6 answers
t
Student
Birmingham
1
Question
Asked
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I really want to be a vet but science doesn't naturally click with me- is it possible?
I've wanted to be a vet for 3 years now and I've looked thoroughly into the ins and outs of it. I don't naturally get science though, I'm just not scientifically inclined and my grades in them aren't amazing but also not the worst (Grade 5/6/7 at GCSE).
I try to force myself to want to do another career, but I just want to do veterinary. I feel like I'd always be jealous of vet students if I did that. It seems like it's rooted in me but I'd be a fraud and I wouldn't get what's going on, especially not as quickly as everyone else who's always gotten A* in all sciences. I'm due to choose my A-levels within a month or two. I definitely think if I carried on with wanting to be a vet, I'd apply to foundation courses where I'd only have to do one science.
Any advice? :(
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, t !
Any profession in which you work with animals is surely a wonderfully exciting career !
In order to be a veterinarian in your country, it will take many years of studying science, about five to six years under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons requirements and that means mostly sciences. To diagnose, treat and birth animals, you will have to have a strong scientific understanding of various species and lots of animal science. So since you already know and state that science does not "click with you" you may want to ask yourself if you are willing and keen on working with animals in a field of work other than medicine.
There are other ways that you can work with and around animals other than having an intensive study of science. Some of these careers are in Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter Manager, Zoo worker, Park Ranger, Dog Walker, Dog and Animal Groomer, Animal Trainer, Animal Handler for the Entertainment Industry and I am sure that you can find out about more by doing a search on line. In the U.S., there are also Dog Spas which people bring their dogs to for a day of fun and pampering.
Be true to yourself, know that there are alternatives to a science career and explore all options by reading more about the various opportunities. You never know, you may at some point hone your science skills and than decide to indeed go to veterinary school. But it is all up to you. Considering how much deep study of science will be involved, it's good that you are discovering things about it now. Being a vet is hands on and you would have to be certain as to what you do in every instance, whether for a check up of the animal or in an emergency. Anyone that works on living things must be 100% sure of what they are doing.
It's nice to know that you can transfer your interest and skills to a different realm of animal service and animal care. I hope this has been of help and I wish you all the best !
Any profession in which you work with animals is surely a wonderfully exciting career !
In order to be a veterinarian in your country, it will take many years of studying science, about five to six years under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons requirements and that means mostly sciences. To diagnose, treat and birth animals, you will have to have a strong scientific understanding of various species and lots of animal science. So since you already know and state that science does not "click with you" you may want to ask yourself if you are willing and keen on working with animals in a field of work other than medicine.
There are other ways that you can work with and around animals other than having an intensive study of science. Some of these careers are in Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter Manager, Zoo worker, Park Ranger, Dog Walker, Dog and Animal Groomer, Animal Trainer, Animal Handler for the Entertainment Industry and I am sure that you can find out about more by doing a search on line. In the U.S., there are also Dog Spas which people bring their dogs to for a day of fun and pampering.
Be true to yourself, know that there are alternatives to a science career and explore all options by reading more about the various opportunities. You never know, you may at some point hone your science skills and than decide to indeed go to veterinary school. But it is all up to you. Considering how much deep study of science will be involved, it's good that you are discovering things about it now. Being a vet is hands on and you would have to be certain as to what you do in every instance, whether for a check up of the animal or in an emergency. Anyone that works on living things must be 100% sure of what they are doing.
It's nice to know that you can transfer your interest and skills to a different realm of animal service and animal care. I hope this has been of help and I wish you all the best !
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi t,
I think you need to ask yourself why you want to be a vet. What aspect of being a vet makes it attractive to you? If you want to work with animals, have you considered other careers where you would work with animals but that require less science?
Also, please try to analyze what makes science difficult for you. Do you have a preferred method to learn, e.g. when the teacher explains it, from books, doing example problems, doing experiments/projects? Which sciences do you struggle with the most? How about maths? And what are you good at? What are your strengths?
If possible, find a happy mix of something that you are good at and something that you are passionate about for your career.
Of course it is possible that you find a method to study that works better for you, but if you struggle with science I wouldn't recommend becoming a vet. You are setting yourself up for many years of struggling with science when you study and possibly 40 years of working in a profession where you have trouble with the foundations. Of course there are other skills that are important as a vet, but you'll need a good understanding of biology, anatomy, chemistry etc.
Good luck!
KP
I think you need to ask yourself why you want to be a vet. What aspect of being a vet makes it attractive to you? If you want to work with animals, have you considered other careers where you would work with animals but that require less science?
Also, please try to analyze what makes science difficult for you. Do you have a preferred method to learn, e.g. when the teacher explains it, from books, doing example problems, doing experiments/projects? Which sciences do you struggle with the most? How about maths? And what are you good at? What are your strengths?
If possible, find a happy mix of something that you are good at and something that you are passionate about for your career.
Of course it is possible that you find a method to study that works better for you, but if you struggle with science I wouldn't recommend becoming a vet. You are setting yourself up for many years of struggling with science when you study and possibly 40 years of working in a profession where you have trouble with the foundations. Of course there are other skills that are important as a vet, but you'll need a good understanding of biology, anatomy, chemistry etc.
Good luck!
KP
Poonam Dhake
House wife
15
Answers
North Brunswick Township, New Jersey
Updated
Poonam’s Answer
Focus on Your Interests: While science is an important aspect of veterinary medicine, there are other skills and areas of expertise that are equally valuable. If you have a genuine passion for animals and a desire to help them, that can be a strong motivation to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
Seek Support and Resources: If you find science challenging, don't hesitate to seek support. Reach out to teachers, tutors, or online resources that can provide additional guidance and assistance in understanding scientific concepts. There are often alternative learning methods and resources available that can help make science more accessible and understandable.
Different Learning Approaches: Everyone learns differently, so experiment with different learning approaches to find what works best for you. This could include visual aids, hands-on activities, or engaging with the material in a way that personally resonates with you.
Utilize Your Strengths: While science may not come naturally to you, focus on developing.
Seek Support and Resources: If you find science challenging, don't hesitate to seek support. Reach out to teachers, tutors, or online resources that can provide additional guidance and assistance in understanding scientific concepts. There are often alternative learning methods and resources available that can help make science more accessible and understandable.
Different Learning Approaches: Everyone learns differently, so experiment with different learning approaches to find what works best for you. This could include visual aids, hands-on activities, or engaging with the material in a way that personally resonates with you.
Utilize Your Strengths: While science may not come naturally to you, focus on developing.
Blaire Morgan
Hospitality and Tourism
1
Answer
Clermont, Florida
Updated
Blaire’s Answer
I also always wanted to be a vet but didn’t love Science…I wish I had known more about other animal careers like being an animal keeper. I didn’t really understand what the difference was as a kid, but if you start volunteering with places like a sanctuary or a zoo, you can see how much there is keeping the animals safe and healthy that is more of the day to day care and not so much the science/medical side. I wish I had understood the difference when I was your age!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello T,
Absolutely, you can still become a vet even if you don't find science to be your strong suit. While having a solid science foundation is beneficial for veterinary studies, it's not the only ingredient for success in this profession. There are numerous ways to pursue your dream of becoming a vet, even if science doesn't come naturally to you.
Exploring Different Routes
If you're truly passionate about becoming a vet, there are other routes you can take to reach your goal. Some universities offer foundation courses tailored for students who might not have the typical academic background needed for veterinary studies. These courses can help you gain a firm grasp of the necessary scientific concepts before you dive into the main veterinary program.
Getting Help and Advice
Don't hesitate to seek help and advice from teachers, career counselors, and professionals in the veterinary medicine field. They can offer valuable advice on how to navigate your A-level choices and provide insights into different ways to enter veterinary studies. Moreover, talking with current veterinary students or practicing vets can give you a realistic view of the profession's challenges and rewards.
Building Effective Study Habits
Even if science isn't your forte, building effective study habits can greatly enhance your understanding and performance in scientific subjects. This might involve getting extra help from teachers, using different learning resources like videos or interactive simulations, and dedicating regular time to study and practice scientific concepts.
Recognizing Your Unique Talents
Remember, being successful in veterinary medicine involves more than just scientific knowledge. Compassion, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are all crucial skills for a vet. Recognizing and developing your unique talents and focusing on these non-scientific skills can make you a well-rounded candidate for veterinary studies.
In a Nutshell
To sum up, while pursuing a veterinary career without a natural knack for science might be challenging, it's definitely achievable with determination, support, and strategic planning. Exploring different routes, seeking advice, building effective study habits, and recognizing your unique talents are all vital steps towards your goal of becoming a vet.
Top 3 Authoritative References Used:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - The AVMA offers authoritative information on veterinary education and career pathways.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) - RCVS provides valuable insights into the requirements for becoming a vet and different ways to enter the profession.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) - BVA's resources offer guidance on pursuing a veterinary career and overcoming academic hurdles.
Take care and God bless,
James.
Absolutely, you can still become a vet even if you don't find science to be your strong suit. While having a solid science foundation is beneficial for veterinary studies, it's not the only ingredient for success in this profession. There are numerous ways to pursue your dream of becoming a vet, even if science doesn't come naturally to you.
Exploring Different Routes
If you're truly passionate about becoming a vet, there are other routes you can take to reach your goal. Some universities offer foundation courses tailored for students who might not have the typical academic background needed for veterinary studies. These courses can help you gain a firm grasp of the necessary scientific concepts before you dive into the main veterinary program.
Getting Help and Advice
Don't hesitate to seek help and advice from teachers, career counselors, and professionals in the veterinary medicine field. They can offer valuable advice on how to navigate your A-level choices and provide insights into different ways to enter veterinary studies. Moreover, talking with current veterinary students or practicing vets can give you a realistic view of the profession's challenges and rewards.
Building Effective Study Habits
Even if science isn't your forte, building effective study habits can greatly enhance your understanding and performance in scientific subjects. This might involve getting extra help from teachers, using different learning resources like videos or interactive simulations, and dedicating regular time to study and practice scientific concepts.
Recognizing Your Unique Talents
Remember, being successful in veterinary medicine involves more than just scientific knowledge. Compassion, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are all crucial skills for a vet. Recognizing and developing your unique talents and focusing on these non-scientific skills can make you a well-rounded candidate for veterinary studies.
In a Nutshell
To sum up, while pursuing a veterinary career without a natural knack for science might be challenging, it's definitely achievable with determination, support, and strategic planning. Exploring different routes, seeking advice, building effective study habits, and recognizing your unique talents are all vital steps towards your goal of becoming a vet.
Top 3 Authoritative References Used:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - The AVMA offers authoritative information on veterinary education and career pathways.
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) - RCVS provides valuable insights into the requirements for becoming a vet and different ways to enter the profession.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) - BVA's resources offer guidance on pursuing a veterinary career and overcoming academic hurdles.
Take care and God bless,
James.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
T, your determination to chase a career in veterinary medicine, even when science poses a challenge, is admirable and clear from your three years of in-depth study in this field.
Everyone has their own strengths and difficulties while striving to become a vet. Your careful consideration of other career paths shows smart decision-making. Even if science is tough, your love for veterinary medicine fuels your drive to succeed.
As you prepare for your A-levels, getting advice from career advisors and mentors, thinking about foundation courses, and valuing your unique viewpoint will help you conquer academic hurdles and reach your goal.
Everyone has their own strengths and difficulties while striving to become a vet. Your careful consideration of other career paths shows smart decision-making. Even if science is tough, your love for veterinary medicine fuels your drive to succeed.
As you prepare for your A-levels, getting advice from career advisors and mentors, thinking about foundation courses, and valuing your unique viewpoint will help you conquer academic hurdles and reach your goal.