Just as a wee aside, my Sister studied Vet Med. She did all the usual lambing experience, volunteering for cats protection etc. However, EVERYBODY does that, don't they? What tipped the balance for her was a week's work experience at an abattoir. She was not only able to explain what she'd learned about animal welfare and anatomy, but also I think the panel were impressed that she'd seen a bit more than cutesy wittle kittens and was still keen.
Totally agree with this. We had a pre-uni wannabee vet help us on our farm in Cumbria, right through the summer not just at lambing time.
She was the daughter of the family who ran our favourite Chinese takeaway, and there was absolutely no farming in her family background whatsoever, which I knew would make it tough for her. At my suggestion she got some time at the abattoir and at our local veterinary lab. I think she got herself a day out with the local farm inspector too. Between her brains, those extras and the glowing references from our local vet practise and ourselves, she got her place at the Dick.
When we would call her up to come over because there was something going on she should see (of which the most memorable was a cow caesarian, the only one we had on that farm in 20+ years!), one of the family would bring her over then come and collect her with a carrier bag full of fantastic food for us to say "Thank You". No thanks were needed; she was bright, energetic, cheerful and an utter delight to have around - but we did enjoy those impromptu suppers! (I think we probably got extras in most of our takeaways ever after, too. Bless.)
Anyway, reminiscences aside, yes it is a good idea to do some off piste but very relevant experiences too.