AVC Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at UPEI is a highly regarded institution known for its student-focused approach and mission to serve the Atlantic Canada region. Applicants to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program face a competitive admissions process that balances strong academic performance with non-academic factors upei.ca. The interview stage is crucial – it is a structured yet conversational assessment where candidates discuss their veterinary experiences and understanding of the profession upei.ca. Throughout the process, AVC’s core values of excellence in education, research, and service are evident upei.ca, and prospective students are expected to be aware of current veterinary issues and the college’s unique program features. This guide provides an overview of the interview format, the school’s mission and values, program highlights, relevant policy topics in veterinary medicine, selection criteria beyond academics, key competency frameworks, common themes in past interview questions, and the important timelines for the 2025–2026 application cycle.

AVC uses a traditional interview format (as opposed to an MMI), typically conducted by a panel of interviewers in a relatively short session (often about 15–20 minutes) forums.studentdoctor.net. The interview is open-file – the interviewers will have access to the details of your application, especially your submitted veterinary and animal experiences, and will prompt you to elaborate on those experiences upei.ca. Questions are often structured to be conversational, inviting you to discuss your background and motivations rather than answer rapid-fire prompts. Past applicants consistently report that the atmosphere is welcoming and low-stress studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net, allowing for a genuine discussion of one’s fit for the program. Because interview invitations are extended only to top-ranking applicants, a significant proportion of those who interview are ultimately offered admission (with 70 seats available, the odds of acceptance are relatively high once you reach this stage) upei.ca.

AVC’s mission centers on excellence in veterinary education, research, and service to improve the health and welfare of animals and humans in Atlantic Canada and beyond upei.ca. The college is dedicated to developing practice-ready veterinarians who will enhance animal health, human health, and environmental well-being – a nod to the "One Health" concept woven into its mission upei.ca. Students are expected to become competent entry-level veterinarians equipped with the knowledge, skills, aptitudes, and professional attitudes needed for multi-species clinical practice upei.ca. Underpinning these goals is a strong commitment to community and leadership – AVC explicitly aims to contribute trusted leadership and advance health policies locally and globally through its outreach and collaborations upei.ca.

Another cornerstone of AVC’s values is its dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The college strives to reflect diversity in all facets of education, research, and service, and has articulated a detailed Diversity Statement upei.ca. This includes respecting and supporting all members of the community regardless of background and identity, and fostering an environment where inclusivity enhances learning and service upei.ca. In practice, this value is seen in initiatives like a designated seat for Indigenous students from PEI (to encourage Indigenous representation in veterinary medicine) upei.ca and an admissions essay prompt focusing on EDI awareness upei.ca. AVC’s mission and values signal to applicants that the school values not only academic excellence but also social responsibility, cultural competence, and a commitment to improving both animal and human lives.

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College is characterized by a small class size, comprehensive clinical training, and unique opportunities rooted in its Atlantic Canada location. Below are some key facts and features of the AVC program (which can also serve as great talking points or questions during your interview, to demonstrate your interest and knowledge about the school):

• Class size and seat distribution: Each DVM class consists of approximately 70 students, of which 54 are provincially subsidized seats for the four Atlantic provinces (PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador) and about 16 are designated as “unsubsidized” seats (formerly international seats, now open to out-of-region applicants) upei.ca. This relatively small cohort fosters a close-knit learning environment – an aspect you could ask about in terms of mentorship and student support.
• Regional focus and service: AVC is the only veterinary college in Atlantic Canada and was established to serve the region’s needs. The college operates the only veterinary referral teaching hospital in Atlantic Canada, handling thousands of small and large animal cases annually upei.ca. It also provides ambulatory farm, equine, and aquaculture services, delivering veterinary care to farms, stables, and fish farms across the region upei.ca. You might talk about these facilities during the interview – for example, asking about opportunities for students to gain hands-on clinical experience in the teaching hospital or through farm/aquaculture visits.
• Accreditation and global recognition: AVC’s DVM program is fully accredited by the American and Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations (AVMA/CVMA) and is recognized by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK upei.ca. Graduates are eligible for licensure across Canada, the United States, the UK, and beyond upei.ca. This means the curriculum meets rigorous international standards – a point worth noting if you’re interested in how AVC prepares students for licensing exams or international practice.
• Research and specialized expertise: Despite its small size, AVC houses renowned research centers and offers graduate degrees (MSc and PhD). Notably, the college has specialized centers in aquatic animal health, veterinary epidemiology, biomedical sciences, and animal welfare, among others upei.ca. These research strengths attract students and faculty from around the world. As an interviewee, you could inquire about opportunities to engage in research as a DVM student or how the program’s curriculum integrates cutting-edge research findings.
• Unique learning opportunities: The AVC emphasizes hands-on learning and a broad exposure to multiple species. Students get experience with companion animals, farm animals, horses, and aquatic species, reflecting the region’s mix of industries (e.g., fisheries, agriculture). You may consider asking about the clinical rotations or externships – for instance, how rotations are structured to include experiences in mixed practice, or opportunities to pursue specific interests (like marine veterinary medicine or herd health) given the Atlantic context.

Veterinary medicine doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s influenced by regional and national policies and societal needs. Being aware of current policy issues can help you demonstrate insight during your interview. Some policy-relevant themes connected to AVC’s context include:

• Veterinarian workforce shortage and provincial initiatives: Like much of Canada, Atlantic Canada is experiencing a shortage of veterinarians, which has raised concerns for pet owners and the agriculture industry ctvnews.ca. In response, the Atlantic provinces have increased their investment in veterinary education at AVC – for example, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland & Labrador fund seats (via Provincial Admissions Agreements) to ensure more vets are trained to serve those provinces canadianveterinarians.net canadianveterinarians.net. These agreements are designed to address workforce gaps and even the wellness challenges in the profession by securing a pipeline of new graduates for the region canadianveterinarians.net.
• Service agreements and rural veterinary care: The new Provincial Admissions Agreements come with a commitment: students admitted to subsidized seats are typically expected to return to their home province to work after graduation (often in areas of need). This policy aims to direct veterinarians to under-served communities (for example, rural areas that struggle to attract vets). While it helps provinces fill critical positions in food animal medicine or rural practice, there are debates about unintended consequences canadianveterinarians.net canadianveterinarians.net. For instance, the Canadian VMA has noted concerns that requiring service might deter those interested in specialties not available locally, or that vets might still gravitate to urban areas, leaving some rural communities under-serviced canadianveterinarians.net. Understanding this context is useful – you might be asked about how you feel regarding working in under-served areas or your commitment to the region.
• Diversity and inclusion in the profession: Veterinary medicine in Canada is actively working to become more diverse. AVC’s introduction of a designated Indigenous seat (for a qualified PEI Indigenous applicant each year) is one such policy effort upei.ca. This reflects a broader push to remove barriers for underrepresented groups in veterinary education. In an interview context, this could connect to discussions about cultural competence or the importance of diversity in healthcare teams.
• One Health and public health roles: AVC’s mission explicitly mentions improving the health of animals, humans, and the environment upei.ca, aligning with the "One Health" approach to policy. This means veterinarians are seen as playing key roles in public health issues – from zoonotic disease control to food safety. Nationally, veterinarians are recognized as providing essential public health and food security services canadianveterinarians.net. Don’t be surprised if policy questions touch on themes like how veterinary medicine contributes to society (e.g., preventing zoonoses, advising on animal aspects of environmental policy, or involvement in pandemics). Being able to discuss One Health or recent animal health legislation (such as food inspection regulations or disease outbreak responses) in Canada could show that you understand the bigger picture.
• Mental health and professional wellness: Another contemporary issue is the wellness of veterinary professionals. There is growing awareness of the high rates of stress and burnout in the field. The CVMA and other bodies have highlighted wellness as a concern to address alongside solving workforce shortages canadianveterinarians.net. While this might not be a direct "policy" like a law, it’s a professional imperative that schools like AVC acknowledge (for example, by offering student wellness resources and including resilience training in the curriculum). In an interview, demonstrating awareness of the challenges veterinarians face – and perhaps mentioning strategies for coping or improving the profession’s sustainability – can resonate with the interviewers.

Beyond strong grades in prerequisite courses, AVC looks for well-rounded candidates with relevant experiences and personal attributes that suggest they will thrive in the veterinary profession. Key non-academic criteria and components in the selection process include:

• Animal and Veterinary Experience: Applicants must submit a detailed Animal/Veterinary Related Experience form documenting their hands-on experiences with animals and in veterinary settings upei.ca. These experiences are not formally scored by hours alone, but they are critical – the interview heavily draws upon what you’ve done in the field, expecting you to discuss how your experiences have shaped your understanding of veterinary medicine upei.ca. Depth and reflection matter: whether it’s farm work, volunteering at shelters, research with animals, or clinic shadowing, be prepared to talk about what you learned from each experience.
• CASPer (Situational Judgment Test): UPEI requires applicants to complete the CASPer test (an online situational judgment evaluation) as part of the admissions process. CASPer is used to assess personal and professional attributes such as ethics, empathy, communication, and decision-making. For the 2025–2026 cycle, specific CASPer test deadlines are set for different applicant categories (e.g., by September 23, 2025 for unsubsidized applicants and December 2, 2025 for Atlantic regional applicants) upei.ca. The CASPer score forms a portion of the pre-interview ranking, ensuring that non-academic qualities factor into who is invited to interview.
• Personal Essay (EDI-focused): In recent cycles, applicants invited to interview have been tasked with writing a personal essay alongside their interview. The prompt has been designed to assess understanding or experience with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in veterinary medicine upei.ca. For example, candidates might be asked to reflect on the importance of diversity in the profession or to share experiences working with diverse communities. This 500-word essay is evaluated separately from the interview upei.ca, by different reviewers, and contributes to the overall assessment of an applicant’s non- academic insight and values. It’s a chance to showcase reflective thinking and commitment to inclusive values that align with AVC’s mission.
• Letters of Reference and Extracurriculars: While not explicitly scored in a formula, strong letters of recommendation (usually submitted through the application process, especially via VMCAS for non-regional applicants) provide insight into an applicant’s character, work ethic, and suitability for the veterinary field. Additionally, involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, or research can bolster one’s application by demonstrating a well-rounded background. The Admissions Committee does consider “non-academic achievement and aptitude” in deciding whom to interview upei.ca – this broad phrase encompasses things like leadership potential, communication skills, and ethical judgment, which may be evidenced through your experiences and how you present them.
• Personal attributes and core skills: AVC explicitly outlines the essential skills and attributes needed to succeed in its DVM program, which in turn reflect what they seek in applicants. These include observational skills, effective communication (with clients and team members), physical and motor abilities to handle and treat animals, strong cognitive and analytical skills, and appropriate behavioral and social attributes upei.ca upei.ca. Traits such as maturity, good judgment, adaptability to stress, compassion, integrity, and interpersonal skills are highlighted as fundamental qualities for veterinary students upei.ca. During your interview and application, you will be assessed on these attributes – for example, your ability to communicate clearly, your empathy towards clients and animals, and your understanding of the responsibilities of a veterinarian. Showing that you possess these non-academic qualities can significantly strengthen your candidacy.

Veterinary education is guided by defined competency frameworks to ensure all graduates are ready for professional practice. As an AVMA- and CVMA-accredited college, AVC adheres to the principle of “Day One Competencies” – meaning that at the time of graduation, a new DVM should have the necessary scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional values to perform the duties of an entry-level veterinarian independently and responsibly avma.org. In practical terms, this covers everything from basic surgery and diagnosis to upholding animal welfare and public health duties. The accreditation standards and curriculum at AVC are designed around producing veterinarians who meet these competencies, which serve the interests of animal health, public health, and societal needs avma.org.

AVC’s own educational objectives mirror these wider frameworks. The college’s Educational Program Mission Statement explicitly commits to graduating veterinarians with the knowledge, skills, aptitudes, and attitudes expected of a competent entry-level practitioner across multiple species upei.ca. In line with North American veterinary education trends, AVC and other schools reference models like the AAVMC’s Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE). The CBVE framework defines nine broad domains of competence that veterinarians must develop (encompassing clinical reasoning, animal population health, individual animal care, public health, communication, collaboration, professionalism, practice management, and scholarship, among others) cbve.org. Although you won’t need to recite these domains, understanding that the program is outcomes-based can help – it means the interview and curriculum are geared toward assessing or instilling these competencies. For example, communication skills and ethical reasoning (which fall under professionalism and communication domains) may be probed in interview questions to ensure you’re on track to meet the competencies by graduation. Notably, AVC lists a set of essential skills and attributes for students that aligns with these competencies: keen observation, effective communication, motor skills for clinical tasks, strong cognitive abilities, and social traits like integrity, empathy, and the ability to handle stress and uncertainty upei.ca upei.ca. Being mindful of these expected competencies can contextualize the interview for you – when you discuss your experiences or ethical viewpoints, you are essentially demonstrating the foundational competencies of a future veterinarian.

Based on reports from previous applicants, the AVC interview tends to cover a spectrum of topics that allow you to highlight your motivation, understanding of the profession, and personal qualities. While you won’t receive the exact questions in advance, common themes have emerged in past interviews:

• Motivation for veterinary medicine: Expect to articulate why you want to become a veterinarian. A classic opening question has been, “Why do you want to be a veterinarian?” – interviewers want to see genuine passion and understanding of the profession forums.studentdoctor.net.
• Relevant experiences and preparedness: You will likely be asked about the experiences that have prepared you for a career in veterinary medicine. For example, “What experiences have you had that prepared you for vet school and a veterinary career?” forums.studentdoctor.net. When answering, candidates are expected to draw upon their animal, clinical, or research experiences and reflect on what they learned (e.g., communication skills from working with a clinic team, resilience from farm work, etc.).
• Understanding of veterinary profession challenges: Questions often address your awareness of current issues in veterinary medicine. Interviewers have asked things like, “What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the veterinary profession today?” forums.studentdoctor.net. Topics you might discuss include veterinarian shortages, mental health in the profession, advances in technology, One Health issues, or public expectations of vets. Demonstrating that you keep up with veterinary news and can thoughtfully discuss challenges will show you’re entering the field with open eyes.
• Future plans and contributions: The panel may probe how you see your future role as a veterinarian. A common theme is, “How do you plan to contribute to the veterinary profession in the future?” forums.studentdoctor.net. You might talk about the community you want to serve, any specialty or research interests, or how you hope to be a leader or educator in the field someday, aligning your goals with the mission of AVC (for instance, mentioning a commitment to serve Atlantic Canada if you’re from the region).
• Lifelong learning and staying current: Veterinary medicine is always evolving, so interviewers have shown interest in how applicants will keep their knowledge up to date. You might be asked, “How do you stay current with developments in veterinary medicine?” forums.studentdoctor.net. A strong answer can include reading journals, joining professional associations, attending workshops, or even how you’ve kept informed so far as a pre-vet (such as following veterinary news, listening to podcasts, etc.).
• Personal interests and balance: To get to know you beyond academics, interviewers sometimes ask about your hobbies or activities outside of school. One candidate reported a question about their extracurricular interests forums.studentdoctor.net. This isn’t just small talk – schools want to see that you have a healthy work-life balance and coping mechanisms for stress. Don’t be afraid to share a bit of what brings you joy (even outside of vet med, as one interesting question phrased it: “What brings you joy in vet med?” was mentioned by an applicant as a memorable prompt).
• Ethical and scenario-based questions: Some interviews include scenario questions or inquiries into your ethics and decision-making. For instance, “Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision” or “Tell us about a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.” forums.studentdoctor.net are examples that have been prepared for (and occasionally asked). These questions assess qualities like integrity, judgment, and problem-solving. In formulating responses, candidates often use real experiences to illustrate their thought process and values. Be prepared for variants, such as handling disagreements on a team, or what you would do if you witnessed a veterinarian or colleague doing something you felt was wrong.
• Personal strengths, weaknesses, and qualities: Interviewers may ask directly about what qualities you think are important in a vet or what sets you apart as an applicant. Past candidates prepared for questions like “What are the most important qualities a veterinarian should possess?” or “What do you think sets you apart from other applicants?” forums.studentdoctor.net. You might also be asked to reflect on a weakness or a time you failed – common in many interviews. These questions allow you to demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to personal growth. It’s good to identify a few key strengths (with examples) and a truthful weakness that you’ve worked on improving.
• Teamwork and communication: Given the collaborative nature of veterinary practice, you could be asked about your experiences working in a team. For example: “Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What was your role, and what did you learn?” forums.studentdoctor.net. Similarly, communication skills might be tested with prompts like describing how you conveyed complex information to someone without a science background forums.studentdoctor.net. These queries align with the competency of communication and interpersonal effectiveness – they want to see that you can work well with others and explain things clearly, which is vital for client education and team-based care.

Applying to AVC involves keeping track of different deadlines depending on your residency status. The DVM admissions process is divided mainly into two applicant pools – Atlantic Canadian (subsidized) applicants and Unsubsidized applicants (which include out-of-region Canadian and international candidates). Below are the key dates for the 2025–2026 application cycle (for entry in Fall 2026):

• September 1, 2025 – UPEI’s online application portal opens for DVM program applications upei.ca (Atlantic Canadian subsidized seat applicants apply through UPEI directly).
• September 15, 2025 – VMCAS application deadline for Unsubsidized seat applicants upei.ca. (Non-Atlantic applicants, including those from other Canadian provinces or the US, must apply via the Veterinary Medical College Application Service by this date.)
• October 15, 2025 – Deadline for Atlantic Canadian DVM applications upei.ca. By this date, regional applicants must submit the UPEI application and fee, residency documentation (the Atlantic Canadian Residency Form), the Animal/Veterinary Experience Form, all required transcripts, and (if applicable) a signed Provincial Admissions Agreement for NB, NS, or NL upei.ca. This is also the deadline for PEI Indigenous applicants to submit documentation for the designated Indigenous seat upei.ca.
• September 23, 2025 – Last acceptable date to complete the CASPer test for Unsubsidized applicants upei.ca. (Unsubsidized candidates should take the CASPer by this date to ensure scores are received by UPEI.)
• December 2, 2025 – Last acceptable date to complete the CASPer test for Atlantic Canadian (subsidized) applicants upei.ca. (Regional applicants must take CASPer no later than early December for their scores to count.)
• November–December 2025 – Interview invitations are sent out for Unsubsidized applicants, and selected candidates complete their virtual interviews (and accompanying essay) during this period upei.ca. In recent cycles, these interviews have been scheduled in late fall, soon after academic evaluations are done, to facilitate earlier admission decisions for the non-regional cohort.
• Late April – Early May 2026 – Interviews (and essay) take place for shortlisted Atlantic Canadian applicants upei.ca. Because the regional applicant timeline accounts for fall and winter academic updates, these interviews occur in spring. They are conducted virtually (online). Invitations for interviews typically go out a few weeks prior, and interviewees are usually notified of their specific date and time by early April forums.studentdoctor.net forums.studentdoctor.net.
• May – June 2026 – Admission decisions are released. (While exact dates can vary, historically Atlantic Canadian applicants hear back by late May. For unsubsidized applicants, some offers may be issued earlier in the spring after fall interviews.) Accepted students are often required to confirm acceptance and, if applicable, finalize any provincial contract arrangements. By June 1, 2026, any remaining academic documentation (such as winter semester transcripts) must be submitted upei.ca, which coincides with finalizing the class list.

Preparing for an AVC interview means understanding both the format and the context of the program. By knowing that the interview is a friendly, open-file conversation about your experiences, you can focus on communicating your passion and reflections clearly. Being knowledgeable about the AVC’s mission, values, and unique program features will allow you to connect your answers to what the school cares about – for instance, emphasizing your desire to serve the Atlantic community or your appreciation for their hands-on training approach. Awareness of broader veterinary issues and policies (from workforce shortages to One Health) will enable you to tackle high-level questions thoughtfully, showing that you’re engaged with the field beyond your own application. Finally, keep the logistics in mind: meeting deadlines and being ready for the timeline will reduce stress and let you concentrate on your interview performance. In summary, if you align your preparation with what AVC is looking for – a competent, compassionate future veterinarian who understands the profession’s challenges and the college’s community-focused ethos – you will be well on your way to a successful interview.