Talk me through the research you have done prior to applying for this course. How do you know this course is right for you?
When applying to Veterinary School you should have fully considered your options and have researched the school, course content and future career in detail. When asking this question, interviewers are looking for clarification that you have considered the pros/cons of the role and you will need to justify your reasons for choosing to proceed.
"Prior to applying for Veterinary School I fully researched my options for my future career choices and listed the entry requirements, pros, and cons for each course. I have always had a keen interest in pursuing veterinary medicine, but I made sure I read through reviews and researched fully before making my final decision. I feel this course is right for me as I have a love of animals and think any career which enables you to make a difference to both wildlife and common pets would be so rewarding"
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Before pursuing veterinary medicine as my ultimate career goal, I did much research on schools, requirements, and post-graduation debt and career success. There is nothing else I see myself doing. With the support of my family and my head-strong dedication to my studies, I know that I can be a successful veterinary professional.
Rachelle's Feedback
Nicely said! Your dedication and desire for this career path genuinely shine through.
Anonymous Answer
I spoke to many vets and vet students about their experience at both University and within a career. I also looked into other potential careers that interested me, weighing up the pros and cons. I was very realistic about my expectations of Veterinary School, and I understand it contains lots of hard work, yet I wholeheartedly believe it will be completely worth it. If I didn't think this, then I definitely would not have spent so much time and effort on my studies and work experience. I spent time on many types of farms, various vet clinics and kennels, cattery, and stables.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you have spent a lot of time immersing yourself in the world of veterinary medicine. You give a nice amount of detail, here - proving to the interviewer that you truly are fully immersed.
Anonymous Answer
Before applying, I've conducted internet research on veterinary medicine. Due to COVID-19, I have been unable to acquire work experience and so have missed out on experiences such as shadowing surgeries. However, I watch youtube to see common procedures like dog neuter surgeries. I have also completed a MOOC titled 'Virtual Work Experience and Exploring the Veterinary Profession." Through research, I discovered that this course is very challenging and demanding, but I believe that I am capable of being successful because I am very determined that this is the right career for me.
Rachelle's Feedback
The workarounds you have created are very creative! It's clear that you think outside of the box and that you are determined to gain the knowledge needed, even despite a global pandemic! Your answer is detailed and exudes confidence - well done.
Anonymous Answer
I have always been interested in pursuing a career with animals and after studying the sciences at school, I gained a deeper interest in this field. Prior to applying, I carried out the necessary work experience and a variety of experiences gave me a good idea of what the career would entail. I found all of my experiences very enjoyable and this played the main part in solidifying my desire to study Veterinary Medicine. I know that a veterinary career requires dedication and is not always easy; however, I am a very committed and dedicated person, and I find challenges and problem solving extremely stimulating.
Rachelle's Feedback
You sound ready to take on this new challenge :) When you mention that you 'carried out the necessary work experience and a variety of experiences,' be sure to provide details in your interview vs. a generalization.
Anonymous Answer
I have an in-depth understanding of the veterinary medicine course. I'm aware that it is a five-year course split into preclinical and clinical years. However, what I particularly like about Surrey is that this clinical is less stark, you have the opportunity to use the state of the art clinical skills centre from year one, and this allows students to build confidence with the profession, and bring what they're learning to life. Moreover, I like how in year three you have the opportunity to complete a research project. This is not only an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself into a subject of your choice and get the satisfaction of finding your own unique discoveries and conclusions, but it also allows you to develop your research skills that are necessary to the CPD element of the veterinary profession. Another exciting element about your course is that you bring in teaching about business. I think it is so important to understand commercial considerations and the financial implications of animal treatment to not only make the most out of your career, but be able to fully prioritize animal welfare.
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific detail! You have done a lot of thorough research on this program and how the approach will benefit you as a student. I noticed your use of 'royal you' language in many areas vs. personalizing your response using 'I/me' phrasing. I've offered a tweak below to highlight the difference this small change can make.
"I have an in-depth understanding of the veterinary medicine course. I'm aware that it is a five-year course split into preclinical and clinical years. What I particularly like about Surrey is that this clinical is less stark. As a student, I will have the opportunity to use the state of the art clinical skills center from year one. This will allow me to build confidence in my profession and bring what I'm learning to life. Moreover, I like how in year three, I will have the opportunity to complete a research project. This project is not only an exciting opportunity to become immersed in a subject of my choice and get the satisfaction of finding my own unique discoveries and conclusions, but it also allows me to develop the research skills necessary to the CPD element of the veterinary profession. Another exciting element of this course is that it brings in business teachings. I think it is so important to understand commercial considerations and the financial implications of animal treatment to not only make the most out of my career but be able to prioritize animal welfare fully."
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