Attitudes toward Virtual Admissions Interviews among Applicants to a Veterinary School

Abstract

Virtual interviews have gradually begun to be utilized in health professions education; however, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in virtual interviews rapidly becoming commonplace for the 2020–2021 admissions cycle. This study aimed to evaluate attitudes toward and experience with virtual interviews of applicants to a veterinary medical college. All applicants to the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine (MWU-CVM) were provided with a link to a voluntary, anonymous survey after completing a virtual interview with the program. A 27.5% response rate (114/415) was obtained. Responses indicate widespread acceptance of virtual interviews, with respondents noting they would be more likely to interview for an out-of-state program with a virtual interview option and most feeling more positively about the program after their virtual interview. In-person interviews were preferred by 62.3% of applicants, while 32.5% favored a virtual option. Most applicants (58.8%) applied to more than six schools, indicating a major burden of cost and time associated with veterinary college applications. Students who experienced technical difficulties were less likely to feel positively about the interview (p = .01). Overall, virtual interviews were viewed favorably by applicants, although many indicated a preference for an in-person interview when possible. Prioritizing an accessible technology platform and high-quality sound input/output for interviewers may help foster a more positive virtual interview for applicants. Virtual interviews are a viable option for veterinary admissions interviews associated with a positive applicant experience.