DS, yr 10, interested I medicine or vetinary

[SnowFairy2000]

Any thoughts, suggestions welcome on pathways we can explore - he's planning on A level Biology Chemistry Maths so will have other options available eg biochem, biomed, sports science etc.

Many thanks 😊 he's on waitlist for st John ambulance currently

I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you asking about other university (or post-secondary) courses he might look into? Or other career paths? Or things to do during secondary that will enhance an application for medical or vet school?

The last one! How to help support him developing a strong application for med or vet...... Sorry if not clear!!

The best grades he can get. Once he hits year 11 then if still keen on vet get some animal experience- he'll need about 5-7 weeks of vet and husbandry before applying. For medicine working in a care home or volunteering are good. As well as a customer facing part time job once 16.

Other than that he'll need to do the UCAT for medicine at the end of year 12 (how most Unis short list for interview) and fill in loads of extra forms for vet (where the extra experience helps).

@SnowFairy2000Look at the advice on entry for the vet schools. What do they want to see and remember it’s a minimum. Dc of vets and farmers do well in this category so replicate what they can access as far as possible! Definitely try and get experience of big animals. Does he have an interest in animals already?

Doctors: try and work in a care home and StJ Ambulance is excellent. Again see if the med schools offer advice. Does he like people or animals ? Doctors earn more.

With all due respect that is not correct. For vet you need a minimum amount of work experience but you do not need farm animals or lambing, just a variety. Each Uni is v clear what they need (Cambs need none ).

For medicine, as must don't even read the personal statement these days you can get away with no medical work experience. And most Unis realise how hard it is (unless your family are doctors) and so like 'caring' stuff. Even helping out either reading at school counts.

Pop over to the medicine thread in Higher Education and have a read.

And doctors do not earn more - sure you've heard about the strikes ? Doctors start on £32,000 and vets on £35-42,000. Doctors have massive training log jams so many now not able to progress to speciality. Vets in v high demand at the moment and students being recruited during 5th year.

Both offer fantastic opportunities abroad. With lots more money and less hours.