Veterinary Medicine in English - interview

The guide below applies to all students who did not take the Polish matura exams.

The results of the application process to Veterinary Medicine in English depend on three criteria, which are: 

1. Passing advanced high school subjects (biology and chemistry) with at least 60/200 points (up to 100 points for each subject),

2. Passing an online interview with at least 60/100 points,

3. Holding a document that certifies your English language skills at least at level B2.

Applicants will be ranked according to their combined score for criteria 1 and 2, on a scale of 0-300 points, and they will need to hold an English language certificate mentioned in number 3. The best applicants in each intake will be accepted.

How does it work?

Part 1. Subject results – biology and chemistry

We will need your grades in two subjects, advanced biology and chemistry. At least one of those subjects, either biology or chemistry, must be passed in one of the following ways:

• final high school exams (including retakes and some forms of continuing/adult education courses - if you're thinking about enrolling in one for the purpose of application, please contact us for advice before you commit),
• SAT Subject Test in Chemistry or Biology M (no longer offered but we still accept the results),
• BMAT exam (no longer offered but we still accept the results),
• MCAT,
• GAMSAT.

Your result in each subject is recalculated into percentages to fit on a scale from 0 to 100 points. The more points, the better, but in any case you need to score at least 30/100 points for each subject, which gives 60/200 points for both subject results combined, in order to be eligible to apply at all. 

Applicants who achieved at least 50% in both biology and chemistry will be interviewed first, while applicants who achieved results between 30-49% or are missing a subject will only be interviewed in the 4th intake. It's possible to apply if you only took one of the required subjects, but you will still need a minimum of 30/100 points for the subject you did take and you will need to pass an extended interview in the 4th intake - details available below. If you are still waiting for your final results, please contact us for advice.

Part 2. The interview

Every applicant needs to participate in an online interview, divided into four parts: scientific English, knowledge of biology, knowledge of chemistry, motivation and predispositions to the veterinary profession. Each part is scored separately: 0-10 points for scientific English, 0-10 points for motivation and predispositions to the veterinary profession, 0-40 points for biology, and 0-40 points for chemistry. The maximum total score for the interview is 100 points, the passing threshold is 60/100 points. Again, the more points, the better your position on the ranking list. 

For applicants who already have results in both subjects or expect to receive them in both subjects: you take the basic form of the interview, with all the four parts mentioned above. First you will be able to talk about your experience and motivation to become a vet, and then you will be asked to answer a few (usually three) questions in each subject (biology and chemistry). Your scientific English is judged throughout the whole interview. 

For applicants who are missing a subject: if you need to pass a missing subject, your interview will also feature the four parts mentioned above, but the part corresponding to your missing subject is broader and more in depth to let you truly demonstrate your knowledge. That means you will be asked the usual 3 questions in one subject and 5-6 questions in the missing subject. The rest of the interview (scientific English and predispositions) remains the same. The part in the missing subject is graded as usual and is included in the total score for the interview, but apart from that it is also recalculated into percentages and contributes to your score for subject results (part 1). Please notice that in order to meet the minimum requirements, you absolutely need to score at least 12/40 points (30/100) for the missing subject part of the interview.

Example: you have received a grade for high school biology that translates to 75%, but you did not take chemistry. You attended the extended interview and got 10/10 for scientific English, 30/40 for biology, 35/40 for chemistry, and 8/10 for motivation and predispositions. That means:

• the overall result of your interview is 83/100 points, which is a pass;
• your result for the chemistry part is 35/40, which translates to 87,5%;
• thus, your subject results are 75 (for high school biology) + 87,5 (for your result in the chemistry part of the interview), which is 162,5/200;
• Your result is subject grades + the interview score, which means 162,5 + 83 = 245,5/300 application points. 

With those results and proof of appropriate English language skills, you have met the minimum application criteria and you will be placed on a ranking list of applicants, the best of which will be accepted in each intake.

Part 3. English language requirement

You will need to provide proof of English language ability before you can attend your interview. Accepted documents are:

• University of Cambridge Exams: Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency (former FCE, CAE, CPE) – at least level B2;
• IELTS; TOEFL; The Oxford Test of English (OTE); PTE Academic; TOEIC Listening and Reading Test together with TOEIC Speaking and Writing Tests – at least level B2;
• Polish matura exam, English language on extended level with a score of at least 60%;
• English on the International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma;
• final English language grades obtained in the secondary education systems of:

1. Germany (minimum grade: 2 (on a scale of 1-6), or 8 (on a scale of 1-15)),
2. Norway (English as a common subject, minimum grade: 4),
3. Sweden (English 6 or 7, minimum grade: C or VG),
4. Denmark (minimum grade: A level 7);

•  a document from your high school/college certifying that the language of instruction during your classes was English;
•  results of SAT Subject Tests, BMAT, GAMSAT, or MCAT also prove English language skills on level B2;
• applicants from countries where English is an official language are exempt from additional English language requirements.

What should I do?

Please follow the usual steps from Admission Step by Step. After you upload your documents, fill in your application in the system and pay the application fee, click Submit. The Admissions Office will review your application, determine the scope of the interview (regular vs missing subject) and send you a link to sign up for an interview slot. If you pass the interview, achieve satisfying final high school results, and prove your English language skills, you will be placed on a ranking list of applicants. On a given day specified in the application timetable, you will find out if your application has been accepted. If yes, you will need to pay your fees and submit your paper documents (in person or by post) within a given deadline to be accepted. Please notice that we will only open further intakes if we still have any free seats available, so it's best not to wait until the last moment. You will need to know your final school exam results in order to be placed on the ranking list and possibly accepted, but if you would like to attend an interview before your results are available, it's possible to arrange - please contact us for details. 

The tuition fee is refundable should you decide to withdraw your application, however, please be aware that the refund process requires a lot of administrative work and can take 1-2 months. If you need help or advice at any stage of the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office to discuss your situation and possible solutions!

Interview - FAQs

• Is the interview difficult? 

The interview requires secondary school knowledge, not any specialised knowledge of veterinary medicine. The main objective is to let you and our faculty get together and give you both the opportunity to make sure you are a good fit for each other. You will be asked some questions in biology and chemistry, so you need to show sufficient knowledge, but what also counts is your experience and dedication and passion for veterinary medicine.

• How long can I expect my interview to take?

Typically about 20-25 minutes. First you will be able to talk more about your motivation to become a vet, your experience with animals to date, and the expectations you have for the profession. Then you will be asked a few questions both in biology and chemistry, and if you have any questions for the faculty staff, of course you are welcome to ask them as well. 

• When will I know the results?

The results of the interview will be sent to you within 1-2 business days, as soon as possible.The final result of your application will depend on your position on the ranking list and will be communicated to you later, on the dates indicated in the application timetable. 

• I'm only going to receive my final grades in late summer. What should I do if I want to attend an interview beforehand? 

• What is included in the score for motivation and predispositions?

Veterinary medicine is a very demanding field and we want to know that your decision to apply was well thought through. The main things we look for in applicants is that they have a realistic view of the profession, they're willing to handle and study many different species of animals, and they have a good work ethic to help them get through this very demanding course. For this reason, it's good to not only show general academic ability, but also to have some practical experience with veterinary medicine, either shadowing or assisting a veterinarian, or doing an internship or work placement at a veterinary clinic. However, any experience with animals is still a plus, e.g. volunteering at an animal shelter or zoo, taking riding or general horsemanship lessons, helping manage the family farm, or even taking care of your own pets will also count.   

• What topics are covered?

The list of topics is available below.

Biology

1. Elements of the cell - structure and functions

• cell membrane, endo- and exocytosis, vesicular transport

• cytoskeleton and cytoplasm

• nucleus and nucleolus

• endoplasmic reticulum

• Golgi apparatus and lysosomes

• mitochondria

• prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells – differences and similarities

2. Cell division and genetics

• mitosis

• meiosis

• crossing over and recombination

• principles of inheritance

• the basic structure of DNA, complementarity

• replication of DNA

3. Systems of the body

• the nervous system - general structure and functions

• the skeleton and muscles - basic elements of the skeletal structure (bones and muscles

• cardiovascular system - general structure

• heart – structure, function

• types of blood vessels

• blood – composition, types of cells, processes

• endocrine system

• major endocrine glands

• functions of the endocrine system

• digestive system - general structure and function

• excretory system - general structure and function, general structure and function of the kidneys

• respiratory system

• structure, functions

• skin - structure, functions, associated structures (glands, receptors, horn, nails, hoof, feathers)

• senses

• reproductive system and reproduction

 - structure and functions

 - gonads

 - gametes and gametogenesis

Chemistry

General and inorganic chemistry

• the periodic table – elements and their symbols, properties of elements vs their position in the periodic table

• atoms – atomic and mass number, atomic mass, isotopes

• structure of the atom – electron configuration

• molecules - types of chemical bonds and their characteristics, Lewis structures for molecules

• the Avogadro’s number, the mole, molar concentration

• solutions (solubility, concentrations, electrolytes and nonelectrolytes)

• acids, bases, salts – names and formulas, naming and writing ionic formulas, strengths of acids and bases, neutralization reaction, typical reactions, acid-base equilibrium , the pH scale

• chemical reaction – equations for chemical reactions, types of chemical reactions, reversible reactions and equilibrium constant

• matter and energy – kinetic and potential energy, changes of state, exothermic and endothermic reactions

• reaction kinetics – reaction rate, factors That Affect Reaction Rates (concentration, temperature, catalysts)

Organic chemistry

• carbon as the basic element in organic compounds, hyb

• molecular orbitals (σ and π bonds) in organic compounds, the structure of methane, ethane, ethane and ethyne

• structures and names of alkanes (condensed structural and line-angle formulas), structural isomers of alkanes, haloalkanes

• stereochemistry – chirality, identifying chiral molecules

• aromatic compounds – structure of benzen

• alcohols, phenols, aldehydes and ketones - identifying a functional group, naming, basic reactions (oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes, reduction of aldehydes and ketones, dehydration of alcohols)

• carbohydrates – classifying a monosaccharide, disaccharides (O-glycosidic bond), polysaccharides

• carboxylic acids and their derivatives (esters, amides) – IUPAC and common names, condensed formulas, esterification reaction, dissociation of carboxylic acids

• lipids – fatty acids (identifying, saturated and unsaturated), triacylglycerols (condensed structural formulas, hydrolysis reactions, saponification)

• amino acids (general formula and properties), peptide bond, peptides and proteins, nucleotides as components of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA)

Sample questions

Please notice that the list below is not exhaustive, these are only examples intended to show applicants what to expect. The actual questions asked at the interview might or might not come from the sample list.

Biology:

1. Mitosis - explain the stages and purpose of this process.

2. Meiosis - explain the stages and purpose of this process.

3. How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?

4. Rough endoplasmic reticulum – explain its functions.

5. Discuss the structure and replication of DNA.

6. Spermatogenesis - explain this process.

7. Oogenesis - explain this process.

8. DNA - explain its structure, function, and the concept of a gene.

9. Cell membrane - present its structure and theories of its development.

10. Name the blood components and determine their biological functions. Which morphotic component is quantitatively predominant?

11. Compare erythrocytes and leukocytes.

12. Explain the role and functions of lysosomes.

13. Describe the functions of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells.

14. Describe cellular organelles bound by two lipid-protein membranes.

15. Discuss the structure and functions of mitochondria and present the regularity concerning the distribution of mitochondria in the cell. Explain the relationship between the distribution of mitochondria and their function.

Chemistry:

1.      Does sodium easily lose or gain electrons? Why?

2.      Does chlorine easily lose electrons? Why?

3.      Explain the oxidation reaction of alcohols.

4.      What is a saturated solution? What will happen with this kind of solution after changing its temperature?

5.      Amino acids – explain their chemical properties.

6.      What is the Avogadro’s number?

7.      How can we determine the chirality of an organic molecule?

8.      What is the difference between an exothermic and endothermic reaction?

9.      What is the basic property of aromatic compounds?

10.  Carboxylic acids and their derivatives – list and describe them.