UC Davis SVM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UC Davis SVM) is a top-ranked veterinary program known for its innovative curriculum and commitment to advancing animal, human, and environmental health health.universityofcalifornia.edu. The admissions process utilizes a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format to evaluate applicants’ personal attributes and fit with the school’s values. UC Davis SVM emphasizes a mission of “One Health” and a culture of collaboration, compassion, and inclusivity, reflected in its selection criteria and program offerings vetmed.ucdavis.edu. The four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program accepts around 150 students per class and provides diverse opportunities – from cutting-edge research to community-based training – that candidates can explore during interviews. To prepare effectively, applicants should be aware of key veterinary policy issues in California and beyond, understand the non-academic qualities UC Davis seeks (like resilience and communication skills), and be ready to discuss common veterinary ethical scenarios and personal motivations. Keeping track of the 2025-2026 application timeline (from application deadlines to interview and decision dates) is also crucial for a successful admissions experience.

UC Davis SVM conducts virtual MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) sessions as the core interview format for DVM admissions vetmed.ucdavis.edu vetmed.ucdavis.edu. In this format, applicants progress through a series of short, structured interview stations (approximately 10 active stations, with brief rest breaks, totaling around 12 rotations) vetmed.ucdavis.edu forums.studentdoctor.net. Each station presents a scenario or question, and the candidate has a few minutes to review the prompt before engaging in a timed dialogue with an interviewer or rater. Notably, the MMI is closed-file, meaning interviewers do not have access to the applicant’s academic records or background during these interactions – they focus solely on the candidate’s responses to the scenario forums.studentdoctor.net. The MMI stations are designed to assess personal traits rather than scientific knowledge; for example, they evaluate communication skills, ethical reasoning, empathy, teamwork, and other qualities important to veterinary practice vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Interviews are conducted via an online platform (Kira Talent) to provide a structured virtual experience vetmed.ucdavis.edu, and the entire MMI exercise lasts roughly 100 minutes per applicant (with all stations completed in one session) vetmed.ucdavis.edu vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Student feedback indicates that while the MMI can be challenging, the interviewers and faculty create a supportive atmosphere – they often remind candidates that there are no “right” answers, helping to ease stress during the process studentdoctor.net. Approximately 240 applicants are invited to interview (generally in early December), competing for around 150 seats in the incoming class, so the post-interview acceptance rate is on the order of 60-65% vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Understanding this format and what it evaluates is key for interview preparation, as it guides applicants to focus on situational judgment and self-reflection during the interview.

UC Davis SVM’s mission centers on serving animals, society, and the environment through leadership in veterinary medicine. The school explicitly adopts a One Health approach – recognizing the interconnected health of animals, people, and ecosystems – as a guiding principle health.universityofcalifornia.edu. In practice, this means the DVM program is dedicated to advancing animal health care, improving public health, and promoting environmental stewardship as part of veterinary training and research. UC Davis also prides itself on a culture of collaboration, compassion, and respect, fostering an inclusive community that values diversity and teamwork in pursuit of its mission vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to uphold the UC Davis Principles of Community, underlining values like mutual respect and cultural sensitivity. In fact, the admissions process reinforces these values: applicants submit a “Principles of Community” essay as part of their secondary application, reflecting on diversity and inclusion – a prompt that highlights how seriously the school takes its community values vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Overall, UC Davis SVM’s ethos combines academic excellence with public service; the program aims to produce veterinarians who are not only skilled clinicians and scientists but also compassionate leaders committed to animal welfare and societal well-being. This alignment between the school’s mission and its interview process means that candidates who demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to these values are viewed favorably.

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at UC Davis is a four-year professional degree curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of veterinary careers. Each cohort consists of roughly 150-155 students, making UC Davis one of the larger veterinary programs in the country vetmed.ucdavis.edu. As a public veterinary school, it has a mandate to serve California’s needs – the majority of each class are California residents studentdoctor.net, and while out-of-state students are admitted, competition for those spots is especially high (non-resident admittees tend to have outstanding academic credentials due to fewer seats available) vetmed.ucdavis.edu. The program is comprehensive: students gain foundational knowledge in biomedical and veterinary sciences, along with extensive hands-on clinical training through the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and affiliated clinics. UC Davis does not require students to track into a specialty from day one; instead, the curriculum exposes everyone to core competencies across small animal, large animal (including livestock and equine), and other domains, especially in the first years. In later years, students can pursue elective rotations and special interests (from exotic animal medicine to radiology or pathology), tailoring their experience to career goals. The school is renowned for its specialized training opportunities and research integration. For example, it offers unique dual-degree options like the Veterinary Scientist Training Program (DVM/PhD) for those interested in research, as well as a Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) focusing on epidemiology and public health health.universityofcalifornia.edu. The campus hosts numerous centers of excellence – such as the One Health Institute, the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, and the Koret Shelter Medicine Program – which allow students to engage in cutting-edge research, wildlife and ecosystem health projects, and community service programs give.ucdavis.edu. These rich resources mean that UC Davis DVM students can explore diverse fields (companion animal practice, food animal medicine, wildlife conservation, lab animal medicine, public health, etc.) within the program. The school’s national and global reputation is reflected in its consistent top rankings; for instance, UC Davis has been ranked #1 in the world multiple times (and more recently #2 worldwide and #1 in the U.S.) for Veterinary Science by QS World University Rankings vetmed.ucdavis.edu. This prestige is built on strong faculty, extensive research funding, and a track record of veterinary innovation. For interviewees, these program facts are not just trivia – they offer context for thoughtful discussion. Demonstrating knowledge of what the program offers (and aligning one’s interests with UC Davis’s strengths) can underscore a candidate’s genuine enthusiasm. Below are some program features an applicant might consider discussing or asking about during the interview:

Potential Questions to Ask at the Interview

• What opportunities does UC Davis provide for DVM students to get involved in research or pursue advanced studies (for example, through the dual DVM-PhD Veterinary Scientist Training Program)? health.universityofcalifornia.edu
• How does the clinical training work at UC Davis – are there unique rotations or externships (such as in shelter medicine or wildlife medicine) that students can take part in?
• In what ways does the curriculum incorporate the “One Health” approach, and how can students engage with the One Health Institute or community outreach programs during their time here?
• What support and resources are available for students interested in non-traditional veterinary career paths (like public health, academia, or international veterinary work)?

Beyond personal and academic fit, UC Davis may expect applicants to be aware of broader issues and policy topics affecting veterinary medicine locally and nationally. Interview scenarios or discussions can sometimes touch on current events or ethical/policy challenges in the field. Being informed shows that a candidate is engaged with the profession’s context. Some notable topics relevant to the school’s environment (California) and the veterinary field in general include:

• Veterinary workforce shortage and access to care: Like much of the U.S., California faces a shortage of veterinarians in certain areas, leading to long wait times for appointments and strained animal care services. In response, the state has enacted measures such as expanding telehealth access for pet care – a recent law allows veterinarians to provide telemedicine services without an in-person exam when appropriate, to help improve access amid the vet shortage axios.com.
• Animal welfare legislation (Proposition 12): California has been a leader in animal welfare laws that impact veterinary practice and food animal industries. Proposition 12, for example, is a state law that bans the sale of meat and eggs from animals raised in extreme confinement (such as pigs in gestation crates). It was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, affirming California’s ability to set humane standards reuters.com. Ongoing debates continue at the federal level over such regulations, as some argue these laws affect farmers nationally. A UC Davis interviewer might not expect detailed legal knowledge, but they could reference animal welfare trends or ask for your perspective on balancing animal well-being with industry concerns.
• Mid-level practitioners in veterinary medicine: To address veterinary shortages and improve affordability of care, some have proposed creating new roles akin to “nurse practitioners” for animals. For instance, a recent ballot measure in Colorado (Proposition 129) considered a Veterinary Professional Associate role to perform certain routine procedures under a veterinarian’s supervision axios.com. This idea is controversial in the veterinary community, raising questions about safety, quality of care, and professional roles. While California has not implemented such a role, understanding the debate shows awareness of how the profession might evolve to meet demand.
• One Health issues and emerging diseases: UC Davis’s focus on One Health means awareness of diseases that cross between animals and humans (zoonoses) and environmental factors is important. California’s agricultural and wildlife populations present real-world examples – for instance, the state has dealt with outbreaks like avian influenza affecting poultry and even causing high mortality in dairy cow herds reuters.com, compounded by challenges like climate change (extreme heat). Interview prompts might explore how veterinarians should respond to disease outbreaks, ensure food safety, or collaborate with public health officials. Being conversant in topics like pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, or the impacts of climate on animal health can be an asset.

UC Davis evaluates applicants holistically, meaning factors beyond GPA and test scores play a significant role in admissions. While academic excellence is important (the program notes that strong science and last-45-unit GPAs are good predictors of success vetmed.ucdavis.edu), non-academic criteria are often what distinguish successful candidates. The school looks for evidence of maturity, dedication to the veterinary field, and personal qualities aligned with its mission. Some key non-academic factors considered in UC Davis’s selection process include:

• Hands-on Veterinary Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of 180 hours of veterinary experience (working or volunteering under veterinarians) by the application deadline behavior.vetmed.ucdavis.edu. In practice, admitted students usually greatly exceed this minimum. The admissions committee looks for quality of experience – for example, direct animal care, exposure to different veterinary settings (small animal clinic, livestock farm, wildlife rehabilitation, research lab, etc.), and a realistic understanding of the veterinary profession behavior.vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Extensive experience demonstrates commitment and helps candidates speak knowledgeably about the field.
• Letters of Recommendation: UC Davis requires three professional evaluations (eLORs), including at least one from a veterinarian who knows the applicant well behavior.vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Strong recommendation letters can highlight an applicant’s work ethic, teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills. In the initial screening, the school actually uses a composite score derived from the three eLORs as one metric for ranking applicants vetmed.ucdavis.edu. This underscores how much weight is given to an applicant’s reputation and non-academic strengths as attested by mentors or supervisors.
• Personal Attributes and Life Experiences: The admissions committee places considerable emphasis on certain personal qualities and the backgrounds of applicants. Through the “Distance Traveled” score and essays, factors such as socioeconomic challenges, educational environment, and personal hardships or triumphs are considered vetmed.ucdavis.edu vetmed.ucdavis.edu. The idea is to recognize resilience, grit, and growth in context. Moreover, qualities like cultural competence and alignment with UC Davis’s community values can shine through in an applicant’s story. Candidates who have demonstrated leadership, community service, or unique achievements (for example, coordinating a rescue project or contributing to research) can stand out as well-rounded individuals. It’s not a requirement to have every possible experience, but evidence of initiative and impact outside the classroom – be it in clubs, jobs, volunteer roles, or research – strengthens an application.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Because veterinary medicine is a client-facing and teamwork-oriented profession, communication skills are heavily weighed. This is directly assessed during the MMI stations, which intentionally measure how applicants articulate ideas, listen, and respond under pressure vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Additionally, interviewers look for traits like empathy, ethical judgment, and collaboration in how candidates handle the scenarios. Even prior to the interview, an applicant’s ability to convey their passion and character through personal statements and essays is evaluated. UC Davis specifically notes that poorly written essays or an apparent lack of understanding of the profession can prevent an otherwise qualified person from securing an interview vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Therefore, showing strong communication abilities – in writing and in person – is a crucial non-academic factor.

The qualities UC Davis seeks in applicants align with broader competency frameworks for veterinary education and practice. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on “competency-based veterinary education,” identifying the key skills and attributes new veterinarians should possess. UC Davis has clearly articulated several attributes and competencies it prioritizes in prospective students vetmed.ucdavis.edu. These reflect personal and professional capabilities deemed essential for success in the DVM program and the veterinary field. According to the school, important attributes for candidates include:

• Resilience vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Cultural awareness vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Adaptability vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Self-reflection vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Growth mindset vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Ability to communicate vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Emotional intelligence vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Critical thinking vetmed.ucdavis.edu
• Interest in and understanding of the veterinary medicine profession vetmed.ucdavis.edu

These competencies mirror the soft skills and attitudes that the Multiple Mini Interview is designed to assess. For example, resilience and adaptability might be gauged by how a candidate handles an unexpected ethical scenario, while communication and emotional intelligence are observed in interpersonal interaction stations. UC Davis’s focus on cultural awareness and self-reflection also ties into its mission of inclusive excellence – the school values students who can engage thoughtfully with diverse communities and continuously learn from their experiences. By highlighting these qualities, UC Davis aligns itself with the expectations of the veterinary profession at large: modern veterinarians must not only be medically knowledgeable but also strong communicators, critical thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and compassionate leaders. Applicants would do well to be mindful of these competencies, as their interview performance and application materials are evaluated for evidence of these traits.

While UC Davis does not publish its interview questions (and all interviewees sign an NDA), reports from past candidates and resources like the Student Doctor Network provide insight into common themes. The MMI format means questions can span various scenarios, but generally they are aimed at understanding an applicant’s ethics, motivations, and interpersonal skills rather than testing clinical knowledge. Based on aggregated feedback, the types of topics that often come up during UC Davis’s interviews include:

• Ethical dilemmas in veterinary practice – for example, scenarios involving when or whether to perform euthanasia in difficult situations studentdoctor.net. (These questions probe a candidate’s moral reasoning and compassion, such as balancing an animal’s suffering, an owner’s wishes, and professional guidelines.)
• Views on animal research and welfare – candidates may be asked their perspective on the use of animals in biomedical research or other controversial issues studentdoctor.net. (This gauges understanding of animal ethics and the ability to form a reasoned opinion on sensitive topics.)
• Personal motivations for pursuing veterinary medicine studentdoctor.net – interviewers commonly explore why an applicant wants to be a veterinarian, what drives them, and what they foresee in their veterinary career. Expect to discuss what you find rewarding about veterinary medicine and the goals you have in the field.
• Discussion of past experiences and future goals studentdoctor.net – prompts often invite candidates to draw upon their own veterinary or animal-related experiences. For instance, an interviewer might ask about a challenging experience working with animals or a team, and what was learned from it. They could also inquire about a candidate’s specific interests (like species or specialty) or vision for their future role as a DVM. These questions allow you to highlight significant personal stories, reflect on your preparation for vet school, and demonstrate insight into the profession.

It’s important to note that the MMI scenario questions can be very diverse – one station may be about ethics, another about communication (e.g., explaining something to a pet owner or resolving a conflict with a colleague), and another might be a hypothetical public health situation. UC Davis explicitly designs its interviews to not require prior veterinary technical knowledge vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Instead, they want to see how you think on your feet, communicate, and uphold professional values. Reviewing common themes like those above, and reflecting on your own stance and experiences related to them, will help you prepare to articulate thoughtful responses. Remember, there is no “right” answer to many of these questions; interviewers are more interested in your reasoning, empathy, and awareness.

For those applying to join the UC Davis DVM Class of 2030 (the 2025-2026 application cycle), it’s crucial to stay on top of all deadlines and process milestones. Missing a date or requirement can jeopardize your application, so here are the key timeline points for this cycle:

• January 22, 2025 – VMCAS (Veterinary Medical College Application Service) application opens for 2025-2026 applicants vetmed.ucdavis.edu. This is the first day you can begin working on the common application that will be submitted to UC Davis and other veterinary schools.
• May 8, 2025 – VMCAS submissions begin; by this date, the veterinary schools (including UC Davis) are available to select in the VMCAS system, and applicants may submit their completed applications any time thereafter vetmed.ucdavis.edu. (Note: VMCAS is not rolling admissions for UC Davis – submitting early will not confer an advantage, but it’s wise not to wait until the last minute.)
• September 15, 2025 (11:59 PM Eastern Time) – VMCAS application deadline vetmed.ucdavis.edu. All components of the primary application must be submitted by this date, including transcripts, evaluations (eLORs), and other required materials. There are no extensions, so plan to have everything in well before mid-September. (If Sept 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to the next business day, but in 2025 it falls on a Monday.)
• October 15, 2025 (11:59 PM Pacific Time) – UC Davis Supplemental Application deadline vetmed.ucdavis.edu. After your VMCAS is verified, UC Davis will invite you via email to complete their secondary application in the UC Davis applicant portal (which includes a short essay and selection of which recommendations to use). The supplemental fee is due at this time as well. Make sure to finish this step – your application isn’t considered complete at Davis until the secondary is submitted.
• Mid-November 2025 – Interview invitations (and notifications of denial for those not moving forward) are released via the UC Davis applicant portal vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Around 240 candidates in total will receive an invite to the MMI at this stage. The invites typically come out in the first or second week of November, giving a few weeks’ notice before interviews.
• Early December 2025 – Interview dates for UC Davis (MMI). For the 2025 cycle, the MMI interviews are scheduled in the first week of December vetmed.ucdavis.edu. Interviewees choose one of the available dates (for example, in 2025 the slots were December 4, 5, 8, and 9). Interviews may be conducted either in-person or virtually, depending on the year’s arrangements (recently they have been virtual MMIs). Be prepared to be available on those dates and have necessary technology if it’s virtual.
• Mid to Late January 2026 – Admission decisions are posted on the applicant portal vetmed.ucdavis.edu. By the end of January, applicants will find out if they are accepted, waitlisted, or denied. UC Davis typically offers admission to approximately 150 students initially, and notifies another 40-45 that they are on the waitlist vetmed.ucdavis.edu. The rank order on the waitlist is also determined, and as admitted candidates withdraw or decline, waitlisted individuals may get offers through spring or even early summer.
• Mid-February 2026 – Admitted Student Day (tentatively around late February) vetmed.ucdavis.edu. UC Davis holds a special event for the newly admitted Class of 2030, where students can visit the campus, meet faculty and future classmates, tour facilities, and learn detailed information to prepare for matriculation. This is a celebratory and informational day that typically occurs in mid-February (for example, a date in late Feb 2026 is expected for the class entering that fall).

In summary, preparing for a UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine interview involves a comprehensive understanding of the program and a reflection on how you fit into it. The MMI-based interview will probe who you are beyond your grades – how you communicate, make decisions, and embody the values that UC Davis cherishes, such as compassion, integrity, and curiosity. By familiarizing yourself with the school’s mission of advancing animal, human, and environmental health health.universityofcalifornia.edu and noting how that mission permeates the curriculum and student culture, you can frame your responses to resonate with UC Davis’s ethos. Be ready to discuss your experiences and ethical perspectives genuinely, having considered common themes like animal welfare and personal motivation. It’s equally important to stay informed about current veterinary issues (from local laws to global One Health challenges), as this awareness underscores your engagement with the profession. Finally, keeping track of application timelines and deadlines ensures that all your hard work reaches the finish line. With solid preparation grounded in the insights from this guide, you will be well-equipped to approach the UC Davis SVM interview with confidence and demonstrate that you are a thoughtful, mission-aligned future veterinarian ready to join the Aggie vet community.