Anyone else hear from Royal College about an interview?

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Quick question for you lei, what is the typical calendar year like at RVC? For instance, how long is each module period and when are the scheduled breaks? I'm having trouble finding it on the website!
 
Quick question for you lei, what is the typical calendar year like at RVC? For instance, how long is each module period and when are the scheduled breaks? I'm having trouble finding it on the website!

Well, I'm in the 4 year, so I'm not too sure about the set-up of the 5 year (it's similar to the 5 year, but our breaks are a little different? I think that's it). We have 3 modules per term; classes this year started on October 4th and we have our Module 1 exam on the 17th of this month. Module 2 starts on January 10th and runs through to the first week of March, and then we have 7 weeks off to get our AHEMS (Animal Husbandry placements) done. Module 3 goes from the first week of May until the middle of June, which is when we have our huge, brain-melting final exams over the course of 2 weeks. The actual end of term is the first or second week of July.
 
I will be in the four year program also. I found out Nov. 1st that I was accepted without an interview but I will still be attending the January reception in New York. Right now the toughy is deciding what to do!! If you have any advice or can put me in contact with any other US students at RVC that would be great!
 
I'm interviewing in Cali as well! I'm Feb 2nd in the morning... Have you booked a hotel in the area?

Not yet! My mom works for Crowne Plaza, so I'm waiting to get together with her to see if she can get me a deal on room rates anywhere close to Cal Poly. Haven't looked at flights yet either... I suppose I should get on that.
 
They're doing interviews in SLO this year? Awesome!

The airport is not exactly what I call close, although it is still technically in San Luis Obispo. It's not located next to the only freeway that goes through the town either (the 101). It may also be one of the smallest airports you've ever seen.

There aren't any motels that I'd consider close to the campus so I suggest driving and definitely paying for a parking pass since they are super stringent on parking. The only "hotel" is Embassy Suites. Not a shady town at all so I really wouldn't worry too much about where you stay. I think when I stayed for SAP and open house my mom and I were at the Motel 8 on Monterey, which was perfectly fine. But with all traffic detoured from Grand Ave. for open house, it was inconvenient. In Feb, there'd be no issues.

If you get a chance, go eat a tri-tip sandwich from Firestone Grill. They're located on Higuera (3 one way only streets heading south, parallel to Monterey on the right and Marsh running only north on the left). Don't go during lunch hour or dinner and expect to stand in line no matter what time you go. SOOO good and I don't even like beef that much. If you drive there's free parking for the first hour in the Marsh lot if you turn left on Chorro (I think) from Higuera and then left on Marsh.

I miss SLO. And American holidays.

Ugh. Enough procrastinating. Back to work. Good luck to everyone with interviews. 🙂
 
I received an email from RVC this morning about the people who will be interviewing me. Anyone know if these people were picked because of me and my application or is it random? I'm actually thrilled about the two people who are going to be interviewing me. One is in basic science research and the other used to be a lecturer at Penn...so I'll love hearing about both of their perspectives on the environment/research there.

I realize this has probably been said before, can a current student shed some light on the interview process? Is it a casual or more grilling type of interview? Are they going to ask more about me and my work? Did anyone get a hypothetical ethics type question?

That was a lot of questions...I appreciate any and all information!! Thanks.
 
I received an email from RVC this morning about the people who will be interviewing me. Anyone know if these people were picked because of me and my application or is it random? I'm actually thrilled about the two people who are going to be interviewing me. One is in basic science research and the other used to be a lecturer at Penn...so I'll love hearing about both of their perspectives on the environment/research there.

I realize this has probably been said before, can a current student shed some light on the interview process? Is it a casual or more grilling type of interview? Are they going to ask more about me and my work? Did anyone get a hypothetical ethics type question?

That was a lot of questions...I appreciate any and all information!! Thanks.

got the same email 🙂 and I had similar questions/concerns. I want to say that it is random, since one of my interviewers is an Endocrinologist...which would not be matched to my app at all! But he has done extensive research in the field and is a very decorated individual, so naturally I am intimidated. The other is an alumni who runs an mobile practice in Martha's Vineyard which I find totally awesome, and have at times thought of trying to do this myself someday... though never mentioned that anywhere in my app! My guess is they assign it randomly...
I am scared out of my mind for the interview even though I enjoy talking to people... any advice would be wonderful (yes I have read through the interview threads multiple times... still scared)!
 
got the same email 🙂 and I had similar questions/concerns. I want to say that it is random, since one of my interviewers is an Endocrinologist...which would not be matched to my app at all! But he has done extensive research in the field and is a very decorated individual, so naturally I am intimidated. The other is an alumni who runs an mobile practice in Martha's Vineyard which I find totally awesome, and have at times thought of trying to do this myself someday... though never mentioned that anywhere in my app! My guess is they assign it randomly...
I am scared out of my mind for the interview even though I enjoy talking to people... any advice would be wonderful (yes I have read through the interview threads multiple times... still scared)!

What's the name of the endocrinologist?? I've probably had him this year for lectures...if it's Rob, awesome. He's a big sweetheart.

They did NOT do this last year for interviews. You walked in cold, not knowing who you got, and they introduced themselves when I sat down.

And as for interview style, it's very laid back. In my interview, they told me it was going to just be a discussion about my experiences and my opinions on veterinary medicine. And it was literally just that. I mean, yeah. We talked about the fine balance a vet walks with quality of life issues (like when an owner brings in a healthy 3 year old dog and wants to put it to sleep), and we talked about ethics with production animals and such. As long as you know what your opinions are on current issues in vet med, it'll be a breeze (be prepared to defend your opinion, because they'll play devil's advocate in some instances). Walking out of it, I didn't understand why I was so worked up in the first place (but about a second later, I realized that I just had an interview for vet school and I was back to being nervous/worked up).

My best advice: walk in confident with yourself and your abilities. Review your application quickly, just so you're still familiar with everything on it should they ask you about it. DON'T PSYCHE YOURSELF OUT. I did this at first and my sister (thankfully) snapped me out of it before I walked into the interview. Oh, and be prepared to defend your ability to handle living in a different country and the stress of vet school at the same time (it was my last question). I'm living proof that it's totally doable.
 
So wait, if you get an interview then it's for the five year program, and if it's for the four year program then you get directly accepted? Is that how it works?

Also, does anyone know the formatting of the interview? I got an email saying:

"The interview itself will last for about 40 minutes. You may be asked questions about your personal interests and about any current animal-related issues. You will need to be able to demonstrate scientific reasoning and understanding and articulate what you have learned from your work experiences. You will be asked questions for about 30 minutes and you will then have the opportunity to ask questions yourself".

Does that mean it's more of a behavioral-based interview? How does one prepare for the anticipated questions?
 
THANKS Lei325! That was very helpful 🙂
I feel a bit more relaxed about that now, especially because I have conversations like that on a daily basis with the vet I work for as well as my fellow vet techs. And it is Rob, Dr. Rob Fowkes. Just got an email this morning saying the alumni got switched out and Dr. Harriet Brooks got tagged in. I am glad to hear Dr. Fowkes is a sweetheart, his photo on the staff website made me think he was intimidating... not sure why haha. I did the same thing via facebook when my roommate was assigned to me for undergrad... I thought she looked like she would be a "mean girl" so to speak, and now we are best friends. I, apparently, am not good at judging a book by its cover. Anyway, I am ranting. Anyone else from SDN going to be at the interview on Jan 24th!?
 
So wait, if you get an interview then it's for the five year program, and if it's for the four year program then you get directly accepted? Is that how it works?

Also, does anyone know the formatting of the interview? I got an email saying:

"The interview itself will last for about 40 minutes. You may be asked questions about your personal interests and about any current animal-related issues. You will need to be able to demonstrate scientific reasoning and understanding and articulate what you have learned from your work experiences. You will be asked questions for about 30 minutes and you will then have the opportunity to ask questions yourself".

Does that mean it's more of a behavioral-based interview? How does one prepare for the anticipated questions?

To answer the first question: I don't think so. The US students and I that are on the 4 year are the first group of it's kind. Last year, there was only one US student on the 4 year and she had to convince them to let her do it. I think that the interview helps them decide what program would be appropriate (4 vs 5).

For the second and third: It was a bit of a behavioral-based interview. I think the best way to prepare is to brush up on some current veterinary med issues (horse slaughter, production animal welfare, etc etc), decide what your stance is on them, and be prepared to defend your opinion (whether or not they agree with you, they will try and find holes in your argument; it's what they do).
 
its RVC interview month in NYC! 20 days until I am stressing out and not sleeping the night before my interview. I can't remember, any other SDNers interviewing on the 24th?! I am super excited. And of course, SUPER nervous. Time to brush up on my animal welfare vs. animal rights issues.
 
I have a question for those who also got an interview. I don't know if I can do this, but is there anyone who got an interview on a day other than the 28th in New York that would like to switch their date. I also got an interview to VMRCVM and it is the exact same day and they won't budge on dates! I have contacted RVC to see if I could switch but they have been out on holiday and haven't gotten back to me. If perhaps I had someone who would be willing to switch dates, it may be easier for them to switch.
 
They did NOT do this last year for interviews. You walked in cold, not knowing who you got, and they introduced themselves when I

Really? You never got an email? They did that for me, but my interview was 2 years ago. Dunno why they would do that, like "skip" a year...
 
Really? You never got an email? They did that for me, but my interview was 2 years ago. Dunno why they would do that, like "skip" a year...

No. :/ Maybe they forgot to send it to me? Oh well.
 
Hey everyone! The NYC interviews are almost upon us :scared: and I was just curious as to what everyone was doing to prepare. If you think you'll lose a competitive edge in sharing, that's okay I understand! But I just enjoy destressing by discussing such things with others.

I have begun to look up common interview questions, and this thread has been extremely helpful, especially the hints from current RVC students. I am going to start reading up on current events and writing out important things I might want to talk about. I am not the type of person that can go into such a thing completely cold. I will be lying in bed at night trying to sleep, and a random thought will come to me about a certain response for a type of question and like any crazy prevet I jump up and jot it down. I am a lunatic...

But I know I am not alone!
 
Does anyone know how long after the interviews you find out if you've been accepted or not??
 
Does anyone know how long after the interviews you find out if you've been accepted or not??

I think this has been said before and I also saw it in last yrs acceptance thread....they might call you right afterwards or you'll get an email 1-2 wks later.
 
Thanks for the info...
I have another question...
So it would cost me quite a bit to fly out to NY and seeing as I just found out I have an interview I'd have to rearrange work schedules and such. plus I don't exactly have that money right now, so if I were to politely decline the interview this time, and god forbid I have to apply again and chose to apply there, do you think they would hold it against me that I had already declined an interview the year before??
 
Thanks for the info...
I have another question...
So it would cost me quite a bit to fly out to NY and seeing as I just found out I have an interview I'd have to rearrange work schedules and such. plus I don't exactly have that money right now, so if I were to politely decline the interview this time, and god forbid I have to apply again and chose to apply there, do you think they would hold it against me that I had already declined an interview the year before??

Considering that vet schools at least in the U.S. ask you to submit letters of recommendation as well as transcripts every year even if nothing has changed, I'd like to think they won't put you on their hypothetical 'black list' and not accept you ever, but to be honest, I worry about that too. I don't know the answer. :-/ Sorry!
 
Just wanted to update... I just canceled my interview and let them know I would no longer like to be considered for the program. I'm set on going to Edinburgh, but it was still extremely hard to turn down RVC. 🙁

Anyhow, I wish you all good luck at your interviews as I know they are coming up rather quickly! :luck:
 
So I am so nervous/excited for my interview on Monday I keep forgetting that my birthday is Sunday. This is coming from someone who often will have a birthday "week" to satisfy all celebrations... ahhhh, can't wait to go though and get it over with, so I can sit back and say, now why did I freak out about this?

Any other SDNer's going Monday!?

and any RVC students want to ease my mind about it... I know lei did earlier, but I was just curious if anyone had any last words of advice (this being my first interview and all).
 
So I am so nervous/excited for my interview on Monday I keep forgetting that my birthday is Sunday. This is coming from someone who often will have a birthday "week" to satisfy all celebrations... ahhhh, can't wait to go though and get it over with, so I can sit back and say, now why did I freak out about this?

Any other SDNer's going Monday!?

and any RVC students want to ease my mind about it... I know lei did earlier, but I was just curious if anyone had any last words of advice (this being my first interview and all).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I'll be there Tuesday for my interview, so I guess I won't see you, but good luck tomorrow!
 
Okay guys, I know we're being asked about current animal related issues but what did other people talk about? Plus, animal related issues that may apply to the U.S. may not necessarily apply to the UK. So what do we do? I've been trying to research stuff online but it seems like when I type in "animal related issues" into Google and I get stuff like the USDA briefing room and what they talk about, but that's the U.S. once again. Can anyone help me just on topics? I don't expect you to give me all the answers but just maybe steer me in the right direction. Please?
 
I don't see why US issues wouldn't count. Instead of 'animal related issues' maybe look on the AVMA website; they usually have a bunch of topics that are relevant. Or check out the RCVS website (Royal College of Vet. Surgeons).

My primary advice: Breathe. You'll be fine. 🙂
 
Okay guys, I know we're being asked about current animal related issues but what did other people talk about? Plus, animal related issues that may apply to the U.S. may not necessarily apply to the UK. So what do we do? I've been trying to research stuff online but it seems like when I type in "animal related issues" into Google and I get stuff like the USDA briefing room and what they talk about, but that's the U.S. once again. Can anyone help me just on topics? I don't expect you to give me all the answers but just maybe steer me in the right direction. Please?

lei325 is right...check out the avma website (if you look under scientific issues it'll mention things like Prop 2.) and take deep breaths!
I'd also recommend talking about what you know. Do you work with large animals or small animals? If someplace that you work or intern is having a current issue, even if it isn't really a world-wide problem, I think you can still talk about it, and things usually come off more natural and you'll sound more confidant if it is something you are familiar with.
 
Unfortunately at this point in time I don't work anywhere. I used to volunteer at a local animal shelter when I was still in school, but I just graduated from grad school so now I'm living with my parents until things get figured out. I know that there's a problem with small companion animals having overpopulation because people don't spay/neuter their animals. Other than that, most of the things I can think about are for the U.S.

I guess I'm just worried that if I don't have some peer-reviewed articles or something to back me up that they'll think I'm just talking out of my @$$. :-/
 
I guess I'm just worried that if I don't have some peer-reviewed articles or something to back me up that they'll think I'm just talking out of my @$$. :-/

😕

You don't need to quote articles. Like I said before: breathe. As long as you know what's going on in the animal world, you'll be fine.
 
I guess I'm just worried that if I don't have some peer-reviewed articles or something to back me up that they'll think I'm just talking out of my @$$. :-/

I did so much frantic research and although rereading some books about factory farming helped me discuss my desire to assist animals by showing the government that those animals are in fact suffering, etc etc. it really was not necessary for me to panic. I was however asked a lot about research and how animals are used with it, so be prepared for them to pick your brain.

Side note, I had to stop myself at one point and apologize that I needed to collect my thoughts (I was rambling with no end in sight haha)... and drumroll... I GOT IN! Even with what I felt like was a huge screw up, they liked me enough to offer me a spot.

Advice... just be yourself, and talk as you would with your friends/family about things... its better to be relaxed.

GOOD LUCK!
 
congrats futurevet3000!!!!

I have my interview Thurs and I'm really excited about it! I spoke with a PI where I work who went there..she only made me more excited about the school! She couldn't stop raving about it.
Did you attend the lunch that day? Besides your interviewers were there a lot of people there from the college?

Did they ask questions which related to your application or were they more general than that?

Thats a lot of questions and exclamation marks...congrats again!
 
they liked me enough to offer me a spot.

Congratulations Futurevet3000!!!

I'm interviewing in CA next week and am super excited about the RVC.
Do you know if other interviewees found out the same day as well? Did they make a lot of offers?

Hope to see you in London later this year!!! 😀
 
I did so much frantic research and although rereading some books about factory farming helped me discuss my desire to assist animals by showing the government that those animals are in fact suffering, etc etc. it really was not necessary for me to panic. I was however asked a lot about research and how animals are used with it, so be prepared for them to pick your brain.

Side note, I had to stop myself at one point and apologize that I needed to collect my thoughts (I was rambling with no end in sight haha)... and drumroll... I GOT IN! Even with what I felt like was a huge screw up, they liked me enough to offer me a spot.

Advice... just be yourself, and talk as you would with your friends/family about things... its better to be relaxed.

GOOD LUCK!

Were you there on Monday too? who were you? lol I had my interview at 9:15 and found out right afterwards that they offered me a spot and I wanted to jump up and down but I didn't want to be rude around everyone else who had not gone yet. I stayed for the lunch and then went on my way back home.

It was very relaxing and they were super easy to talk to, and like everyone else I crammed in vet current events and such and didn't even need it. What a re-leaf. I had a great time actually.
 
*relief*...stupid auto correct spell checker correcting my horrible spelling lol.
 
well congrats...
I interviewed yesterday, and it seemed that is went really well. They told us that they were interviewing this week in NY, next week in CA then they will make their decisions. I'm confused/a bit discouraged that they are already offered seats..well fingers crossed for me- it would be a DREAM come true!
 
well congrats...
I interviewed yesterday, and it seemed that is went really well. They told us that they were interviewing this week in NY, next week in CA then they will make their decisions. I'm confused/a bit discouraged that they are already offered seats..well fingers crossed for me- it would be a DREAM come true!

Don't be discouraged, they did this last year too and plenty of people found out they got in after everyone interviewed, including a friend of mine. How it was explained to me at the interview is that everything is sort of based on a score system (best way to describe it although she didn't exactly say "score") and everyone already has a potential score before they interview and there is a score amount that, if it is obtained after you receive your interview points, they know based on what they are looking for, that if they waited to evaluate you with the rest of the applicants, your score would definitely get you in so they just go ahead and tell you in advance to limit their load at once for them and let those individuals be a little less stressed. That score, however, is definitely not the line between who gets in and who does not. An outside example would be in a class C's and B's would be satisfactory passing grades (well maybe not the C's as far as pre vet students go lol) but A's are definitely a satisfactory grade. I hope that made sense and didn't stress you out even more. You definitely still have a chance and good luck!
 
Thanks everyone! I hope those who have not heard yet hear some good news soon. Don't stress, as mentioned, they definitely notify people a week or so afterward, and I am sure they said this during the presentation during lunch...
and yes I was there! But I was probably quiet and super focused on thinking about my interview right after (as a result, I did not get to enjoy the food because my stomach was a mess).

The boyfriend is at the accepted students' reception now... jealous! I am sure its the same information we heard during our lunch but still, I want to be there too!

Hooray for RVC! Now I am not sure what to do... but its looking like the UK is where I need to be 😀. If only it wasn't so stressful to get the pup over there.
 
The boyfriend is at the accepted students' reception now... jealous! I am sure its the same information we heard during our lunch but still, I want to be there too!

I wanna go!

where were you sitting in the room?
 
I wanna go!

where were you sitting in the room?

Haha I forgot I was PMing you! But to answer your question here, in case anyone else was there, I was sitting at the table, to the left. I was next to someone's mother, who was next to the grad (I forget his name, but the bald guy). My hair's blonde. I was wearing a grey twead suit. This is getting creepy... :laugh:. Where were you! And who interviewed you?! Dr. Fowkes and Dr. Brooks were my interviewers. Both equally nice (Dr. Fowkes gave the presentation). But equally scary!

EDIT: Tweed? (I know nothing of fashion)
 
Haha I forgot I was PMing you! But to answer your question here, in case anyone else was there, I was sitting at the table, to the left. I was next to someone's mother, who was next to the grad (I forget his name, but the bald guy). My hair's blonde. I was wearing a grey twead suit. This is getting creepy... :laugh:. Where were you! And who interviewed you?! Dr. Fowkes and Dr. Brooks were my interviewers. Both equally nice (Dr. Fowkes gave the presentation). But equally scary!

EDIT: Tweed? (I know nothing of fashion)

Haha I must have been right behind you...I was in the second row against the wall right where you were. I was the short girl with brown hair in a black suit with a white button up. I had the same interviewers as you. I loved them both, they were very nice. And as immature as this sounds, half the time Dr. Fowkes gave the presentation I couldn't stop thinking about how he sounded like Harry Potter...thank goodness I had the interview first and didn't notice it then lol!
 
Haha crazy!

Ps. I just got word that those at the accepted students reception are getting served booze and having a rip roaring good time.
Whyyyy was there no wine offered at our lunch? Definitely could have lightened the mood for afternoon interviews!
Those jerks!
 
Haha crazy!

Ps. I just got word that those at the accepted students reception are getting served booze and having a rip roaring good time.
Whyyyy was there no wine offered at our lunch? Definitely could have lightened the mood for afternoon interviews!
Those jerks!

LOL!

Don't worry, there are plenty of wine and cheese receptions if you decide to come here. We had one my first week of the pre-sessional program and for the international student Christmas party. At the first one, there were extra bottles of white they were trying to get rid of and I think I ended up polishing off a whole bottle.

And BClove21: Rob DOES sound like Harry Potter...
 
Aw man, alcohol, really?! we had a lot of high schoolers on our interview day, and there were probably more on the the other days...maybe all of the early acceptances were 4 yearers and once we are all over there everyone will be drinking age. Still super jealous though!

lei325: I knew I wasn't the only one who thought this!
 
I had my interview 1/28/11 in Manhattan and was also offered a position.

See you all in September 8)
 
I too was accepted to RVC right after my 1.27 interview. I'm pretty sure I'll be going there in the fall!

question:
When does the school year start? It said in my email that 4-yr North American folks have to attend a 2 wk session before school.
I'm asking because I want to get a new computer before school and I want to buy it here (US) before I go. I'd like to wait until the new macs are released in late Aug/early Sept.

Also, how is the on campus housing in Camden? I saw there are 2 housing options and they both say you get your own bedroom and bathroom, right?Anyone have experience in either of them? I guess by the time I get out to Hawkshead campus the new housing complex will be built. Do more people live off-campus there?

Aaaaannnndd....Is it easy to get around Hawkshead without a car? Is there a foodstore nearby? How is the train system that goes to London? Are there buses in the area to get to nearby towns? I don't have a car now and I'd prefer to keep it that way (one less headache.) I'm also not too sure I should be driving on the other side of the road. Do people from the US learn to drive there?

Thanks!!
 
so kinda random OT butttt.....i just checked the RVC site and it still says that they are accepting late direct applications....

i just e-mailed the "international@rvc-email thingy" [but last time i did, i never got a response], so was wondering if anyone knew of this?

or if, idkkkk, someone could possibly maybe ask this to the interviewers if all is going jolly and the adcoms seems nice enough to ask??

i've done all of the damn pre-reqs and planning on graduating fall '11, but was thinking, hey! what the hell, doesn't hurt does it...i mean, there's no fee...haha.

oh...and congrats to all that have been accepted! hoping i'll be in the same boat next year! 😀
 
I interviewed for the RVC jan 27th and was also offered a spot in the accelerated program! Maybe see you guys later this year/good luck with the rest of your interviews.
 
Laitmanvet,

I don't have any of the answers, however i found this site... it might give you some insight on the community as well as transportation... http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Royal_Veterinary_College


Yeah I've done a lot of google-ing in the last week and found that page. It does seem like its a little difficult to get around at the Hawkshead campus. I guess I'll want to look into a bike when I get there. When I definitely decide that I'm going I can look into these kinds of things further like where food stores are, etc.
 
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