Veterinary School Mock Interview

Master 54 Veterinary School interview questions covering clinical experience, animal ethics, and your commitment to veterinary medicine.

Question 1 of 54

Give me a specific example of a time when you have had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. What happened and what was the outcome?

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Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

Prior to answering this question think about your choices, as this is a situational question that is looking to challenge. Did you not want to conform to the policy because it was unethical--but then you did? You may think of yourself as the martyr in that situation, but you'll just come across as someone who is OK with being unethical. That's not the image you want to project. Did you not want to conform because you knew best? Saying that you knew more than your previous boss is a bad tactical error in an interview because then you're badmouthing them--and that's always a no-no. The best way to handle this question is to understand that the interviewer wants to know how you would really react in a difficult situation. What's your communication style? Did you confront your boss? Did you avoid the whole discussion?

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown created and launched MockQuestions in 2008.

"I might ask questions or express concerns over a policy because I believe it's part of my job to support the team and that includes spotting potential issues before they become actual problems, but in the end the decision belongs to my supervisor and I always respect that."

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Anonymous Answer

I think an example and one that I have discussed with my vet while volunteering is the situation where a healthy animal has to be put down because the owner cannot afford to look after it. This is a very controversial topic for obvious reasons, and there are many factors that people need to take into consideration. However, at the end of the day, I will support the decision of the vet as I know that he has much more experience.

Kevin's Feedback

This example is very good. I have reworded it for the sake of flow and sentence structure.

"One policy to which I cannot agree is when a healthy animal needs to be put down because the owner can no longer look after it. This topic is highly controversial, and many factors need to be taken into consideration when facing this type of job as a veterinarian. I came across this very scenario while volunteering at an animal clinic. Of course, I supported the vet in what he needed to do; however, I did not agree with the action taken."

Anonymous Answer

There have been some cases where I did not agree with a policy within the workplace or professional setting. In these situations, I support and respect the decision of the veterinarian and office management. There was a case where the owner was not capable of paying for extensive treatment and requested euthanasia. The doctor in charge of the case handled it with great wisdom. A co-worker ended up adopting the dog. If the animal had been put down, I would not have agreed, but I would have supported the doctor.

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you bring a strong professional balance to the workplace. Thank goodness for this co-worker adopting the dog! Try offering up what you feel would have been a best-case solution had your co-worker not stepped in.

Anonymous Answer

I haven't been in a situation like this in my school career since I have been encouraged to challenge what I believe is wrong and make my own decisions. As a professional, however, it is likely that I would be faced with a situation like this. I would do sufficient research into the policy and make sure I knew my rights. I would consult my colleagues and ask for their views and what they would do in my situation. Eventually, I would speak to my supervisor and tell him or her why I disagree with the policy, but I accept that they have more experience, and therefore I would ultimately support his or her decision.

Rachelle's Feedback

It's a great idea to give a hypothetical instance based on what you anticipate in your professional career. This is a strong option if you do not have the experience as of yet. Your approach shows that you are very willing to collaborate, ask for assistance/opinions from those senior to you, and take the time to gather the necessary data to form your stance. Well said!

Anonymous Answer

While spending my time volunteering at the animal shelter, I became close to an 11-month-old lab mix that eventually was deemed unadoptable, and the policy is euthanasia in these cases. While I voiced my concerns and tried every alternative, it did not go in my favor. With the chance to speak to the vet, it allowed me to better rest that he knew best.

Rachelle's Feedback

This would have been a challenging situation - a tough one to face. I recommend including more detail when you provide story-based answers. Our guide to STAR for behavioral-based responses should be helpful to you: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method/

Anonymous Answer

During my time at the Equestrian Centre, I experienced the euthanizing of sick or injured horses with expensive veterinary bills due to commercial considerations. Although I could not actively change this decision, I opened conversations with employees there about the ethical implications of this and what it meant for animal welfare. I learned that it is not as black and white than I first thought. If the horse's vet bills were too expensive, it meant that they wouldn't be able to afford care for the other horses, and so they were respecting animal welfare. This allowed me to understand how finances can impact veterinary care.

Rachelle's Feedback

Although you did not agree at first, it's fantastic that you had the curiosity to ask and open up a conversation with others in the field. You learned a valuable lesson and gained important knowledge of veterinary-related finances at the same time.

Anonymous Answer

During my time at veterinary clinics, I have come across policies that I did not necessarily agree with. There have been situations in which clients could not afford treatment for their pets and decided to euthanize instead. While it was hard for me to this, I respected the owner's request and looked at it as a learning opportunity about how people are placed in a variety of situations.

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent answer! This answer is effective because it will be memorable to the interviewer. The thought of people euthanizing their pets due to a lack of funds is, while practically understandable from a financial standpoint, very sad and something that will likely resonate with the interviewer. This was a great example to include in your answer.

Anonymous Answer

The hospital I work for provides the opportunity for clients to pay for their animal's treatment with a monthly payment plan. In few cases, a payment plan is still not an obtainable opportunity due to finances. For example, a pet that was diagnosed with parvo was presented to us. We were able to give them an extensive treatment and payment plan, but they were unable to approve it as they could not pay. This led to the owner's decision to euthanize their pet. Although this was not easy to watch and difficult to understand, I knew the owners decided this for the best interest of their pet. I was able to conform with the owner and veterinarians decision.

Rachelle's Feedback

This situation would be very challenging to witness, no doubt. Your answer presents a potential follow up question: 'When you are a veterinarian, what efforts can you make to prevent this situation from occurring regularly?'

Anonymous Answer

I previously worked at a rehabilitation center that had a policy where they put new seabirds on a hydration and feeding schedule. When I was hired to a new center, they did not have this policy in place. I expressed my concern to figure out why they felt a hydration and feeding schedule was not important for new seabirds. My supervisor explained to me they saw no difference in the impact this schedule has on the patients and felt handling the birds was better for the patient to limit stress. I am glad I asked about this policy before conforming because I was able to understand the reasoning behind it and I agree with limiting contact we have with wildlife patients.

Marcie's Feedback

This is a very good answer because you give a clear and applicable example in response to the question. It's also great that you took the initiative to ask and find out the reasoning behind a policy that at first you didn't agree with or understand. This shows the interviewer that you don't just take things at face value and blindly believe but that instead, you will ask questions when you don't understand. It also shows that you are open to new perspectives. Nice job!

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54Veterinary School Interview Questions & Answers

1.Give me a specific example of a time when you have had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. What happened and what was the outcome?

2.Tell me about a time when you have had to use your persuasion skills to influence someone's opinion. Why was this needed, and what was the outcome?

3.Give me a specific example of a time when you have used good judgement and logic in solving a problem. What was the process followed, and what was the outcome?

4.In your opinion should people be allowed to own exotic species? Justify your answer.

5.Put yourself in the position of a qualified vet. What would you do if you felt the animal you were treating may have been abused? What legal avenues would you pursue, if any?

6.Put yourself in the position of a qualified vet. What would you do if an animal was brought into the surgery, having been hit by a car, and the owner refuses to pay for treatment? Would you still treat the animal?

7.Is there a specific area you wish to work in as a vet? Do you have any aspirations to work outside of a standard practice?

8.How has your education to date influenced your decision to train as a veterinarian?

9.Why do you feel you are the best candidate for veterinary school? What can you bring to the school that makes you an ideal applicant?

10.Studying at veterinary school will require dedication and commitment to your workload. How will you ensure you remain motivated to your studies?

11.In your opinion, what do you see as the most appealing part of a role in veterinary medicine?

12.What is your opinion on using live animals to practice surgery?

13.What experience have you had working within veterinary medicine? What have you most enjoyed?

14.Imagine the situation. You are working within your role and have a female who gave birth to 9 puppies. She can't feed them all. What would you do? How would you distinguish those that are undernourished?

15.Why do you think a career in veterinary medicine is for you? Do you have any other career aspirations if you are not accepted into veterinary school?

16.Tell me about a difficult situation you have had to face within your career to date. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?

17.Looking back at your previous education, which class did you find most challenging, and why?

18.Veterinary school can be an intensive, stressful experience at times. Can you tell me about a time where you have had to handle a pressurised situation? What happened and what was the outcome?

19.What are your opinions on the use of animals for veterinary school? Do you think your opinions will change if you are accepted to the study program?

20.What do you think are the best parts about working for a private practice? And why?

21.What are your long-term career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

22.How will you ensure you are financially stable to complete your studies at Veterinary School?

23.If you had to choose one area of specialism to work within, what would it be?

24.How do animal rights and animal welfare differ?

25.Tell me about a time when a colleague you have been working with has made a mistake. What happened, and what steps did you take to rectify it?

26.As a vet, do you have the right not to treat an animal? Explain the reasoning behind your answer.

27.How would you handle the situation if you saw one of your classmates cheating during the course? What would you say, and who would you address it to?

28.In your opinion, what do you think would be the most difficult situation you could face as a vet? Justify your answer.

29.Talk me through the research you have done prior to applying for this course. How do you know this course is right for you?

30.What experience have you had, if any, working within a farm environment? What did you learn from this experience?

31.Talk me through any clinical experiences you have had, if any. What exactly you did, and what you learnt from it.

32.If I had to ask your previous employer to describe your work ethic to me, what do you think they would say, and why?

33.What was your motivation for wanting to be a Vet? Have you always had a love of animals?

34.Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. What was the reason behind this, and what was the outcome?

35.What does delegation mean to you?

36.Give me an example of a time when you have been required to work closely with your colleagues to keep them motivated. Why was this important, and was it successful?

37.Give an example of a time when you have had to deal with an irate customer or co-worker. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it?

38.Why do you think it is important to be able to use your initiative within the role of veterinarian?

39.Give an example of a time when you have failed to reach a target or achievement. How did you handle this, and move forward?

40.How would you handle a customer who had conflicting opinions and views on the required treatment of an animal?

41.What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

42.Being a Vet will require you to think on your feet and fact-find information if needed. How will you ensure you remain abreast of relevant information required to perform your role?

43.What is your favorite animal, and why?

44.In your opinion what do you see as the least appealing part of a career within veterinary medicine?

45.What do you think are the worst parts about working for a private practice? And why?

46.You will be required to provide knowledgeable answers and advice to your clients within the role of veterinarian. How do you anticipate enhancing your knowledge and skills once qualified?

47.What skills and behaviours do you feel are important in order to be a successful vet?

48.What traits do you possess that make you qualified to be admitted into veterinary school?

49.In your opinion, what do you think is the biggest challenge the veterinary industry faces currently, and why do you think this is?

50.What ethical dilemmas do you think you may face as a veterinarian? How would you handle these?

51.Tell me about a time when you have had to use empathy to help a colleague or client through a difficult situation? Why was this important, and how did you manage the situation?

Veterinary School Mock Interview

Give me a specific example of a time when you have had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. What happened and what was the outcome?

54Veterinary School Interview Questions & Answers

1.Give me a specific example of a time when you have had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree. What happened and what was the outcome?

2.Tell me about a time when you have had to use your persuasion skills to influence someone's opinion. Why was this needed, and what was the outcome?

3.Give me a specific example of a time when you have used good judgement and logic in solving a problem. What was the process followed, and what was the outcome?

4.In your opinion should people be allowed to own exotic species? Justify your answer.

5.Put yourself in the position of a qualified vet. What would you do if you felt the animal you were treating may have been abused? What legal avenues would you pursue, if any?

6.Put yourself in the position of a qualified vet. What would you do if an animal was brought into the surgery, having been hit by a car, and the owner refuses to pay for treatment? Would you still treat the animal?

7.Is there a specific area you wish to work in as a vet? Do you have any aspirations to work outside of a standard practice?

8.How has your education to date influenced your decision to train as a veterinarian?

9.Why do you feel you are the best candidate for veterinary school? What can you bring to the school that makes you an ideal applicant?

10.Studying at veterinary school will require dedication and commitment to your workload. How will you ensure you remain motivated to your studies?

11.In your opinion, what do you see as the most appealing part of a role in veterinary medicine?

12.What is your opinion on using live animals to practice surgery?

13.What experience have you had working within veterinary medicine? What have you most enjoyed?

14.Imagine the situation. You are working within your role and have a female who gave birth to 9 puppies. She can't feed them all. What would you do? How would you distinguish those that are undernourished?

15.Why do you think a career in veterinary medicine is for you? Do you have any other career aspirations if you are not accepted into veterinary school?

16.Tell me about a difficult situation you have had to face within your career to date. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?

17.Looking back at your previous education, which class did you find most challenging, and why?

18.Veterinary school can be an intensive, stressful experience at times. Can you tell me about a time where you have had to handle a pressurised situation? What happened and what was the outcome?

19.What are your opinions on the use of animals for veterinary school? Do you think your opinions will change if you are accepted to the study program?

20.What do you think are the best parts about working for a private practice? And why?

21.What are your long-term career aspirations? Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

22.How will you ensure you are financially stable to complete your studies at Veterinary School?

23.If you had to choose one area of specialism to work within, what would it be?

24.How do animal rights and animal welfare differ?

25.Tell me about a time when a colleague you have been working with has made a mistake. What happened, and what steps did you take to rectify it?

26.As a vet, do you have the right not to treat an animal? Explain the reasoning behind your answer.

27.How would you handle the situation if you saw one of your classmates cheating during the course? What would you say, and who would you address it to?

28.In your opinion, what do you think would be the most difficult situation you could face as a vet? Justify your answer.

29.Talk me through the research you have done prior to applying for this course. How do you know this course is right for you?

30.What experience have you had, if any, working within a farm environment? What did you learn from this experience?

31.Talk me through any clinical experiences you have had, if any. What exactly you did, and what you learnt from it.

32.If I had to ask your previous employer to describe your work ethic to me, what do you think they would say, and why?

33.What was your motivation for wanting to be a Vet? Have you always had a love of animals?

34.Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done. What was the reason behind this, and what was the outcome?

35.What does delegation mean to you?

36.Give me an example of a time when you have been required to work closely with your colleagues to keep them motivated. Why was this important, and was it successful?

37.Give an example of a time when you have had to deal with an irate customer or co-worker. How did you handle the situation, and what did you learn from it?

38.Why do you think it is important to be able to use your initiative within the role of veterinarian?

39.Give an example of a time when you have failed to reach a target or achievement. How did you handle this, and move forward?

40.How would you handle a customer who had conflicting opinions and views on the required treatment of an animal?

41.What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

42.Being a Vet will require you to think on your feet and fact-find information if needed. How will you ensure you remain abreast of relevant information required to perform your role?

43.What is your favorite animal, and why?

44.In your opinion what do you see as the least appealing part of a career within veterinary medicine?

45.What do you think are the worst parts about working for a private practice? And why?

46.You will be required to provide knowledgeable answers and advice to your clients within the role of veterinarian. How do you anticipate enhancing your knowledge and skills once qualified?

47.What skills and behaviours do you feel are important in order to be a successful vet?

48.What traits do you possess that make you qualified to be admitted into veterinary school?

49.In your opinion, what do you think is the biggest challenge the veterinary industry faces currently, and why do you think this is?

50.What ethical dilemmas do you think you may face as a veterinarian? How would you handle these?

51.Tell me about a time when you have had to use empathy to help a colleague or client through a difficult situation? Why was this important, and how did you manage the situation?

52.Tell us a bit about yourself.

53.What are your weaknesses?

54.Why should we admit you to our veterinary school over other well-qualified candidates?