The long way round to vet school

Daniella Dos Santos

I grew up in central London, and both my parents are immigrants; my mother was a cleaner and my father a chef. I always knew I wanted to be a vet, but my journey was not a simple one.

As no one in my family had ever been to university, the whole process was unknown to me, and I didn’t know anyone that could help me figure it out either. I didn’t even have family friends in the veterinary sector, and my school had never dealt with anyone who wanted to be a vet. Everyone kept telling me it was too difficult and I should reconsider being a vet, that people like me didn’t make it. It turns out they were wrong.

'I ended up doing a degree in molecular genetics first, before getting into vet school at my fifth attempt'

It was not easy for me. I ended up doing a degree in molecular genetics first, before getting into vet school at my fifth attempt, and graduated from the RVC in 2012. I went the long way round getting into vet school, but I am so glad I did. My time at university was amazing, learning so many new skills, making great friends and learning from exceptional veterinary surgeons. Since qualifying I have worked with pets, but also have been President of the British Veterinary Association. A veterinary degree opens so many doors!

Veterinary medicine is not just about animals, although it is of course a big part of it, it is also about science and people. If you love animals, enjoy working people and find science fascinating, it is the perfect career for you. Veterinary medicine is open to all.

Advice for parents, teachers and careers advisers

Please do not discourage students from a career in our amazing profession. Despite the stereotype that it is the hardest course to get into and you have to have loads of experience, it simply isn’t true and is an accessible profession for many. Alongside the traditional entry routes, there are pathways for those from diverse or widening participation backgrounds; check out the information we have signposted to below. Champion those students you meet with a passion, as we would love to have them in our fabulous profession.

Advice for students

If you love animals, people and science, then veterinary medicine could be for you! Look at the admissions guides for up to date information about entry requirements and work experience, as well as all the ways to become a vet. Don't give up. If I can do it, so can you!

For more information on achieving the goal of vet school, and the various routes in to study veterinary medicine, read the BVA's guide to applying. It sets out the truths around the process and highlights the UK vet schools' desire to widen participation through increased accessibility onto degree courses.

Other testimonies from current students on how they made it to vet school are available in the 'I am at School' section. 

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