Brief update on my university application.

[Miss Z]

Thank you very much for all of your kind words.

My Cambridge interview was .... difficult! Of course, I wasn't expecting it to be a walk in the park, but a little part of me was secretly hoping that I would be asked questions I knew all the answers to.

I had two interviews at Cambridge - the first with a biochemist, and the second with the head of veterinary studies at the college. The first interview was the toughest. I was basically asked questions regarding biology and chemistry experiments; I'm guessing they were looking for how you apply your knowledge to answer questions on something you've never heard about or seen performed. Had a sticky moment trying to work out logarithms in my head, but other than that I gave the rest of the questions my best shot. Still, I didn't come out of that interview feeling particularly great.

The second one went better, I felt. The questions were still very academic but more vet-related, and I got the chance to bring in some anecdotes from my work experience, as well as articles and the likes that I've read. So, overall, I couldn't tell you how I think I did. I suppose it partially depends on how all the other applicants handled it!

The Cambridge college I've applied to, Sidney Sussex, is BEAUTIFUL. It's in the centre of Cambridge town whilst still being secluded within its own little walls. I would really, really love to study there, but of course I just don't know how my application has been judged. A friend who applied to study art at Oxford university got his rejection through a few days ago. And he thought his interview went well - so on that basis I'm a bit uneasy about my chances!

The Glasgow interview was entirely different. They were more interested in what I've gained from my work experience, my stance on ethical issues, my interests and me as a person. I felt that interview went quite well, as my debating experience has taught me to gab on and on about my points of view. But, of course, nothing is certain, and the other applicants I met that day seemed confident about it too. So, we'll see.

Glasgow is lovely too - they've just had an amazing new small animal hospital built. I could definitely see myself in one of the swanky little consulting rooms, haha.

I still haven't heard from my other universities (Edinburgh and the Royal Veterinary College, London), but I'll find out whether it's yea or nay from Cambridge and Glasgow in January.

[moosmom]

Wherever you do go, they will be VERY lucky to have you Zara. You are very mature and wise beyond your years. I'm 56 and still not sure what I wanna be when I grow up. You've got it all mapped out. I commend you.

Have a wonderful holiday, honey. I'll be thinking of you.

(((((HUGS))))) and

Donna and fur kids

[Miss Z]

Thought I'd update this whilst I'm here.

To cut a long story short, I was rejected from Cambridge. I was pretty upset, angry, and quite a few other emotions when I got the letter. I'd worked so hard for so many years, then had 20 minutes with an interviewer who plainly wasn't all that into me from the start, and it was all gone.

I think now however, I feel fine about it. Not to be stereotypical (or bitter!), but I think Cambridge look more for a certain type of person, perhaps in a more refined way than other universities do, particularly for a vocational subject like veterinary medicine. My interview there was so startlingly different from my Glasgow interview - I felt Glasgow were more concerned with whether I have the right sense of judgement, empathy, and communication abilities to cope with being a vet. Cambridge wanted to know how much biology and chemistry I knew. And not to be funny, but my public exam results can prove I don't lack in that respect.

So I don't yet have a definitive reason why I was rejected, but in all honesty it's neither here nor there for me now. I can move on because a few days later.... my Glasgow offer arrived!!! I was very pleased with that, since I love the university and they have AVMA accreditation, meaning I can work in the USA when I qualify. And, I got the impression at interview that they were assessing me as a person rather than just a brain (coincidently - I have heard of two successful Cambridge vet applicants this year who were rejected from Glasgow. Tee hee. )

I finally heard from the Royal Veterinary College (in London) and am due to have an interview there in February. I have my fingers crossed for this one - I'm applying for the 6 year vet med with an intercalated science degree, so I'll end up with two degrees if I am accepted!

Thanks for the continued support. It is very much appreciated!!

[caseysmom]

Good job on your acceptance. We all know that Cambridge would have been lucky to have you...their loss.

How far is Cambridge from your hometown? Will you live on campus? What are the fees like?

My daughter is going through the same thing right now, she got her first acceptance letter for aeronautical engineering to San Diego State, that was one of her "safe" schools but she is still happy to at least be accepted their.

[Miss Z]

Congratulations to your daughter!

Cambridge and Glasgow are about the same distance away from where I live, just in opposite directions. I think it's a good 200-250 miles or so, perhaps more. In other words it's a 3 1/2 hour car journey to each. I suppose, however, the good thing about the UK is that you're never really more than 6 hours away from anywhere!

Fees are horrid. I'm estimating my debt will be over £40,000 upon graduation, and probably an extra few thousand if I am accepted and go to London. I can apply for a fairly decent student loan but it won't be a luxurious life to lead, that's for sure! It doesn't help that our government decided to cut university funding this year, meaning fees are likely to increase even more. At least paying it back only comes in little installments, most vets I've spoken to pay it off over a course of 5-10 years.

[caseysmom]

Congratulations to your daughter!

Cambridge and Glasgow are about the same distance away from where I live, just in opposite directions. I think it's a good 200-250 miles or so, perhaps more. In other words it's a 3 1/2 hour car journey to each. I suppose, however, the good thing about the UK is that you're never really more than 6 hours away from anywhere!

Fees are horrid. I'm estimating my debt will be over £40,000 upon graduation, and probably an extra few thousand if I am accepted and go to London. I can apply for a fairly decent student loan but it won't be a luxurious life to lead, that's for sure! It doesn't help that our government decided to cut university funding this year, meaning fees are likely to increase even more. At least paying it back only comes in little installments, most vets I've spoken to pay it off over a course of 5-10 years.

If my daughter goes to a UC it will be about $35,000 a year. Her first choice is the Air Force Academy which is a full scholarship, she is still waiting for a congressional nomination which is required, she was accepted based on her grades, she also needs to do a breathing test because she had childhood asthma, the Air Force Academy is in Colorado and it is a full scholarship, she would be required to be an officer in the AF for 5 years to pay back the education but she went for a visit and fell in love.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Zara, I'm so sorry you didn't get accepted into Cambridge. I know how frustrated you are. Keep your chin up girl, don't let this keep you down. Don't give up- you can do it!!!
Here in the US, there are only 29 universities with a DVM program . So yes, getting into a MD program is so much 'easier'.
As of right now, I am going through a Veterinary Technology program to become an RVT (california Registered Veterinary Technician). It is difficult, and requires me to do A LOT of studying on my own. We just started anesthesia today, and was told by an instructor that all of the things we have learned prior is to ready us for anesthesia. It's not easy, but I've wanted to do this since I was 2.

You are lucky you know what you want to do, and are actually pursuing your dream in veterinary medicine. A lot of people have told me 'Oh when I was a kid, I wanted to do that too!' But only so many people actually pursue it!

I have faith in you, Zara!!

[Alysser]

Zara, I am sorry you didn't get accepted to Cambridge, but obviously it wasn't meant to be..and like mom (caseysmom) says their loss. Seriously, though I am glad you got other offers and am glad you have so many different options for your future. Best of luck to you! I can't wait till you come to the states.