Snow, community spirit mark veterinary college's return to in-person applicant interviews

As snow blanketed Virginia Tech's campus, Kimberly Key arrived at the veterinary college feeling an unexpected flutter of nerves. 

"This morning, I was more nervous, I feel like, than the interviewees," said Key DVM '03 and former owner of two Virginia Beach practices. "But once we got going, we got our rhythm down."

That mix of anticipation and adaptation characterized a pivotal weekend at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. 

For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the college returned to in-person interviews for applicants, bringing 256 aspiring veterinarians to campus despite challenging weather conditions. 

The January 11-12 event represented more than just a return to tradition -- it marked a recommitment to the personal connections that shape the veterinary profession.

The weather presented an immediate challenge. As snow fell steadily the evening of Jan 10, the college faced a critical setback: Eight raters withdrew at the last minute. 

"The alumni got on their Facebook pages and found eight people for me overnight," said Jacque Pelzer, assistant dean of student affairs and admissions. "They came in the next day for training. It was phenomenal."

That spirit of collaboration defined the weekend. Of the 64 raters participating, most were alums, with some having evaluated candidates for 15 years. 

During training, experienced raters worked alongside newcomers who were "so anxious about doing it right," Pelzer noted. "After they went through two rounds, they came out and said, 'I love this.'"

"There's something very different about interviewing in person," Pelzer explained. "We get to see them smile, see how they interact with each other and with the student ambassadors."

The carefully orchestrated event included evening receptions, information sessions and facility tours. Eight teams of eight candidates moved through the Multiple Mini Interview format, each guided by dedicated student ambassadors. 

Current students like Olivia Walton, Class of 2027, offered unique perspective, having experienced their own interviews virtually. 

"From having done this solo and then seeing it from their side, I think it's really great that we can provide comfort right before they go into probably a very stressful environment," Walton said. 

"Our student ambassadors were phenomenal," Pelzer said. "They took candidates up for interviews, waited for them with gift bags afterward, and then led tours with their families." 

The college even created what candidates affectionately dubbed "the family daycare" -- a comfortable waiting area for accompanying family members. 

For Key, returning as a rater reflected her commitment to the profession's future. "Veterinarians are in high demand. We need them, and we want to make sure we are putting the good ones out in the pool," Key said.  

This dedication to thorough evaluation was evident throughout the weekend. "I am always impressed how much the reviewers care about learning and evaluating each applicant as accurately as possible," reflected one alumni rater. "Truly, they care about our school and the profession." 

Mitch Caudill, DVM '18, now completing his Ph.D. at the college, agreed: "It's a really unique contribution to be able to make to helping the future of the profession.

The impact of the personal approach resonated with candidates. 

"Everyone who I have met has been nothing short of supportive, encouraging, helpful, and welcoming," wrote one candidate after the weekend, "giving me a great sense of the type of reception students would receive." 

Another praised the opportunity to interact with current students, noting how "interesting it was to hear from the student guides about their experiences and why they love the program so much."

Dean Dan Givens emphasized the weekend's significance: "The day's experience of prospective students and those supporting them directly impacts the overall success of the Class of 2029."

To those who might not succeed this time, Key offered warm encouragement: 

"If this really is your dream, it'll work out,” Key said. “It's just not your timing. Do as much as you can to figure out why you didn't get in, and if you can fix it, fix it for next time."

As the college prepares to interview an additional 250 out-of-state students virtually, Walton shared advice for future students: 

"When you get here, please don't lose yourself in your studies," Walton said. “Explore all the fun things Blacksburg and Christiansburg have to offer. There's so much more than you think in these mountain country towns."