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Vet school personal statement: how to write + examples.

how to write a personal statement for veterinary nursing

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/26/24

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

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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! 

how to write a personal statement for veterinary nursing

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  • Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University

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

Veterinary Personal Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SMU Veterinary students relaxing in the Gazebo on the SMU Campus

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

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Writing Your Personal Statement - My Top Tips

If you're applying to university, then you'll need to write a good personal statement. Getting it right will take a while, so expect to write up a few drafts. Here are some tips on how to write a successful personal statement.

Please note that the standard personal statement via UCAS will reformed for 2024 (for people planning on studying in 2025)!

This will have questions focusing on themes of:

Preparedness for course: How has your learning so far helped you to be ready to succeed on these courses?

Preparation through other experiences: What else have you done to help you prepare, and why are these experiences useful?

Extenuating circumstances: Is there anything that the universities and colleges need to know about, to help them put your achievements and experiences so far into context?

Preparedness for study: What have you done to prepare yourself for student life?

Preferred learning styles: Which learning and assessment styles best suit you – how do your courses choices match that?

The ground rule s of your personal statement (pre-2024 applications):

No more than 4,000 ch aracters (Yes, this includes spaces too)

No more than 47 lines of text

One personal statement will be sent to all of the universities that you apply to

Words are precious  - Make every sentence “tick a box” on the admissions tutor’s checklist

Do your research into the career/profession - are there any current topical issues that interest you? State your ambitions and why you chose the career ( but please avoid the phrase '...because I love animals' )

Be honest with your experience - the university may question you on your experiences. It’s okay if you only observed certain situations

Don't use long, unnecessary words to sound smarter

Do not copy another personal statement - use them for inspiration on how to write only. All personal statements are checked for plagiarism (A future professional does not cheat)

Talk to your head of year or tutor who will be writing your reference. This will ensure that they can write a more personal account of you if they know what your goals are

Back up your claims with examples - if you say that you're an organised person, then give an example where you showed this

Make it personal - use first person

Consider the type of courses that you apply to. It is obvious if you are applying to Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Nursing. These are two different careers and applying for both at the same time isn’t recommended as you can only give one personal statement.

Use a personal statement length checker  - You are limited to 4,000 characters and 47 lines (You may need to rejig some sentences to meet the line requirement). Note that Microsoft Word's character and line count may differ from UCAS

So how do I start?

Try and make a daily account of all of the things you have observed during your work experience. This will make it easier to recall situations when you start writing.

Also, compile a list of skills and attributes that are required for a vet or vet nurse. Do you already possess any pf them? Be sure to provide some examples too!

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"My thrist for knowledge is driven because I love animals. I have wanted to be a vet since I was 12 and did work experience at a vet practice for 4 weeks. I have seen lots of surgeries which were cool to watch , I have also spent a few months abroad in Cyprus working in conservation where I got to castrate stray cats . I am organised, reliable, a good team worker and good at communication . I believe that I am the perfect student to study at Cambridge university because I have been at the top of my class in Biology . In my spare time in play netball and read a lot."

Let's Look at an Example

Great that you had a lot of work experience, but again, so what? Just a personal note, I wouldn't comment on doing any veterinary procedures (in the UK or not) as this should only be carried out by qualified vets - you need to show that you understand the profession

Always read through your sentences to ensure there are no mistakes

There is no need to brag - a professional would not do this. Plus, your grades will say this

Specifically naming a university alienates your other options. Remember, all of your choices will be reading the same peronsla statement

Just listing skills/attributes are not sufficient - you need to explain why you possess these attributes

Cliché phrase

Spelling mistake - always check your grammar and spelling

So what? This phrase is also very colloquial and does not explain anything that you learnt from the experience

Need some more help?

Whether you are just getting started, or are polishing your final draft, drop us an email so that we can get your application UCAS-ready.

  • Veterinary School

Vet school personal statement examples

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.

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Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples

how to write a personal statement for veterinary nursing

What is a veterinary medicine personal statement?

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

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

How do I write a veterinary medicine personal statement?

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

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

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

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

What should I include in my veterinary medicine personal statement?

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

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

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

What can I do with a veterinary medicine degree?

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

  • Animal nutritionist
  • Veterinary surgeon
  • Animal physiotherapist

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

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

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

What are the best UK universities for veterinary medicine?

Currently the best UK universities for veterinary medicine are:

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

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Animal Behaviour and Welfare Personal Statement

Submitted by Mica

Uni Logo for ARU Writtle

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.

Uni Logo for Middlesex University

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!

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 realised I wanted to work in the area of animal behaviour and welfare was when I was abroad. Here I came across a large number of stray cats living in on a piece of land next to our hotel. The conditions they were living in obviously impacted on their health which was very visible. This shocked me, and with the added astonishment that apparently no one was taking responsibility for the animals and caring for them sparked a passion in me to study and work in this area to both educate people who choose to have pets and protect those animals that are being neglected or abused. Since identifying this specific area of interest with animals I have been lucky enough to sit through a short lecture about frogs in a lab and the level of stress they are put under, their behaviour when under this level of stress and how the stress was identified and measured and how to support to reduce the level of stress for these animals. The lecturer also identified the need to identify a wider need of why we may want to reduce the levels of stress for the frogs to ensure funding and an interest from those working with frogs. This was identified as a level of skewed results from animals under stress when testing for drugs that may go onto to being used by humans. This short lecture sparked a real interest and passion for me which reinforced my desire to study in this area. While my main area of interest is working with domestic animals, I am keen to learn about the behaviour and welfare issues of animals in the wild and gain some hands on experience in this area too.

I have also held a great deal of compassion for animals which lead me to volunteer at a dog’s kennel. Here I spent my time cleaning out the kennels and taking dogs for a walk. I felt strongly about spending more time with the dogs that were demonstrating some level of stress through pacing up and down and behaviours such as ears back, tails tucked in and licking of lips. Our family are also on a dog/puppy fostering list for the school holidays and have been lucky enough to foster a puppy for just under a week. Here I learnthow important it was for the puppy to undergo socialisation with humans and other animals to avoid stress in the future for the animal which could result in aggression and other everyday activiteswhich the puppy had not experienced such as entering a car, experiencing unusual noises such as emergency service sirens and building work; which for us humans seem ‘normal’ and not stressful at all. I also hope to volunteer at a rescue centre when I turn 18. To further my understanding in the area of Animal Behaviour and Welfare I am working through an online Animal Behaviour and Welfare MOOC course from the University of Edinburgh . I am very much enjoying gaining more knowledge in this area through the on line training.

I am I currently study biology and psychology at A level as I recognise gaining a grounding in these subjects are essential when considering further study in the area of animal behaviour and welfare. I particularly enjoy learning about the animal studies in psychology, for example Harlow’s study demonstrated that comfort was more of a security for the baby monkeys when frightened than food.

My outside interests are playing netball and playing the piano. I love feeling a part of a larger community and look forward to accesses clubs and societies at university.

I feel very strongly about the welfare of all animals and would like to learn more about this subject area allowing me to work successfully to support animals to be protected from neglect and harm and are given the environment and interactions they need to be happy and content.

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Successful Personal Statement For Veterinary Medicine At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rohan Agarwal

Table of Contents

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

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

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

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

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

LONDON VET SCHOOL

INTERVIEW + REJECTED

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.  

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Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

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

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

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

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Concluding your Veterinary Personal Statement

Concluding Veterinary Personal Statement Veterinary Clinic Cartoon

Effectively concluding your Veterinary Personal Statement is very important as a way to nicely round off what you have written. How you end your Veterinary Personal statement is going to leave a lasting impression in the reader’s mind about how your whole statement. When coming to write the conclusion, you may realise you are close to the character or maximum line limit, ending abruptly without a thorough conclusion is a common personal statement pitfall.  

The UCAS website have complied some generic but useful advice for ending your Personal Statement.

Tips for ending and concluding your personal statement

Concluding Veterinary Personal Statement cartoon

Keep it brief and do not waffle.

Your conclusion should not be too long, only a few lines.

Show Veterinary is right for you and focus on personal motivation.

Your conclusion should re-iterate why you want study Veterinary Medicine. You should summarise how your skill set will make you a good vet. Try to sell yourself and show the admissions tutor why they should offer you a place.

Avoid Repetition

Try not to directly repeat phrases that you have already mentioned previously in your Veterinary Personal Statement. This wastes valuable characters.

how to write a personal statement for veterinary nursing

Tie is back to what you have written earlier.

It is ok to reference and repeat the skills described within the body of the personal statement. However, use a different choice of words so that it does not look like

you have just lifted the same information from your introduction or main body paragraphs.

Ensure your conclusion has a focus on the Veterinary world and science.

You could use your conclusion to reference the future of Veterinary medicine. Consider the following question: what is it about today’s society or the future of veterinary medicine that inspires you to want to be part of this career?

Walkthrough Examples: Concluding your Veterinary Personal Statement:

We have written an example of an excellent concluding paragraph:

‘Nowadays the combination of human science and medicine with that of veterinary has opened a whole new range of treatment methods that can benefit our pets. In particular. with the introduction of prosthetic implants for orthopaedic injuries. I am intrigued to learn what the future of veterinary medicine will hold at the rate it is progressing, and want to be a part of creating these new innovations to better the lives of animals and humans.

This is a very good answer because the student’s motivation for wanting to study Veterinary Medicine shines through. For example, they have shown awareness that by bettering the lives of animals, they are bettering the lives of humans too. Moreover, the student shows that they understand the parallels between veterinary and human medicine. They acknowledge that (although veterinary medicine is about 30 years behind human medicine), we can achieve great things from a combined approach.

The student rounds off the statement nicely avoiding being too abrupt. This brings the statement to a close with an all- encompassing feel that they have fully explained why they would be a good vet student.

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

Frequently Asked Question

→what is a veterinary personal statement.

A Veterinary Personal Statement is a written document that showcases your skills, qualifications, and experiences in the field of veterinary medicine. It is typically required as part of your application for admission to a veterinary school or program.

→What should I include in my Veterinary Personal Statement?

Your Veterinary Personal Statement should highlight your motivation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, your relevant experiences, skills, and qualifications, and your future goals in the field. It is also important to showcase your passion for working with animals and your commitment to providing high-quality care for them.

→How do you write a conclusion for a personal statement?

→how long should a veterinary personal statement be.

A Veterinary Personal Statement should be a maximum of 4,000 characters long. This includes spaces and punctuation. This is equivalent to around 650 words which is 1 side of typed A4 paper.

→How do you write a killer personal statement?|

A killer personal statement should be interesting, showing enthusiasm and passion. You need to talk about your work experience, volunteering, extracurricular activities, reasons for choosing your degree and more. Keep it formal and to the point, you should aim to add a “wow” factor whilst still keeping it academic.

→Can I get help with writing my Veterinary Personal Statement conclusion?

Yes, there are many resources available to help you with writing your Veterinary Personal Statement conclusion, including online writing services and guidance from your school’s career center or academic advisors. It is important to ensure that any assistance you receive is ethical and in line with the guidelines set by the program or school to which you are applying.

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Veterinary Personal Statement

Sample Veterinary Personal Statement

Having always been interested in animals, my fascination has only increased as my understanding of their biology has grown. Looking into the twin processes of evolution and selective breeding has allowed me to understand some of the genetic drawbacks that certain species face, such as ventricular septal defects in bulldogs, and has awoken a desire within me to apply this knowledge to diagnosis and treatment. Veterinary medicine offers an opportunity to combine this concern for animal welfare with an ever-changing, intellectually stimulating professional environment.

Convinced of my desire to study veterinary medicine I have concentrated my studies on science and maths, particularly excelling in Biology, demonstrating my natural affinity with the subject and laying an excellent foundation for study. Chemistry and Physics have rounded out my understanding of the sciences, while Maths has improved my ability to approach problems in a rational, measured manner. My overall performance at GCSE demonstrates my positive attitude to study and my willingness to work hard to succeed in all subjects.

In addition to my commitment to studying the relevant subjects and increase my knowledge, I have undertaken a range of work experience to further my awareness of what the job actually entails. Beginning with a 2-week placement, where I assisted with preparing work surfaces prior to surgery or consultations and holding dogs and cats during injections. It was particularly impressive to see that way in which the vet approached all situations calmly, utilising impressive interpersonal skills when dealing with owners. Observing and assisting with consultations and surgery at Fern Cottage Veterinary Surgery allowed me observe the differences between practicing in South Africa and practising in the UK, offering employment experience across an international context. At Sjeal Arabian Horse Stud Farm I learnt about the connected processes of husbandry and breeding, and a vet’s role within them, as well as worming horses and observing a farrier at work. By developing this knowledge at Eye Horn Farm Stables, where I gained experience of checking for soundness and laminitis in racehorses, I have gained a strong sense of equine treatment in particular. A week spent lambing at a local farm, where I learnt about the Bluetongue virus and the Culicoides midge, also introduced me to the basics of veterinary medicine within a farming context.

Outside of my academic interests I am a keen sportsman, applying the same dedication to training as I have to my studies and work experience. As a Silver Sports Ambassador, I am charged with promoting Olympic values and encouraging younger members of my community to get involved in sport. This is a particularly exciting opportunity for me to pass on my passion for rugby, having played for both Sheppey RFC and my school team for a number of years. I also enjoy combining my passion for sport with raising money for charity, regularly running in the Paul Trigwell Island Run. Perhaps my proudest achievement was forming part of an expedition to Tanzania, which included summiting Kilimanjaro and working to improve a local primary school. While also improving my teamwork and leadership skills, this expedition allowed me to experience a different culture and has instilled in me a love of travelling.

As a hardworking student , I have applied the same dedicated attitude to my studies as I have to gaining employment experience in my chosen field. Through work experience and attending a Vetsim course, where I developed a particular interest in avian veterinary surgery that I would be keen to develop later, I have gained a real sense of what working within the field entails and am convinced that, as an empathetic person with excellent communication skills and a strong affinity with animal welfare issues, I have what it takes to make a real contribution to veterinary medicine.

We hope this great sample Veterinary personal statement has been helpful.

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Great Veterinary Nursing Personal Statement

    There's no "right" way to structure your veterinary nursing personal statement, however it's a good idea to include: A clear introduction, explaining why you want to study the course and become a registered veterinary nurse. A section focusing on your work experience and academic achievements, to show how you're qualified to study ...

  2. How to write a veterinary nurse personal statement

    Here are some fundamental steps for writing your veterinary personal statement: 1. Use an easy-to-follow, simple format. Ensuring your veterinary nurse statement is clear, concise and easy to follow is one of the most important steps to writing one. This is because it presents your information in a way that employers can understand at a glance.

  3. PDF Veterinary School Personal Statements

    Veterinary school admission committees generally judge a candidate's merit based upon. undergraduate grade-point averages (GPA), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, interviews, veterinary related experiences, letters of recommendation, and the personal. statements (Roush et al., 2014).

  4. Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine

    Describe some of your experiences and observations, both of veterinary practice and from your wider animal experience. Get the balance right. They want you to show the breadth of your experience, but they want depth as well. Try to write briefly but reflectively about some of the highlights and what you learned from them.

  5. How to Write a Vet School Personal Statement

    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.

  6. Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University

    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 ...

  7. How To Write a Vet School Personal Statement

    Vet school committees will expect you to remain professional and precise in what you say with word limitations in mind. However, you should aim for a conversational, friendly tone. Your personal statement is about you, so it should give the admissions committee an insight into your personality. Try to find a happy medium where you don't sound ...

  8. PDF Personal Statements

    Personal Statements.pmd. Personal Statements. THE PURPOSE OF A PERSONAL STATEMENT. Many application processes include a requirement to state why you believe that you are suitable for the job or course in question. This section of the application form is often referred to as a 'personal statement'. It is your opportunity to convince the ...

  9. Veterinary Personal Statement Examples

    Browse our range of Veterinary personal statement examples. Gain inspiration & make sure you're on the right track when writing your own personal statement. Order Prospectus

  10. Personal Statement

    Here are some tips on how to write a successful personal statement. Please note that the standard personal statement via UCAS will reformed for 2024 (for people planning on studying in 2025)! ... It is obvious if you are applying to Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Nursing. These are two different careers and applying for both at the same ...

  11. Vet school personal statement examples

    Vet Personal Statement Example #1. "Saddle up," is my favorite phrase of all time and it conveys with it a sense of adventure that few other phrases ever can. I suppose a lot of this comes from my early years where I loved cowboy stories, but it continued on through my life once I started learning about horses.

  12. Veterinary personal statement: The Introduction

    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 ...

  13. Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Example 3

    Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement Example 3. From the age of three when I got my first pet, I have always held a strong passion for animals and their wellbeing. Whether I was helping to take care of my cats or visiting the local stables, I have been surrounded by animals from birth. However, it wasn't until a hamster of mine became ...

  14. Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement

    Veterinary Medicine Personal Statement. Submitted by Gina. 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 ...

  15. Personal statement advice: animal science

    A degree in animal science opens up numerous career options working with animals, or could be a stepping stone into a graduate veterinary medicine course. If it's your degree of choice, here are some personal statement pointers. 'You should also indicate what areas of the "animals industries" interest you (captive, veterinary medicine ...

  16. Veterinary Science Personal Statement Examples

    Most veterinary medicine candidates open their personal statement with why they want to become a vet. Motivations for wanting to study any course at university are always important. We recommend you write a series a notes about your skills, experience, hobbies, extracurricular activities, career plans and anything else that is relevant to your ...

  17. Personal statement advice: nursing

    Nursing personal statement basics - what to include. To structure it, try to write clearly and reflectively about: how you arrived at your decision to go into nursing. why, specifically, you want to be an adult, child, mental health, or learning disabilities nurse. how your experience and research has contributed to your understanding of the ...

  18. Animal Behaviour & Welfare Personal Statement Examples

    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 realised I wanted to work in the area of animal behaviour and welfare was when I was abroad. Here I came across a large number of stray cats living in on a piece of land next to our hotel.

  19. Successful Personal Statement For Veterinary Medicine At Cambridge

    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 ...

  20. Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing

    All SBVN applicants (VTAC and direct international) must complete and submit a Veterinary Nursing Personal Statement. Applicants must include details of: Why do you want to study veterinary nursing, and specifically the Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing? Describe your relevant animal and veterinary-related experience/qualifications.

  21. Veterinary nurse CV examples, tips & templates

    How to write a personal statement for your veterinary nurse CV. If you want to make an excellent first impression, you must write a persuasive personal statement outlining your proudest experience, skills, and achievements. When done right, this punchy three to four sentence introduction sparks the hiring manager's interest and encourages ...

  22. Concluding your Veterinary Personal Statement

    Your Veterinary Personal Statement should highlight your motivation for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, your relevant experiences, skills, and qualifications, and your future goals in the field. It is also important to showcase your passion for working with animals and your commitment to providing high-quality care for them.

  23. Veterinary Personal Statement

    Sample Veterinary Personal Statement. Having always been interested in animals, my fascination has only increased as my understanding of their biology has grown. Looking into the twin processes of evolution and selective breeding has allowed me to understand some of the genetic drawbacks that certain species face, such as ventricular septal ...