Questions for the schools?

[NittanyKitty]

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I'm kind of curious about something. For those of you who have applied to and interviewed at veterinary schools, what did you say when the interviewers asked "What questions do you have for us?" What sorts of things did you ask or touch on? Did you get any useful information out of this part of the interview?

 

[Hobiecat1642]

I asked about the summer research program at one school, about tracking, hands on experience in the first year. My other interview was for an international school, so I asked about financial stuff, EMS, research opportunities.

 

[OSJ]

I asked about research opportunities and dual MPH/DVM degrees.

 

[rustysmom]

I also asked about dual DVM/MPH programs, about the clinicals, and about the types of cases that I could see/assist at the hospital.

 

[PlantersPunch]

Both of my interviewers were board certified, so I asked about life during internship/residency and how the tests were, I also asked about a specific program I was interested in that one of them happened to be the head of... other than that I can't remember if I asked anything else

 

[VAgirl]

I asked about specific programs/facilities that are related to my field of interest (public health-ish). I also asked the interviewers what they thought was the best thing about their school/program and what they thought was something that needed improvement. I thought those last two questions garnered a lot of interesting info.

 

[VelcroSky]

I asked the interviewers what they thought were the most important things to be successful in vet school.

 

[sheep girl]

I asked my interviewers about the business side of veterinary medicine and how the school prepares their students for this transition. They loved it mainly because they thought that this is an area of weakness for young practitioners.

 

[Steelmagghia]

I asked if students were involved in some of the research I'd read about at the school, if it was common for students to bring their pets and if housing was available in the city which would accommodate for pets. I asked about how many students went into my particular interest (exotics) and if the normal curriculum covered them in any meaningful way, and I asked about financial aspects (all sorts of them).

I really recommend printing out some research on the school before you go in to the interview, because I think it helps 1) with nervousness and 2) with helping you ask some more in depth questions (which can help you better decide if the school is right for you and looks really good to your interviewers).

 

[lailanni]

When they asked if I had questions, I said something to the effect of....

"Before I ask my questions, I just wanted to thank you for this opportunity...." and I did a very short little bit on understanding the demands and realities of becoming a vet, asserting I wanted to attend this school, and I thanked them for considering me for the upcoming class.

It wasn't rehersed or anything, but I thought it'd be a nice way to say, hey I really, really want to go here. They seemed quite pleased, and I got accepted so it certainly didn't hurt. I doubt too many other people closed assertively like that, so I do think it made me stand out a little.

Then I asked about campus safety (my campus had a few incidents recently), how many students applied and got into residencies, and some questions about the radiology department (one of my interests).

 

[NittanyKitty]

These are some great questions, guys! Do you think it would be out of line for the interviewee to ask the interviewers what they would choose as the school's biggest strengths and weaknesses? Like, if they could pick one aspect of the school they're most proud of and one they would like to see improved in the future?

 

[CalpardNY]

Do you think it would be out of line for the interviewee to ask the interviewers what they would choose as the school's biggest strengths and weaknesses? Like, if they could pick one aspect of the school they're most proud of and one they would like to see improved in the future?

I don't think so at all. Best/Worst things about the school was my favorite question to ask applying to colleges and vet schools. I asked it of anyone i could find - applicants, current students, interviewers, deans, etc! Best way to learn these things sometimes is straight out of the horses mouth (didn't mean for that to be as as it came out!)!

And also...sometimes they ask us to do that about ourselves - it can be so much fun to turn that back around on them 😉!

 

[FlyOnTheWall]

Do you think it would be out of line for the interviewee to ask the interviewers what they would choose as the school's biggest strengths and weaknesses? Like, if they could pick one aspect of the school they're most proud of and one they would like to see improved in the future?

This is a great question and one I like answering. Another favorite is "What major changes are happening to the college in the next 4 years?". I like being asked about what I like about the profession.. my specialty... my favorite practice moments... How I like academia compared to practice.. etc.

...whatever you do come prepared to ask something!

 

[pressmom]

These are some great questions, guys! Do you think it would be out of line for the interviewee to ask the interviewers what they would choose as the school's biggest strengths and weaknesses? Like, if they could pick one aspect of the school they're most proud of and one they would like to see improved in the future?

This is what I asked at all three schools I interviewed at. It seemed to go over really well and I got accepted to all three. It's nice because it gives them a chance to brag on their school. 🙂

 

[smoknjoe44]

I was really expecting to be asked about my view on horse slaughter, but I wasn't asked in any of my interviews. So, on my last interview, since I had a horse person, I asked her what she thought about it.

Other questions I asked were how many students pass the boards, what is the average pay for vets when they graduate their school...

 

[VAgirl]

As much as I loved Davis, I was really disappointed that they've decided to not ask students if they have any questions. It was explained to us that, since they only have such a short amount of time with the interviewees (25 minutes), that they didn't want to waste any of that time. I objected to the view that students asking questions was a "waste of time." Though, I suppose to be fair, there were other opportunities to ask questions which they set up for us. But if you didn't go to the interviewee orientation, you wouldn't have had those opportunities. Anyway, just one annoyance.

 

[NoleDevil]

This thread is really helpful! I basically asked questions pertaining to my field of interest (Pathology). Asking broad questions about the school (as mentioned above) is a great idea, too.

 

[millie]

I asked them what sets your veterinary program apart from other schools. Can you name one weakness and how you are trying to improve on it. Also the school I interviewed at is known for research, so I said "I am really interested in genetic research can you name some research activities going on regarding genetics". Go on the school website explore it, print some things out and then ask questions that are designed for that particular school. Remeber asking questions is part of the interview process to it gives the interviewer an idea as to how interested you are in the school and if you have done your research, which in the end stands out. I personally woudl take a folder and type up all questions you want answered and then ask quesitons from there (i did that and it worked like a charm)

 

[Pouches Rock]

I asked them what they thought their programs ethical model was ie. mechanic vs. pediatrician, this allowed me to show that I had done some research for my interview and ask a question that made them think.

 

[kate_g]

Do you think it would be out of line for the interviewee to ask the interviewers what they would choose as the school's biggest strengths and weaknesses?

I asked a version of this, which was why *they* chose that school as faculty - particularly relevant if you have any interest in academics, because usually the answer has something to do with research support, available facilities, reputation in their field, etc. I was surprised at the number of interviewers who had been offered a faculty job after their residency at that same school (and one interviewer had actually been a vet student at that school, too), so it gives you some idea of the inbreeding within the faculty, which in turn can be relevant to how much "our way is the only way" philosophy you'll find in clinics and research labs.

Alternatively, you can ask why you should want to go there (though I'd only suggest asking that if you thought your interview went really well). 🙂