There are currently ten vet schools in the UK to choose from, each with their own attributes and individual appeal. Choosing which vet schools to apply for is a big decision to make, both in terms of giving your veterinary application the best chance of success, and having a positive experience at university. Here’s a list of key things to consider when you apply.
1. Veterinary GCSE and A-Level requirements
This should be the first thing you check - make sure you meet all requirements and predicted grades before making an application, otherwise it will be wasted as this is the first criteria vet schools will tend to filter out.
2. Work Experience Requirements
Different vet schools require have different 'minimum amounts' of work experience so, again, apply only to those for whom you meet (and ideally exceed) the requirements. If you have certain personal circumstances that have made it difficult for you to attain work experience, it's a good idea to call the university's admissions team to find out whether they are able to make allowances before you submit an application. Some such as Bristol Vet School or Liverpool vet school require a work experience form to filled out prior to applying. Work experience can be hard to come across, but we have lots of tips as to how to go about arranging this in our Veterinary Work Experience Guide.
3. Location
Think about where you would like to study, would you want to remain close to home or are you happy being further away from home for a lot of the five years that you will be studying. E.g. if you are from London and want to stay relatively close to home you may choose to apply to the royal vet college (RVC) or Surrey vet school. Alternatively, a more rural location is likely to provide less in the way of distractions and overall a quieter way of life. Have a look at Harper & Keele vet school, Glasgow vet school or Aberystwyth vet school for this. Also consider whether you are comfortable moving far away from home, or would prefer it to be more easily accessible?
4. Course structure
There are a variety of different ways in which a vet school may choose to structure its course, so think about which style of teaching is most likely to suit you. These include traditional courses, integrated courses, PBL (problem based learning) and CBL (case based learning). Newer courses at Surrey vet school and Aberystwyth vet school have some of the newer more group based teaching sessions.
5. Intercalated degrees
If intercalation is something you would like to have as an option as your university, then make your choices accordingly to allow this as different vet schools have different courses/options on offer. Have a look at Nottingham vet school & Edinburgh vet school for more information on this.
6. Read between the lines
We strongly recommend that you read the detailed applications information for each vet school, and match it to your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you have a particularly strong academic record then apply to vet schools that value that most highly (such as Cambridge Vet School). If your extracurricular activities are exemplary, use that by applying to universities who are most likely to see it as valuable, such as Bristol Vet School. Understanding the subtle differences between vet schools can go a very long way - these are all highlighted in our Universities Section.
7. The Interview
Each university has a vastly different interview procedure and format. Most are either panel or MMI interviews. Further, each type of interview has its own advantages and disadvantages. Try work out which one is best for you. Find out whether the university asks more role plays/scenarios/ethics and see if this is something that would benefit you - these are all highlighted in our Universities Section.
With our Ultimate Package, you will be assigned your very own personal Admission Specialist; this Specialist will sit with you to help choose the best Vet School for you based on all the above!
Written by Dr Rebecca & the BecomeAVet Team
Click HERE to find out more about how our tutors can help you maximise your chances of gaining an offer to study Veterinary Medicine. Remember to check out our free 44 page vet school guide, updated for the latest application year!
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