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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 164 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional8–8.9 Very Good7–7.9 Good6–6.9 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 (90%)
Negatively (3%)
No change (6%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (23%)
Good (50%)
Average (23%)
Poor (3%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants commonly expressed positive feedback about their interview experiences, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere, conversational nature of the interviews, and the friendly demeanor of the faculty and students. Suggestions for improvement included better organization of the interview day, more proactive engagement from students in promoting the school, and addressing any potential awkward timing issues between the tour and interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
If you want to make a good impression ask questions about their programs so they know that you have done your research. This was my favorite interview so far.
They looked at my packet and highlighted areas that I felt were important that other schools looked over. I appreciated that the interview was more of a conversation than a question-and-answer session. Even if I don't receive an invite (OOS school for me), I really enjoyed my time there.
My interviewers were wonderful! I loved visiting with the students until time for my interview. Dean Brace was very helpful with questions I had. The facilities were quite impressive!
Real low key. Nothing stressful about it. The students were really nice..but there always has to be one in the bunch that is a snob...made the comment..."oh interviews must be going on...Ugh" really sarcastic tone too!
There were veterinarians from the faculty milling about to meet and greet with students, and they were really helpful. None of the students really knew anything about the practitioner on my panel, but the faculty did and filled me in so I had a good feel for my panel before I went in to interview.
I think this is the first year they did this . . but my interview team consisted of 2 faculty members and one general practitioner from the Knoxville area (which offered a different perspective). Also, the stress level I indicated above was completely due to my own neuroses and not any stress that the interviewers put directly on me . . .they could not have been more cool and laid back.
Everyone at UTK really wants to get to know you. They asked me a lot about equine medicine, since that's my interest, but really wanted to learn about me. What my interests, opinions, and viewpoints are.
I liked the school, the dean, and the students. Several staff members were very friendly and helpful. The interview itself was stressful, but the overall experience was pleasant.
You get a thorough tour, then wait in a room that has food and drinks, along with several students and faculty you can talk to and ask questions.
After your interview, the associate dean talks with you and he's very nice
You meet in a room along with your fellow intervieews. There are food and drinks for everyone. Five minutes before the interviews you have to go out to the hallway and wait for one of your interviewers come and take you to the room. The interview is very laid-back. The interviewers were in casual attire which was little bit surprising. The interview was mostly conversational.
One of the more nerve-wracking I have had. The questions seemed to address really trivial parts of my application and were at superficial level. The reception room available all day was quite nice - it was great being able to talk to students and faculty all day.
You meet associate dean who's very friendly and informative, a student gives a tour in a group, then you wait in a room with snacks until your interview. Several students and faculty are there to talk to you.
The inerview itself is pretty low key, it was more of a conversation at times.
The day didn't seem extremely organized; the directions told you to go to one place but then everybody was congregating (and they expected you to be) elsewhere. Basically, you get there and wait for everybody else to get there, then you hear a little speech about the interview process, then you break into groups to take the tour. The tour was to last 45 minutes or so, but some people had interviews in 30 minutes, so it kind of put them in an awkward position. Then, after the tour, you can eat snacks and talk to students for a minute, but they didn't really have much advice, nor seem super excited to be there. It was kind of weird, nobody tried to sell you on the school or anything, I expected them to tell me why I should consider going there.
UTN-VET-COMP interviews are an average of 30 minutes, with an average of 2.9 interviews. 35% of interviews are one-on-one, and 14% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools were about the applicant's motivation for attending the specific institution, their communication skills, their career choice rationale, challenges facing the field, program-specific interests, personal background leading to the career choice, and knowledge of veterinary-related topics such as zoonotic diseases and common injuries. Some responses indicated an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements in place.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine discussed various topics, including infectious diseases, research projects, cost of the degree, ownership of exotics, public health roles, similarities between different veterinary fields, personal interests like team roping and barrel racing, and ethical questions such as horse slaughter and meat production methods. Some interviewees may have experienced an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements due to the diverse and unexpected nature of the questions asked during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
If you could be any infectious disease, what would you be and why?
Odd question - Why didn't you apply to medical school? Did you ever think of applying to medical school? (Because my mom and grandfather are both involved in human medicine).
One of the interviewers was familiar with my research area (from my application) and asked me if I had heard of a specific virus, which has some traits in common with a bacteria I researched.
Of the veterinarians you've shadowed, which one do you consider your mentor?
how do you feel about horse slaughter? Why don't we just starve them? (My interviewer said the USDA would've agreed with my answer...yay!)
Many applicants prepared for their interviews by reading through their applications and personal statements, researching the school, practicing with mock interviews, and reviewing common interview questions from platforms like SDN. They also emphasized the importance of being specific about their interest in the college and its programs, staying up-to-date on current events in veterinary medicine, and having questions prepared for the interviewers.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
SDN, researching the school, mock interview, searching possible interview questions
Read practice questions, SDN, and prepare answers to standard interview questions. Do your research on the college and what programs they have to offer, be specific, and also have questions prepared.
I read interview feedback for UTK on here, went to the information session in the morning, had gone to 2 prior interviews, and read through the UTK website to find out more about the program. Also, I talked to one of the professors earlier in the day and found out information about my interviewers.
SDN, went back through my application and made notes so that I'd be prepared to be knowledgeable about any experience they asked me about, read veterinary journals and made notes about hot topics in my interest areas, scanned the news to be prepared for any world current events questions
Re-read my application a gillion times, had coworkers read it and come up with questions, mock interview, read CDC, AVMA, TVMA, etc websites, practiced in front of a mirror. Basically, tried to do everything I could to be prepared for any type of question . .. naturally, they only asked me a couple of questions that I had specifically prepared for.
I read my VMCAS application again, reviewed the current issues posts on SDN, read the AVMA's ethical policies, and spent time reading through information on the college's website.
I read the UT web site, re-read my VMCAS application, personal statement, and the supplemental essays I wrote for other schools. I researched contemporary issues in exotic, wildlife, and farm animal medicine. I tried to determine the research interests of the faculty.
Practiced the most basic questions: why our school? why veterinary medicine
reviewed my application/experiences so i could draw upon them should i be asked a behavioral question.
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture College of Veterinary Medicine discussed various topics, including uniqueness and diversity contribution, weaknesses, leadership experiences, compassion fatigue, sacrifices in vet school, veterinarian roles in public health, ethical dilemmas, and application strengths. A few responses indicated an MMI format, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements due to references to specific questions and scenarios.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
What makes you unique and how would you bring diversity to our school?
Would you ever use your DVM to teach? They asked this because my personal statement mentioned that I tutor. Not really a difficult question, I just wasn't expecting it.
If I am a congressman and you are pursuing government funding for (my thesis research), why should I fund your project? What implications would this research have for other fields?
So, you've spoken a great deal about your desire to work with people and your past experiences and current interest in public health . . .why not just go to public health school? (this one just caught me off guard . . I was totally expecting the "why vet school" question just not framed in this context . . .I definitely babbled my way through it . . .blah)
What will you do if you aren't accepted this year? (This wasn't actually difficult, it just came at a weird time in the interview and I didn't think I answered it very well.)
If you were the vet at a racetrack and saw someone hurting a horse, what would you do in that situation? (It was part of my personal statement - I saw some pretty shady things while working at my local raceway)
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by both the interviewers and current students, the high level of support and accessibility of faculty and staff members, and the state-of-the-art facilities, especially the large animal hospital. Many also appreciated the conversational and laid-back interview format, as well as the emphasis on hands-on learning experiences.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
The interview felt more laid-back and conversational.
The interview format was organized while still being relaxed and not super stressful. The whole process was handled very professionally and communication was great.
Dean Brace and the faculty really, REALLY want students to succeed, and will make themselves available to you at all hours if you need help. The school seems like a big family. Very friendly people.
The interviewers were very friendly and encouraging, and I didn't feel uncomfortable at all. Dr. Brace, the dean of students, also had a great presentation before the interviews that answered a lot of questions I had about the school and interview process.
It seems that the students are encouraged, beginning early in the first year, to be in the hospital, ask questions, and help out. They seem to have much more hands-on teaching with live animals than other programs.
I'd heard from several people that UT has a really laid back interview, and it is so true. Halfway through my interview, they asked me what they could do to convince me to come to UT and spent a long time selling the school to me (totally unnecessary b/c I LOVE the school!). They also complimented me on my application, which they didn't have to do, and one of the interviewers had obviously spent a lot of time studying my application...she had things highlighted, post-it notes, things written in the margins -- that really impressed me.
I was very impressed with the information packet, buffet of snacks and drinks, and the professors and student there to greet me when I arrived early for my interview. One of them even offered to take me on a tour of the hospital! Everyone was very friendly and the facilities were great.
Thoroughly impressed with the approachibility of the professors, interviewers, and students. This has been discussed already on other feedbacks but I can't reiterate how NICE and accomodating everyone was. There was no "good cop/bad cop" or disenchanted students. Everyone really seemed to want to make you feel at home and did what ever they could to calm your nerves
The facilities are great - very spacious, and they are looking to expand it even more. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber for horses was cool. The faculty, staff, and students were so helpful and welcoming. Although I was extremely stressed and nervous, the interview was very relaxed and comfortable
How genuinely nice everyone was, and how far they went to get to know me. They asked a lot of cool questions related to what I like and enjoyed speaking with students.
How friendly everyone was, Thelarge animal coordinator came into the room to answer any questions we may have, the dean talked to us at the beginning of the day, student were available throughout day to answer questions.One of my interviewers came out after the interview and showed me an additional part of the hospital. I visited about 3 years ago when they were starting an expansion which they are now almost finished. They are planning on expanding the large animal facility. They have a hyperbolic chamber (sp) how cool is that.
Associate Dean Brace is very personable and helpful. I really liked him a lot. The students leading the tour seemed very fond of their insructors and were very willing to help interviewees in any manner possible.
The friendliness of people and the interviewers. Also, the dean will speak to you after the interview to make you sure you have all your pre-requsites completed.
They have a lot of state of the art equipment. There is also a great connection for the exotic/zoo animal side. Also, the faculty is very friendly and want to get to know you.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about scheduling conflicts impacting interview times, limited exposure to active classes and facilities during tours, and some encounters with unprofessional behavior from current students. Suggestions included improving the organization of interviews, providing more comprehensive tours, and ensuring that student representatives are enthusiastic and welcoming.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
There were some technical difficulties that pushed my interview time back two hours.
That the interviews are so much later than any of the other vet schools. It didn't really leave a lot of time to make a decision before the VMCAS April 15th deadline.
We did not see many students in active class. And we did not get to see many classrooms to get an idea of a "day in the life" (otherwise we saw EVERYTHING else on our tour).
The interview itself was rather confrontational. I felt a little like there was a personality clash and I definitely thought I blew it. I was accepted, however, so who knows.
The tour was given by a group of students, and the students seemed clique-ey, like you could tell that they didn't all like each other, something that the interviewees shouldn't have been able to see. Also, the students didn't seem proud of their school or happy to be there, even though they were giving the tour!
Applicants commonly wished they had known specific details about the interview day logistics in advance, such as parking arrangements, location of interviews, and the fact that interviewers do not have access to academic files. They also highlighted the importance of arriving early, being prepared for inclement weather, and taking advantage of opportunities to interact with current students and faculty.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
I kinda wish they had someone outside handing out parking passes instead of having us park, pick up the pass, then take it back to the car. No a huge deal, but a little annoying.
It would have been helpful to know about the parking arrangement in advance. The interviewees are provided with temporary permits for the day that can be used in the student lot.
Didn't know there would be a practitioner from Knoxville on the panel, but I liked it. My practitioner spoke a lot about the sense of collegiality that she feels as a graduate of the school, the experience she had as a student, etc.
I did know (thanks to SDN) but want others to know that you should go at least 30 mins early for your interview because there is a sitting room where there is food and professors/students eager to answer your questions and help you with anything you might need or be wondering. When I walked in, one of the professors introduced himself and immediately started telling me about the "team" that would be interviewing me (he had a list, which was nice to know in advance!!).
I had a couple of meetings with the Dean beforehand so I knew a lot about the process already. It is nice to know in advance that the committee is only looking at your personal statement and LORs. Dean Brace tells prospective students that the numerical portion of the application (grades, GRE, etc.) is to determine if you CAN "do vet school" and the interview is to determine if you SHOULD do it.
The interviewers are not on the admissions committee, and that they can change the phase 2 scores they gave applicants, even after theyve handed them in
Downtown Knoxville is adjacent to the main campus so it's very reasonable to stay. The Dean does do an information session at 9 when the first tour is supposed to start, so even though there are tours all day it's good to get there in the morning even if you have an afternoon interview.
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?
Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office provide more detailed information about interview schedules to help with planning, and to expedite the decision-making process to allow for more time before the due date. They also recommend sending more frequent updates and information to keep applicants informed throughout the process.
It would have been very helpful if in the interview offer they mentioned how long the tour was going to be. That way students could have planned better when to arrive at the school for the interview and tour.
I wish the process would occur a little sooner so we could hear an admissions decision more than ten days before our due date to decide. I wish interviews were in early March or February to give us more time to make our decisions.
29% interviewees used TYS (TYS)
, with
14% using ATL (ATL)
and
14% using none (none)
and
14% using CHA (CHA)
and
14% using knoxville airport (knoxville airport)
and
14% using Chattanooga (Chattanooga)
.
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
✈️
29% Airplane
🚗
71% Automobile
🚆
0% Train or Subway
🚲
0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Hilton (average ranking 9.5/10), with some staying at Best Western (average rating 9/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Hilton
9.5/10
🏨
Best Western
9/10
🏨
Holiday Inn
7.5/10
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
Admissions staff (4%)
Student (96%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
