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! 

Edinburgh WES Submitted

So last night I finished and submitted my Edinburgh WES. I hope the stuff I wrote in the additional comments is not irrelevant. It was also my mother's birthday yesterday so yay!



I'm currently sitting in my biology class and typing this. I'm pretty comfortable with biology, english and biotechnology but my physics and chemistry is weak. I really hope I can step up my marks because I really really want to get into Hisar. It would be a dream come true.



How about a little personal background?

So, I go to school and then an institution in the evening thrice a week. The institute helps me train for the entrance exams as well as helps me for my boards. In India, all competitive exams are crazy so special prep is definitely needed.

My best friend in the world is in school and is prepping for engineering.



I have some more close friends both in school and my institute. I'm close with both my parents but I'm more like my father in the way I think and behave. I have a younger brother who is pretty cool as far as younger brothers go. My two dogs are also an integral part of my family and I adore them. They're approaching 12 now and still quite healthy so I'm pretty happy.



The worst thing about my life is the crazy pressure the boards and entrance exams put on me. My worst fear is that I will not get into veterinary medicine anywhere and will have to do something else. My mom will probably never agree to me taking a gap year. People keep saying that college is bad but for somebody who is already used to working hard I don't think it'll be too bad.

Above all, I'm really really impatient to get the next leg of my life started even though I will really miss my school.