Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine Concludes Annual Interview Week

Starkville, Miss. - Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has concluded its annual Interview Week for admission into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

More than 350 prospective veterinary students from across the globe traveled to Starkville the week of Feb. 9 to complete in-person interviews as part of the competitive application process.

“It is an amazing time to bring in these applicants, meet their families, hear their hopes and aspirations, and ultimately welcome another 118 students who will help make this community even better,” said Dr. Nicholas Frank, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Conducting these interviews is a very hard job. So many of these applicants could become wonderful veterinary students.”

Interview Week is led by the CVM Office of Admissions and Student Success under Dr. Brittany Moore-Henderson, assistant dean.

“It takes a lot of people to make something as large as Interview Week work,” Moore-Henderson said.

The admissions and student success team includes Kyla Leggett, admissions and outreach manager; Tyranni Outlaw, recruitment and scholarship coordinator; and Cora Andrews, admissions and student success coordinator. This group has spent months preparing for Interview Week.

“We had a little over 1,800 applications this year, and narrowing that down to the students that were invited to interview was extremely challenging,” Leggett said. “These students are outstanding. Throughout the week, our interview committee members kept telling us we should just accept all of them. I wish we could, but we don’t have enough seats.”

Each day, new groups of prospective students made their way through the Wise Center, home of the CVM, for a full day of conversations and interviews. After the conclusion of interviews, the team starts gearing up for the next day with a pre-interview social. This social consists of a student faculty panel, conversations with mentors and a college-wide tour. 

“The pre-interview social provides applicants with the opportunity to hear candid perspectives from current students and faculty on topics such as community, support resources and student life. It also allows applicants to ask questions and gain insight into what could become their next home away from home,” said Cora Andrews, admissions and student success coordinator. 

The admissions and student success team is supported by 30 CVM student envoys, current Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students who volunteer their time to assist during Interview Week and other recruitment events. Outlaw oversees the envoy program. 

“We couldn’t do any of this without our wonderful student envoys,” Outlaw said. “They give tours, answer questions and spend time with interviewees during social events. Many also serve as mentors, offering advice as students prepare for their interviews.”

Envoys fill crucial roles throughout the week. They fit prospective students for lab coats, they conduct tours, and they help ease nerves by acting as formal student mentors for the interviewees.

“We fill in the gaps however we’re needed,” said second-year DVM student and envoy McKenzie Setler. “This is a very well-oiled machine, and everything runs smoothly.” 

Second-year DVM student and envoy Kahylin Nesbitt said they understand what interviewees are feeling. 

“We’ve been in their shoes,” Nesbitt said. “They’re nervous, but we get it, and we’re here to help.” 

Many interviewees ask similar questions, said second-year DVM student and envoy Amari Shields. 

“They want to know how hard the program is and how long classes are,” Shields said. “I’m impressed with this group. Almost all of them seem to have attributes that would make them great additions to the CVM.” 

An experienced panel of interviewers also makes the process possible. Each applicant met with a three-person panel: two CVM faculty members and one CVM alumnus. This year, 86 faculty and alumni volunteered their time. 

“Our faculty is amazing. Our alumni are amazing,” Moore-Henderson said. “I’ve been running Interview Week since 2018, and every year I’m humbled by the incredible work these people do. It is not easy.” 

MSU CVM is among a small number of U.S. veterinary colleges that still require in-person interviews, which is an approach Moore-Henderson believes strengthens each incoming class. 

“You learn a lot about someone when you meet them in person,” she said. “A much more personable experience for students to enjoy.” 

Frank offered simple but meaningful advice for future applicants. 

“Practice before the interview,” he said. “It helps you articulate your thoughts so that, even in a stressful situation, you can communicate the message you want to share.” 

Applicants will be notified of their admissions status by Feb. 27. 

“We call every student to let them know,” Leggett said. “We cry with them, we celebrate with them. It is a joyous time.”