Anyone hear from Western?

[dtrain5]

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Thought I would start a thread so we can let each other know if we have heard from Western or not.

 

[Cheska]

Still waiting... I jump every time the phone rings.

 

[pitbull lover]

I haven't heard yet. Still waiting for a call. I really want to go to this school.

I was there for the Applicant Workshop in November. Was anyone else out there?

 

[luvdawgs]

Still waiting too. I'm starting to get nervous.

 

[4theanimals]

I did go to the applicant workshop. I withdrew my application from Western as I got a spot elsewhere, but I will provide info I have. They should have all rejection letters out already. They were sending them out at Christmas - gee, Merry F'in Christmas. 🙁 I haven't heard of anyone getting a call yet (I do know someone who got a rejection). At the workshop they were expecting to make calls by next week. The interviews dates are Jan 29 through Feb 5. They interview approximately 300 people for 100 seats. They said they would have decision letters out March 15. Hope that helps some. I'll post if I hear anything else through the grapevine. 😉

 

[Wolfpac991]

I had lunch with a professor and they said they are still reviewing some final applications.. should be just about done

 

[Angie09]

I got a phone call yesterday telling me I'd been selected to interview. The woman who called me said that they're interviewing during the week of 1/29 and of 2/5, as 4theanimals said. They're apparently letting us pick our own interview date within that timeframe, which is nice of them.

 

[imagine21]

So, if the call didn't come this week, is there still hope @ Western?

 

[Angie09]

I don't know, imagine21 -- I'm sorry. I was so flustered when they called that I forgot to ask what their notification deadline was. I'm sure there are at least a few people reading this who would like to know, so I apologize for not asking.

 

[dtrain5]

Western will be offering interviews until Friday, January 26 (according to their admissions office personnel). Hope this helps.

 

[Cheska]

So you're sayin' there's a chance!

And no rejection letters in my mailbox today- sigh of relief.

Thanks for the info dtrain and Angie!

 

[twosoakers]

I heard from Western last week, interviewing February 9th. I'm not sure if they're still making calls. But it's the only one of five schools I've been invited to interview with. Does anyone know how many people interview vs. are accepted?

 

[4theanimals]

At their info session they talked about this - I don't remember exact number but basically for 100 spots they interview 300 aplicants.

 

[twosoakers]

Argh. Those are ugly odds.

 

[Boxsterluv]

Maybe ugly odds, but remember, they only select 300 or so to interview out the 700 or so applications that they get.. You beat those odds! Keep your head up and good luck!

 

[twosoakers]

thanks, boxster. love your avatar 🙂

 

[4theanimals]

I absolutely concur. You got an interview - you are well on the way. Just make sure you prepare for their interview style. They do behavioral interviews. If you do a web search you will be able to find samples of this interview style. Previous interviewees have told me that the folks interviewing you don't have your application. They go in blind and ask questions about teamwork and such.

Good luck!

 

[twosoakers]

Thanks, 4 🙂 I am sitting here ogling sites on what I would do in stressful situations, give an example (as in, how the heck am I going to handle 3 weeks waiting for this thing, not sleeping and surrounded by my cats seeking warmth).

Question: Does Western return to the application materials after the interview to determine whether they want you or not? My email says I have been "deemed acceptable" and thus have progressed to the interview stage. Or do they just choose the highest-rated interviews at this point? Anyone have a clue?

Alice

 

[4theanimals]

Just received this from Western (even though I withdrew my application):

Good Afternoon!

Since many of you have inquired, I'm emailing to give you a quick update on where we are with our interview process. As you know, we will be interviewing during the weeks of January 29th and February 5th. Karen is still making interview invitation phone calls and will continue to do so today and throughout all of next week. Hope to see you on campus soon!

Best of luck to you!

Marie Anderson
Director of Admissions
College of Veterinary Medicine,
Dept of Physical Therapy Education, &
Dept of Physician Assistant Education

 

[traxomatic]

that's true that they don't have your application -- i believe they're both "blind". so it's up to you to tell them about yourself and your experiences. i interviewed there last feburary and it was honestly the most stressful interview i went to (i also interviewed at upenn and ohio state).

 

[raiderj]

Thanks, 4 🙂 I am sitting here ogling sites on what I would do in stressful situations, give an example (as in, how the heck am I going to handle 3 weeks waiting for this thing, not sleeping and surrounded by my cats seeking warmth).

Question: Does Western return to the application materials after the interview to determine whether they want you or not? My email says I have been "deemed acceptable" and thus have progressed to the interview stage. Or do they just choose the highest-rated interviews at this point? Anyone have a clue?

Alice

Did you get an email (saying you've been "deemed acceptable" after the phone call saying you'd been granted an interview? Also, I've been wondering the same thing about the final selection. Will they review applications as well as interviewers' notes, or will the final decision be based solely on the interviews? Hope someone out there knows!!

In the meantime, my stomach is dying here doing flips every time the phone rings!!

 

[raiderj]

that's true that they don't have your application -- i believe they're both "blind". so it's up to you to tell them about yourself and your experiences. i interviewed there last feburary and it was honestly the most stressful interview i went to (i also interviewed at upenn and ohio state).

what made it more stressful than the others? were you offered a seat? (but chose ohio instead)

 

[twosoakers]

first, they called. then after I accepted the interview, they sent this:

Dear Alice,


It is our pleasure to inform you that you have been selected for an
interview with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University
of Health Sciences. This is an opportunity for the faculty to get to
know you and for you to learn about the veterinary curriculum, the
facilities and the campus culture.


Please arrive at the HPC (building 5 on the campus map) no later
than7:15AM on Friday, February 9th. You can expect to be at the
University from 7:15AM to 12:30PM. Please enter the campus via Third
Street and then turn north on Linden Street. You may park along Linden
Street (between Second & Third). If this parking is full, a campus
security officer will direct you to another parking location. Since we
have limited visitor parking, it is possible you may be directed to park
in an adjacent public parking area which costs $1.50 (quarters only) for
all-day parking. These areas are indicated as "Daily Permit" on the
WesternU Parking Map <http://www.westernu.edu/contact/parkingmap.xml>
and typically have yellow stripes. If you are being dropped off or
shuttled, you may be dropped off on the corner of Palomares & Second
(between buildings 4 & 5).

Please print this email and place the parking pass section on your
dashboard in clear view.



The interview/orientation day will consist of a:

* Campus Tour

* Curriculum Overview, including Problem Based
Learning interactive session

* Student Affairs & Financial Aid Overview

* Admissions Process Overview

* Interview (you plus two interviewers)

Every interviewee is expected to participate in all scheduled
activities.



A Note About the Interview...

You have been found acceptable based on your veterinary and animal
experience as well as your academic record. The interview will serve as
an opportunity for you to demonstrate qualities that could not fully be
assessed by your application alone. The college faculty wish to learn
more about you and determine your compatibility to our unique veterinary
program. It is important to note that we conduct blind,
behavioral-based interviews that are standardized for all candidates.
Interviewers will not have knowledge of your application prior to your
interview. Please keep this in mind when formulating your answers.
Also note that the questions will require you to draw from personal
experience. You will also be provided the opportunity to orient yourself
with our college curriculum and philosophies to determine if we are the
right fit for your academic goals.



We have provided the following electronic resources to assist you with
your visit to WesternU:

Campus Map & Directions

* http://www.westernu.edu/xp/edu/contact/location.xml

Hotels & Motels near WesternU

* http://www.westernu.edu/bin/prospective/recr_hotels2004.pdf



When scheduling your flights, we recommend flying in and out of the
Ontario International Airport. The airport code there is ONT. The
airport is approximately twenty to twenty-five minutes east of our
campus. A few of the hotels listed at the link provided will provide a
shuttle to and from the airport. A few may provide a shuttle to and
from our campus as well. Please contact the specific hotels for more
information on their shuttle service.



If you are not a U.S. citizen you should be prepared to provide proof of
legal US residency at the time of interview. Proof of legal U.S.
residency is required prior to any offer of acceptance.



In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we will provide
reasonable accommodations for individuals with a disability who may need
assistance during their visit to campus. If you require any reasonable
accommodations while on campus, please contact Brenda Premo at (909)
469-5385.



We look forward to meeting you soon!



Sincerely,

Karen Lopez

Admissions Coordinator



Western University of Health Sciences

PARKING PASS

2/9/2007

VetMed Interviews

 

[chris03333]

Did you get an email (saying you've been "deemed acceptable" after the phone call saying you'd been granted an interview? Also, I've been wondering the same thing about the final selection. Will they review applications as well as interviewers' notes, or will the final decision be based solely on the interviews? Hope someone out there knows!!

In the meantime, my stomach is dying here doing flips every time the phone rings!!

The interview is what will make the final decision. Don't stress, they just want to know about you and give you a chance to understand the curriculum better. Many of the questions are situational and will help the interviewers to discern if you make a good candidate for the curriculum.

Good Luck

 

[imagine21]

received phone call 1/16 for interview, then email followed.

 

[raiderj]

those of you who've been granted interviews...if you don't mind me asking, what is the first letter of your last name? i'm just trying to figure out if they have a master weighted list, or if they're calling in alphabetical order. also, were you called by a random person, or by the person you've been categorized under depending on your last name (who handled your application and let you know it was complete).

 

[Bluepawelephant]

CU are the first letters of my last name. I would be interested to find out what you discover. I was called on Jan 10 around 4:37pm by Karen Lopez and I think she is the only one doing the interview appointments.

 

[twosoakers]

I was called on the 10th or 11th as well. My sur-letters are DA.

 

[bubbles525]

The interview is what will make the final decision. Don't stress, they just want to know about you and give you a chance to understand the curriculum better. Many of the questions are situational and will help the interviewers to discern if you make a good candidate for the curriculum.

Good Luck

The interview is not exactly the last determining factor, at least it wasn't last year. I was waitlisted last year and did have an re-applicant interview this summer. Durring the re-applicant interview it was clarified why I was waitlisted rather than accepted. Once they interview the 300 people either "pass" or don't. The people who don't pass the interview are rejected then the passed people are offered a spot based on diversity. This is becuase of the PBL system. They need a wide variety of students to make it work well. So individuals are placed based on the make up of the class.

The bottom line is (from what I gathered) to be as diverse as possible with your experiances, since you can't control the other factors for diversity. If you have your heart set on Western remember they take supplimental information and updates durring the whole process. So if you have most of your hours in one type of vet med go out there and get as many as you can in another now and send them the documentation as you gather hours.

I was also told that a huge number of hours are not necissary to make an experiance valid for diversity. When pushed they said that 100 would be more than enough to count...

I didn't find the interview all that stressfull. Just breathe and have a conversation with the two people. Good luck every one!

 

[twosoakers]

What do you mean by diversity? Racial diversity? Educational background diversity?

 

[bubbles525]

What do you mean by diversity? Racial diversity? Educational background diversity?

This is the quote from the alternate FAQ they sent last year.


"Applicants will be selected from the alternate pool by the dean and associate dean for preclinical programs. Their goal is to complete the building of a class with broadly defined diversity in gender, ethnicity, educational background, economic background, professional experience and career goals. This selection will occur each time a seat is made available and will be affected by the profile of the applicant(s) who declined our offer. As a result there is no way of telling your chances of being selected."

 

[imagine21]

those of you who've been granted interviews...if you don't mind me asking, what is the first letter of your last name? i'm just trying to figure out if they have a master weighted list, or if they're calling in alphabetical order. also, were you called by a random person, or by the person you've been categorized under depending on your last name (who handled your application and let you know it was complete).

I was called by Karen Lopez as well-I also believe she is the only one calling.
My last name is Me

 

[kixx]

The interview is not exactly the last determining factor, at least it wasn't last year.

Hey guys,
New member here. Figured I'd throw in my understanding about the whole process as I was also waitlisted last year. I believe that Bubbles is right. As I understood it, the interview was pass/fail. In my review during the summer of why I wasn't accepted, there was no mention of improving in the interview. In fact, there was no mention of much...it was a bit frustrating in that I wanted to hear a lot about what I could do so I would get in this year and it was about two minutes long and all they said was "Well, you really didn't do anything wrong at all, we just didn't have enough space. I guess you could just get some more varied vet experience, but yeah, other than that everythings great. We email you a checklist of things you can do to improve, but yeah, uh, you only have one check. Hope we helped!" Really frustrating, I wish they could have given me more. Anyway, so I'm pretty sure that after the interview they deem if you're acceptable by going back to the other aspects of your application.

In terms of order in which they call...
Last year I was one of the first people called. I was told I was being called so early because I lived on the East Coast and they wanted me to be able to get my plane ticket and stuff without having to pay a fortune. So maybe the order in which they call is a geographic thing? I haven't gotten an invite this year yet and I'm sort of freaking out. Could I really go from being on the waitlist to not even getting an invitation to interview? I know there's supposedly one week left of phone calls, and I am now living in California, so I'm hoping I haven't been called yet because I live so close... especially because I improved all aspects of my GPA, got a ton more experience, and varied up my experience with this application.

Hm, what else can I help you guys up with? The interview consisted of around 5 questions that were all "Tell me about a time when.....and how you handled it." It can be a bit difficult if you can't think of an example, which I heard some people in my group saying. With me I used an example for one question and then they asked the next question and we all laughed because my answer to the last question was perfect for it. I offered to try to think of another example but they said it was okay and just had me expand on it. So the questions can overlap which can be kind of annoying.

Alright, so I think I covered every aspect of things. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask...my app. stats, interview-day experiences, etc.

Oh and by-the-way. in late April of last year, after they had received all their deposits and everything, they did not take anyone off the waitlist and said they wouldn't unless a number of people dropped out after already giving their deposits. I don't know if that ever happened or if no one got taken off the waitlist.

 

[twosoakers]

What are your stats/experiences? And what sort of varied vet experience do they look for? Must you have dabbled in all variations--agriculture, public health?

Thanks for posting this!

Hey guys,
New member here. Figured I'd throw in my understanding about the whole process as I was also waitlisted last year. I believe that Bubbles is right. As I understood it, the interview was pass/fail. In my review during the summer of why I wasn't accepted, there was no mention of improving in the interview. In fact, there was no mention of much...it was a bit frustrating in that I wanted to hear a lot about what I could do so I would get in this year and it was about two minutes long and all they said was "Well, you really didn't do anything wrong at all, we just didn't have enough space. I guess you could just get some more varied vet experience, but yeah, other than that everythings great. We email you a checklist of things you can do to improve, but yeah, uh, you only have one check. Hope we helped!" Really frustrating, I wish they could have given me more. Anyway, so I'm pretty sure that after the interview they deem if you're acceptable by going back to the other aspects of your application.

In terms of order in which they call...
Last year I was one of the first people called. I was told I was being called so early because I lived on the East Coast and they wanted me to be able to get my plane ticket and stuff without having to pay a fortune. So maybe the order in which they call is a geographic thing? I haven't gotten an invite this year yet and I'm sort of freaking out. Could I really go from being on the waitlist to not even getting an invitation to interview? I know there's supposedly one week left of phone calls, and I am now living in California, so I'm hoping I haven't been called yet because I live so close... especially because I improved all aspects of my GPA, got a ton more experience, and varied up my experience with this application.

Hm, what else can I help you guys up with? The interview consisted of around 5 questions that were all "Tell me about a time when.....and how you handled it." It can be a bit difficult if you can't think of an example, which I heard some people in my group saying. With me I used an example for one question and then they asked the next question and we all laughed because my answer to the last question was perfect for it. I offered to try to think of another example but they said it was okay and just had me expand on it. So the questions can overlap which can be kind of annoying.

Alright, so I think I covered every aspect of things. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask...my app. stats, interview-day experiences, etc.

Oh and by-the-way. in late April of last year, after they had received all their deposits and everything, they did not take anyone off the waitlist and said they wouldn't unless a number of people dropped out after already giving their deposits. I don't know if that ever happened or if no one got taken off the waitlist.

 

[chris03333]

I remember one of the questions really did not apply to me because I had never been in the situation. I just told them that never happened to me and asked them to modify/rephrase the question... I guess that was fine since I was accepted. So do not get worried or try to make something up just be honest. 😉

 

[kixx]

What are your stats/experiences? And what sort of varied vet experience do they look for? Must you have dabbled in all variations--agriculture, public health?

Thanks for posting this!

No prob, happy to help. At the time of application last year, when I was waitlisted, my GRE's were Q=800, V=630, A=5.5, GPA was prob about 3.6 at an extremely competitive school, while playing a varsity sport (though I hear they don't take reputation of the undergrad institute into consideration😡), pre-req GPA was prob about a 3.7, and my hours of experience were unfortunately only about 500 (got into the pre-vet game a little late in college), all in small animal medicine. When they told me in my review to get more varied experience, I asked if it had to be veterinary (I was looking at the time into working at a equine rehab place) and they said no, that'd be great, just needed to expand my experience. I'm now volunteering one day a week with an equine vet while working 40+ hours a week at a small animal/exotic clinic, sooooo hopefully that will suffice as more varied and greater experience. I don't think they expect you to dabble in all variations, but do want to see that you're not just a one-trick pony as it will help in PBL. Don't quote me on that, though!

 

[raiderj]

just wanted to thank everyone for contributing your knowledge of western's procedures/policies/etc for us newbies!!

 

[pitbull lover]

I just received a call from Karen Lopez at Western inviting me for an interview. My last name begins with CA, so I guess they are still making last minute calls. That means there is still hope.

 

[raiderj]

😀 !😀 !😀 !
just got a call from karen to schedule an interview. the first letter of my last name is V, and i'm in-state.

 

[QTkitty]

I got a call to interview today, my last name is also in the end of the alphabet. I withdrew my app. though because I was accepted elsewhere.

 

[twosoakers]

Hi all,

How does everyone feel about Western's ability to place students in work upon graduation? Have any students at Western been hired yet? Are Western students treated differently than Davis students in job interviews?

 

[chris03333]

Hi all,

How does everyone feel about Western's ability to place students in work upon graduation? Have any students at Western been hired yet? Are Western students treated differently than Davis students in job interviews?

We have TONS of offers. I know of none of my classmates which had trouble finding positions. I applied for residency and received 4 seperate offers and was asked to go on other interviews but did not go because I had enough of the app process. Most of the people I talked to were just curious about our curriculum. I have gotten nothing but posiitive reactions from area practitioners and from practitioners in the other states I have visited for interviews. I do not really know what the Davis students are treated like so cannot answer if we are treated differently, but I can say that most people are very intrigued. 🙂

 

[ebrewha]

Hey there...

Has anyone had their interview this week? If so, does anyone want to post about the experience? I have an interview next week and I am super excited. I'm just not sure what to expect. I know that that the entire thing will last over 6 hours and that the interview itself is behavioral based but that's about it. Anyone have any examples or words of advice? Do they encourage you to bring loved ones along with you for the activities (excluding the actual interview of course).

Any help is greatly appreciated. Congrats to everyone out there...I feel honored to simply be a part of this mega applicant pool.

Thanks!

 

[Cheska]

We have TONS of offers. I know of none of my classmates which had trouble finding positions. I applied for residency and received 4 seperate offers and was asked to go on other interviews but did not go because I had enough of the app process. Most of the people I talked to were just curious about our curriculum. I have gotten nothing but posiitive reactions from area practitioners and from practitioners in the other states I have visited for interviews. I do not really know what the Davis students are treated like so cannot answer if we are treated differently, but I can say that most people are very intrigued. 🙂

Wow- that is really great news!! My only real concerns about Western were finding a job after graduation (answered 🙂)and how successful the students are with NAVLE (any insights? I know scores still probably haven't come out yet...). (Congrats Chris on getting those offers- that is awesome!) But otherwise I love how they run their program, I think it will benefit me more than a traditional program would.

I am looking forward to re-applying to them next year, and really, really appreciate everyones' insights on the process! Good Luck!

 

[chris03333]

Wow- that is really great news!! My only real concerns about Western were finding a job after graduation (answered 🙂)and how successful the students are with NAVLE (any insights? I know scores still probably haven't come out yet...). (Congrats Chris on getting those offers- that is awesome!) But otherwise I love how they run their program, I think it will benefit me more than a traditional program would.

I am looking forward to re-applying to them next year, and really, really appreciate everyones' insights on the process! Good Luck!

Well since we are off campus during 4th year we do not know the overall scores yet. I can say I passed (WOooooooooooHooooooooooooooooo😀 ) so I never have to take that torture of an exam again. So for me, I passed on my first try. I have not heard from my classmates yet.

 

[raiderj]

CHRIS03333...

you said you're going straight into a residency program? i thought you had to do an internship first. is that incorrect? also, congrats on passing!! are the scores/passing statistics for each veterinary school posted publically?

 

[chris03333]

CHRIS03333...

you said you're going straight into a residency program? i thought you had to do an internship first. is that incorrect? also, congrats on passing!! are the scores/passing statistics for each veterinary school posted publically?

The going straight into residency depends on the field you are going into. For some people with the right experience in the right field (ie pathology or comparative med) you can skip the internship. Other fields like surgery, internal medicine, cardio, onco, etc you have to do an internship first. The NVBME reports percentages for each year (including April so this year is not done yet) www.nvbme.org 🙂

 

[twosoakers]

congrats, chris!! and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to always answer my questions regarding western. i appreciate it.

interview questions, as i've heard, will focus on how you respond to specific situations. for ex:

when did you work in a group and find that you didn't get along with someone and what did you do? give an example.

when did you achieve a goal and not succeed? give an example.

when did you experience a stressful situation and how did you deal with it? gae.

when did you experience failure. gae.

when did you find yourself having too much to handle? gae.

etc. etc.

If you look up behavior based interviews on google, you'll find a ton of stuff. What you want to be sure to do is speak clearly, keep your answers concise but detailed, and be a good "storyteller." Be sure to have multiple examples on hand from your veterinary experiences (and make sure those experiences are diverse).

I've heard it's the most laidback interview you'll ever have from the guys I'm taking classes with at Purdue's vet school, but you need to prove yourself worthy of the school and enthusiastic about it, and ensure that you will work in a PBL based program.

Good luck!

 

[raiderj]

those of you who applied to western last year...
did the acceptance/alternate/rejection letter arrive in a large envelope, or small envelope? did it arrive around march 16-18?
thanks