Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Interview Feedback Summary
Blacksburg, VA
Veterinary Schools | Public Non-Profit
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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 ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.0
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 180 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 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 were neutral about their interview.
Positively (58%)
Negatively (21%)
No change (21%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (21%)
Good (52%)
Average (18%)
Poor (9%)
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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
40 Minutes Average
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Number:
5.6 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
68% One-on-One
32% Group Interview
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File Type:
42% Open-File
58% Closed-File
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Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person
VMRCVM-COMP interviews are an average of 40 minutes, with an average of 5.6 interviews. 68% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 58% are closed-file.
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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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
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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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 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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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
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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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.
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
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 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.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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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
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
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LYH
40% interviewees used LYH (LYH) , with 40% using Roanoke (Roanoke) and 20% using Roanoke Regional Airport (Roanoke Regional Airport) .
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
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22% Airplane
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78% Automobile
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0% Train or Subway
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0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Inn at VA Tech (average ranking 9/10), with some staying at Holiday Inn University (average rating 7.7/10). (Top 3 displayed)
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Inn at VA Tech
9/10
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Holiday Inn University
7.7/10
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Inn at Virginia Tech
9/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in 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 (8%)
Faculty member (4%)
Student (88%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (85%)
Neutral (15%)
All Responses
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