Veterinary School Mock Interview
Master 54 Veterinary School interview questions covering clinical experience, animal ethics, and your commitment to veterinary medicine.
Question 10 of 54
Studying at veterinary school will require dedication and commitment to your workload. How will you ensure you remain motivated to your studies?
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Example Answer
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Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
The interviewer is asking this question to ensure you have considered and are prepared for the high levels of coursework you will be required to complete. When you answer this question, be honest -- but also keep your audience in mind. Will you use any specific methods to keep you focused, such as personal targets or an achievement board?
Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.
"I am prepared for the high workload that will come with this course, however knowing that I will gain my qualification as a Veterinarian at the end of it is motivation in itself to me. I do, however, also like to set myself weekly goals and mark them on a task board so I can visually see my progress also."
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Anonymous Answer
Having the end goal of being a veterinarian will most definitely keep me motivated. I can handle the workload by keeping organized using a planner, for example, to keep track of the work I need to complete day to day.
Rachelle's Feedback
This question is referring more to how you will remain motivated rather than organized. Try to focus on action steps such as changing your scenery when things become dull, taking advantage of new experiences, or taking on group work.
"I feel ready for the commitment and dedication required of me during veterinarian school. To maintain motivation, I plan to take on more group-work where I can work with the energy of others; try a new study space for a change of scenery, or open myself up to new experiences to keep my environment fresh."
Anonymous Answer
I have always been a dedicated student, so I know that remaining dedicated to my courseload would not be an issue while in vet school. Staying busy and learning new information have always been things that I enjoy. I consider myself an extremely goal-oriented learner, and I keep a very detailed calendar and planner. Some of my most challenging classes in undergrad ended up becoming my favorite classes in addition to being classes where I gained the most knowledge.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a great answer! You show that you are focused and organized. The fact that your most difficult classes became your favorite really puts a spotlight on your ability to adapt and embrace a challenge.
Anonymous Answer
I plan on keeping a planner so I can keep track of deadlines and goals. I will write larger overall goals for veterinary school and break them up into manageable steps in my planner. I will use positive reinforcement, rewarding myself for achieving these steps.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are all excellent forms of motivation. When it comes to positive reinforcement, what rewards will you explore for your achievements?
Anonymous Answer
I will never lose sight of why I chose to study at veterinarian school, which is to help reduce animal suffering. This will maintain my motivation through the difficult times that are bound to arise due to the challenging nature of the course. I believe that I will easily adapt to the heavy workload and find a work/life balance so I can be as successful as possible. To do this I will set achievable goals regularly so I remain on track and never fall behind in my studies.
Rachelle's Feedback
Achievable goal setting is an excellent way to ensure that you stay on track with your studies. Do you have any other methods for motivating yourself when times get hard? If you have an example of a time when you pulled yourself up despite a challenging commitment or workload, this is a great time to include a story-based example.
Anonymous Answer
Personally, I am very interested in science and the veterinary field so I would have a natural passion and motivation for the subject. I will ensure that I maintain a work-life balance by planning my schedule so that can stay on top of my studies whilst still having time to pursue my favorite pastimes. It is important to do this to avoid stress, some of my hobbies include sports- especially karate and swimming and also art and baking.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's nice that you included details of your favorite hobbies and de-stressors. Internal motivation to reach your goals is important also. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
As I am already extremely involved with animal science due to pure fascination, I do not expect to lose dedication or commitment throughout my school years. However, I also believe it is extremely important to set aside a few hours a day to freshen my mind as I believe that helps me work better.
Stephanie's Feedback
You sound very committed to the veterinary profession! You have a great self-care plan in place--taking a few hours a day to freshen your mind is a great idea. I suggest you personalize your response by sharing specific details about how you recharge (example: listening to music, taking a run, reading, catching up with family, etc.)
Anonymous Answer
I will motivate myself by looking at the end goal, however breaking down the work that I need to do into smaller chunks so I can focus and not get overwhelmed. I will also join the VetSoc community so that if I do get stuck I can go for help and help to improve my knowledge. Additionally, I understand the importance of taking time away from revision in order to revive the most efficiently. Therefore, I will get involved in societies such as rowing.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a solid response. You've shared specific actions you'll take to stay motivated and ensure both your success and a healthy life balance. You can also talk about tools or strategies you can use such as time blocking, reminder apps, or advance planning for big projects to help you stay on track.
Anonymous Answer
As a veterinary student, it is important to have an outlet for stress to prevent burnout. Extracurriculars that we love to do can serve as an outlet. My horse, Brooklyn, serves as a stress reliever and brings me joy, even on the days that I feel like quitting. This outlet for stress ensures that I have emotional breaks from my studies so that I do not burn out.
Chad's Feedback
Good! The interviewer will appreciate the insight into your preferred method of relieving stress and avoiding burnout. I have included a slight revision to your wording below, to make it more personalized.
As a veterinary student, I understand it will be important that I have an outlet for stress, in order to prevent burnout. My horse, Brooklyn, serves as a stress reliever for me and brings me joy, especially on the days that I am struggling and feel like quitting. This outlet for stress ensures that I have emotional breaks from my studies so that I do not burn out and am able to remain motivated on my academic goals.
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