Vet - Any tips?

sammys/mum · 03-01-2008, 07:14 AM

Hey, I've always wanted to be a vet but now I have to actually start thinking about what I can do to help me get into the university! Does anyone have any tips? What could I do

I know its un-hamster related but I noticed in a thread that a few of you have degrees in animal type things!
If you can help me that would be great!

souffle · 03-01-2008, 10:30 AM

It is highly competative to study vet med. You need to have the right subjects at top grade and your school careers officer should be able to advise. They also look for something else on top of that such as working in a vets at weekend or maybe a kennels, RSPCA rescue centre and reading round the subject outside what is taught in school. Outside interests such as say a Duke of Edinburgh award, a musical instrument or sport acheivement also work for you. You also need good people skills and need to consider that you have to like ALL animals, not just hammies and household pets. Can you see yourself in a muddy field at 3am lambing a ewe or dealing with a sick tarantula? It is a sould searching decision and I wish you all the best if you decide to go for it.
There are lots of other jobs involving animals such as vet nurse, animal carer and you could always set up on your own as a person who attends to pets when their owners are on holiday or at work.

sammys/mum · 03-01-2008, 12:16 PM

To be honest that what I'm most looking forward too!

Hanlou · 03-01-2008, 03:23 PM

I'd agree with the above. A friend of mine did work experience at a vet's for years whilst she was at school, she even did animal jabs etc by the time she left. She also got straight A's in every subject at GCSE and A' Level but she still only got accepted by one university!!

The others rejected her, and she didn't set her sights ridiculously high in terms of where she applied. She did pass in the end but the last I heard she was finding the hours quite gruelling and tiring and travelling to find an ideal job meant being away from her friends and family which she also found hard.

I would advise volunteering in animal work of some sort a.s.a.p - even if you don't end up applying for vet school you'll probably enjoy it and it will give you an idea of what working with animals entails. If you *do* end up applying, the work will be a necessity on your c.v. You will definitely need to excel at Science subjects and be a good all-rounder too.

Am not trying to put you off, just trying to be realistic for you, lol. If you can do it I think it's a great thing to do. A truly caring vet is a precious commodity in this world!

Basia · 03-01-2008, 06:06 PM

I would ask to do some work experience with your local vets. One of my twins was very keen to be a vet and spent most of his school holidays when he was at 6th form college seeing practice with our own vets and another vet who's practice manager just happens to be one of my best friends.
He really enjoyed the small animal side but realised that the large animal side was not for him.

Holly · 03-02-2008, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Basia

I would ask to do some work experience with your local vets. One of my twins was very keen to be a vet and spent most of his school holidays when he was at 6th form college seeing practice with our own vets and another vet who's practice manager just happens to be one of my best friends.
He really enjoyed the small animal side but realised that the large animal side was not for him.

Definitely go for this if you can.

Will, my son, wants to be a vet. He's only 10 and may well change his mind, but he's stuck with it for a long time now and is completely animal crackers. It is incredibly competitive, as souffle says, you need all A's in science subjects and even then there are no guarantees of a place due to the high demand so something like voluntary work in a local practice or animal sanctuary will go a long way helping you get in.

Will is fairly bright - I've no idea if he's bright enough but he takes after his (orthopaedic surgeon) dad in being science and maths orientated so he's got a chance I think. He's been to visit his dad's friend vet practice already and will be able to help there when he's older. A friend of mine is also going to take him to her farm to help with lambing and other farm stuff - anything like that is great experience. Good luck!