UTK c/o 2016 Applicants

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Sawbone & Goldielocks, thanks for posting! I'm glad some people have good things to say about the school!
Also, I really believe that the things that have been said can be said for every school. Many schools have increased class size, many schools have a shortage of professors, many schools give out old exams for study material (still don't see how that is a bad thing....I'll take as much help as I can get when it comes to studying 😛), and there are always people who aren't happy at whatever school they end up in.
So lets all just think of the positives and get excited about our interviews!! 😀
 
Jamr0ckin said:
I am off work at noon on 3/20 and 3/22, and would love to meet up with anyone who wants to chat. I know Katryn said she would join in if possible. Maybe Skittles will too?
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I would, but I will be out of Knoxville during spring break. Going home to see my own critters! 🙂
You can PM me anytime though.

goldielocks137 said:
When I came for my interview last year, I was really impressed with how nice and incredibly caring the staff were. Since I have been here, I've only had wonderful experiences with the administration. They really do care and here to help and support the students. Obviously the current students who are posting negative comments about our school are angry/bitter for their own personal experiences and NO ONE should allow those 2 opinions to convince them to back out of interviewing here. UTCVM is an excellent program that I have had an extremely positive experience in thus far. You should most definitely come to your interview and see if you feel that it is the right fit for you. There are some great things about to happen here that incoming students are going to be so fortunate to enjoy. A huge extension of the large animal clinic is being completed right now and will be filled with state of the art equipment. The incoming training/orientation program for first year students has been modified and is so much fun and a great experience for new students.
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👍
I definitely agree with the administration being supportive. I had family issues last semester around final exams, and they were very understanding and willing to work with me. I feel like my experience here has been pretty positive, aside from the things I've already mentioned. Take these opinions with a grain of salt, and take the time to form your own opinion about the school. I definitely wouldn't cancel my interview based on a couple of anonymous forum posts. So far, I don't regret attending UT, either for undergrad or for vet school.
 
TigerWillow said:
:banana: :banana: :banana:

Sold! To TW on a ridiculously expensive plane flight!

Oh, where do you recommend staying for cheap?
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I'm not sure how cheap you could find a room, but when I came for my interview I stayed near market square/downtown and that was nice because I walked down there and got dinner and drinks. And the weather next week is supposed to be great so it would be nice to sit outside and enjoy Knoxville a little bit while you're here. Also, it takes about five minutes to get to the vet school from there.
 
skittles12 said:
I feel like my experience here has been pretty positive, aside from the things I've already mentioned. Take these opinions with a grain of salt, and take the time to form your own opinion about the school. I definitely wouldn't cancel my interview based on a couple of anonymous forum posts. So far, I don't regret attending UT, either for undergrad or for vet school.
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Ditto this. The few negatives I've found definitely don't outweigh the positives, and for me they are mostly passing annoyances that I forget about quickly, and would probably encounter somewhere else anyway.
 
Do any of these points have to do with why UT is not accredited?
 
No!! The accreditation has to do with improvements to the vet school facility itself. The small animal hospital was addressed a couple of years ago and the new LA facility is being built now.

I know the whole accreditation issue scares some people...but every vet school in this country has addressed this. If not, the vet schools would not be able to appeal to state government for more $$$$ to make improvements.

*stepping off soapbox*
 
Something I can be positive about: I believe not. I'm fairly sure UT's accreditation status is based on the large animal hospital, which was becoming aged at the last inspection. As those interviewing will see, the new large animal hospital is well on its way construction wise, and I don't think there are any concerns about the school's status once construction is finished. So some of you future students may get to use the new hospital your 4th year (don't quote me on that though, don't remember the expected completion date).

Worth noting is that this is even a relatively common tactic (schools essentially have to get limited accreditation in order to scare the state into paying for upgrades or repairs it would have otherwise neglected).
 
Betsy1990 said:
No!! The accreditation has to do with improvements to the vet school facility itself. The small animal hospital was addressed a couple of years ago and the new LA facility is being built now.

I know the whole accreditation issue scares some people...but every vet school in this country has addressed this. If not, the vet schools would not be able to appeal to state government for more $$$$ to make improvements.

*stepping off soapbox*
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And I thought it was limited accreditation?

Just as a side story, my favorite vet went to Davis in the late 90s. They also received the same limited accreditation, and Davis isn't a shabby school (Cept at the time she claims it was hideous and needed revamping). She claims that schools sometimes reach that point and let their buildings grow old so they can get funding to "save the school." interesting theory. Not saying this is the case.

But I'm definitely NOT worried about limited accred
 
Well Whatdya know. Posted my story right after your claim.
 
Does anyone know what the best way to get around Knoxville is (primarily between downtown and Ag campus) without a rental car? I was hoping to use the transit system, but it doesn't seem to be running on campus during break. The only option I've found is to take a taxi everywhere, which doesn't sound particularly cheap...any thoughts?
 
Moreover, is there a shuttle of some kind from the Tys airport to campus/downtown ?
 
TigerWillow said:
Moreover, is there a shuttle of some kind from the Tys airport to campus/downtown ?
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There will be taxis and possible the KAT bus (Knoxville Area Transit) but I am not sure if the KAT bus goes to the airport, since it really isn't in Knoxville.

There are taxis around, but not like you see in the bigger cities.
 
SeaHawk10 said:
Does anyone know what the best way to get around Knoxville is (primarily between downtown and Ag campus) without a rental car? I was hoping to use the transit system, but it doesn't seem to be running on campus during break. The only option I've found is to take a taxi everywhere, which doesn't sound particularly cheap...any thoughts?
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It is pretty difficult to get around without a car
 
Yeah, public transit is pretty lacking in Knoxville. Taxis and finding the closest KAT bus are about your only two options.
 
Emiloo4 said:
What's the matter, TW? Don't feel like walking 7 miles to your interview again? 😉
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Yeah. That was quite the experience that I MIGHT not want to participate in again 😀
 
Idk it it was 7 miles, but it was across the largest uc campus. In heels. In the wind.

It took me an hour, and that was with flagging down some grad student a hitching a ride!!!!
 
I'm starting to get nervous about my interview. I randomly woke up at 3am last night and thought "My interview is Tuesday! I need to prepare!!!!!" Then I realized the time and decided to do it later, because really, how much preparation can I do at 3am, on benadryl?
 
Do people go on the tour in their interview clothes or change before their interview?
 
patintenn said:
Do people go on the tour in their interview clothes or change before their interview?
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m
I've seen both. I normally wear my interview clothes, but make sure I have comfortable shoes (i.e. not heels).
 
patintenn said:
Do people go on the tour in their interview clothes or change before their interview?
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I wore khakis and a nice shirt to the tour, but that was because I lived on campus and my interview wasn't until late afternoon. Comfortable shoes are helpful though!
 
Does anyone here interview tomorrow?

Is there any known significance to which day you have been invited to interview? (i.e., are the best candidates invited on the 19th, 2nd best on the 20th, and so on?)
 
ouijetaime said:
Does anyone here interview tomorrow?

Is there any known significance to which day you have been invited to interview? (i.e., are the best candidates invited on the 19th, 2nd best on the 20th, and so on?)
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Bleh, I hope not. I turned down my 19th interview. That would make me sad🙁. I know some schools do it that way, not sure about UTK.
 
Hmmm, I'd only think people who have interviews like, a month before would do this. I dont think they'd do that interviews merely days apart!


(btw Emiloo, I rented a car! No trekking for meeeeee!)
 
Good luck to everyone one today! :luck: Don't forget to breath, relax, and don't panic!

And as far as I know, the interview slots are randomly assigned.
 
TigerWillow said:
Hmmm, I'd only think people who have interviews like, a month before would do this. I dont think they'd do that interviews merely days apart!


(btw Emiloo, I rented a car! No trekking for meeeeee!)
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👍👍

BEST OF LUCK TOMORROW!!!!!!!
 
Good luck to everyone today! :luck:
 
Any feedback from the first two interview days yet?? I interview on Thursday and am getting very excited/nervous 🙂
 
It was awesome!!!!

My interview at UTK was the best yet! I made my interviewers laugh. But then again, I think I made all my interviewers laugh wherever I went. This one was by far my easiest (but I made friends with a girl whose interview sounded pretty difficult.)

Everyone was nice! Now onto my 8 hr layover in Orlando :meanie:
 
Had my interview today. Everyone at UTK is SO nice!!! Random students and faculty kept stopping to talk to me while I was waiting outside my interview room. Dean Thompson even came up to introduce himself and ask where I was from.

My interview was okay, but I know I worked myself into a panic. I felt like my face was red the entire time, I completely blanked on questions to ask them at the end, and I know for sure that half of my answer to one of the two part questions I was asked made very little sense because I even confused myself. I wish I had been calmer so that I would have been more articulate. I guess overall I'm not sure how well I did...I feel like I botched some things, even though I did make my interviewers laugh once or twice. One of my interviewers had a heavy accent so although I think I understood what he was saying enough to answer what he was asking, I'm not 100% sure. I think he asked me why I didn't apply to medical school...?

As for Knoxville itself, my mom and I got there the day before my interview so we could explore downtown a bit. Just like any city, there are good areas and bad areas, but as long as you are aware and smart you should be okay. Downtown Knoxville is surprisingly dog friendly - SO many people walking their dogs, and restaurant patios advertising themselves as pet friendly. I enjoyed the art installations along the street, the public garden and pond, and the prevalence of people out singing, playing music, and forming games of frisbee with random passersby. At one point a man making balloon animals randomly showed up. We also walked along the river walk, saw someone kayaking (want!), and passed by a French market which I can't remember the name of because it was closed for the day already, but if I get in at UTK I want to go back to that market because they have crepes and macarons!!!

Overall, I'm not feeling super hopeful because I feel like I'm an interview failure, but I liked Knoxville and UTK, I like their philosophy of having a well-balanced life, I like how involved the faculty is in helping students succeed and working around issues their personal lives when they arise, and I really, really, really hope that I am offered acceptance this year.


For other OOS applicants, at the information session Dean Brace told us that about 250 OOS applicants were invited to interview, around 100 actually came to interview, and 25 will be invited to attend. Pretty good odds for OOS, right?
 
Ouijetaime, did you interview with dr odai?? The girl that I was talking with interviewed with him too, and I don't think that was an isolated event. She couldn't understand anything he said and he asked VERY detailed questions NOT pertaining to her app.

I guess what made mine so enjoyable was that I was asked these questions at least once at another interview (except one of my interviewers asked about my violin playing. He called me an aficionado. I haven't played in four years!)

And you had a quite different experience in downtown. My story is very funny. Had to deal with drunk guys and a parking garage.
 
I enjoyed my interview quite a bit... though it would've been better had I not come down with the stomach flu two hours prior. They had to set up a bucket in the interview room for me! Everyone was watching me as I was puking into the trash cans... SO very embarassing! But I did make it through most of the whole interview before I had to run out. I also had Dr. Odai as an interviewer, and he definitely asked me the most difficult questions. I couldn't even give an answer for one of the questions, but I can't say I was too nervous about it at the time though, since my stomach was too queasy for butterflies! Guess I found my silver lining...

ouijetaime, I'm glad you posted about the town--I wanted to go to that French restaurant for breakfast, but they didn't open until after the intro and tour. Mmm, crepes! I'm sure you did better than you realize. I know I'm super critical of my answers post-interview, but I think in general they expect some nervousness or tripping up in your responses.
 
SeaHawk10 said:
I enjoyed my interview quite a bit... though it would've been better had I not come down with the stomach flu two hours prior. They had to set up a bucket in the interview room for me! Everyone was watching me as I was puking into the trash cans... SO very embarassing! But I did make it through most of the whole interview before I had to run out. I also had Dr. Odai as an interviewer, and he definitely asked me the most difficult questions. I couldn't even give an answer for one of the questions, but I can't say I was too nervous about it at the time though, since my stomach was too queasy for butterflies! Guess I found my silver lining...

ouijetaime, I'm glad you posted about the town--I wanted to go to that French restaurant for breakfast, but they didn't open until after the intro and tour. Mmm, crepes! I'm sure you did better than you realize. I know I'm super critical of my answers post-interview, but I think in general they expect some nervousness or tripping up in your responses.
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there is pretty much always 1 random questioner in the groups...Odai is an epidemiology professor
 
TigerWillow said:
Ouijetaime, did you interview with dr odai?? The girl that I was talking with interviewed with him too, and I don't think that was an isolated event. She couldn't understand anything he said and he asked VERY detailed questions NOT pertaining to her app.

I guess what made mine so enjoyable was that I was asked these questions at least once at another interview (except one of my interviewers asked about my violin playing. He called me an aficionado. I haven't played in four years!)

And you had a quite different experience in downtown. My story is very funny. Had to deal with drunk guys and a parking garage.
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I had Team 2 - the one I couldn't understand had a B name and I was told before the interview that no one who had him the day before could understand him. I guess they have a few of those...
 
I know the info session is at 8:45 but how long does it and the tour last? My interview is at 10 and I'm worried about being able to do the tour. Huge bummer as I really really think its important to see the facilities and get a feel
 
cshep09 said:
I know the info session is at 8:45 but how long does it and the tour last? My interview is at 10 and I'm worried about being able to do the tour. Huge bummer as I really really think its important to see the facilities and get a feel
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Just ask a student after your interview if you miss it. I know I was happy to do tours when I helped out
 
cshep09 said:
I know the info session is at 8:45 but how long does it and the tour last? My interview is at 10 and I'm worried about being able to do the tour. Huge bummer as I really really think its important to see the facilities and get a feel
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You'll have to do a tour after your interview. There were students asking to take us on tours all through the day yesterday.
 
Rocky922 said:
You still had your interview with the stomach flu?!? I think I would have been wayyyy to nervous about puking in front of them haha.. Did they not offer to allow you to reschedule for another day?
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I'm sure they would've been more than willing to reschedule me, but I didn't have much in the way of options, since my flight left at 6am the next morning. Fortunately I had the last interview of the day, so I didn't have to worry about going over in terms of time. I can thankfully say that I'm almost back to 100% now!
 
Thought my interview went really well. At the very end, after they asked me if I had any questions and right before the team leader tried to dismiss me, Dr. Brian said he had one more question for me (with a smirk on his face).

Dr. Brian: "Will you be good at surgery? I mean, are you good with your hands?"

Me: "Yes, I think I am. I am really good at Jenga, if that helps1"

(they all laugh)

Dr. Brian: So, you aren't a klutz?

Me: "No! Why... did one of my letters of recommendation say I was a klutz?!?!"

Dr. Brian: "Oh, no. I was just curious"

The entire time he was trying to hold back laughter. It was a funny way to end my interview.
 
Did anyone who had to send Dean Brace additional information get a confirmation that it was received? How did you send it (fax, e-mail)?
 
ouijetaime said:
Did anyone who had to send Dean Brace additional information get a confirmation that it was received? How did you send it (fax, e-mail)?
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I copied pasted it to a word doc and emailed it to him. He seemed VERY open about how to send it - specifically said "whatever is easiest for you!"
 
If anyone is looking at apartment/housing options in Knoxville (I know that might sound like a terrible idea since we won't know about acceptance until next week, but for those of you who are feeling confident...), I live here and L-O-V-E my apartment complex (it's pet friendly!). I can also offer other recommendations and tell you the good areas and where to steer clear.

Here's to hoping we get our letters no later than a week from today!
 
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