Interview Prep Class of 2023

[Dinashadow]

For people who have done interviews before how often did you get asked a question that stumped you? And what did you do? I'm thinking more about ethical questions or current event questions that are difficult to answer.

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[SkiOtter]

current event questions .

I got asked in one of my interviews where I kept up on current events but I had read on the sdn interview feedback that school has asked that to multiple different people so I was prepared. AVMA smartbrief for vetmed news and TheSkimm for regular and came with a few topics from each of the previous days email that I could say (because they asked me if I could tell them some things going on in vetmed recently)

 

[LyraGardenia]

I need some advice. How do I get over a bad interview? I am so disappointed in myself, because I know I could have done better. My nerves got the better of me. :/

In my experience/observation, interviews are rarely the make or break factor when it comes to decisions. An awesome interview might turn a maybe into an acceptance, but a not-so-great interview is rarely going to be the only thing that lead to a rejection, if that makes sense. I know some schools have even done away with interviews because they didn't find that they made much of a difference in their decisions. That might not really help lol, but also you may have done better than you think! I know I tend to overanalyze social situations after the fact and dwell on mistakes and awkward moments, but other people don't focus on those things nearly as much. Interviewers know that people are nervous, they don't expect anyone to be perfect! For the future, doing practice interviews really helps get rid of some nerves.

 

[battie]

For people who have done interviews before how often did you get asked a question that stumped you? And what did you do? I'm thinking more about ethical questions or current event questions that are difficult to answer.

Interviewed at K State and Illinois. I didn't get many curveball questions. For both of those categories, I looked up a bunch of contentious issues or problems and thought about my perspective on them. I then discussed them with my parents on the road trip to the interviews, which then they played devils advocate against.

My most nerve-wracking question was at K State. It was open file and so the interviewers knew that my family owns pet stores that sell animals, including dogs. Contentious in of itself for obvious reasons. One of the interviewers asked me about my perspective of animal welfare vs animal rights from the perspective of coming from a family that has sold dogs for 100+ years. So I had to articulate how the pet stores has shaped my concept of animal welfare and rights.

 

[LyraGardenia]

For people who have done interviews before how often did you get asked a question that stumped you? And what did you do? I'm thinking more about ethical questions or current event questions that are difficult to answer.

When I interviewed at Illinois they had one question that I could not for the life of me think of a good answer for, it was a "tell me about a time when..." question. I said that nothing was coming to mind, they gave me a minute or so to think, and still nothing, so eventually we just moved on. It was super awkward. I didn't get accepted there, I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but I remember months later I still couldn't think of a good example. That's not really helpful, but I'm not sure what I could have done differently other than make something up or stretch something to fit what they were asking.

If they ask about a current event/ethical topic that you're not familiar with, I think the right approach is admitting as much and asking for clarification if possible. If you still aren't able to answer, saying "I don't know" is definitely better than making something up or pretending to be knowledgeable on the topic.

ETA: Oh, and this one didn't stump me, but on the topic of curveball/current event questions, when I interviewed at Mizzou in 2014 they held up a picture of Edward Snowden and asked if I knew who he was and what he'd done. Luckily I knew, but that was pretty random! Not sure if they're still doing things like that.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

For people who have done interviews before how often did you get asked a question that stumped you? And what did you do? I'm thinking more about ethical questions or current event questions that are difficult to answer.

There are definately curveball questions out there. One I just wasn't prepared for and one was just completely out of left field. Try your best not to panic. I know in the moment you will want to but use those interview skills. Take that pause breath before answering. Think about what they are asking and make sure to answer their question and don't start rambling off unrelated things. Some of the hardest questions have no right or wrong answer. They are just looking to see how you handle the situation and want to see your thinking behind the answers. None of the questions are designed to trick you at least imo, but they are wanting to see how you handle the different situations.

 

[MixedAnimals77]

ETA: Oh, and this one didn't stump me, but on the topic of curveball/current event questions, when I interviewed at Mizzou in 2014 they held up a picture of Edward Snowden and asked if I knew who he was and what he'd done. Luckily I knew, but that was pretty random! Not sure if they're still doing things like that.

Maybe there wasn't anyone cool enough doing things last year however, one of my interviewers kept like falling asleep kind of? and the other one had a lazy eye. The person with the lazy eye didn't bug me, but I felt like asking the one if I was really that boring or if I could get them a coffee...

 

[battie]

they held up a picture of Edward Snowden and asked if I knew who he was and what he'd done

Holy random AF

 

[Lavaniel]

So, concerning Auburn, (my in-state), does anyone know their opinions on hair color for interviews? I dye my hair grey and was curious if I should absolutely shy away from it since they have a dress code for the school of vet med itself.

 

[spottedfeatherik]

So, concerning Auburn, (my in-state), does anyone know their opinions on hair color for interviews? I dye my hair grey and was curious if I should absolutely shy away from it since they have a dress code for the school of vet med itself.

I also dye my hair - the last time I dyed it was this most recent April, and unfortunately it’s *still* fading out (got a few very light patches of greeny-blue). I’ll probably still have it during my interview with them at the end of the month, but it’s honestly not that noticeable so I‘m not worried about it. Imo if the color is a natural one (like yours - lots of people have gray hair) or barely noticeable like mine, I don’t think it would pose an issue, but that’s just my opinion and I could be wrong.


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[sheltermed]

So, concerning Auburn, (my in-state), does anyone know their opinions on hair color for interviews? I dye my hair grey and was curious if I should absolutely shy away from it since they have a dress code for the school of vet med itself.

My hair was purple before my interviews and I dyed it back to my natural color (well, as close as possible) for interviews just in case. I don't think it was necessary, but if you have ANY doubts, I feel like it's better to be safe than sorry. Especially in a more conservative state, you never really know. That was just my take - I've heard of people interviewing with hair dyed tons of colors and it went fine. Just a personal choice! At KSU, I didn't see anyone with any funky colors. Who knows, maybe purple hair would have made me stand out and gotten me in!!

 

[spottedfeatherik]

Actually, I just remembered, I'm pretty certain I saw a photo of Auburn's most recent class that got their white coats and a girl front and center had purple hair! So at least there isn't any ban against dyed hair there, I assume.

 

[KTpass]

During one of my interviews, they asked me how many schools I applied to. What was the point of this question and is there a bad answer? I applied to 10, which I know is kind of high. When I told them, they didn't have any comments and moved onto the next question. I was a little confused.

 

[battie]

What was the point of this question and is there a bad answer?

I would hope it's just a sort of demographic question. I can't imagine it would make a difference either way.

 

[sheltermed]

I feel a bit silly asking about this, but I'm going to anyway. My recent rejection post-interview has me nervous and I want to take every step possible to reduce the chances of it happening again.

Has anyone ever heard of this website and/or used it? https://medapplications.com/veterinary-medicine-interview-preparation/

It seems like it's specific to MMI prep. Am I just really stupid and it's a giant scam?

 

[MixedAnimals77]

I feel a bit silly asking about this, but I'm going to anyway. My recent rejection post-interview has me nervous and I want to take every step possible to reduce the chances of it happening again.

Has anyone ever heard of this website and/or used it? https://medapplications.com/veterinary-medicine-interview-preparation/

It seems like it's specific to MMI prep. Am I just really stupid and it's a giant scam?

I have to say I legit thought for a hot second @Trilt had got rejected from vet school post interview this year and I was legit confused
stupid WW

 

[KCgophervet]

I feel a bit silly asking about this, but I'm going to anyway. My recent rejection post-interview has me nervous and I want to take every step possible to reduce the chances of it happening again.

Has anyone ever heard of this website and/or used it? https://medapplications.com/veterinary-medicine-interview-preparation/

It seems like it's specific to MMI prep. Am I just really stupid and it's a giant scam?

Soooo I find the whole thing a little sketchy, partially because they make it sound like every vet school has the same interview style (MMI) and so buying their **** will fix all your problems. I had zero MMI interviews for vet school so I might be biased in that regard.

I personally feel like interview prep can be done just as well for free or cheaply with online/library/friends resources. Looking up interview styles and practicing with friends and family, essentially. Like most things the more you practice something the more comfortable you feel doing it and that comes out in interviews (being comfortable and confident and feeling more prepared).

That's just my thoughts on it, but to be fair I did not spend too much time looking at the website.

 

[danseth]

So, concerning Auburn, (my in-state), does anyone know their opinions on hair color for interviews? I dye my hair grey and was curious if I should absolutely shy away from it since they have a dress code for the school of vet med itself.

Not sure how applicable my opinion is on this since my experience isn’t with Auburn but with Midwestern instead. I have brown hair and currently have a “hidden” panel of dark green that is sort of visible, especially in sunlight or when my hair moves certain ways. I just interviewed on Wednesday, so I don’t know if I’m accepted or rejected BUT it seems like it wasn’t a big deal to anyone at all. Arizona itself is also a fairly conservative state overall and I felt like their school was welcoming to it. There was another girl that also had colored hair but hers was more of a faded bright red dip dye/ombré sort of (ergo more obvious than mine but possibly slight more “natural” because hers was red and mine has green accents so take that however you need to).

I guess the gist of my ramblings is that it seems to be generally accepted. I also know/have seen many 4th year DVM students at CSU that have colored hair of some point and they don’t seem to have any issues.

 

[LyraGardenia]

At KSU, I didn't see anyone with any funky colors. Who knows, maybe purple hair would have made me stand out and gotten me in!!

I meant to respond to this earlier, but just FYI K-State is surprisingly accepting in regards to colored hair/tattoos/piercings! A lot of girls in my class have had all or part of their hair dyed a funky color at some point, even on clinics they don't have a problem with it. Even one of our ambassadors in my class had blue/green and then purple hair for a while.

That said, I agree if it were me I'd dye my hair a natural color for interviews regardless of the school, you never know when one of your interviewers might have their own negative opinions about brightly colored hair and intentionally or not, let it change their evaluation of you. But gray could be a natural color, so I wouldn't worry too much in that case.

 

[cbucks]

That said, I agree if it were me I'd dye my hair a natural color for interviews regardless of the school, you never know when one of your interviewers might have their own negative opinions about brightly colored hair and intentionally or not, let it change their evaluation of you.

This is basically my logic! I’ve been wanting to re-dye my hair a reddish/purple color for a few months but figured it would be best to wait until after interviews plus I switch out all of my earrings to less obvious ones so they don’t stand out too much in a negative sense lol

 

[sheltermed]

now that I've found out that my KSU interview scores were below average, I'm basically in a full-blown panic. They won't provide more feedback than that, so trying to prepare or correct my mistakes is even more daunting because I don't know where to start. I have an MMI on 1/21 at MSU and a traditional interview at Purdue on 2/1. So times a-tickin' and I don't know what I'm doing

 

[cbucks]

now that I've found out that my KSU interview scores were below average, I'm basically in a full-blown panic. They won't provide more feedback than that, so trying to prepare or correct my mistakes is even more daunting because I don't know where to start. I have an MMI on 1/21 at MSU and a traditional interview at Purdue on 2/1. So times a-tickin' and I don't know what I'm doing

Each interview is a fresh start, so treat each as a new opportunity that is not at all reliant on your previous interview! They obviously think you're qualified enough for an interview (and you obviously are qualified!!), now it's just time to sell yourself.
How did you think the KSU interview went after you were done? Like were there any things you wish you had said, etc.

 

[sheltermed]

How did you think the KSU interview went after you were done? Like were there any things you wish you had said, etc.

I thought it went relatively fine, I had some trouble keeping my thoughts linear with good examples of things to illustrate points when answering questions. I lost train of thought once or twice. I was nervous, but I don't think abnormally so. I thought it was a pretty average interview. That's why I'm kind of panicking, because I don't really know how to work on improving. I'll try to practice with friends, but it gets hard to find people who have time for that.

 

[shee-p]

I thought it went relatively fine, I had some trouble keeping my thoughts linear with good examples of things to illustrate points when answering questions. I lost train of thought once or twice. I was nervous, but I don't think abnormally so. I thought it was a pretty average interview. That's why I'm kind of panicking, because I don't really know how to work on improving. I'll try to practice with friends, but it gets hard to find people who have time for that.

Maybe you could try recording yourself and then self-assess your performance? I recorded myself when practicing for my MMI, and I thought it was helpful.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

In my experience/observation, interviews are rarely the make or break factor when it comes to decisions. An awesome interview might turn a maybe into an acceptance, but a not-so-great interview is rarely going to be the only thing that lead to a rejection, if that makes sense. I know some schools have even done away with interviews because they didn't find that they made much of a difference in their decisions. That might not really help lol, but also you may have done better than you think! I know I tend to overanalyze social situations after the fact and dwell on mistakes and awkward moments, but other people don't focus on those things nearly as much. Interviewers know that people are nervous, they don't expect anyone to be perfect! For the future, doing practice interviews really helps get rid of some nerves.

Except in cases where all people who make it to the interview stage are then "re-set to zero". That is, after you make it to the interview, everyone is put on the same footing and they no longer consider your other materials - you are judged purely on the interview. I don't really agree with this way of doing it, but it is indeed done at some places.

 

[battie]

Except in cases where all people who make it to the interview stage are then "re-set to zero". That is, after you make it to the interview, everyone is put on the same footing and they no longer consider your other materials - you are judged purely on the interview. I don't really agree with this way of doing it, but it is indeed done at some places.

Once you hit interview stage at Illinois (phase 3), Phase 2 (your subjective stuff like essays, letters, ECs, etc) is 25% of the decision and your interview is 75% of the decision. Grades and scores (phase 1) doesn't matter at that point. In hindsight, not a huge fan as well. But it's probably the biggest reason I was accepted. lol.

 

[LyraGardenia]

Except in cases where all people who make it to the interview stage are then "re-set to zero". That is, after you make it to the interview, everyone is put on the same footing and they no longer consider your other materials - you are judged purely on the interview. I don't really agree with this way of doing it, but it is indeed done at some places.

Good point!

 

[cbucks]

I thought it went relatively fine, I had some trouble keeping my thoughts linear with good examples of things to illustrate points when answering questions. I lost train of thought once or twice. I was nervous, but I don't think abnormally so. I thought it was a pretty average interview. That's why I'm kind of panicking, because I don't really know how to work on improving. I'll try to practice with friends, but it gets hard to find people who have time for that.

Something I did that I found helpful was to read through the experiences I put on my application and list what qualities of myself each experience showed. So being a captain of the track team demonstrates leadership, time management, and dedication, my experience almost failing a class shows my perseverance, hard work, and my ability to admit when I'm wrong, etc. Once I wrote these out, I found it a lot easier to give specific examples when answering different questions.
Also during interviews, if I'm ever given a question that I can't immediately think of an answer to, I always ask if I can have a minute to think about it, if they can reword the question, or if we can come back to that at a later time. I had one question at Florida where I could not think of an answer, and I sat there for so long before asking if we could come back to it so that I could continue having a conversation while also thinking of an answer. I prefer to sit back for a minute to think rather than just jump in with a half-thought answer, and I feel like the interviewers appreciate that too!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Something I did that I found helpful was to read through the experiences I put on my application and list what qualities of myself each experience showed. So being a captain of the track team demonstrates leadership, time management, and dedication, my experience almost failing a class shows my perseverance, hard work, and my ability to admit when I'm wrong, etc. Once I wrote these out, I found it a lot easier to give specific examples when answering different questions.

This is an excellent practice and I highly recommend it to everyone - also in terms of writing personal statements, etc. Everything on your resume should have a "personal takeaway" - that is, what did this experience teach you, what traits did it help you to develop, etc. The more specific, the better.

Also during interviews, if I'm ever given a question that I can't immediately think of an answer to, I always ask if I can have a minute to think about it, if they can reword the question, or if we can come back to that at a later time. I had one question at Florida where I could not think of an answer, and I sat there for so long before asking if we could come back to it so that I could continue having a conversation while also thinking of an answer. I prefer to sit back for a minute to think rather than just jump in with a half-thought answer, and I feel like the interviewers appreciate that too!

I got this same (wonderful) advice from my PhD mentor for my prelim exam, which was a 2 hour grilling session of me by five faculty members who could ask me basically anything related to immunology (I mean literally anything). Don't just start blathering away - it makes it obvious you aren't thinking, don't know the answer, and are just trying to fill in dead space. It is perfectly all right to task for a minute to think.

 

[M.v.123]

For those who have already interviewed, how did you answer the “describe your greatest weakness” question?


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[danseth]

For those who have already interviewed, how did you answer the “describe your greatest weakness” question?


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I feel like I'm totally answering all of your questions on every thread ever haha.
I was asked this question in my Midwestern interview and I can admit it was one that I fully prepared for. The way I was asked was "How would your friends describe your greatest strength and weakness" which is a better way to word it honestly.

Go around and ask your close friends what they think is your greatest weakness to get a variety of thoughtful answers.

I asked my boyfriend and my best friend and just discussed things with them in general. Personally, my greatest weakness that I talked about is how I worry about a lot, which is what my best friend had told me and it really opened my eyes up because it was the truth.

Don't say you're a perfectionist because that's so overplayed. Talk about something that is truly a weakness of yours, not one that's a strength disguised as a weakness. Talk about what you might be doing to help overcome your weakness and how you shine regardless of said weakness!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Don't say you're a perfectionist because that's so overplayed. Talk about something that is truly a weakness of yours, not one that's a strength disguised as a weakness. Talk about what you might be doing to help overcome your weakness and how you shine regardless of said weakness!

OMG. Yes, please don't.

I would also argue that perfectionism is not a strength disguised a weakness - it is plain weakness. Perfectionism will only lead to disappointment because the world isn't a perfect place.

Definitely include what practices you employ to address said weakness. My weakness was and is that I tend to work too hard/not develop hobbies and not socialize because I'm an introvert, and I followed up with how I was addressing the problem - blocking off time in my day for relaxation or a "me" activity, rather than just telling myself I eventually will, making an effort to go to social functions even if I don't want to, etc.

 

[sheltermed]

Just wanna give a shout out to @cbucks and @grebes4lyfe who helped me IMMENSELY with my interview skills last night. It's gonna be a game changer for my upcoming interviews and I'm SO grateful!! ♥♥♥♥

That being said, if anyone else would like to practice interview skills with me in the next week or two via Skype (MSU is this Monday, 1/21 [unless I'm hindered by the massive snow storm headed my way], but Purdue isn't until 2/1), please shoot me a PM!

 

[grebes4lyfe]

Just wanna give a shout out to @cbucks and @grebes4lyfe who helped me IMMENSELY with my interview skills last night. It's gonna be a game changer for my upcoming interviews and I'm SO grateful!!

That being said, if anyone else would like to practice interview skills with me in the next week or two via Skype (MSU is this Monday, 1/21 [unless I'm hindered by the massive snow storm headed my way], but Purdue isn't until 2/1), please shoot me a PM!

You’re gonna do great!!! Good luck!! Let me know how it goes!

 

[dr.lyssypoo27]

So I have a nose piercing (just one nostril).. I bought a very small metal ball and also a clear plastic ball to wear in it for my interview, but I think the clear one is super obvious and will look kind of dumb. Do you think wearing the small metal ball is a bad idea? I’m interviewing at UMN and I know that it’s probably not a big deal, I just really don’t need any bias against me. I also don’t really like the idea of leaving the jewelry out for the interview, but maybe it would be okay? I’ve had the piercing for 1.5 years. Any thoughts on what I should do would be appreciated

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

So I have a nose piercing (just one nostril).. I bought a very small metal ball and also a clear plastic ball to wear in it for my interview, but I think the clear one is super obvious and will look kind of dumb. Do you think wearing the small metal ball is a bad idea? I’m interviewing at UMN and I know that it’s probably not a big deal, I just really don’t need any bias against me. I also don’t really like the idea of leaving the jewelry out for the interview, but maybe it would be okay? I’ve had the piercing for 1.5 years. Any thoughts on what I should do would be appreciated

I feel like nose studs are common enough. A small one should be fine.

 

[dr.lyssypoo27]

Anyone who’s interviewed already have any tips for things they found helpful in the actual interview or in preparing for it? Anything you wished you would’ve prepared more for? Things you didn’t expect? My interview is Thursday and I’ve practiced a lot, I’m just looking for extra bits of advice to consider in the last few days before my interview

 

[Mircookies]

Anyone who’s interviewed already have any tips for things they found helpful in the actual interview or in preparing for it? Anything you wished you would’ve prepared more for? Things you didn’t expect? My interview is Thursday and I’ve practiced a lot, I’m just looking for extra bits of advice to consider in the last few days before my interview[/QUOTEi

I think what helped me was trying to have a sense of humor and remembering that my answers are honest so I don’t have to think too hard about them.

I wish I had worked on my eye contact more, or shared it among the panel of interviewers.

My interview was really easy going and semi-formal conversation wise, which I didn’t expect. They didn’t ask me anything about my withdraw or GPA. My explanation statement was pretty powerful though.
They asked me ethical questions and opinion based questions.
Remember if you have a strong opinion to see the other side of the debate.

 

[Cobyology]

Anyone who’s interviewed already have any tips for things they found helpful in the actual interview or in preparing for it? Anything you wished you would’ve prepared more for? Things you didn’t expect? My interview is Thursday and I’ve practiced a lot, I’m just looking for extra bits of advice to consider in the last few days before my interview

I wish that I would've realized when I'm rambling and not getting to the point. Try to catch yourself and take a deep breath. Apologize for rambling and ask if you can start the question over (then have them repeat the question)

 

[sheltermed]

Starting to panic about my upcoming interviews I don't know how to act like a normal person

 

[mowgs]

Starting to panic about my upcoming interviews I don't know how to act like a normal person

Same here. I made a list of behavioral questions and I literally sat down with my mother and had her help me come up with talking points because she is so good at coming up with little random bits of my life that I would have never thought of.

 

[spottedfeatherik]

Same here. I made a list of behavioral questions and I literally sat down with my mother and had her help me come up with talking points because she is so good at coming up with little random bits of my life that I would have never thought of.

Dumb q, but what’s a “behavioral” question? I’ve already interviewed at two places and I feel confident about how I did, so whatever a behavioral question is I know how to answer it, but I just don’t know what the definition is haha


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[grebes4lyfe]

Dumb q, but what’s a “behavioral” question? I’ve already interviewed at two places and I feel confident about how I did, so whatever a behavioral question is I know how to answer it, but I just don’t know what the definition is haha


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They’re the more “how would you handle X situation?” Questions.
-workplace disagreements
-ethical disagreements
-difficult situations/decisions

I think that ethical questions often fall under behavioural too, like euthanasia questions etc.

Look at westerns interview page... all of the questions on there were great examples of behavioural questions and I’ve gotten at least one really similar question in every interview I’ve been in, and if an interview specifically says it will be behavioural, prepare for an interview almost entirely like those examples.

 

[danseth]

Dumb q, but what’s a “behavioral” question? I’ve already interviewed at two places and I feel confident about how I did, so whatever a behavioral question is I know how to answer it, but I just don’t know what the definition is haha


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Behavioral questions are the ones you might get in a job interview like "What's your greatest strength and greatest weakness" stuff sort of like that. Or "Give me an example of a time when you showed leadership" or "Give an example of a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how did you work through the situation."

That's my understanding of behavioral questions at least.

 

[spottedfeatherik]

They’re the more “how would you handle X situation?” Questions.
-workplace disagreements
-ethical disagreements
-difficult situations/decisions

I think that ethical questions often fall under behavioural too, like euthanasia questions etc.

Look at westerns interview page... all of the questions on there were great examples of behavioural questions and I’ve gotten at least one really similar question in every interview I’ve been in, and if an interview specifically says it will be behavioural, prepare for an interview almost entirely like those examples.

Got it! Yeah I’ve definitely gotten those sorts of questions before but I thought they were considered “experience” (ie how have you handled this in your work experiences in the past)


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[Syeira]

So this cycle I received one interview (my IS, Auburn!) and I'm starting to panic about potentially blowing it at my one chance, haha. In particular, I'm worried about questions pertaining to future plans/career goals, as I feel like I have lots of potential interests/directions in mind.

In my statements I wrote mostly about my interest in pursuing exotic animal medicine, but since submitting my app I've taken a few more classes (biochem, microbio, animal nutrition) and become really interested in research in those fields. I do have a lot of research experience and have always played with the idea of pursuing a DVM/PhD, but decided not to apply to combined programs outright since I felt I did not have diverse enough research experience (and I'm applying for research internships this summer to shore that up). I'd like to talk about these interests and ask about Auburn's combined program and the possibility of applying as a first year, especially since they have core research groups that really align with my interests, but I don't want to come out of left field with that since I didn't really talk about it in my statements.

For those of us with multiple possible career directions, how are you planning on answering these questions? I don't want to appear wishy-washy when talking about my interests, and even though I know that realistically we can't determine our career trajectory until we've spent some time in vet school I'm afraid that various career goals will make me look undecided and unprepared

 

[sheltermed]

My dad gave me [unironic] interview advice today. Make sure to tell them how much I love animals.

 

[danseth]

My dad gave me [unironic] interview advice today. Make sure to tell them how much I love animals.

I mean, valid but also that likely won't be a question. I feel like they assume that stuff anyway. Your dad sounds super cute giving that advice though.

Honestly though, just be yourself. That's the most cliche thing ever but it's the only advice there really IS to give. Regarding personal interviews, just kinda go with it and see how everything turns out. I had two, and one seemed more conversational than the other but they both flowed pretty well. Just take the vibe of the room and go with it (wow repetitive much on my end there). With MMI, take each scenario like a fresh start. I had one MMI and I felt good about all but one of the scenarios (mostly because the interviewer was very cold and just didn't make me feel comfortable at all). Just answer to the best of your ability and explain why you think certain ways.

Try not to overthink or second guess yourself. Even if you mess up talking or are repetitive, I think the interviewers understand, just take a breath and rephrase or explain your whole thought process!

 

[battie]

For those of us with multiple possible career directions, how are you planning on answering these questions? I don't want to appear wishy-washy when talking about my interests, and even though I know that realistically we can't determine our career trajectory until we've spent some time in vet school I'm afraid that various career goals will make me look undecided and unprepared

I was honest and straight up said that the majority of my experience was in small animal GP, but that I had dipped my toes in the water in other areas of medicine and so was wide open in regards to my future. I gave the reasons why a few of those options (small animal ER especially) were draws for me. Then I tied how that particular school would help me be able to get more experience in those areas to let my interests in medicine grow and eventually narrow.

 

[Syeira]

I was honest and straight up said that the majority of my experience was in small animal GP, but that I had dipped my toes in the water in other areas of medicine and so was wide open in regards to my future. I gave the reasons why a few of those options (small animal ER especially) were draws for me. Then I tied how that particular school would help me be able to get more experience in those areas to let my interests in medicine grow and eventually narrow.

That's a really great strategy, thank you so much!