Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine recently finished incorporating an applicant interview into its requirements for acceptance into the program – a first for the college.

“We have received very positive feedback from the students, faculty and clinicians that conducted the interviews,” said Kathy Kuehl, program coordinator for the College of Veterinary Medicine. “When this process started, Iowa State was one of four veterinary schools that didn’t have the personal interview as part of the application evaluation.”

What has transpired from the face-to-face interactions, she said, is promising.

“The results of the process showed that students really wanted to interview and learned a lot about Ames and the college that they wouldn’t have known by simply checking a box on the application,” Kuehl said.

The admissions committee interviewed a total of 365 students for 123 positions that will make up the class of 2012. Applicants funded their own trips to Ames and came from as far away as California and Connecticut. Interviewing process began in late November 2007 and finished on Feb. 9.

“In the future, we will be interviewing around 275 students, but this year’s group was larger due to the newness of the process and several issues that arose along the way,” Kuehl said.

The interview gave prospective students a chance to see Ames and tour both the city and school. Although the applicants paid for their own travel, Iowa State provided food and hospitality.

“Some students from coastal states that may have had a biased opinion of Ames really seemed to enjoy their visit, and being able to interview changed their opinion of the Midwest,” Kuehl said.

The interviews focused on behavior-based questions and were scored by the interviewer on a set rubric scale. Questions focused on judgment, motivation, autonomy, innovation and integrity. Students were asked to detail past experiences that demonstrated their character and professional goals. Interviewers included faculty members and clinicians within the college and, to simulate a blind, unbiased assessment, no member of the admissions committee was part of the process.

“Admissions committee members read the student’s paper application, but were not part of the interview,” Kuehl said.

Applicant’s final scores are derived from three composite values – the academic score, the admissions committee score and the interview score.

The only difficulties in the process that were reported were cost issues and the overtime required of college staff members and students. The process will likely continue through 2012, so the results of the process can be monitored throughout the class’ four-year period at Iowa State.

Monica Howard-Martin, director of student programs for the College of Veterinary Medicine, arranged a schedule for the applicants and families invited to Ames. She deemed the pioneering event for the college a success and gave special thanks to current students.

“Our biggest sellers were our students,” she said. “This event couldn’t have happened without their sacrifice and willing participation.”

She also emphasized that much was learned from visiting with the families of the visiting applicants and being able to address their concerns.

“It’s important that the families’ needs are met because they will be important components in the vet school process,” she said. “I feel we have a true mix of students.”