Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Interview Feedback Summary
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 generally 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 average.
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, particularly in the MMI format, may involve scenarios related to self-management, team management, and ethics, exploring personal feelings and decision-making. Respondents were unable to disclose specific MMI questions due to signing nondisclosure agreements, but questions also touched on topics such as reasons for choosing veterinary medicine, areas of interest within the field, and ethical dilemmas in animal care.
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Cannot disclose, 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.
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Can't disclose.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, pet ownership laws, and scenarios involving animal care. The interview format appeared to be an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses referencing nondisclosure agreements, although some respondents found the questions to be more conventional and reflective of standard interview queries.
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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 most difficult question asked at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, personal qualities, and veterinary profession challenges. The interview format may have been an MMI based on references to nondisclosure, with questions focusing on ethics, personal reflections, and scenario-based inquiries.
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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 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 were neutral about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 5 or more 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 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.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by reading potential practice questions, reviewing their application materials, researching current events in veterinary medicine, practicing with friends or family, and familiarizing themselves with the interview format. Suggestions included practicing common interview questions, staying updated on ethical issues and veterinary news, and utilizing resources such as the AVMA website and SDN for guidance.
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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 consistently impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the interview staff and current students, the quality and modernity of the facilities, the interactive and conversational nature of the interview process, and the welcoming atmosphere of the campus. Suggestions included expediting the interview process and providing more information about the curriculum or academic offerings.
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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 process, including pre-recorded questions, time constraints, lack of feedback, and an impersonal or unfriendly interview experience. They also noted issues with the facilities, limited opportunities for engagement or information sharing, and a perceived lack of enthusiasm or warmth during the interview day. Suggestions included improving interview feedback, providing more engaging tours, updating facilities, and enhancing the overall organization and warmth of the admissions process.
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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?
Applicants commonly wished they had known that there were no right or wrong answers in the interview process and that being unique, thoughtful, and empathetic was key. They also mentioned the importance of being prepared to be yourself, being aware of the interview format, and not stressing too much as the process goes by quickly.
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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 commonly expressed positive impressions of the school, faculty, and students, but had mixed feelings about the MMI format and the interview experience, with some feeling intimidated or uncomfortable. Suggestions included providing more information about the school and ensuring clarity in communication throughout the application process.
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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, ditching the MMI format, providing more information about the program's culture, ensuring all materials are received before deadlines, and highlighting the helpfulness and friendliness of admissions staff, particularly Joyce Massie.
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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
📍 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 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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LYH
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Roanoke
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Roanoke Regional Airport
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 stayed hotel among the responses is "Inn at Virginia Tech".
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Days Inn
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Hampton Inn
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Hawthorn Suites
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Holiday Inn University
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Inn at VA Tech
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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