Rebecca’s Summer School experience
Each morning during the Sutton Trust Summer School at the University of Nottingham, we completed academic activities related to veterinary medicine, including a sheep leg dissection, canine CPR and the Heimlich manoeuvre, and a practical investigating egg freshness. In the afternoons, we attended personal development sessions covering topics such as personal statements, student finance, and the university application process. We also completed a group project, creating an anatomically correct sheep’s leg with working tendons, which we presented alongside projects from the other subject strands. Evenings included social activities such as a sports and societies night, board games, a quiz, and a visit to Wollaton Hall.
The Summer School gave me a genuine insight into university life beyond what is shown on open days. Through practical sessions, I developed my understanding of veterinary medicine and the range of niche topics and research within it. Advice from student ambassadors and lecturers gave me a clearer understanding of the application process, interviews, and what admissions tutors look for in prospective vet med students. Hearing them share their experiences and dedication to veterinary medicine made me even more excited to study the subject. Living in catered university accommodation for a week also helped me make decisions around my university choices. Overall, the experience strengthened my interest in veterinary medicine and gave me the confidence and understanding to approach my applications with genuine passion for the course.