University app - multiple mini interviews - vet school - any prep courses?

[Heavyvetting]

My DD is applying to vet school. To cut a long story short she has the grades and has the work experience - currently on a gap year.

She has had one interview which went badly. She was so nervous she was crying. She seems to struggle with the MMI format. She has one more interview at Edinburgh next month which is her last chance this year! That is also in the MMI format.

She has looked on studentroom etc but I was wondering if anyone knew of a provider that lets potential vet students practice these interviews. She had one at her old school but they are used to helping potential medical students and not vets and it didn't do her much good.

[BossWitch]

Unfortunately one of the reasons both medical and vet courses switched to this format is because it is harder to prep for - universities don't want people who have been polished up for the interview, they want to be able to assess the candidates on as equal a footing as possible. The other reason for these very fast multi stage interviews for med/vet courses is that it is a bit like the job they'll be training for - stressful, fast paced, etc and they need to see if the student can cope in that situation. I was told this by the medical school admissions chair at an rg uni.

I'd recommend your dd looks into more gener calming / coping with stress techniques to help her feel more in control, as opposed to trying to prep for the interview itself. Best of luck to her.

[SunshineAndShadows]

I don't know of any practise providers for the interviews but the interviewers are generally trained to be patient and empathetic - they know students are nervous! The aim of the MMI format is not just to test students knowledge but also their problem-solving and communication skills. Interviewers aren't looking for the 'right' answer or a student that regurgitates facts, but a student that can successfully navigate the situation, even if they don't know all the answers. Many vet school exams use this format in addition to more traditional exams.
The best way for your daughter to prepare would be to spend dome time reading news articles relating to science, medicine, animal welfare etc and thinking about how she might knowledgeably discuss these issues. Also to think about cases and practical experiences she's seen during her work experience - what did she learn and how would she describe them? It's natursl to be nervous but general interview practise will help, eye contact, ask for clarification if unsure of the task and try and problem solve or offer alternative solutions rather than just 'I don't know' or 'I can't do that'. If she is genuinely stuck though, she should say so and the interviewer will move on and give her a chance with something else. Good luck!

[BossWitch]

*general, not gener!

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I am a vet a regularly mentor people going to university getting hold of copies of the veterinary times and reading up on current hot topics is very useful.
They also have very topics euthanasias and communications being very common. Being able to present examples is helpful.
The interviews are tough for a number of reasons:
Firstly competition is fierce they have lots of candidates with the grades and experience.
Secondly good communication skills is essential to be a good vet.
Finally everyday in practice is emotional gruelling and sadly the profession has an incredibly high suicide rate due to access of drugs. They are trying to ensure that candidates are emotional robust enough for the profession.