Friday, 26 December 2014

Bristol Offer!

So I got a Bristol offer just three days after my interview!!!!! I was jumping and screaming!!! I couldn't post before this because preboards and then my birthday and Christmas. :P

Anyway, I'm sooo excited and so thankful for the Bristol offer. It's 85% in top four subjects and 85% in biology and chemistry!!!

I'm also going for an Edinburgh interview to Singapore on the 19th of January so wish me luck there! Eeeeehh, I really hope I get into Edinburgh too.

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Post Bristol Interview

So you want my advice do you?

I'd say these few things:
1) Be yourself.
2) Try to relax and not get nervous.
3) Be sure of everything you've written about in your personal statement.
4) Make sure you're able to speak for 1-2 minutes about each of your placements.

I think my interview didn't start as well as I hoped but ended on a much better note. Bristol have said I should hear back in about 2 weeks on UCAS one way or the other so I guess there isn't too much torture for that.

I've heard Nottingham has started sending out interviews now so fingers crossed I get one soon!

Short I know but just wanted to give an update. My pre-board practicals are going on in school so it's a busy time.

Oh, Indian people, there is this amazing site called mycbseguide.com. Amazing site and very helpful for previous year board papers.

Good luck to you and me!

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Preparing for an Interview.

So I'm equally excited and nervous for my Bristol interview which is actually today! Since I did originally start this blog so that more people have an idea of what it's like to be a vet and go through the journey I think it's only fair for me to hi light some of the ways I'm preparing.

First of all and most important, I went through my personal statement so many times, I probably have it memorized. Any little thing mentioned there, I've done further research on and have at least a minute's worth to talk about.

I've searched veterinary interview questions and drafted some answers which I'm going to print and go over now. I have a basic list of answers for the tricky questions and I've thought about the ethical bits as well.

Bristol judges on the following (taken from their site):
  • Depth of knowledge gained from work experience: I've brushed up on common animal diseases, decided a few cases that I've observed which are interesting, read about the vaccination scedule for dogs and cats and generally thought about my placements and what I leant from them.
  • Informed about career / awareness of current topics: I've made sure I know all the careers one can get into after doing veterinary medicine, I've searched recent developments and have a few stories and articles that I've read, I've thought about the disadvantages of being a veterinarian and I've read up on things going on in science.
  • Enthusiasm, commitment and determination to study: I'm hoping this will shine through on its own but I have searched Bristol's site and jotted down some of their best facilities which I can talk.
  • Communication skills: I speak quite often in English at home so I'm not worried about that part, however I am a little concerned that I might not understand some terms in their accent and they could have a problem with mine but I'm sure I can work past that. 
  • Self-confidence / interpersonal skills: While I'm not the most self confident person, I've recently improved a lot and I'm doing some mock interviews with friends and fimily which I'll then record and listen to. My strategy is to sit straight, have my hands on my lap or on the table in from and look right into the screen all the time. 
Goodluck to everybody preparing and here's to hoping my interview goes well!