Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 23% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
Most respondents felt positively 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 revolve around personal reflection, ethical scenarios, financial planning for school, veterinary medicine motivations, leadership, handling challenging situations, and knowledge of current veterinary issues. Some respondents may have experienced an MMI format and may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement based on references to 'MMI', 'Multiple Mini Interview', and 'nondisclosure' or 'non-disclosure'.
What is one of the things you think you could improve on?
Name a time where you made a mistake and what did you learn from it? I blanked on this one and just said I couldn't think of anything off the top of my head
So tell us what you learned working at Tasty Burger? I found this really funny cause it was my first question of the interview and really broke the tension
Written Questions: choice of two
1) describe the outline of a course you've taken in the past year
2) why is it important for veterinarians to understand zoonotic diseases?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine discussed a variety of topics including research involvement, ethical dilemmas, the feral cat population, client relationships, and career hypotheticals. Some respondents mentioned questions about leadership roles, euthanasia of healthy pets, and the difference between animal ownership vs. guardianship, indicating a diverse range of inquiries during the interviews.
What type of research or projects have you been involved in and what did you learn from it//
I was talking about how physics was a struggle for me because naturally my brain does not think that way and they asked me if, to be a vet, people need to have a 'biology brain'.
Students said most difficult question asked at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine discussed various scenarios such as dealing with mistakes, client communication, disease outbreaks, and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, some responses indicated that the interview format might have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with potential nondisclosure agreements in place, emphasizing a focus on soft skills and personal attributes over technical knowledge.
Name a time you made a mistake and what did you learn from it
I was asked about a very specific peice of pending legislature. I had heard of it, but didn't know the name of the bill, so was confused first. Definitely read up on any sort of laws related to vetmed before!
You have a client's animal boarding at your clinic, and it gets out and runs away. When it is found it has some scrapes, the owner notices this when she comes to pick it up, what do you tell her?
The one about disease outbreaks. I had several answers, luckily, but wasn't really expecting it, and they seemed to be looking for a specific answer that I didn't give. Though they did seem a little surprised by my wildlife answers (since I'm small animal focus). The vaccination question, since I blanked on vaccination laws, heh.
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.
None were difficult - I was not asked anything ethical, behavioral, situational at all. It was entirely conversational, the interview flew by and I was never really *asked* any questions - totally easy.
What is the difference between the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA? Which one is an animal rights organization and which advocates for animal welfare?
What would you advise a client to do if they had been sold an animal with genetic defects from a breeder? What are the components of DHLPP? (Distemper, Hepatits, Lepto, Parvo, Parinfluenza)
Most respondents rate the school location as average.
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?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by practicing with mock interviews, reviewing common interview questions from sources like SDN, discussing their answers with friends and mentors, researching the school, and staying updated on current events in veterinary medicine. Many emphasized the importance of being genuine, passionate, and prepared to share personal experiences during the interview.
I read this website and visited with my advisor. I asked myself interview questions daily
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).
SDN, other interviews...but to be honest the best advice I received was from a WSU vet student right before I went into my interview: Just be yourself!
I feel like the interviewers were truly just looking for passionate and genuine applicants.
Got up to date on veterinary issues by researching the AVMA website. Read the school's website to have a few questions to ask. Reflected on my life and experiences so I could answer questions thoroughly and honestly, but without stressing over various possible specific questions.
Reviewed list of questions from Illinois' website (no longer available, nor is WSU's), talked with pre-health counselor at undergrad's career office, read recent issues of JAVMA, reviewed VMCAS and WSU supplement
Read the newspaper, familiarized myself with current issues in veterinary medicine (avian flu, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act), got myself a good suit.
Did all the mock interview questions on the website. Had 3 mock interviews with a mock panel. Read a book published by the fomer dean. Got a good suit.
Read the AVMA website, researched board certification websites (I noted that I eventually wanted to be board certified in zoological medicine on my app.), etc.
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming nature of the interviewers, students, and staff at the schools they visited. They appreciated the emphasis on collaboration and non-competitiveness, the state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning opportunities, and the overall laid-back and positive atmosphere of the campuses. Suggestions for improvement were minimal, as most feedback was highly positive regarding the interactions with individuals and the environment at the schools.
Everyone at the school was extremely friendly and was genuinely interested to meet new potential students and get to know them. First-year veterinary students also get hands-on experience at the veterinary teaching hospital, which is apparently uncommon.
Everyone was super friendly and positive. They didn't try to trick me. The school was lovely. In the waiting room, they had really outgoing students talking to us (voluntarily, in their free time!) and a really cute yellow lab.
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.
They staff and students were so unbelievably friendly! Everyone was very down to earth and they students seem very happy. I am not a competitive person and so I really appreciate the school's mindset that it is about collaboration and learning verses 'beating out your classmates for a grade.
Also, they have amazing facilities such as the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health and the grizzly bear research facilities.
I was very impressed by the community feel of the school. The tour was exciting. After the day was over, I was very excited about their school. Additionally, the community and comradery were very real.
Everyone was extremely nice, and I felt the interviewers wanted me to feel comfortable. One of the admissions staff sat in the waiting room with us answering questions.
Everybody I met on the entire campus seemed very interested in how we, as applicants, were feeling and if they could do anything to help. I felt very comfortable in Pullman and at WSU by the time I had my interview.
The students, professors, and residents in Pullman are all genuinely friendly and enthusiastic about the school. On our tour, a 4th year student in the large animal hospital invited us to observe a surgery in a cow. This seemed indicative of the friendly culture that WSU fosters.
Everyone was so nice - the other interviewees, the interviewers, the students, faculty, and staff. They all wanted us to get a good feel for the school.
the comraderie of the classes, the tour guide, the overall friendliness of everyone I met, being able to sit in on classes. Most of all, sitting in a room with other interviewees and being able to commiserate.
The absolute, all-around nicest people are here from the students, to office staff, to the admissions committee! Also, they had a nice greyhound in the interview waiting room - he made my nerves vanish!
The VTH is pretty new and has a lot of equipment. Also, one can freely move into the hospital from the rest of the school, so if you have 10 minutes between classes you can quickly run over there and see what's going on. The campus is very nice, and there are comfortable chairs in the lecture hall. The faculty and students seemed happy that everybody there had chosen to accept the interview invitation.
Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the lack of enthusiasm from students, the small town and isolated location of Pullman, the impersonal interview process, the crowded and noisy environment during the essay writing, and the outdated facilities. Suggestions included improving the enthusiasm of students, enhancing the interview process to be more personalized, providing a quieter space for essay writing, and updating facilities.
The hospital was nearly empty in the middle of the day during the week. There didn't seem to be a lot going on, and everyone seemed to have plenty of time to come talk to us about things (which was nice, but I was curious as to why they weren't busier). I had to walk all the way across the building to the place where we interviewed from where we waited, which was kind of awkward.
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.
I had looked at doing undergrad at this school and was not impressed back then, having come back to a beautiful facility with such nice staff, I have to say they really made me excited about their veterinary school
Interview was less conversational than others and although it was open-file, I was not asked about my experience/preparation (my questions were entirely situational/ethical and financial).
There weren't more scheduled tours. The only tours scheduled while I was there occurred during the pizza party and during my interview. So I didn't get to go on a tour.
I disliked writing the essay in the waiting room with everyone, but suppose that was part of the point: to see how you dealt with the noise and distractions.
I was asked to do a 15 minute essay before my interview. It was extremely difficult to concentrate since the only space to write it was in the admissions office where lots of interviewees and students were talking pretty loudly. Maybe a test of skills in concentration and writing under pressure?
the facilities were small and a bit outdated except for the teaching hospital. The very isolated rural location limits the number & varitey of cases you would encounter
They ask basically the same questions to all the interviewees; I felt that it was very impersonal, and I almost felt like they didn't really care who was sitting in the chair.
Applicants commonly wished they had known to stay for the mixer, the interview environment, the types of questions asked, and the attire expected. They also highlighted the importance of being prepared, learning about residency opportunities, and not being overly nervous for the interview.
That I should have stayed for the mixer and that I was going to be interviewed in a board room
All classes at WSU vet school are pass/fail. They had a student rank system but have to ask the school in order to find out your rank...I love the lack of competitiveness!
WEAR A SUIT. I planned on a blouse and trousers and was told 3 days before that most people would be wearing suits so I went out and bought one and was glad I did!
Don't fly into Pullman!!! They almost diverted my flight to Lewiston due to "windy weather" in Pullman, and I would have had to take a very expensive taxi up to Pullman. Most people said they fly into Spokane instead and drive down.
Random fact: Jo-C (almost 2 years old) is a dog that sits in the office to keep you company and hopefully relax you. I was worried that I would get distracted when I was writing my essay, but the timing wasn't an issue.
Applicants generally found the interview process at WSU to be friendly, conversational, and more relaxed than expected. The feedback highlighted the importance of being authentic, making eye contact, and being confident during the interview, with positive comments about the school's environment and the friendliness of the faculty and students.
The interview feels formulaic, like you are only a number, and like they may have already made their decision and are trying to catch you making aa mistake.
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!
So my plane was late and I missed the first half of the tour. The Student Service Specialist was kind enough to take us on a tour to go over what we missed and really gave us a lot of imformation and was really friendly. The faculty were amazing and happily stopped to introduce themselves and awnser questions we may have had. The Student Service Specialists dog kept students company in the waiting area. I was the last interview of the day and the interviewers were still really upbeat and really friendly and gave me a awesome interviewing experience. All in all great experience.
I wish it were easier to get to Pullman, but I was glad I made it out for the interview - my interviewers got me excited about the school and sold their program to me pretty well. The waiting room was full of current vet students who really made me feel at ease and kept me entertained while I waited. WSU seems like a really friendly, supportive environment and I was glad I made it out for my interview!
I think WSU is a great school; everyone is very nice and approachable,and the interview process wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was hard and I was nervous, but I'm glad it's over now! The facilities as WSU are fantastic, and the students were very friendly.
I have forgotten most of the questions they asked me. Nerves are a great memory eraser... The format was very free-flowing and conversational, with follow-up questions to answers I gave.
The pizza mixer was a fun way to talk to professors and students. I got some good advice about fulfilling prerequisites and housing in Pullman there. Also, a few interviewees wore jeans or cords to the interview, while others wore suits. In my opinion, it is much better to get a suit or a good pair of slacks and a professional shirt.
Interviewers were very nice, made a good effort to get to know me. It was more like a conversation than an interview, after they had gotten the ethical/technical questions out of the way.
The experience was pretty much what I expected. The facilities were great, the students were very eager to tell you anything you wanted to know. The interview was more relaxed. I didn't feel like I was under much scrutiny.
great!! three-on-one, but really informal. surprisingly, i had met with tw of the interviewers before (unbeknownst to any of us beforehand), so a lot of the interview was the basic questions, but also a follow-up on my conversations from before.
Had to write a 15 minute essay answering one of two questions.
There was a greyhound in the waiting room which really helped to calm me down before I went in.
My interview was supposed to be about 30 minutes but ran to about 35 minutes. The interview itself was more like a long, guided conversation. The interviewers were sincerely interested in me, asking me questions that I know they hadn't planned to ask me. They weren't afraid to laugh and seemed to actually enjoy the interview. Of all the interviews I had gone to, WSU was the only one that I felt I had shown the interviewers who I really am.
very positive. you write a 15 minute essay when u first get there, and then proceed to your interview. it was very laid back and conversational. they were all very nice.
I didn't like it; it was more like an interrogation. They kind of had an attitude of ''we're the best'' and I never felt that they really conviced me of why I would want to go there (I'm out of state).
It was fun and very conversational. Also, interviewees have 15 minutes to do a written response to a prompt question prior to the interview. Late in the evening, the current vet students hosted a pizza party for interviewees to mix and mingle.
Overall it was pretty good. They were running about an hour late, so that was a little annoying. The interviewers seemed to enjoy the interview, and didn't make it hard or push me further on any questions. I have heard that those who are questionable admits have their interview with the chair of the admissions committee and they had tougher interviews (more medical type questions and interviewers telling them they probably wouldn't get in, so what will you do instead?). You also have to spend 15 minutes writing an essay responding to a topic they give you (ours was about the veterinarian's role in preventing an H5N1 outbreak in the US). Overall, though, the interview was very relaxed and pleasant.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested providing more tour options, improving communication regarding prerequisites, offering structured interview dates with Q&A sessions or student panels, and ensuring a warm and welcoming environment for interviewees by engaging with them more actively. They also recommended sending information on classes and activities ahead of time to better prepare applicants.
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.
I fell in love with the school due to how friendly the staff and students were! It was really great that normal students who not being paid and were not trained came up to me throughout the day to talk about the school and share their enthusiasm. The whole process felt very genuine and non-contrived. They did a wonderful job making applicants feeling welcomed and comfortable.
Bringing transcripts day of interview has caused lots of headaches for already stressed students when there is a question of equivilency and cuts into interview! adcoms should have cleared all that prior since we go to lots of trouble and expense to get to this point
The interview dates could have been more structured. I wish there had been a Q and A or student panel (like other schools had). I was not welcomed when I arrived for the tour, and actually had to track down someone to begin my pre-interview essay. I felt like the admissions office did not take an interest in the students there for interviews, and actually decided not to go to the pizza mixer because of it. The only faculty that spoke with me were the ones conducting the interview.