Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Blacksburg, VA
Veterinary Schools | Public Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 31% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents were neutral about their interview.
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.
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
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools are related to the motivations for pursuing veterinary medicine, future career goals, ethical dilemmas in animal care, and scenarios testing problem-solving skills. Many respondents mentioned being asked about their reasons for choosing veterinary medicine, where they see themselves in the future, handling challenging situations with clients, and discussing current issues in the field. Some responses indicated that the interviews were conducted in an MMI format, with participants unable to disclose specific questions due to signing nondisclosure agreements.
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Cannot disclose, NDA signed
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Same thing as above, NDA signed
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Cannot discuss specific MMI questions but they were fun!
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N/A
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In fairness to the MMI I won't disclose any scenarios. What I will say is that they are asking questions to probe your own personal feelings about self management, team management, ethics - there's a wide range. I guarantee that in some way, you (the reader of this survey) have considered this scenario and how you might act. You've been preparing for it your whole life, in a sense.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine discussed MMI format with some respondents under a nondisclosure agreement. Common questions included ethical dilemmas on euthanasia, pet ownership, and performing cosmetic procedures on animals. Other notable topics were Lab Animal Medicine, handling client financial constraints, and views on animals as property versus guardianship.
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N/A
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Can't disclose.
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Sorry, had to sign a NDA
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Can't say.
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MMI - cant disclose
What was the most difficult question?
Students said the most difficult question asked at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including specific academic inquiries, ethical dilemmas related to animal research and pet ownership, personal goal challenges, and scenarios testing decision-making skills. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format with nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted the challenge of recalling information across split interviews, demonstrating a mix of traditional and scenario-based questions during the interview process.
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N/A
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Can't disclose.
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Can't really say, but I didn't think there were any really difficult questions.
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Can't say.
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MMI - cant disclose
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 5 or more people.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had a closed 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.
📍 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.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.
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 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 Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)
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Roanoke Regional Airport
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Roanoke
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LYH
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
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VT's hotel on campus
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The Inn at Virginia Tech
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Super 8 Christianburg
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Red Carpet Inn
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Ramada Baltimore Avenue
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 is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
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.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Many applicants prepared for the interview by practicing with potential questions, reading up on their applications and the interview format, reviewing ethical questions, and staying updated on current events in veterinary medicine. It was common for candidates to seek feedback from various sources, such as online forums, veterinary professionals, and friends, to help them prepare effectively.
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Made up potential practice questions and had someone ask me while I answered.
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I didn't really
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Honestly, I didn't really prepare. I just woke up as normal, listened to my favorite songs, ate food I really liked and told myself it would all be okay.
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Read MMI for the Mind & an Animal Welfare/Ethics book
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Read up on my own application, the interview format, and enjoyed the campus and experience!
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and accommodating interview staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and engaging interview process. They appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, the equal opportunity provided by the MMI format, and the personal connections established during the interviews. Suggestions included speeding up the process and maintaining the high level of friendliness and enthusiasm displayed by the interview staff and students.
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The type of questions seemed as if they were geared towards gauging our levels of empathy, problem solving, and social skills.
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The interview questions.
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Everyone was very friendly and accommodating.
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The facilities were top-notch. The anatomy lab is pristine, the lecture hall and building were super impressive, and while the small and large animal hospitals were older buildings, they're very well-equipped. I was also really impressed with the other interviewees - I felt that those whom I met were very fun, interesting and supportive.
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The vet school itself because I had never visited and was turned off by Blacksburg and the surrounding area.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the interview format, particularly the MMI structure and lack of feedback from interviewers. Additionally, issues related to facilities, such as outdated buildings and limited visibility during tours, were noted as areas of improvement. Suggestions included providing more transparency about the interview process, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere during tours, and addressing facility maintenance to create a more positive impression on prospective students.
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The interview questions were pre-recorded. This is changing this year, as they are moving back to in-person interviews for in-state applicants.
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Time constraints, always.
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They do not have a wildlife clinic.
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There's very little about this school that impressed me negatively. I think the location is poor for some, but I'm rural-minded and loved it.
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The entire MMI structure has a very small subset of individuals that it actually helps to gain insight into their beliefs as a person.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Many applicants wished they had known that there are no right or wrong answers and to simply be unique, thoughtful, and empathetic during the interview process. Additionally, some applicants expressed a desire for more clarity on the interview format and feedback received, while others noted the importance of being prepared, staying organized, and not stressing too much.
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That there were no right or wrong answers. That you needed to only be unique, thoughtful, and empathetic.
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That they did not have a wildlife clinic = less hands-on experience with wildlife/exotics.
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That there's no concrete way to prepare for the interview, other than to be yourself (generic, I know) .
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That I would still hate the MMI after the interview.
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Nothing.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally shared mixed feedback about the MMI format, with some finding it enjoyable and effective for evaluating applicants, while others felt it limited their ability to shine. The friendliness of the faculty and staff was widely appreciated, but concerns were raised about the interviewers' approachability and the school's organization in handling paperwork.
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The school is great, location is nice and rural, faculty seem extremely approachable & helpful.
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I got a great impression from the school, students, faculty, and interviewees alike. An acceptance from VMRCVM would be very difficult to decline!
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I realized that because vet school is unbelievably competitive, the interviewers would not attempt to be your friend and their would be some level of intimidation, but the degree to which some of the interviewers would go to make you feel uncomfortable was not something that made me want to consider this school as a choice if I were to be accepted.
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Hated the MMI format. I think it did not let me show my full potential as an applicant.
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The MMI is amazing if you have great critical thinking skills and possess the gift of gab. If you have at least those two qualities, you will not have any awkward moments and you will do just fine. All other character traits they test are about who you are so relax, go with the flow, and be your true self. Believe it or not, you're already in at this point, you just need to prove to them you are the same in person as you are on paper.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest bringing back in-person interviews, discontinuing the MMI format, providing more information about the program's culture, ensuring all materials are received before deadlines, and offering a reception or information session before interviews. They also praised the responsiveness and helpfulness of the admissions office staff, particularly highlighting Joyce Massie as being friendly and supportive.
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Bringing back in-person interviews is a smart move.
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N/A - they were very responsive and helpful.
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Get rid of the MMI format
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Ditch MMI format.
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None! The MMI format is great
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