Veterinary Medicine in English - interview
The application process to Veterinary Medicine in English involves two basic parts, which are:
1. Passing advanced subjects (biology and chemistry) with at least 60/200 points (up to 100 points for each subject) and
2. Passing the online interview with at least 60/100 points.
You will also need an English language certificate as specified in "Admission Step by Step."
How does it work?
Part 1. Subject results – biology and chemistry
You must eventually present results in both application subjects, which are advanced biology and chemistry. At least one of those subjects must be passed by taking it as part of final high school exams, or by taking an SAT Subject Test Chemistry or Biology M (sadly no longer offered, but past results are still accepted), or by taking BMAT, or GAMSAT, or MCAT. The second subject can be passed as part of the UPWr online interview if needed.
Your result in each subject is recalculated to fit a scale from 0 to 100 points. You need to score at least 60/200 points for both subject results combined in order to proceed.
Part 2. The interview
Every applicant needs to participate in an online interview, divided into four parts: scientific English, knowledge in biology, knowledge in chemistry, predispositions to the veterinary profession. Each part is scored separately on a scale from 0 to 25 points, with the maximum total score for the interview being 100 points. You need to score at least 60/100 points overall to pass the interview.
If you already have results in both subjects or expect to receive them in both subjects, you only take the basic form of the interview, which consists of 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.
If you need to pass a missing subject, your interview follows the same pattern, with the exception that the part corresponding to that 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 multiplied by 4 to contribute to the overall score for subject results.
What should I do?
Please follow the usual steps from Admission Step by Step. After you upload your documents and fill out your application in the system, click Submit. The Admissions Office will review your application, determine the scope of the interview (regular vs missing subject) and schedule an online meeting for you. You will also be issued an invoice for the application fee (20 EUR), which must be paid before the interview. After you pass the interview, achieve satisfying final high school results, and prove your English language skills as per Admission Step by Step, you can be admitted to the program as soon as you pay your fees and submit your documents (in person or by post). Please notice that successful applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, so it is best not to wait until the last moment. However, please be aware that if you decide to withdraw your payment after it has already been made, the refund procedure requires a lot of administrative work and can take a few 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 options and possible solutions.
Interview - FAQs
- Is it difficult?
The main objective of the interview 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 dedication and passion for veterinary medicine.
- How long can I expect my interview to take?
Typically about 20-30 minutes. You will be asked a few questions in biology and in chemistry (typically 3 questions in each for the standard interview, or 3 questions in one subject and 5-6 questions in your missing subject), and you will also 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. If you have any questions for the faculty staff, of course you are welcome to ask them as well.
- What topics are covered?
The list of topics is available HERE
Sample questions in 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. Embryonic development - explain the stages.
9. DNA - explain its structure, function, the concept of a gene.
10. Cell membrane - present its structure and theories of its development.
11. Name blood components and determine the biological functions of each of these components. Which morphotic component is quantitatively predominant?
12. Compare erythrocytes and leukocytes.
13. Compare the structure of smooth and striated muscle cells.
14. Role and functions of lysosomes - explain them
15. Discuss the junction of ribosome subunits during protein biosynthesis
16. Describe the functions of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells
17. Describe cellular organelles bounded by two lipid-protein membranes
18. 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.
19. What is apoptosis, describe its stages.
Sample questions in chemistry:
1. Does sodium easily lose electrons?
2. Does chlorine easily lose electrons?
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 numer?
7. How can we state the chirality of an organic molecule?
8. What is the difference between an exothermic and endothermic reaction?
9. What is a basic property of aromatic compounds?
10. Carboxylic acids and their derivates – list and describe them.