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?
This question is one of the most common questions to be asked during an interview process. You MUST be prepared with a concise summary of the top reasons to choose you. Even if your interviewer doesn't ask one of these questions in so many words, you should have an answer prepared and be looking for ways to communicate your top reasons throughout the interview process. With this question, your interviewer is asking you to sell yourself and your status as the best person for the position. In answering this question make sure you explain that: You can do the work and deliver exceptional results You will fit in beautifully and be a great addition to the team You possess a combination of skills and experience that make you stand out from the crowd.
"I have the experience and the attitude to excel in this position. I have almost two years of veterinary experience, which I have gained in collaboration with my school, where I was exposed to all aspects of Veterinary Medicine and worked so hard the first year that they invited me back for a second summer and gave me more responsibilities. I have a reputation for getting things done -- and with a smile on my face. That's because I love working in the Veterinary industry and am excited to learn and get experience in every way possible."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have a passion for veterinary medicine. From my work experience at my local vet's, I have seen the day-to-day life of a vet and what it entails. When I am at the vet's, it gives me a feeling of complete happiness. I know that this is where I belong and because of this, I am extremely motivated and hardworking to get to where I want to be with a smile on my face as I do it!
Rachelle's Feedback
To stand out from the competition, try to dig deeper than this. A great response will include your combination of skills versus your feelings. How will it benefit this school to accept you as a student? The current response focuses more on how this benefits you. Feel free to try again, and I can send you new feedback :)
Anonymous Answer
One of the things that makes me unique is my dedication to serve my community. I grew up in the Appalachian region, resources are limited. I volunteered most of my time to our school backpack program that provides dinner for students whose parents can't afford to feed them at dinner. I also volunteered at my college with the local high school tutoring children. I hope to continue community service projects into vet school.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent response! Most decision-makers prefer applicants with a background in volunteering, and yours is very strong. You show a lot of heart, which is great. If you have any academic achievements that make you a stand-out candidate, it would be beneficial to add these in.
Anonymous Answer
I believe that I am a prime candidate for vet school because of my experience, drive-in academics, and passion for always learning. I want to contribute to research and discoveries throughout my career. Since I graduated from school in May, I have worked a full-time job as a veterinary assistant, and I am continuing to learn new techniques every day. Between my full-time job and experience gained in other hospitals in collaboration with school, I have had prime exposure to the veterinary world. I strive to remain calm, positive, and passionate during my work.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your experiences thus far will be a very valuable addition to your application. This is a very well-rounded answer, touching on the soft and hard skills you will bring to the school.
Anonymous Answer
I am a passionate individual who wants to dedicate my life to protecting animals. I have the drive needed to be successful in veterinary medicine. I will never give up, even when the course becomes difficult. My motivation to be in this profession is very strong. Compassion and empathy come naturally to me, and I have a deep-rooted desire to help suffering animals and their owners.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you have many noble reasons to pursue a career as a veterinarian. I suggest including some examples of these qualities and desires in action, which will take your answer from simply 'telling' to also 'showing' the interviewer that you have what it takes.
Anonymous Answer
There are two main reasons. First of all, my organizational skills are perfect for dealing with the intensive workload of both a veterinary medicine degree and career. A really good example of this is during my GCSEs, I balanced playing a role in a semi-professional pantomime, where I had to attend rehearsals at least 3 times a week and although challenging, it allowed me to have a mental break so I could enjoy all aspects of my life more. Secondly, I have a genuine passion to make an active contribution to one health, and I'm so excited to be entering the veterinary industry when Covid-19 emerging at a human-animal-environment interface has shown the importance of health professionals standing hand in hand and working together. This means I will constantly endeavor to put the most into my work at vet school so I can pursue this passion.
Rachelle's Feedback
Supporting your statement with the GCSE example is a smart approach. Your passion for the industry and continued learning shine through in this response. In addition to your reply, I recommend carving out at least one tangible way your presence will benefit the school.
Anonymous Answer
I feel I have the necessary qualities to be a vet, not just the academic skills that I have proved I have, but also the people skills and practical skills required. I am a very motivated and committed individual which helps me keep on top of my studies and I have a background in Art and Design so I have a very high level of manual dexterity. Working as a swimming teacher has developed many transferrable skills, one being communication skills. I can give clear instructions to people but also adapt the manner in which I speak to them depending on their age/ personality. I believe this is an important skill to have especially when working with animals of different temperaments or clients with different personalities. I have also learned to work well under stress and be very adaptable which is vital since working in the veterinary field has a huge unpredictable element.
Rachelle's Feedback
You bring up some excellent hard and soft skills in this answer, and it's clear that you have stand-out experiences to bring to the school. If you have specific academic achievements that stand out, such as awards/accolades, etc., it would be good to include the details.
Anonymous Answer
I think that I would make a good candidate for vet school as I am hardworking and am passionate about my career. I would also get involved in the uni, and I plan to join the vetsoc and other societies such as rowing and running. This will help me to be a part of the community. Additionally, I believe that I have the skills that are required to be a vet as I have communication skills which I have demonstrated through being the cox for a winning boat in a regatta, I have teamwork skills which I have demonstrated through taking part in team dance were I had to make sacrifices for others, showing me determination.
Furthermore, I enjoy constantly learning so I think that this will be a good course for me.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a strong answer you can build on. Consider sharing more specific information to help the interviewer better understand what would make you an ideal candidate. Talk about the academic success that shows you're hard-working or any volunteer experience in the veterinary area that illustrates your passion for the field. You also illustrate that your participation in dance illustrates your teamwork skills and willingness to sacrifice. Tell the interview how you work as a team or what you sacrifice in order to give him or her clearer insight. You also state that you're constantly learning. Tell the interviewer what you enjoy learning about that relates to the veterinary field and how that new information or skill would help you excel in veterinarian school.
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