PennVet 2024-2025 (c/o 2029 hopefuls)

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What’s a group interview
They separate you into groups and you need to discuss a topic and work through it with your group mates. Penn is the only school that does group interviews

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They separate you into groups and you need to discuss a topic and work through it with your group mates. Penn is the only school that does group interviews
RVC did something similar this but only for one section
 
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RVC did something similar this but only for one section
Yes! Penn is solely group interviews, they just transitioned to it. They want to see interdisciplinary skills at work. How well you work with a team, how you demonstrate leadership, how you’re a team player, how you explain your reasoning for things etc
 
Yes! Penn is solely group interviews, they just transitioned to it. They want to see interdisciplinary skills at work. How well you work with a team, how you demonstrate leadership, how you’re a team player, how you explain your reasoning for things etc
How would you prep for a group interview? Like, in general, is it situations you just need to adapt and think on the spot?
 
How would you prep for a group interview? Like, in general, is it situations you just need to adapt and think on the spot?
I dont think you can really prep for a group interview. Just be open to discussion, and dress professionally. From what I’ve heard, it won’t be a question you would need background knowledge in. It’s something that pertains to vet med, but it’s not like diagnostic specific. More like ethics surrounding certain topics in the field.
 
A virtual group interview will be...interesting. Definitely harder to read group body language if this is zoom style
Yeah, I have mixed feelings about this - I guess I understand what they’re going for, but at the same time, I’ve never had a group interview that felt welcoming and equitable. It highly favors extroverts, encourages groupthink, and to be frank makes me question the exact utility of this format.

On top of this, a ZOOM group interview truly is an eldritch horror for this neurodivergent millennial. 🤣
 
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How would you prep for a group interview? Like, in general, is it situations you just need to adapt and think on the spot?
So my friend currently goes to Penn and he did the group interview last year, the prompt was emailed out a few days before the interview so you can prep. It looked at how you interacted with others in the group to see your teamwork skills and your problem solving abilities.
 
So my friend currently goes to Penn and he did the group interview last year, the prompt was emailed out a few days before the interview so you can prep. It looked at how you interacted with others in the group to see your teamwork skills and your problem solving abilities.
*Sweating as I flashback to my mid-2000s Abercrombie & Fitch group interview.*
Sweating James Mcavoy GIF
 
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Yeah, I have mixed feelings about this - I guess I understand what they’re going for, but at the same time, I’ve never had a group interview that felt welcoming and equitable. It highly favors extroverts, encourages groupthink, and to be frank makes me question the exact utility of this format.

On top of this, a ZOOM group interview truly is an eldritch horror for this neurodivergent millennial. 🤣
lmao I feel this. Trying to gauge the appropriate level of situational extroverted-ness required is a task all on its own!
 
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Hey guys current first year, let me know if there’s any questions you may have! In terms of interviews, they were super lowkey and relaxed. Last year, we received a prompt beforehand that we would be discussing during the interview. None of them require any prior knowledge but I would still recommend doing some minor research on the topic when you receive it, just so you can formulate how you want to approach it during the interview. Some people brought notes- I personally didn’t. The interview is set up in a way that you have a set amount of time to discuss your topic with the group, then once your time is up you will “present” it to the interviewers. Afterwards we had a little bit of time one-on-one with the interviewers to ask any questions or provide any comments on the interview. Again it was super chill, I know zoom can be super annoying for interviews but just do the best you can and make sure you are courteous to your other interviewees, while also providing enough input you feel is appropriate to get your views across.
 
Hey guys current first year, let me know if there’s any questions you may have! In terms of interviews, they were super lowkey and relaxed. Last year, we received a prompt beforehand that we would be discussing during the interview. None of them require any prior knowledge but I would still recommend doing some minor research on the topic when you receive it, just so you can formulate how you want to approach it during the interview. Some people brought notes- I personally didn’t. The interview is set up in a way that you have a set amount of time to discuss your topic with the group, then once your time is up you will “present” it to the interviewers. Afterwards we had a little bit of time one-on-one with the interviewers to ask any questions or provide any comments on the interview. Again it was super chill, I know zoom can be super annoying for interviews but just do the best you can and make sure you are courteous to your other interviewees, while also providing enough input you feel is appropriate to get your views across.
Hi!! do you have any info about when did you hear back from Penn for the app cycle?
 
For the dual degree applicants I’m curious to know, did you go for a masters or PhD? And what will you do your research in if you are accepted
 
For the dual degree applicants I’m curious to know, did you go for a masters or PhD? And what will you do your research in if you are accepted
undecided. im waiting on more schools to then decide what I will do. Probably looking at post baccs or masters because I do wish to do my PhD as part of my DVM (so my priority is getting in vet school first) and if im accepted im interested in microbiology immunology genetics and infectious diseases mix. a mouthful
 
undecided. im waiting on more schools to then decide what I will do. Probably looking at post baccs or masters because I do wish to do my PhD as part of my DVM (so my priority is getting in vet school first) and if im accepted im interested in microbiology immunology genetics and infectious diseases mix. a mouthful
That’s awesome!!! I considered doing a PhD as well with my DVM but I don’t think I could mentally take on that kind of commitment. Wishing all the best for you!!
 
Hi everyone! Long time thread reader here and I finally decided to join. Penn is my top choice and this is my first cycle applying. Here's to hopefully hearing back this week (today?!?) about interview invites. Wishing you all the best of luck!!
 
Hi everyone! Long time thread reader here and I finally decided to join. Penn is my top choice and this is my first cycle applying. Here's to hopefully hearing back this week (today?!?) about interview invites. Wishing you all the best of luck!!
Today would be unhinged... but I'm down for it 😂
 
I am crossing my fingers for today haha. Last year they sent them out the 3rd week of January (16th due to holiday on the 15th) and today would technically mark the 3rd week of January so I am hoping they don't change the pattern on me now haha
Would it be third FULL week tho? 🤣 hoping for today as well but thinking it really may be next week….
 
Would it be third FULL week tho? 🤣 hoping for today as well but thinking it really may be next week….
It probably will be next week as much as I want it to be this week. In previous years they did two waves of interviews, and last year they only did one with 2-3 days of interviews. So they might be following a new schedule of things being released after MLK day?
 
It probably will be next week as much as I want it to be this week. In previous years they did two waves of interviews, and last year they only did one with 2-3 days of interviews. So they might be following a new schedule of things being released after MLK day?
I totally agree with you I am most likely being far too optimistic. Last cycle my coworker got like 5 decisions back on the same day while on shift. Emotional rollercoaster for him (he did get into one and attends).
 
Does anyone know how they treat repeated courses? Do they average them? Take the highest attempt? Or not accept them at all? I can't seem to find on their website. TIA
 
Does anyone know how they treat repeated courses? Do they average them? Take the highest attempt? Or not accept them at all? I can't seem to find on their website. TIA
Hi! It depends on the way it is listed on your official transcript
 
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