Typical A level requirements: AAA or AAB

Veterinary Science is the most intensely competitive subject, and as in the case of Medicine, one or two offers and three rejections are not uncommon.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has raised a number of points which are relevant to applicants and advisers.

• Every candidate for a veterinary degree course should be advised to spend a substantial period with a veterinarian in practice.
• A period in veterinary work may reveal a hitherto unsuspected allergy or sensitivity following contact with various animals
• Potential applicants should be under no illusion about the difficulty of the task they have set themselves…………..five applicants for every place………….with no likelihood of places being increased at the present time.
• There are so many candidates who can produce the necessary level of scholastic attainment that other considerations have to be taken into account in making a choice. Headteachers’ reports and details of applicants’ interests, activities and background are very relevant.
• Any applicant who has not received an offer but who achieves the grades required for admission ought to write as soon as the results are known to the schools and enquire about the prospects pf entering through Clearing. All courses cover the same subject topics.

Advice from UCAS:

• Applicants must limit choices to four universities
• Applications must be submitted by Oct 15 th.
• Applicants may add up to two alternative courses – however, should they receive and accept offers and perform better than expected they will not be able to request vet schools to reconsider their applications.
• Work experience is essential – discuss experiences in full with information on the size and type of practice and type of work you were involved with
• The selection process involves three areas: Academic ability to cope with the course, knowledge of vocational aspects of veterinary science through work experience; personal attributes which demonstrate responsibility and self motivation.
• Suggested experience included: two weeks in a veterinary practice: two weeks with large domestic animals: two weeks with other animals e.g. riding school, zoo, kennels

Interview questions:

• Why do you want to be a vet?
• Describe your work experience
• Do you feel that there should be a Vet National Health Service.
• What are your views on vivisection
• What are your views on intensive factory farming
• Outline the BSE problem and European attitudes

For some universities you might have to complete a questionnaire prior to interview.

Reasons for rejection:

• Failure to demonstrate motivation;
• Lack of basic knowledge or understanding of ethical and animal issues.