Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine Interview Feedback Summary
Corvallis, OR
Veterinary Schools | Public Non-Profit
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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.3
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 58 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.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include describing vaccine schedules for animals, opinions on animal research, ethical scenarios like handling cases of financial constraints for treatment, and questions on personal integrity such as dealing with cheating or views on terminal surgeries. Some respondents may have experienced an MMI format interview with a possible nondisclosure agreement in place.
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Describe a typical vaccine schedule for a new puppy.
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What are your opinions on animal research?
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What do you like about the program at OSU CVM?
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What would you do if a person brought you a horse with a lameness, but they couldn't afford to pay for treatment?
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Vaccine protocol for cats (frustrating, since they had my file and knew my only small animal experience was at a shelter). Also asked about vaccine protocol for horses (better, since that is where most of my experience was).
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine discussed ethical dilemmas in veterinary practice, legislation regarding animal welfare, and handling differing opinions on sensitive topics. These questions likely reflect the MMI format, with potential nondisclosure agreements in place for confidentiality reasons.
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How do you feel about using live animals for surgical practice during your courses?
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They asked me to discuss the ethical/legal responsibilities of a veterinarian.
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What do you know about the current legislation relating to the unwanted horse problem?
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How will you deal with people having different opinions from you on the issue of terminal surgeries?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine discussed handling application "blemishes," working with difficult individuals, ethical considerations of pet healthcare expenses versus global poverty, and justifying academic readiness despite past grades, indicating a focus on personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and academic preparedness. These varied questions suggest a comprehensive evaluation process potentially in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which may involve a nondisclosure agreement given the diversity of challenging inquiries.
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They were really interested in having me explain how I overcame some of the "blemishes" on my application.
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Describe a time that you had to work with a difficult person. How did you respond?
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Asked how I felt about going into vet med, when people spend so much on healthcare for their pets in the U.S. while you can feed a person in a third world country for a dollar a day. This one just threw me off.
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After seeing that I had a couple not so good grades in O-chem and physics one interviewer asked me to convince them that I would be able to handle the rigors of vet school. (This one just threw me off guard because my grades for my last two years of undergrad were really good and I didn't get asked about grades at all in my other interviews)
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had an open file interview.
Was this interview in-person or virtual?
Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by practicing with online MMI questions, reviewing their applications, seeking out sample questions online, researching the school, and discussing strategies with counselors or professionals in the field. It is recommended to utilize online resources, review application materials, and seek advice from professionals to prepare effectively for interviews.
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Practicing MMI questions that I found online.
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Researched general veterinary school interviews and reviewed my VMCAS and supplemental applications.
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Looked over questions posted on forums online. Practiced talking through behavioral-based questions to a friend.
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Read practice questions I found online, reviewed my vmcas and supplemental apps, discussed interview strategies and how to answer difficult questions with career counselor from my undergrad
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Mostly looked for sample questions online and practiced in my head what I would say.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the attentive and interactive interviewers, as well as the friendly and helpful staff in the admissions office. They also appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful facilities, and the opportunity to engage with current students, suggesting a high level of personal attention and a supportive community.
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Each interviewer listened closely, asked their own questions, and responded to your own questions. They were all very relaxed and interested in you as a person.
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The staff in the admissions office are incredibly kind and helpful.
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The interviewers and the office staff were extremely friendly, the facilities were beautiful, and the students I talked to were open and excited about the program.
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Admissions secretary/coordinator was always very helpful and quick to respond. Tour guide was enthusiastic and answered lots of questions...she also took me to dinner with some other current students. Had a horse handling class for interviewees to attend (weekly class designed to help students unfamiliar with horses become more comfortable).
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There were a group of mostly first year students near the entrance that you could sit and talk with before the interview. Also the actual interview environment was pretty relaxed and friendly.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants expressed frustration with intimidating interviewers, lack of expected student interaction, and vague or off-putting questions. Suggestions include ensuring consistency in interviewer behavior and providing the promised resources for applicants.
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One of the interviewers came off as really intimidating. I was surprised because I had heard from many people that Oregon's interview process was extremely relaxed and low-key.
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Nothing!
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Had been told there would be students (and possibly a dog) waiting in the lobby to answer questions, but no one was there--perhaps because my interview was at the end of the day. Hard to get pamphlets, etc. when researching schools.
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Nothing
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There weren't any students to talk to when I first got there, one interviewer kind of seemed out to get you, one of them gave a really vague answer when I asked about their specialty. One interviewer asked if I used animals in my senior thesis, had he read the title of my thesis or anything it would have been clear that I didn't, which I found a little frustrating since it was an open-interview.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interview process would be more relaxed than anticipated, that specific interviewers would be cold, and that there might be a "good cop, bad cop" dynamic. They also mentioned the importance of not stressing excessively and being aware of the interview format.
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That I didn't need to stress as badly
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Who my interviewers would be specifically.
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That it would be pretty relaxed. I stressed out about it too much.
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That some of the interviewers would be kind of cold. At my other interview all of the interviewers were very warm and kind.
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Nothing, I had gone to a mock interview with the OSU Pre-vet club and for the most part the format was exactly the same.
What are your general comments?
Applicants commonly mentioned that they were surprised by the lack of a "good cop bad cop" dynamic, appreciated knowing about the math question in advance, and recommended not stressing about it. They also reassured future candidates that the math question is simple and not a cause for worry, and the outcome of the interview may not reflect how they felt it went.
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Although I had heard that they would play "good cop bad cop", they didn't! There was a math problem, which I was glad I knew about beforehand.
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Don't forget your picture, and don't stress about the math.
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Just know that there is a math question, but it is very simple and nothing to be worried about.
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They accepted me so I guess the interview didn't go as badly as it felt.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Many applicants suggested that the admissions office should make the supplemental application process electronic for convenience. Additionally, they recommended improving the interview process by ensuring a more welcoming and inclusive environment for interviewees.
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To make the supplemental application electronic.
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I felt a bit alone when I arrived for my interview. No other interviewees or current students there
📍 On-Site Experience ▼
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 2-3 hours traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent less than $100.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Portland International Airport (PDX)
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Portland
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Other or at another housing option.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
The most commonly mentioned hotel that users stayed in is the "Hilton Garden Inn."
No responses
How would you rate the hotel?
Most respondents rated their hotel as average
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
Would you recommend the hotel?
No responses
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
All Responses
| Application Cycle ▿ | Impression | Performance | Interview Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Positively 🙂 | Good | In Person |
| 2012-13 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2012-13 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2012-13 | No change 😐 | Good | N/A |
| 2011-12 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Average | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Great | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | Positively 🙂 | Good | N/A |
| 2009-10 | No change 😐 | Average | N/A |
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