My name is Alexis. I am a year 3 vet student and I am an international student originally from Kansas in the United States. Last year, I completed my Graduate Entry Programme (GEP) year which is Year 1 and Year 2 combined and structured for students with prior degrees.
Here is why I chose the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS).
Application
While completing my first degree, my university hosted the annual pre-veterinary (APVMA) symposium. At this event, I was able to speak with representatives from vet schools in my home country and was introduced to school representatives from the UK and Australia. I had never considered attending vet schools abroad, but was really intrigued by the idea.
Most UK schools offer two programme options, the standard 5-year programme for students joining from secondary school, and the accelerated 4-year programme that is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. The Edinburgh reps explained that around 20 years ago the School created this accelerated program targeted to international students. The School fosters an environment to appeal to a wide community that makes all feel welcome.
I really enjoyed hearing about the wide array of experts who are employed at the veterinary campus and are involved in our teaching. The idea that a class was not taught by an individual, but instead by a team that specialises in that topic sounded like a dream. For example, our Bacteriology course is taught by researchers who specialise in Staph and Strep.
After this chat at the symposium, I was convinced that R(D)SVS could be the school for me and immediately added it to my application list. As a North American I could apply via VMCAS, which was great news because it meant that I was able to apply using the same system for the US schools where my experiences and references were already stored. The application was really manageable and the specific requirements for Edinburgh were lined out on their school page.
Interview
UK students are able to interview in person on the vet school campus, but students from North America interview in either New York City or San Francisco, depending on their home address. I was thrilled to have an in person interview, because even though it can be full of nerves it added a personal touch to the School. On arrival, we had a presentation about the School and degree programme and then there was time to socialise with alumni and staff. Hearing from alumni about their time on the programme, and the fact they were willing to travel for the sole reason of sharing their experience to recruit the next generation spoke volumes to me. I had never been to the UK, let alone lived abroad, so it was lovely to hear what normal life looked like. I found out that setting up a public transport pass, a bank account, and phone plan were all straightforward. And just like that, all my nerves went away before going into the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) room.
Acceptance
Over the course of a year, I had become enveloped with the idea of entering this chapter of my life at R(D)SVS. I was in my immunology course when I received the offer email and immediately accepted. The admissions staff guided me through the process of applying for VISAs, setting up healthcare with the NHS, and set up monthly informational zooms where we could learn about student life and the programme.
Accepting the offer was a no brainer and the best decision I could have made for my personal and academic growth. I am so happy to call Edinburgh my home and be surrounded by a large international student population in a beautiful, historic city.
