Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Interview Feedback Summary
West Lafayette, IN
Veterinary Schools | Public Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 26% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
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 inquiries about personal experiences with diversity, reasons for pursuing a veterinary degree, ethical dilemmas in clinical practice, handling stress, demonstrating leadership skills, and views on various veterinary practices such as euthanasia, animal welfare, and surgical procedures. Some respondents mentioned a structured interview format known as Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and potential nondisclosure agreements regarding specific questions asked during the interview process.
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There is much diversity amongst us in today's society. Tell us a time where you have experienced diversity in the workplace. (It was along those lines)
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"What do you like to do for fun?"
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What do you think a DVM degree would do for you?
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Tell us about yourself.
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You're a small animal clinician and someone brings you a puppy who's parvo positive. The owner can't afford treatment and wants you to euthanize it. What would you do?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting questions asked at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas like euthanasia of a puppy, financial constraints in pet care, diversity, animal welfare vs. rights, and the impact of environmental disasters on veterinary practice. There were also questions about personal attributes for being a good veterinarian, opening a solo clinic, cooking preferences, and views on cloning, with no specific mention of an MMI format or nondisclosure agreements.
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"Say I am your client, we have known each other for 20 years. I have brought you many animals. What if I came to you saying that I have this 3 month old puppy and its chewing on everything and pooping inside and I ask you to euthanize it? What would you do?"
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What is the biggest issue facing veterinary medicine today?
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What would you do if you had a parvo dog brought to you, and the owners didn't have the funds to pay for treatments?
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Describe a time when you had to deal with an issue relating to diversity. (My interviewer was the director of Office of Diversity Initiatives, so this was probably unique to her).
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If we were going to come over for dinner what would you cook for us?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, stress management, personal values, and conflict resolution. Some responses hinted at an MMI format with mentions of nondisclosure agreements, highlighting a variety of challenging scenarios and ethical considerations faced during the interview process.
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"How do you feel about the debt that students have and the low salaries they make? Many people say that we are making a group of elitist. How do you feel about this?"
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What was a time you had to improve on a relationship that didn't start off the best?
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What would you do if you were in a research project and you didn't think the animals were receiving the proper level of analgesic care?
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Vet school can be very demanding, overwhelming, and stressful. How do you plan on dealing with all the stress?
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What will I remember you by?
✅ 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 2 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.
No responses
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing past interview questions on websites like Student Doctor Network (SDN), practicing answers with friends, and studying their personal statements and applications. Many also researched the school's program and current events in the field, as well as rehearsed common questions and practiced responses.
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Looked at this website. Did a mock interview with my animal and veterinary science department. Worked with another friend who had a different interview and talked about how we would answer questions
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Practiced questions found on here and other sites
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Review other peoples' questions on this site. Review my VMCAS and my personal statement. Breathe deeply, and try to be myself, relaxed and natural.
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reading the SDN interview feedback
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Looked at previous interview questions and thought about possible answers.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were consistently impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at Purdue, emphasizing the sense of community and support among students, faculty, and staff. They appreciated the well-organized interview day, opportunities to sit in on classes, and engaging with current students and faculty members, highlighting the school's commitment to student success and mental health support.
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The people and the school itself. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed the dinner and getting to know and talking to students.
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The Purdue "family" is real. Small Class size. Most diverse veterinary school. They have a councilor and really care about students mental health.
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Continued description of "family environment"
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The culture of the campus. Everyone there loves the school and is proud to be a part of it. They preach it is a family, and it truly is. The entire day was full of opportunities to learn about the school and what it's like as a vet student. Even got to attend some classes - which were impressive in themselves. Like that they focus on success in business as well as success as a DVM.
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The organization of the interview day was outstanding. They had different seminars to attend throughout the day so there wasn't much down time. The students and faculty were super friendly and welcoming and I could tell they truly love Purdue. I even got the opportunity to attend one of the 1st year ANI classes (problem based learning) and the students were very inviting and treated me like one of their own. I also thought it was great that Dean Reed was mingling with interviewees throughout the day and genuinely seemed interested in each and every applicant. The banquet they held at the end of the day was also much nicer than expected with great food and further faculty/student involvement.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed negativity towards the long and tiring interview day, lack of organization in scheduling interview times, outdated facilities, and unimpressive tour experiences. Suggestions included better planning for interviewees to alleviate idle time, improving communication regarding interview schedules, providing more engaging tours, and ensuring a positive environment for both interviewees and current students.
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The day was so long....they did a student panel multiple times during the day so people ran out of questions and I kept hearing the same thing over and over again
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The length of the day is tiring!
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The teaching hospitals (small and large) were a bit outdated, but still very functional. I wouldn't say this was necessarily a negative though.
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Nothing!
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Nothing, I loved it!
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the long and busy schedule of the interview day, advising arriving early, wearing comfortable attire, bringing snacks, and being prepared for potential downtime between activities. They also expressed a desire for more information on the interview timing, the nature of the interviews, and the overall structure of the day to better manage expectations and stress levels.
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Go to the entire thing. If you have an afternoon interview still go in the morning. You get to meet people and other interviewees. Bring snacks and water.
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The events in the morning are different than the afternoon ones so come early even if you have an afternoon interview
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The day is VERY long... 14 hours! So I'm glad I wore flats instead of heels. I wish I would have eaten a bigger breakfast beforehand because they do have some small danishes and donut holes, but it's limited. That being said, there is a cafe in the vet school with inexpensive sandwiches and wraps so you won't starve.
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What was the recommended attire for the banquet.
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Nothing for me, just a heads-up even though you have a checkin time that may be in the afternoon look at the days itinerary! There is a lot of stuff going on for you to do and it all really helps getting to know the school
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview experience enjoyable and insightful, with many emphasizing the importance of preparation and staying relaxed during the process. Feedback also highlighted the welcoming atmosphere at Purdue, although some noted areas for improvement such as more clarity on interview schedules and mixed perceptions of faculty demeanor.
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Very relaxed environment they were straight faced but I got them to laugh. They ask a LOT of questions so be prepared. As long as you prepare it is very easy!
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I was really impressed by Purdue. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and the admissions staff were so organized. Everyone continuously talked about the "family" atmosphere at Purdue, and with such a small class size, I truly think they mean it. It seems like everyone gets along very well and is there to support each other in any way possible.
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School is great and everyone is super nice. They will try to answer every question that you have and if they don't know it they will find someone that does. All the students are very open about their experiences.
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Great school, great experience and I really hope I get in!
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I loved it
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office improve communication by providing interview times in advance, increasing staff for check-in efficiency, posting the full schedule online, and clarifying specific details such as addresses.
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Just contact them. they are extremely friendly and willing to help students
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Nothing everything was wonderful
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None, my experience that day was outstanding and I really hope I get in!
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Put the entire days schedule online. I was told to checkin at noon, and saw there was stuff I would have enjoyed going to at 10am I had missed already.
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Notify us of interview time before hand
📍 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 out of state students.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 7+ hours traveling to the interview.
What was your primary mode of travel?
Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
Most respondents spent between $401 and $500.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
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IND
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IND (Indianapolis)
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Indianapolis
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Indianapolis International Airport
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Indianapolis, IN
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
The most commonly mentioned hotel is Holiday Inn, with a total of 3 mentions.
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Days Inn
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Days Inn Lafayette
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Fairfield Inn and Suites, Lafayette IN
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Holiday Inn
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Holiday Inn Express (Right off of I-65)
How would you rate the hotel?
Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
Would you recommend the hotel?
Most respondents would recommend their hotel.
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
All Responses
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