Very Old Graduate with less than perfect GCSEs

[jillyp]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello Everyone,

I'm interested in applying for veterinary science in a few years time when I graduate. I'm also currently taking science 'A' Levels as I only have 'arts' subjects - although I do have Chemistry. I'm re-taking this again as this was almost 10 yrs ago - will this affect the application?

Back to the main issue - most of my GCSEs are Bs and I have read that many require 'A's - does this mean I'm not eligible to apply anyway?

I also would like to find out what the view is for mature graduates (I'll be 33 when I apply ).
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[seaturtlegirl]

Hi JillyP! I honestly wouldn't worry much at all about your age, or how old some of your classes are! (I am 30 now, and a first year.) As a matter of fact, there are a number of schools out there (MN and MS for sure) that seem to take favorably to "non traditional" applicants! As for the grades, some B's are fine, though you do want to make sure that you mix some A's in as well! Likewise, many schools are most interested in your recent grades, in terms of calculating your GPA. In fact, some schools look almost exclusively at your GPA for the last 45 credits.

My advice: you can do it! Study hard, get some A's, and get some solid experience, and you'll be fine! Good luck!

 

[lazyjayn]

You don't say what country you're in, but with GCSE's I'm assuming you're somewhere in The UK? If so, this site has a list of the vet schools in the UK and Ireland, with links to them. Find the contact information, call and ask them. I think I remember reading somewhere that UCAS only allows 4 choices for vet schools, so it's better to narrow it down and ditch any that won't even look at you.

To start, the entry requirements for RVC (as listed on their page) are "GCSE
At least five grade As including grade A in Double Science (or in Biology and Chemistry if taken separately) and not less than grade B in English, Mathematics and Physics (if taken as a separate subject)."


Can I say Ouch?

good luck w/ research, and even if the pre-req's look crazy high, give all the schools a call anyway- they might have a small special entry group for mature students. Won't know unless you ask, right?

j.

eta- I'm assuming you can't re-take GCSE's? Have you considered going overseas?

 

[MickeysPet]

As a matter of fact, there are a number of schools out there (MN and MS for sure) that seem to take favorably to "non traditional" applicants!

Can you explain (especially MN) why these schools are more favorable to non-trads? I've applied there, and I'm 36. Sorry to hijack!

 

[runnerDC]

This report should give you an idea as to why:
http://www.aavmc.org/documents/es199905.htm

As I understand it, the profession was realizing that they were graduating a lot of really smart people who were lacking in some key skill and aptitude areas necessary to elevate the profession (economically and otherwise). It was in response to this study that several schools starting doing behavioral-type interviews to try to recruit students with those attributes; attributes that are nearly impossible to teach/learn in 4 short years, but attributes that several older and/or non-traditional students already possessed.

I interviewed at MN and Tufts and was admitted to both. My non-trad background and work experience in a field different from veterinary medicine were definitely looked upon favorably and were points of interest during my interviews.

Also, 30 is the new 20 (at least that’s what I tell myself) so at 36, you’re really not old at all😉. Good luck to you!

Can you explain (especially MN) why these schools are more favorable to non-trads? I've applied there, and I'm 36. Sorry to hijack!