Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Interview Feedback Summary
Fort Collins, CO
Veterinary Schools | Public Non-Profit
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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.0
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 25 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (75%)
No change (25%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Good (80%)
Average (20%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants commonly shared positive feedback about being themselves, staying calm, and doing their best during the interview process. They also highlighted the importance of engaging in conversations about understanding the profession, motivations, past experiences, and asking questions during the interviews.
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Just be yourself, take a deep breath, and do your best.
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Didn’t have to sign an NDA, which is why I posted questions. Questions posted once cycle was done! Best of luck to future applicants
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A day full of individual meetings with professors and tours with students, one group interview in the morning with committee members, and my first talk was an hour with the director being informed of the history and administration of the program.
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This was for the joint DVM/PhD program, so there were ~7 hours of interviews (both group and one-on-one) as well as several tours with current students. Facilities were VERY impressive, faculty were nice and easy to talk with, and the current students enthusiastic.
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Overall, it was get-to-know-you conversation that seemed to focus on your understanding of the profession (pros and cons), your motivations for entering it, one ''moral dilemma'' question, some past experiences questions about how you handled certain situations plus the opportunity to ask questions of your own.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
49 Minutes Average
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Number:
5.2 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
60% One-on-One
40% Group Interview
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File Type:
50% Open-File
50% Closed-File
CSU-COMP interviews are an average of 49 minutes, with an average of 5.2 interviews. 60% of interviews are one-on-one, and 50% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools are scenario-based, focusing on ethical dilemmas like whether to take a vaccine during a viral outbreak, discussing specific contributions to a program, reasons for pursuing a particular degree, and examples demonstrating empathy. These questions suggest a trend towards assessing problem-solving skills, ethical reasoning, motivation for advanced degrees, and interpersonal abilities during the interview process.
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All were scenarios
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MM1- There is a viral out break and the survival rate is 50%. You are in a high-up position at the CDC and are offered a vaccine for the virus. Do you take the vaccine? What influences your choice?
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What would I be able to specifically contribute to DVM/PhD program?
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Why not just go into a PhD program?
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Tell me about a time when you showed empathy.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences discussed scenarios such as handling employee misconduct, decision-making processes, reasons for pursuing a DVM/PhD, and explaining research projects. Some responses indicated an MMI format with a nondisclosure agreement requirement, suggesting a focus on ethical dilemmas and personal motivations during the interview process.
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MMI4- you are a small business owner of a business with 5 employees. For the second time this month, an employee calls in sick, noting a foot injury. Later that night, a coworker calls and says they saw this employee at the gym with a gym bag. How do you handle this situation? Follow up- how does leadership influence your decision
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Why do I want to do DVM/PhD and not one or the other?
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Tell us about your research.
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What thought process do you go through when you have to make a decision?
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by researching the interview style, practicing common questions, reflecting on past experiences, and attending workshops or using other resources for guidance. They also focused on specific areas related to the role or their application, such as reviewing relevant topics or addressing potential concerns proactively.
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Read info on MMI style interviews
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Practice MMIs for Med School
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Asked myself these same questions, looked over webpages of people I was going to meet, and thought of questions to ask interviewers.
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Read up on wildlife/zoonotic diseases (my area of focus) - but wasn't asked about any of them.
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It was a behavioral interview, so spent time reflecting on past experiences that would demonstrate teamwork, creative thinking, integrity, empathy, conflict management, etc. Put some thought into how I would address questions that may be raised about my application, such as not having many upper division sciences classes completed at the time. Also considered how I would respond if I totally blanked on a question. Attended the free interview prep workshop they offered beforehand, and found it useful.
What was the most difficult question?
Students said the most difficult question asked at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences discussed an MMI scenario where they had to identify an object through 20 "yes or no" questions, followed by explaining their approach. Additionally, questions about future career goals, motivations for a joint DVM/PhD program, and experiences breaking rules to accomplish tasks were challenging for interviewees.
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MMI 5- Your job is the figure out what an object is- it is a person, place or thing. You will do this by asking the interviewer 20 “yes or no” questions. There is no penalty if you do not figure out the object. Follow up question- how did you approach this problem?
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Where do I see myself 5 years from now?
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Other than the time advantage, and the integration of medicine and research, why are you interested in the joint DVM/PhD program.
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Tell me about a time you had to break the rules to get a job done.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming faculty and interviewers, high-quality facilities, and the engagement of current students in the admissions process. They also appreciated the relaxed atmosphere during the meet and greet events.
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The current Director of Admissions is amazing.
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The meet and greet was very nice! Great spaces for students
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High grade facilities, very friendly interviewers, and the teaching hospital.
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The relaxed attitudes of the faculty, and their interest in my research.
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In the waiting area there were several current vet students hanging out trying to help you stay relaxed by talking to you and answering questions (although in retrospect, I wouldn't have gotten as involved in small talk with them because I think I lost a little of my focus and had to regroup during the first few minutes of the actual interview.)
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were disappointed by the lack of relevance in the interview questions to veterinary medicine and personal experiences. They also expressed a desire for more feedback and engagement from the interviewers during the process.
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The questions had very little to do with vet med or personal experiences of the applicant.
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I thought VTH was not as nice, also the lights in the hospital rooms were off so we couldn’t see anything
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Nothing really, it was just a very long day.
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Sometimes the faculty talked to each other, which I certainly didn't mind, but it was hard to tell if they were comfortable with me, or just bored with my answers.
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I'd hoped my interviewers would provide SOME amount of feedback...they were both very nice but didn't give away any hints, verbal or nonverbal, as to how they thought the interview went.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wish they had known more about the local attractions and campus layout ahead of time to better plan their visit. Additionally, they suggest being cautious of the beverages offered during the visit to avoid unexpected mishaps.
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There's a lot to do in Ft. Collins, I would've liked to stay there a bit longer to look around.
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The large layout of the campus.
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Beware of the water & sodas they offer in the waiting area...if you don't handle them correctly, your introductory hand shake will be cold & wet!
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
No responses
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
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DEN
67% interviewees used DEN (DEN), with 33% using Denver International (Denver International).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.
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80% Airplane
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20% Automobile
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0% Train or Subway
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0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Hilton (average ranking 9/10), with some staying at Best Western University Inn (average rating 8/10). (Top 3 displayed)
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Hilton
9/10
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Best Western University Inn
8/10
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Air bnb
5/10
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.0
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 25 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Student (100%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (100%)
All Responses
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