Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine

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Pullman, WA

Veterinary Schools | Public Non-Profit

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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼

How did the interview impress you?

Positively

What was the stress level of the interview?

2 out of 10

How you think you did?

9 out of 10

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

10 out of 10

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

10 out of 10

💬 Interview Questions ▼

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

How do you define integrity?

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What was the most interesting question?

Describe the difference between animal ownership vs. guardianship and explain the implications of these terms for the veterinary profession.

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What was the most difficult question?

I didn't find any of the questions particularly difficult. I will say that, during the interview, USU/WSU emphasized 'soft' skills versus technical/theoretical knowledge. The school was very interested in knowing what type of a person I was- how I interacted on a team, how I saw myself as leader, how I resolved conflict, etc. Much to my surprise, I wasn't asked anything about my extensive background in scientific research, nor about my clinical experience. One member of the panel did want to be sure that I understood what was involved with 'getting from here to there' with respect to my chosen specialty post-graduation from vet school, and asked me a variety of questions pertaining to residency preparation, etc.

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🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼

How long was the interview?

40 minutes

How many people interviewed you?

4 (I am a Utah resident; My interview took place at Utah State University)

What was the style of the interview?

One-on-one

What type of interview was it?

Open file

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

No responses

Where did the interview take place?

At a regional location

📍 On-Site Experience ▼

Who was the tour given by?

Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Enthusiastic

How do you rank the facilities?

9 out of 10

What is your in-state status?

In state

What were your total hours spent traveling?

2-3 hours

What was your primary mode of travel?

Automobile

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

< $100

What airport did you fly into?

No responses

Where did you stay?

Friends or family

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

No responses

How would you rate the hotel?

5 out of 10

Would you recommend the hotel?

No responses

What is your ranking of this school's location?

8 out of 10

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

5 out of 10

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses

✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

10 out of 10

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

10 out of 10

How did you prepare for the interview?

I am a non-traditional student (well over 30) and am employed at a major University full time. I took advantage of the career services office at this school, and completed two mock interviews (spaced approximately 10 days apart). These interviews focused completely on behavioral-based interview questions [tell me about a time that you....; describe a situation when you....]. This was very good preparation for the USU/WSU interview. During the first mock preparation, the career counselor pointed out my strengths and weaknesses. For the second appointment, I had corrected those weaknesses and had a much stronger showing. I spoke with a number of trusted confidants regarding my interview and asked them for advice. I reviewed my application materials, as well as all research I had conducted from undergrad forward (over 10 years of history).

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What impressed you positively?

USU/WSU invited its candidates to a light dinner which was followed by a panel discussion staffed by current students (1st/2nd years). As prospectives, we were encouraged to ask any questions we had about the program. I found this to be very helpful. We also had the opportunity to mingle with current students, administrative staff, and faculty throughout the evening. I found the interview to be low stress, more of a conversation than an interview. What impresses me about USU/WSU generally is the emphasis that the school places on non-competitiveness, teamwork, and collegiality. This is a major thrust of school culture, and a huge selling point of the school from my perspective. This was evident to me from the moment I set foot on USU's campus. Many of the facilities at USU have been recently built/renovated for purposes of the veterinary school, and the animal science program is well established. The small class size (n = 30 total; n = 20 UT, n = 10 OOS) makes for an intimate academic environment where students develop strong relationships with their faculty.

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What impressed you negatively?

Nothing. I lived in Logan previously so knew what I was getting into as far as the town is concerned (I did not, however attend Utah State at any time in my educational history prior to vet school). Logan is a small town. If you're looking for an exciting, urban lifestyle, neither Pullman or Logan will be your type of place. If you're into the outdoors, both Pullman and Logan have a ton to offer.

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What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

How awesome the vet school people are. I think I'll fit right in here.

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What are your general comments?

There is a reason that cliches are called cliches- in your interview, remember to be yourself. When I interviewed for the panel at USU/WSU, that's exactly what I did. I made no bones about who I was, and didn't attempt to give the committee what I thought it 'wanted to see/hear.' I showed them who I was, live and in the flesh. Don't be afraid to be authentic and show your true colors. A current USU/WSU first year gave me some excellent advice via SDN prior to my interview. Once you make it to the interview stage, remember the following: The admissions committee is already very interested in you as an applicant- now your job is to remind them why. Good luck!

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What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

The supplemental application for admissions cycle 2013-2014 had multiple digital glitches. I'm hoping that these are worked out and corrected for subsequent cycles. That being said, WSU's IT support person (Brandon Burch) was wonderful and very helpful. He made sure that any and all issues that I experienced with the supplemental were handled and fixed well before the submission deadline. Very responsive and timely.

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Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine

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