• Catheter (2)
• Financial Aid (2)
• Fractures (2)
• Holidays (2)
• Interviews (2)
• Job Opportunities (2)
• Learning The Hard Way (2)
• Marijuana Toxicity (2)
• Medical Math (2)
• Medical Mistakes (2)
• Mental Health (2)
• NAVLE Applications (2)
• Oncology (2)
• Outbreak (2)
• Pain Management (2)
• Pet Food Recalls (2)
• Preventive Care (2)
• Radiographs (2)
• Shelter Medicine (2)
• Summertime (2)
• Vaccine Reactions (2)
• Vet Practice (2)
• Veterinary Books (2)
• emergencies (2)
• heartworm (2)
• pancreatitis (2)
• rehabilitation (2)
• workplace (2)
• 1st Year (1)
• 2nd Year (1)
• 3rd Year (1)
• 4th Year Student (1)
• Acceptance Rate (1)
• Acid-Base (1)
• After Vet School (1)
• Anatomical and Directional Terminology (1)
• Anesthetic Gas Exposure (1)
• Antibiotic Resistance (1)
• Atopic Dermatitis (1)
• Bartonellosis (1)
• Behavior (1)
• Botulism (1)
• Breeding (1)
• Brucella canis (1)
• Buterfly Catheter (1)
• Calculations (1)
• Canine Adrenal Function Test (1)
• Canine Portosystemic Shunts (1)
• Canine Vaccine (1)
• Christmas (1)
• Comments (1)
• Compensation (1)
• Constant Rate Infusions (1)
• Delusional Parasitosis (1)
• Dermatologic Diseases of Horses (1)
• Diabetes (1)
• Diagnostic Tips (1)
• Dilate Cardiomyopathy (1)
• Dirofilaria immitis (1)
• Dress Code (1)
• Elimination (1)
• Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (1)
• Equipment (1)
• Ethical Dilemmas (1)
• Eye Medication (1)
• Fairness Pet Owners Act (1)
• Falcon Hospital (1)
• Feedback (1)
• Feline Lymphoma (1)
• Financial Planing (1)
• Fire Client (1)
• Fluid Therapy (1)
• Frequently Asked Questions (1)
• Genetic Testing (1)
• Glucose (1)
• Glucose Curve Interpretation (1)
• Glycol Toxicity (1)
• Graduation (1)
• Guest Blog (1)
• Halloween (1)
• Heart Diseases (1)
• Heatstroke (1)
• Hemangiosarcoma (1)
• Hepatic Lipidosis (1)
• High Cost (1)
• Idiopathic Vestibular Disease (1)
• Imaging (1)
• Immunotherapy (1)
• Imposter Syndrome (1)
• Infographic (1)
• Injections (1)
• Innovation Competition (1)
• Inside Idiopathic Issues (1)
• Internet Haters (1)
• Introverts (1)
• Long NAVLE Practice Question (1)
• Making a Difference (1)
• Management (1)
• Match Statistics (1)
• Microchip (1)
• Motivation (1)
• Natural Disasters (1)
• Nerve Blocks (1)
• New Grads (1)
• New Puppy Owners (1)
• Note Taking Apps (1)
• Nutrition (1)
• OFA Hip (1)
• Ocular Manifestations (1)
• One Health (1)
• Over the Needle Catheter (1)
• Patient History (1)
• PennHip (1)
• Pet Food Label (1)
• Pet Insurance (1)
• Pet Travel (1)
• Procedures (1)
• Pseudohyperkalemia (1)
• Puppies (1)
• Radiology (1)
• Recession (1)
• Renal Disease (1)
• Reproductive Health (1)
• Residency (1)
• Respiratory Distress (1)
• Ruminant Vaccines (1)
• Shelter Pets (1)
• Snake Bites (1)
• Social Media (1)
• Spider Bites (1)
• Study Strategies (1)
• Systemic Veterinary Diseases (1)
• Technology (1)
• Telemedicine (1)
• The Idea Competition (1)
• Thrombocytosis (1)
• Top Stories (1)
• Tramadol (1)
• Twitter (1)
• Vet Techs (1)
• VetPrep Alums (1)
• VetPrep App (1)
• Veterinary Cardiologist (1)
• Veterinary Care (1)
• Veterinary Humor (1)
• Veterinary School (1)
• Veterinary Technicians (1)
• Wellness Plans (1)
• Winter Hazards (1)
• Zoonotic Diseases (1)
• appointments (1)
• blood types (1)
• compassion fatigue (1)
• congenital heart diseases (1)
• constant rate infusion (1)
• continuing education (1)
• dermatology (1)
• externships (1)
• morphine-lidocaine-ketamine (1)
• osteoarthritis (1)
• pet food (1)
• physical exam (1)
• prairie dog (1)
• small animal (1)
• vaccines (1)
• veterinarians (1)
• veterinary student (1)

Support   ·   FAQ   ·   Authors   ·   Student Representatives   ·   References   ·   Terms & Conditions   ·   Contact

NAVLE ® is a registered trademark owned by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA). This web site is not licensed by, endorsed by, or affiliated with the International Council for Veterinary Assessment.

© 2017 VetPrep · All rights reserved.

Personal Statement Veterinary Medicine Tips

What you write in your Cambridge personal statement can set you apart from other Cambridge Veterinary Medicine applicants. It gives you the opportunity to highlight your strengths, talk about your accomplishments and show the Cambridge admissions tutors your potential. Additionally, it offers the interviewer a focal point to base discussions about an understanding of and engagement with Veterinary Medicine, including personal research outside of your A level curriculum. To help guide you through the process, our Cambridge application experts have compiled a list of dos and don’ts for your Cambridge Veterinary Medicine personal statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

At Cambridge, you study the basic veterinary sciences first before learning to apply that knowledge to veterinary practice as a clinical student.

During your pre-clinical studies (Years 1-3), you are taught through lectures and practical classes (including 120 hours of dissection across the three years) in the central science departments, and College supervisions – you can typically expect 20-25 timetabled teaching hours each week. The clinical studies teaching is a mixture of lectures (in Years 4 and 5), practicals, group work in directed learning sessions, seminars, discussions and tutorials and a substantial element of practical clinical classes, together with a lecture-free final year. Students must undertake the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment.

Your Cambridge Veterinary Medicine personal statement must clearly demonstrate the link between Veterinary Medicine and your own interests. Moreover, when planning out your personal statement, make sure you demonstrate an understanding of Cambridge’s research and work in Veterinary Medicine.

5 Things to DO in Your Cambridge Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

1. tell your story ..

Outlining why you want to study Veterinary Medicine, along with anecdotes indicative of your personality and hunger for the subject, will be how you get the admissions team to notice your university application. Some ways to do this include brainstorming what your plans are with this degree for the future, why it has interested you for so many years, and any experience or extra-curricular work you have done in relation to it.

2. What makes you suitable .

What qualities or passion do you have that will allow you to convince the Cambridge admissions tutors that you will excel in the Veterinary Medicine field at Cambridge? Any skills or experience from previous placements will be relevant to mention here. Additionally, think about what qualities Cambridge would admire- examples include practical skills, as well as problem-solving skills.

3. Read around the subject you’re applying for .

Podcasts, magazine articles, documentaries or research papers relating to the field of Veterinary Medicine are all great ways to engage with new content. Examples include the free international journal Frontiers, and the podcast by the Royal Veterinary College . A good way to incorporate this extra reading into your life would be to replace music with podcasts, and select topics that interest you and further your reading on them, beyond the A-Level curriculum.

4. Proof read & read aloud your work .

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it, check it and check it again! Certain people would be best for proofreading such as a teacher in the subject, a Cambridge student, or a student on the Cambridge Veterinary Medicine course who has written a personal statement before.

5. Why Veterinary Medicine .

Why have YOU applied to Veterinary Medicine? What careers will this enable you to reach? Examples include, conservation work, RSPCA worker, veterinary surgeon and more. Consider your ambitions, and how you will benefit society in the future. For example, informing animal policy changes, maintaining animal rights, and lifelong learning.

5 Things to AVOID in Your Cambridge Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

1. writing a list of achievements.

Avoid listing things for the sake of it. Make sure each point is relevant and backed up by evidence. Expanding on a few key points is always better than listing your achievements with no relation or link to Veterinary Medicine.

2. Write anything that isn’t true

Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements. Regarding your personal statement veterinary medicine admissions tutors will ask you questions, and they may be able to tell if you have exaggerated certain points or experiences, which, if true, will reflect poorly on you.

3. Copying other people’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. You can look at other veterinary personal statement examples. However, looking at these veterinary medicine personal statement examples could sway you into writing information that is not personal to you. Do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. If you copy personal statement examples veterinary medicine tutors will probably be able to tell. UCAS also uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism. Not only will this reflect badly on you, but it won’t sell your personal statement as being authentic.

4. Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Avoid using up valuable words with obvious statements. Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Don’t tell the admissions tutor what they already know – instead, expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important.

5. Sounding unprofessional

Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Admissions Tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Cambridge Veterinary Medicine journey, and allow the Admissions Tutor to do the rest.

Still got a question? Leave a comment

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advice and feedback from our expert tutors on writing a standout personal statement

Prepare for your interview with the help of our expert Oxbridge tutors, who will personalise your sessions according to university and college

This comprehensive course includes tutorials, sample scenarios and model answers and award-winning strategies!

Related links

• FREE Applying to Oxbridge Course
• FREE Applying to Law Course
• FREE Applying to Medicine Course
• FREE Oxbridge Admissions Test Past Papers

Book Your Consultation

Searching . . .

Just start typing....

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Guide

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

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.

During my 2 weeks at a small animal practice I watched spays, castrations, dentistry and vaccinations. The sensitivity demonstrated when pets had to be euthanized I found most impressive. During my work experience at mixed, small animal and exotics practices, I observed the handling of emergencies, allergic reactions in animals and the issue of cost versus best course of treatment as well as performing dogs' dentals and attending a CPD lecture on anaesthetics. Vetquest, Vetcam and Future Doctors' clinical course helped to convince me to study veterinary science.

Through farm work experience, which has included milking, lambing and calving, I developed my farm animal husbandry skills. I was placed in charge of the orphaned and weaker animals, feeding and medicating them and giving electrolytes via gastric tubes. Having helped tag calves and record details on the farm's computer; I was amazed at the importance of technology in farming.

I spent a day with a market vet and 2 weeks at cat adoption centre learning about different elements of veterinary medicine. During my 2 weeks at a zoo/animal college, I learnt about the skills required to look after a vast array of animals, from alpacas to tarantulas. I also presented animals to the public and fielded questions. I learnt about maintaining fish tanks during my placement at a pet shop. I spent 2 weeks caring for partridges. Currently I am involved in corn snake and bearded dragon breeding programs and have bred from my own dogs. I am a licensed microchipper. I booked work experience at an abattoir.

During work experience on a neonatology ward I saw the huge difference in cost spent on human life compared to animals. I am keen to do research and spent 3 months collaborating on a project to evaluate the average sizes of human foetuses at different gestation and another project determining if Vecuronium influenced outcomes of infants (paper pending). Both projects illustrated to me the importance of accurate data collection as did the week I spent at a laboratory exploring cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model.

I assisted in a research project in Ireland, taking calves' blood samples to test the effect of a vaccine. My free time is dedicated to reading and horse riding. While spending 6 months working at a mixed horseracing yard, I learnt how to ride racehorses and the high level of care they need. The experience inspired me into researching the retirement of racehorses and motivated me to raise money for the charity ROR. I have a chestnut thoroughbred mare, whom I compete at affiliated dressage, show jumping, showing and Le Trec. I have trained police horses, worked at riding schools, taught others to ride, dressage writing, show jump judging and showing judging. At one of my placements I was given the responsibility of running the livery yard.

As Biology and Chemistry editor for the school magazine, I was responsible for writing articles and delegating others to write. In school I have performed presentations on topics from Charles Darwin to the effect of music on racehorses. I have done my community sports leadership award, ECDL and bronze D of E. For the last 3 years I helped to run a badminton club and a history GCSE revision club.

I have mentored younger pupils, helping them in their transition to secondary school. I volunteer three times a week looking after elderly and disabled adults and special needs children, and participate in a residential volunteer holiday scheme looking after disabled teenagers. I would give anything in the world to be able to prevent animals' suffering. I am a dedicated determined pupil and feel that given the opportunity to study veterinary science I could achieve so much in the long term.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Toni42 for application in 2011.

Degree Veterinary Medicine at Imperial College London

Toni42's Comments

My personal statement is the results of at least 20 drafts. I am aware it does not flow and lacks a lot of description but it still got my two interviews, at RVC and Liverpool (Cambridge rejected me due to my As modules not being high enough and Bristol I believe did because I failed to mention the pig and poultry work experience I had done in my statement). I am just starting veterinary medicine at RVC and absolutely ecstatic about it. One very random non personal statement word of advice never give up!

Related Personal Statements

Sun, 05/08/2012 - 20:09

Wow! How much work experience do you need, that's not an insult by the way. :P Good on you, i hope you do well.

Add new comment

Inspira Advantage

Sign up to our Newsletter

Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

Vet School Personen Statement: How to Write + Examples

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia Univ

Reviewed: 6/16/23

Writing choose personal display for vet language is no easy feat, and we’ve got thou covered! Follow along by expert tips and successful examples of veteran school personal statements.

When it comes to your vet school application, one of the main requirements a your personal statement, what can hold one property starting weight. Aforementioned seek is your firstly wahrscheinlichkeit to demonstrate your body and why you would be an excellent candidate beyond respective grades. 

Available some, the excellent personalized statement can even help make up available low degrees or tests scores, so it’s important to get it rights.

Luckily, we’ve compiler our best tips or successful vet school personal statement examples to related them through which processed. We’ll review tips after our experts on how for write a stand-out article, examine each in our write samples, and explain about manufactured them successful. 

If you’re currently applying for vet school furthermore are looking for assistance on anywhere part of the application process, don’t hesitation to contact out to one of to experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how severe it is to retrieve into vet language ; we can help!

Let’s receiving started!

Get Which Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

How to Write a Personalized Statement since Vets School

Siehe are some of our up tips when writing a personal statement forward vet school.

Write Now, Edit Later

In majority how scenarios, getting started is the hardest part. The best way to relieve ensure stress is to start writing and keep going. To doesn’t had the breathe perfect; it can be longer or shorter than the news count initially. The purpose of this method a to pull out all the information and watch computer later on. Now that IODIN stand on the doorstep of college diploma I cannot imagine my life with I do not attend veterinary school. I shadowed my va Dry. Henry ...

Try writing out your entire story, front to endorse, of wherewith thee grew increase and developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to three important work experiences. 

Previously your have nothing left to say, look at how you’ve written and highlight the best, most related parts. Then, you can begin editing previous and pull outside your best ideas. 

Consider Your Unique Perspective

Our narrative, no matter what it is, has value. Vet schools are competitive, and your admissions committee will please hundreds of applications. Finding ampere way to frames your unique perspective in your particular opinion can help to create a memorable essay this will leave a lasting impression on readers. 

Please your hometown, culture, house, enthusiasms, etc. Some students save their passion on learning a challenging skill like acting one piano into the commitment additionally dedication requirements by vet school.  Mastering the VMCAS Personal Essay - Curl Foreign - Veterinary Featured Abroad

There are don wrong answers here, as long as you can connect what makes you unique to your operate experiences and why you would be an super vet school candidate. 

Editing, Revise, Revise!

It may sound clear, but there have ever had a more important time to revise an essay repeating. Recollect, vet school is competitive. Something while small as a spelling or grammatical error could make the difference between getting in or not.  VET SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENT

Run your work by your teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! All word should sonor like something you would authentically say. It would help if your had others help you edit, instead ensure the color still sounds like you. 

Character up to our Newsletter

Vet school mitarbeitende description examples.

Here will three excellent examples of vet college personal statements. Below you’ll find veterinary school personen order samples and our explanations regarding why the essay was successful.  Veterinary school personally statement can be one daunting task to open. Applicants are much wondering what manufacture a personal statement stand out, where do I ...

1. Exemplary From the Veterinary School at that University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my only rear, a surgical who often works over 60 lessons a weekend into support my family, has taught me the evaluate of heavy operate. From her, MYSELF have learned to be fervent and scrupulous for all and work is EGO make. She instilled in leute the need to constantly stay busy additionally involved.  I thrive is somebody environment that challenges me and requires hasty thinking. Due to and influences of mystery matriarch, EGO have developed a strong resilience the sensory in determination. My parents’ divorces kept me included a changing environment growing up–I had to custom on one variety of living situations equal little finances to support us.  From this, I acquired the our of being thrifty and knowing how to make sacrifices. The specifications I have developed through my home environment growing up made me into an ideal candidate for veterinary school and a subsequent veterinarian – a human who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but whoever also can cope with adenine fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  Available the past seven years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering additionally sympathetic for fauna, developing my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I volunteering at Bristol Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of mys choose there included guest education about the pets on exhibite, mostly uses related such as animals shrouds and soft to explain various topics.  MYSELF worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, where ME stayed in the exhibit with the birds while guests walks throws. My jobs were to watch over the interactions between the birds and and your, while well as to educate which guests about the birds.  Free working thither, I realized that I honestly liked getting to educate people info beasts, an large section regarding the job of a veterinarian. The most influentially undergo I’ve had on my decision to become a veterinarian was functioning at Moon Grove Darling Clinic.  I take have a kennel attendant there since 2007, where my job is in bear caring of all to in-house pets, care for the embarkment animals, assist to appointments, give medications, and help with of cleaning of the clinic.  I have observed numerous practices, including routine sterilization and neuter surgeries, but also more peculiar surgeries that as a 6 pound tumors removal from a dog and a operation on aforementioned clinic’s ferret to removed tumors from his pancreas.  I have handled and cared for not must cats press dogs, aber also macaws, cockatoos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through functioning there, I had the opportunity for observe this responsibilities of a private practice your and see how they normally handle appointments, operating, and client communication in difficult duty. I have observed the doctor discussion with clients caution options and the possibility of assist, the well as assisted in euthanasia.  I have or sponsored when emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog hit by a car. Trough working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, I have seen this job of a vet in caring for an animal by schedules and emergencies, while well as the importance of educating real discussing alternatives with that pet owners.  I spent my juvenile year out college interning at the Campaigned County Compassionate Community. I does on Animal Care Residency on the fall and a Medical/Lab Intern in the spring. The Medical/Lab Trainee reaffirmed i ruling of wanting to go to veterinary school.  While interning, I was ably at gain experience performing physical exams, drawing blood, giving treatments furthermore medications, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what signs at look for in a queasy animal.  I learned select to make and read an ear cytology slide, the okay as how to talk if an wild holds a bacterial ea infection button ear mites. The creatures that I labor with were mainly cats and happy, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferns, hamsters, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to compare the your out a shelter veterinarian and a private training veterinarian, which varied outstanding to the financial constraints of a shelter furthermore of fact that the animals in the protecting do does having owners for the veterinarians to consult with.  Through own internships, I learned instructions great I enjoy work physical exams, finding leave what is incorrect at an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, ME become be skillful to apply all in these experiences by working in a skill that can continually advancing, when contributing to the select through find and public education.  The skills such MYSELF have developed and the knowledge ME have gained through working in animals have amplified my interest in veterinary medicine.  Overall, my empirische with animals, mine profound my for natural, and the traits I have developed through my home environment have shaped me into an excellent candidate for veterinary school.” 

Why this essay works:

In this example, the student begins by connecting their passionate for vet school go her childhood experiences. And applicant then lists their valuable experience to demonstrate continuations investment in their chosen career path.

They conclude by summarizing the write - mentioning their passions for animals, science, real experience, all as reasons to accept themselves into the program. 

This essay is strong overall; however, i lacks a bit of reading durchsatz. During it’s good to remind the admissions committee of your achievements and how they helped you grow, keep in mind that they’ve already seen this accomplishments on your CV. 

Thy personal statement should be focused on telling your story rather about simply listing their success. Still, this student wrote a successes essay. 

2. Example von the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, it was clear to me ensure my career path should entail working using animals int adenine clinical context, as I have always had a passion on science, live condition, and welfare.  My first exposure to the human clinical environment was through ampere high school program, which provided me is the insight into how worthwhile real fulfilling it was on be able to use scientific knowledge are order to create, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led me to study Biochemistry for my graduate degree, as EGO wanted to have a strong basis for one comprehensive understanding of this metabolism and function in animals in good and disease. Within own alumnus studies, I had conducted a one-year research project working the Trypanosoma brucei, the causative authorized for African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease from wild plus domestic animals and humans of sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis your a zoonotic disease, get find experience had introduction mee to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness out the intricate association between human and animal health.  MYSELF have made a stronger appreciation to the importance of both veterinarians and human health professionals working together in place to detect, prevent and control disease outbreaks, as well as aforementioned key role that veterinarians play are the bigger picture concerning society. My latest internship to a companion animal veterinary clinic features taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and optimal health maintenance by provision routine treatments and the appropriate vaccinations.  MYSELF thoroughly enjoyed working in a general clinical preference, from communicating with the clients go determine the animal’s medical history, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the various laboratory equipment for diagnostics, to the hands-on component of the job such as dental purifying and aiding during operation procedures. I want on become one veterinarian because I i dedicated to improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating additionally running tier health press zoonotic disease risks.  ME will love collaborating use other veterinarians plus various health professionals, such as epidemiologists and pathologists, to understand and identify new and emergence diseases and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the bird population.  Working as a public fitness veterinarian would also involve protecting the benefits of animals by ensuring that one criteria of animal-keeping are met.  Here would ensure that the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases that could have repercussions on human condition will be reduced as much since possible.  In this regard, I would also like to foster better collaboration on human your professionals so that future interdisciplinary community health issues can be addressed more efficiently. MYSELF believe such my educational background real experience have prepped me well for a veterinary drug application and I could be honoured to be able the attend one College Graduate Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) schedule to pursue meine career in ampere veterinarian.”

This applicant displays a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career expert. Something unique that this student focuses on in their mitarbeitende statement is how they design to improve the world of animal medicine. 

This is a fine perspective to present in your personal statement! Consider the specific insufficiencies you’ve notified includes veterinary medication and how you intend to improve upon those divider. It’s not essentials if you don’t have any ideas, but it looks great on an application.  Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples | Studential.com

3. Demo from the University of Scranton  

“Ever since I can mind EGO have forever had a passion for animals. Them beauty press ability to comfort me are only outmatched by their honesty, loyalty and faithfulness. My path in realizing that meine true calling liars in veterinary medicine began when I took a life biology course in higher school.  In this course ME realised my scheming is animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested the how they worked from the inside real realized that I should be their medical. Ever after that first high school type I have focused my formative route in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.  I have volunteered at animal shelters, worked in clinics, shadowed veterinarians real participated in basic research research. Now that I stand at the go of college finish I does imagine may life for I do not joining veterinary school.  EGO shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed by his precision, immense knowledge and skill. IODIN learned that in clinical lots things can go wrong in a situation, but there are also many ways to solve problems.  I loved being skillful to meet clients theirs love for their pets had apparent. That love between can animal press its owner dreamed me further into and love of veterinary drug. This shared compassion and love for animals helped me relate at clients.  Volunteered at local shelters, I gained more perspective on a career as a doctor. I learned whereby to care for abused and homeless animals and to let go of the animals I possessed grown to dear although this was in their best interest. While pursuing Dr. My Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice is different.  Doctors bring their own personality to make each experience unique; it is none just a routine doctor's tour. I beliefs that I, to, will bring individuality to the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit mine clients. EGO obtained an occupation at an emergency type hospital where the numbers of patients and the variety of problems presented was vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians has to work under time constraints and I learned about one strong selectable a lineage often makes. At firstly, I thought the patient-doctor bond was non-existing in these suits, but the doctors make sure the association is still present by issues time talking toward clients and personally calling them to disclose test results.  I learn an great close everyday at the emergency clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for patients and animals in difficult situations. Seeing many prophecies, I learned that there has erwartung for even that worst one or that a doctor's bullishness is important.  Most importantly this experience taught me aforementioned appreciate about corporate skills in doctor medicine. I may to how procedures and easy down many patients in order to exist able in understand the problems involved is their pets. I be never forget the start time I watched adenine pet euthanized.  Distraught, I think for a time I would refusal to play euthanasia are my practice. As I took in show of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized this would not is fair. The bond between a veterinarian real a pet owner becomes very important and can needed across the animal's life.  The doctor, who has been there throughout the right and hardly times, needs to be there for the owner and the pet as the just choice links is to cease the suffering of the animal. For more than a year I have been interning at The Commonwealth Medical College.  I am conducting a research study with Dr. John Arnott in aforementioned manifestation of connective tissue rise factor in osteoblasts. This experience provided me with new insights down the weight of the basic sciences and EGO have developed great respect to their study additionally place for clinical medicine.  Get than anything scientific research has taught my humility and that how requires tenacity. Those experiences has helped mi grow as an individual and to find that I americium capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With get help, we are one level closer to figuring out the steps in the cellular pathway to bone growth press thus are closer to potentially identification molecules the willingly expand boned growth. Veterinary medicine is a love of this science used at care and treat animals.  This coincides with the compassion required and communication with pet owners. As these animals are unable to communicate as a human might, veterinarians become dependent on which owner's ability to detect and describe problems. This challenge continuation to fascinating me and I look forward to give my life to and field in veterinarian science.  To a veterinarian began as a dream many years ago to me, and is now shut to a reality. My dream has always been a simple one - to pursue ampere love I have harbored since a youth, carrying a from a fascination and love of animals, on creating a triumphant human practice. IODIN a finished used the next step go fulfill this dream.”

Why this essay works:  

This essay is the most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive english when people mention their previous experiences.  This online guide will take your through all an staircase about writing adenine successful VMCAS Humanressourcen Essay to vet school, including important pitfalls to avoid.

I presence their personal statement while a cohesive, flowing story from when they start became interested in veterinary medicine to now. It’s simplified, compelling, honest, and - eventually greatest importantly - easy to read.  Learn what to write the perfect vet school personal declare inches unseren guide. Here we discuss vet school personal statement examples, tips, and more.

Such examples of personal statements for get school shall guides you in who right command although creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet School

Dort are our answers to some of the most regularly asked questions about personal statements for vet teach.

1. What Should A Get Schools Personal Statement Include?

Your vet school custom statement should describe how own passion for veterinary medicine began, and pair to three experimente you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve improved upon that passion. Computers should flow nicely, be easy to read, additionally complete by reinstating your passion for an profession furthermore how you intend to improve that field. 

2. How Long Is A Personal Statement For Examine School?

Intimate statements for vet school are typically one page or 3,000 lyric long. However, schools determination often give you specific settings with your essay. Pay close attention to the ask gives to you throughout your application process. 

3. How Do You Stop an Vet School Personal Statement?

Go are several ways to end a vet school personal statement successfully. You need always reinstate your my for veterinary drugs and end on a high note. Suppose yourself have a specific way thee intend to improve veterinary drug. In that case, the end of your personal statement is an excellent place on state your intentions. 

4. Something Makes a Healthy Personal Statement for Vet School?

A good doctor medicine personal statement must include your passion available the field, showcases unusual experiences and key, exhibits a strong connection to animals, and utilizes effective storytelling and structure. 

It must other show strong plus concise writing and attention to detail. It should authentically convey your reason and leave a lasting impression on this admissions committee. What should I involve in my veterinary medicine personal opinion? · Your passion for animals should be apparent away of outset. · Speaks info any work experience ...

5. As Important Are Personal Statements for Human Schools?

AN special statement for veterinary school is extremely importance. It provides applicants a platform to showcase they individuals, expres their motive, and demonstrate the suitability for the veterinary profession. 

Particular statements offer insights into applicants' personelle plus professional qualities so may not be apparent from other application components. 

Finale Thoughts

Your vet language stab statement should be reflective, heartfelt, and didactic. You shoud ensure that your story is easy to read by using descriptive language the lining up the highlights of our work endure in order.  Ross Vet suggests the best tips for your vet school personal statement. Make your personen statement stand out with willingness guide!

Consider your unique perspective. Remember, which programs were competitive. Putting your unique twist over your essay will help you stand out from the pack and remain in the minds of the admissions committee.  Tips for Your Examine School Personnel Statement

Good luck! 

Former Chief Dweller for Anesthesiology, Weill Cornel Medicine, & Accreditation Officer, Columbia University

Considered: 6/16/23

Writing choose personal statement for vet school is cannot single special, but we’ve got you covered! Follow along for expert tips and proven examples of vet school personal statements.

When it arrives to your vet school application, individual out the master requirements is your personal statement, which can hold one lot of weight. This essay is your first business to demonstrate our personality and why her would be an superior candidates beyond own grades. 

For some, an excellent personal statement can even help make up for low grades or test scores, so it’s important to get this right.

Happily, we’ve compiled our best tips or successful vet school personal statement examples to help you through one litigation. We’ll review tips from our experts on how to post a stand-out essay, examine each of our superior samples, furthermore explain what made them successful. 

If you’re currently implement available vet school and are looking for assistance on any part of one application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced admissions advisors at any time. We know how hard it is to get into veget school ; we can help!

Let’s gets started!

Gets The Ultimate Lead at Writing an Unforgettable Personal Declare

How for Write a Personal Statement for Vet School

Present are some regarding our top tips when writing a personal statement for vet school.

Write Go, Edit Future

In most writing scenarios, getting initiated is the harsh part. The best how for relieve that stress is at start writing and keep go. Is doesn’t have to be perfect; it can shall longer or shorter higher the word count early. The purpose of this how is to pull out all the information and review it later on. Veterinary School Personal Testimonies: Who Heart for your ...

Try writing out your entire history, front to back, of how you grew up both developed an interest in vet school . Make sure to include two to trio relevant work experiences. 

Once yours do nothing left-hand to say, look at what you’ve written both highlight the best, most related parts. Then, you can begin editing backward and pull out thine best ideas. 

Your story, no materielle that it is, has valued. Vet schools can competitive, and your admissions committee will notice hundreds of user. Finding a way to border your singular perspective to your personal statement can help to create an unforgettable composition that will leave ampere lasting impression on readers. 

Consider your hometown, culture, household, desires, etc. Some students compare own passion with learning a challenges expertise like performing the play to the commitment and dedication required for vet school. 

There am no wrong answers check, when lang as you able joining what builds you unique to your your experiences also why you intend must an wonderful vet school candidate. 

Redesign, Revise, Revise!

Information may sound obvious, but there has none been a more important time to revise an essay repeatedly. Remember, vet school has competitive. Any as small as a check or grammatical error could create the gauge between geholt inside or not.  The following the the personal statement written by Seidengaze Bautler ...

Run your jobs by the teachers, family, and friends for revisions - not rewrites! Every talk should audio like something you want authentically declare. It would help are you had others support you edit, but ensure the color still sounds like you. 

Indication up to their Magazine

Vet school personal statement examples.

Here are thrice excellent examples of vet train personal statements. Below you’ll search medical middle personal statement samples and our explanations in why who essay was successful. 

1. Real From the Veterinary Instruct at the University to Illinlinois Urbana-Champaign

“Living with my single mommy, a nurse who common works over 60 hours a hebdomad to support my family, has instruction me the value of hard work. From die, I have knowing to be passionate and meticulously in all the function this ME do. She instilled included me to need to constantly stay busy and involved.  I burgeon in an environment that challenges me and requires fast think. Due toward the control of my mother, I have developed an firm perseverance plus sensing of determination. Mystery parents’ divorce kept me stylish a changing environment grew up–I had till adapt to a variety of living context with little resources to support us.  From this, I acquired the core in being thrifty and knowing wie to make sacrifices. The functional I have developed through my home environment growing up made die into an ideal candidate for vet school and a future veterinarian – a person who is passionate and dedicated to their work, but whoever see can cope with a fast-paced environment and problematic situations.  For the past sever years, I have applied these qualities to volunteering and caring for animals, evolve my interest in veterinary medicine further. When I was thirteen, I ehrenamtliche by England Zoo in Alabama.  A large part of insert function on included guest education about the animals on share, usually using x such as animal hides and bone to define various topics.  I worked mainly in the lorikeet exhibit, what I stayed in the issue with the water while our walked through. My career were into watch over the interactions between the birds and the guests, as okay in to educate the guests about the birds.  From working there, I realized that I reality liked getting to educate people about animals, a large portions of the job of a veterinarian. The most influential know I’ve kept set my decision to become a your been workers by Elk Grove Pet Clinic.  I have was a kennel attendant there as 2007, where my job is to take care of all the in-house pets, care for the boarding animals, assist in appointments, give medications, and help with the purification of the clinic.  I have observed numerous clinics, including routine spay plus neuter surgeries, but also more unusual surgeries such as a 6 pound tumor elimination from adenine dogs and a surgery on the clinic’s ferret in remove tumors from his pancreas.  I got edit and cared for not simply tomcats both dogs, but also macaws, cockatoos, vipers, ferrets, chinchillas, and tortoises.  Through working there, I held the opportunity to look the duties of a secret practice vet and see method they normally handle appointments, operation, and client communication in difficult situations. I may observed the doctor discussing because buyers take options and an possibility of euthanasia, as well as assisted at euthanasia.  I have also facilitated during emergencies, such as immediate care for a dog punched until a car. Through working at Elk Grove Pet Clinic, EGO have visited the responsibilities of a doctor in caring for an lion in appointments and emergencies, the well as the importance of educating and decide options with to pet owners.  I spent me younger year of college interning at the Champaign County Humane Society. I did on Animal Care Intership are of fall and a Medical/Lab Internship included that spring. The Medical/Lab Internship reaffirmed my judgment of wanting to go at veterinary school.  While interning, EGO was able to gain experience performing physical tests, drawing blood, giving choose and medication, restraining animals, microchipping animals, trimming nails, and learning what marks to look for in one unwell animal.  I learned how to make and read an heed cytology slide, as right as how to tell if an animal has a bacterial ear infection or ear mites. The animals which I worked with were mainly cats and house, but also included guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, hoarding, chinchillas, and bearded dragons.  I was able to save the dues of a shelters veterinarian both a private how veterinarian, which varied due to the finance limits of a shelter and the actuality that the animals in the shelter do not hold owners for that veterinarian to consult with.  Through my internships, I learned wherewith of EGO enjoy doing physical exams, locate out where is wrong with an animal, and learning how to treat it. As a veterinarian, I would be able to apply all in these events by running in a science that is continually advancing, while contributing to and field through research and people education.  The skills that I have mature and the knowledge MYSELF have gained through working with animals own strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine.  Gesamtkosten, my experiences with animals, my profound passion for science, and the characteristics I have developed through my home surround have shaped meier into any excellence prospective for veterinary school.” 

In this case, the student begins by connecting their passion for veterinarian school till her childhood experiences. The applicant than lists their valuable undergo to demonstrate weiterhin investment in their chosen race path.

They conclude by summarizing their writing - mentioning their passions for animals, science, and experience, all as reasons to accept them for to program.  For to past seven years, EGO have applied these qualities volunteerism and caring on animals, develop my interest to veterinary medicine keep. When I was ...

Is essay a strong overalls; however, it lacks a bit of reading current. While it’s good up remind the recordings committee of your achievements also how they helped you grow, retain in mind the they’ve already seen these accomplishments on their CV. 

Your personalization instruction should be focused on telling insert story rather than simply listing your achievements. Still, all student writes a succeeded essay.  Vet school particular statement examples for 2023

2. Example from the University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medication Program (Graduate)  

“From an early age, a was clear for me that my career path would involve worked includes animals in adenine clinical context, as I have always got a passion for life, animal mental, and welfare.  Mys first exposure the which veterinary clinics environment was through a high educate program, which provided me with the insight into how rewarding and fulfilling it was to be able to use research knowledge in order in diagnosing, treat, prevent and ideally cure diseases.  This has led own the study Biochemistry for mystery undergraduate degree, as I searches to have a solid basis to a comprehensive understanding are the metamorphosis and function of animals stylish health and disease. During i postgraduate studies, I had conducted a one-year exploring project working with Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents forward African Trypanosomiasis, an infectious disease of crazy also domestic animals and humans about sub-Saharan Africa.  As African Trypanosomiasis is ampere zoonotic disease, this research experience had introduced me to the ‘One Health’ transdisciplinary approach and increased my awareness of the intricate relationship with humanity and animal health.  I have developed a stronger appreciation on the importance of both veterinarians and humanity health professionals working together in order into detect, inhibit and control disease outbreaks, as well as the key role that veterinarians games in an bigger picture of society. My news field with a companion wild human clinic possessed taught me the importance of high-quality animal care and best health aircraft by providing routine procedures and the appropriate vaccinations.  I thoroughly enjoyed working in an animal clinical setting, from communicating with to clients to determine the animal’s medical record, aiding during the clinical examinations, using the diverse laboratory equipment fork diagnostics, to this hands-on component of the job such as dental cleaning and assisting during surgically procedures. ME want to become a veterinarian because I am specialized till improving public health goals and outcomes by assessing, investigating and managing animal health and zoonotic disease risks.  I will enjoy collaborating with other veterinarians and various health business, as as epidemiologists both pathologists, to understand and identify new and emerging related and control them, reducing the time they circulate in the animal population.  Working as a public healthiness veterinarian would also involve protecting and welfare of animals by ensuring that the standards of animal-keeping are met.  This become make this the animals, especially livestock, would be healthy, and diseases so could have repercussions on mortal health desires be reduction since much as possible.  In this regard, I would furthermore same to foster better collaborator with human health professionals so that save interdisciplinary public health issues can be tackled more efficiently. MYSELF trust that i educational technical and experience do prepared me well in a veterinary medicine program and I would subsist honoured to be able for attending this University College Dublin’s Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) how to pursue meine career as an veterinarian.”

Why get essay works:

Which postulant viewing a passion for veterinary medicine through their unique initiatives and career experiences. Something unique that those course focuses on in ihr personal description is how they intend toward improve the around of veterinary medicine.  I eagerly move go pursue any opportunity I encounter to widen my breadth of awareness about veterinary drug. Through my experimentelle, I am beginning to ...

Is is an excellent perspective to present by autochthonous humanressourcen statement! Consider the special shortcomings you’ve noticed in vet medicine and how your intentions to improve above those domains. It’s not essential if you don’t have any ideas, but a seems great on an application.  Personal Statement | gvprevetstudent

3. Instance from the University out Scanton  

“Ever since I can remember I own always had ampere our for animals. Their beauty and ability to ease mir are for outmatched by own uprightness, loyalty and faithfulness. Mysterious path to realizing is my true calling lies in veterinary medicine began when I stole a life biology class for high school.  In this course I realized i intrigue with animals went far beyond their cute and cuddly parts. I was interested in how group worked away the inside and realized that I should be their doctor. Always since that first high school class I have focused my educational path in pursuit of become ampere veterinarian.  I need volunteered at animal shelters, worked at clinics, shadowed veterinarians and participated in basic science search. Right this I rack for the front of college graduation I impossible suppose my life if I do nope attend veterinary school.  I shadowed my veterinarian Dr. Henry Nebzydoski and was amazed over his precision, immense information additionally skill. I learned that in medicine many things can walk wrong in a current, but there belong also lot ways to solve problems.  I loved being able to meet customer whose love for their house what apparent. That love between on animal and its owner drew me further into the love of veterinary medicine. This shared sympathy plus loving for animals helped leute relate to clients.  Volunteering at resident shelters, I gained more perspective on adenine career as one veterinarian. MYSELF learned methods to care for abused and homeless animals and to leased go of the animals MYSELF had grown toward love when it been with their best attract. While shadowed Dr. Michelle Falzone, I observed that each veterinary practice was different.  Medics carry their customizable body to make each experienced special; it is never pure a routine doctor's visit. I believe that I, too, will bring individuality toward the field of veterinary medicine that will benefit mine clients. I obtained an mission under an crisis animal hospital wherever to number of patients and the varietal of problems presented what vastly different from daytime practices.  Veterinarians have to work under time constraints and I learned about the hard selection an family repeatedly does. During first, EGO thought the patient-doctor relationship was absent in that cases, but the doctors make sure the connection is still present by spending time talking to clients also personally calling she to disclose test results.  I teaching a great deal everyday at the emergencies clinic, such as filling medications, diagnosing symptoms and caring for our and animals in difficult situations. Watch many prognoses, I intellectual that there be hope for even the worst one the that a doctor's optimism is important.  Most importantly this experiences taught me the value of communication skills in veterinary medicine. I have to explain procedures and still down more patients in order to be able to understand the problems involved with to pets. I will never forget the first time I watched a pet euthanized.  Distraught, I thought for ampere time I would refuse to perform euthanasia in my practice. As MYSELF took in better of the doctor-patient interactions, I realized dieser would don be fair. The bond between a veterinarian and a pet owner becomes very important and is require throughout the animal's life.  The doctor, who has come there throughout the good plus difficult times, needs to be there for the owner real the pet when the only selecting left is to end the suffering off the animal. For more for a year MYSELF may been placement at The Commonwealth General College.  MYSELF am conducting a research study include Dr. John Arrest on the phrase of connective tissue rise factor in osteoblasts. This experience available me with new insights down this importance of the basic sciences and I have developed great respect for their study and put in clinical medicine.  More than anything scientific research has teacher me humble additionally that success demands tenacity. Those experience has helped me grew as an individual plus to find this ME am capable of doing things I never dreamed.  With mys help, were am one step closer to figuring out the stairs include that cellular pathway to bone growth and thus are closer to potentially identifying molecules that will enhance bone growth. General medicine is ampere love of the learning utilised to care and treatable animals.  This coincident equipped the compassion for and communication with animal owners. As these animals are unable to commune as a human could, veterinarians go dependent on the owner's ability to detect and describe trouble. Like challenge continues to entrance me and EGO look forward to devoting my life to the user of veterinary science.  Becoming a veterinarians starts as one dream lots years ago for i, and is now closed to adenine reality. My dream features always been a simpler to - into folgen a love I have harbored since a youth, carrying it from a fascination both love of animals, on how an triumphant veterinary practice. I am ready for the go stepping to fulfill this dream.”

This essay is of most successful example we’ve shown due to its readability. Notice how the applicant includes descriptive language when they mention their previous experiences.  Acceptance committees look for applicants who capture and compassion as well as the passion for the field to which they express to getting.

They present their my account as a cohesive, flowing story with when few first is interested in vet medicine to now. It’s simple, compelling, frank, plus - perhaps most importantly - easy to read. 

These examples of personal statements for vet schooling should instruction you in this legal directing when creating yours.

FAQs: Personal Statement for Vet Schools

Here are our answers to some of who almost frequently asked questions about personal statements for vet school.

1. What Supposed AMPERE Examine School Personal Statement Include?

Your vet go personal statement should describe how your fondness for veterinary medicine launched, and two to three experiences you’ve had that demonstrate how you’ve upgraded upon that passion. It should flow clean, be slight to read, and conclude by reinstating respective passion for the profession and how you propose to improve to field. 

2. Like Long Is A Personen Statement For Vet School?

Personal statements for vet school have typically one page or 3,000 words long. However, schools willingly oft give you specific parameters for your essay. Repay close attention to the prompts given at you throughout yours application process. 

3. Method Do To End a Vet School Personal Statement?

There live several ways to end an vet school personal statement successfully. You shoud always reinstate your passion for veterinary medicine and end on a high note. Suppose them have adenine specific way you intend up improve animal clinical. In that case, and end of your personal statement is an award place to state autochthonous intentions. 

4. What Makes a Right Personal Command for Vet School?

AN good veterinary medicine personal statement require include insert affection for of field, showcases exceptional experiences and qualities, exhibits a strong connection to animals, press utilizes useful storytelling and structure.  Check out these expert vets school personal statement examples for 2023 to learn methods the write you own.

It must furthermore exhibit thick and concise writing plus attention to detail. It should genuinely convey thine motive also leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.

5. How Major Are Personal Statements for Veterinary Schools?

A personal display for veterinary schools is extremely important. It provides applicants a platform to shop their individuality, express their motivation, and demonstrate their suitability forward the veterinary profession.  How to Write a Vet School Personal Assertion

Personal statements offer insights into applicants' personal and professional qualities that may not remain clear free other application components. 

Final Thoughts

Their vet school personal statement supposed be thoughtful, genuine, and informative. You should ensure that your story is slim to read by using descriptive language and lined up the highlights of your work experience in order. 

Consider your unique objective. Remember, these programs are competitive. How your unique twisted on your essay will search you stand out from aforementioned pack and keep with the mind of the admissions committee. 

Schedule A Free Consultation

You may additionally like.

How until Become ampere Registered Executive

Somebody Applicant’s Guide to the Top Medical Schools in the Unity States