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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 535 responses
Score Reference:
9โ10 Exceptional8โ8.9 Very Good7โ7.9 Good6โ6.9 Mixed< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the areaโs cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
๐ฌ Interview Questions โผ
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools involve inquiries about the motivations behind pursuing medicine, the choice between DO and MD, ethical scenarios like organ transplants, and the application of compassion and philosophy in healthcare. Many respondents mentioned signing a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) at the beginning of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which may indicate standardized questions and scenarios.
Group Exercise:
Solve a problem in healthcare and come up with at least 3 points in your answer.
Panal of 3 watched and took notes while we worked. I agree with others that they are more interested in how you interact than what you actually come up with.
Part 1 - Group Activity
Interviewees divided into groups of 4, asked to solve a problem in healthcare, evaluated by adcom on how well you work in a group, don't think they really cared about the solution to the prompt
A man who is a criminal, is on a list for a liver and a mother of three who cannot afford a transplant is not on the list, produce a moral model for transplant lists.
3 parts to the interview: 1) They watch you do a group activity 2) Closed file interview with a set standard of 6 question 3) File Review where you can talk about dings in your application
GROUP PROJECT(30min): They are just testing to see how well you work with others (whether you contribute, interrupt or exclude people). It helps if you are a nice person on this one ;)
BTW, the prompt was related to fixing a problem in health care. Your group has to come up, in a collaborative effort, the solution(s).
one 30 minute 1:1 half-opened file interview where they had everything in front of them except my numbers: why do? why soma? how does emotion play into medicine? what is one positive and one negative emotion you felt during a medical experience? do you think there is a future for CHCs? what is something that you find complex? pretend you are an admissions director- now you are looking you at your app- what is one weakness you would want to know more about? what would you do if medicine was not an option?
A parents of a severely brain damaged 9 year old girl want her doctor to perform a hysterectomy and give the child drugs to stunt her growth and keep her weight at around 75 pounds so that they can better care for her. Do you think this is a radical procedure and would you treat the patient in this way?
Closed formal: (1)What is lifelong learning to you? (2) Give one pro/con for socialized medicine. (3) Ethics question. (4) What is mind/body/spirit to you, and how would you implement this into your practice. (5) What populations/community do you intend on working with.
Students said the most interesting question asked at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona discussed a wide range of topics, including personal values, ethics in medicine, working with underserved populations, and the osteopathic philosophy. Many respondents mentioned signing a nondisclosure agreement, indicating that the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) where specific questions were not disclosed due to confidentiality agreements.
This one seemed specific to me and was more of a follow-up question than anything else: "It seems to me that you have a lot of interests--what will you do if you are forced to specialize in one area of medicine?"
The pharmaceutical companies advertise drugs that encourage patients to get the more expensive drug, rather than generic versions of it. Do you think it is Ok for them to market these drugs?
There is 9 yr old severly brain damaged girl. Her parents want to stunt her growth and give her a hysterectomy so she can be better cared for. Do you think this is a radical procedure?
something about a 9 year old girl who was severely mentally impaired... the parents wanted to care for her at home, but in order to keep her size and weight managable, they had her have a hysterectomy and gave her drugs to stunt her growth.. is this child abuse? should the state get involved?
It was a hypothetical question which I found out really happened...it went something like this: There is a 9 year old female that is clinically braindead. Her parents want to care for her in their home but they are worried that she will grow too tall and weigh too much so they give her drugs to stunt her growth and the girl has a hysterectomy. Do you consider this to be a radical procedure? Is this considered child abuse? Should the state get involved.
The questions were the standard five, but they did follow up with questions of their own making. I got ''Do you think the prison transplant program a good idea?''
A couple other questions that were extensions of the standard five, as well.
If you had to choose, would you give a liver to a convicted child murderer (who could afford the operation) or to a mother of three (who could not offord it)
Probably the ethics question that I state for the next question. The other question were pretty standard. Expain a positive and negative aspect of universal healthcare. What kind of practice I would like to have. How I would keep up with current medical knowledge after school.
Students said the most difficult question asked at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona discussed various ethical dilemmas, such as deciding who should receive a transplant or addressing pharmaceutical advertising ethics. Many responses referenced a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and potential nondisclosure agreements, with interviewers focusing on critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills.
Construct an ethical framework to determine whether a struggling single mother of 3 children or a three-time felon serving time for the murder of a child should receive a liver that has been donated for transplant.
The one about the kidney transplant list and who to chose between the mother of three and the criminal. They really want to see your thinking process so don't just pick one without rationalizing it.
The most difficult question was what aspects of osteopathic medicine motivated me? Not because of the ? itself, but because I had prepared for this question assuming the interview would have seen my file.
A man who is a criminal, is on a list for a liver and a mother of three who cannot afford a transplant is not on the list, produce a moral model for transplant lists.
the most difficult part was finishing the 5 questions in the allotted time! I have a tendency to talk a lot in my interviews and that made it difficult for the interviewer cause she needed to get responses to the 5 questions so her review could be complete.
I was asked an ethical question about whether I considered a particular treatment to be radical or humane. Then I was asked to provide a convincing argument defending my position for someone who held the opposite view.
The one about the young mentally challenged girl who's parents wanted to stunt her growth and give her a hysterectomy to make it easier for them to take her around.
What does mind/body/spirit mean to you. It's something I've given a lot of thought to over the years...but even though it's still hard to articulate the concept of ''spirit'' I think.
The ethical question, they don't let you have an easy way out by just saying ''whoever was on the list 1st'' They ask you specifically which person and you have to critically think about what to say
The ethics question: Who would you give a liver to; (1) narcotics user on state healthcare who is in jail for accidentally killing a child during a robbery, (2) single mother of three on private insurance
An ethical question, wether I would give a liver transplant to a felon who surgery would be paid for by the state or to a single mom who didnt qualify for assistance but could not afford the procedure. After I answered I was asked to make the case for the person I did not pick.
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
What was the style of the interview?
Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.
What type of interview was it?
Most respondents had a closed file interview.
Was this interview in-person or virtual?
Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.
Where did the interview take place?
Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Many applicants prepared for the interview by engaging in mock interviews, reviewing common interview questions, practicing MMI questions, and reading feedback on Student Doctor Network (SDN). They also revisited their primary and secondary applications, researched the school's curriculum, and relaxed or sought support from friends and online resources to boost confidence.
Had interviews before this one which helped. Read and practiced questions online, read general MMI strategy, thoroughly reviewed my primary and secondary apps.
this website helps a lot!! Also make sure you go over both your primary and secondary applications because they will read your essays right before they call you in.
SDN was the biggest help, reviewed my AACOMAS application and AT Still application, read over the website, practiced my answers to the standardized questions a couple of times.
none - I would recommend re-reading your secondary essays though since 2 of the 5 questions in the one-on-one came directly from there. Also, look over your primary app. again.
SDN, reviewed secondary application. The formal interview is closed-file; however, you also have a 15 minute file review session with a faculty member, separate from your interview.
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the passion and enthusiasm of the staff and students, the top-notch facilities, innovative curriculum, early patient interaction, and the strong emphasis on community health centers. Many highlighted the friendliness and approachability of the faculty and staff, as well as the school's commitment to training well-rounded physicians for underserved communities. Suggestions for improvement were minimal, with most feedback focusing on the positive aspects of the school.
The school uses both a cadaver lab and a holo lens
The friendliness and approachability of the faculty. The facilities were also top notch and very high tech. Another thing was the innovative curriculum of the school (1 year at ATSU, and 3 years at clinical sites around the nation).
Enthusiasm of staff and current students!!! They are very passionate about medicine and SOMA! I like that not much time is spent on dissecting (prosections) and more is covered in lectures. The students said the tests were straight from the notes. The cost of living is very reasonable right next to the school ($650 for 2 bedroom).
brand new facilities with innovative tech to help methods of teaching. Able to start 2nd year in communities all over the states including new york, hawaii, etc
The students seemed happy, the schools is very committed to student success, they have a strong focus on primary care which is great because that is what i want to enter, however, the school is not just for primary care wannabes, the students their had a wide variety of interests in future fields, the location is about a 15-25 minute drive to the hot spots in arizona. Also, there was great communication between the admissions office and me during the whole process.
The fact that the program is so new but it seems that they have their stuff worked out. Also since it is so new, they have new facilities as far as standardized patient labs/omm lab/sim man/anatomy lab, etc. Oh, and the beautiful weather & location!
very unique curriculum. I feel that this school probably invest the most into how they best educated their students more than any other school in the nation (MD or DO). They think outside the box rather than just following how everyone else teaches med students. They integrate basic and clinicals better than anyone else I have seen.
progressive curriculum, enthusiasm of students, friendliness of admissions staff, prosection in anatomy lab w/ option to take dissection lab (I hate dissection), strong emphasis on technology and training of electronic medical record keeping from year 2, early clinical exposure, awesome dean, scholarship opportunities, OMM demonstration during lunch
The innovative curriculum, how many students said "welcome" to interviewees in the hallway, how happy the students were about the school, how the dean was really excited about the curriculum, how apparent it was that the school was receptive of student feedback.
OMT demo. The amount of time they spent interviewing us; it felt like my application money was well spent! They also cleared up a lot of myths that people babble about on SDN, such as SOMA is all about primary care, its not, you can go into whatever area of medicine you want.
I liked hearing more about the CHCs. I thought I knew everything, but after the presentation, I got the impression that the CHCs will produce extremely well rounded doctors based on the shear number of patients the students will see at these sites.
I really like their innovative curriculum. The school is dedicated to training the BEST primary care physicians, and I truly believe this school is going to be a leader in medical education. They also have very nice facilities; everything is brand new and high-tech.
Everything! The day was laid out perfectly and was relatively stress-free. The presentation about SOMA's mission and the way they've structured the curriculum was inspiring. They area all about helping out underserved communities and training fantastic doctors to do so. The area and campus was beautiful, and the facilities are top notch. Everyone was was super nice and did their best to make you feel comfortable. Lunch was by far the best I've seen as well :)
The overall environment of the school, how well they were able to describe their curriculum, since it is so unique and completely different from other medical school.
The facilities were not bad and the campus really isn't too far out of the city. The faculty/dean excited about their curriculum, but I wonder if it will have the desired effect or prove to lead to high board scores. What they are doing is a more PBL style learning, and years 2-4 will be spent in community health centers around the nation.
the energy of the students was very encouraging... i had doubts about the school being new and having a new curriculum, but the students were all very positive about it... i was totally sold on the school
The enthusiasm of the faculty and admissions staff. The good lunch! The many opportunities to ask questions. Their choice to not flagrantly sell the school, but make us aware that they are looking for a *very* particular student. Such an approach is better for all parties involved.
I am in love with the curricular emphasis as well as approach to educating students. As expected, ATSU faculty and staff are as warm and friendly as those at any other school
I loved the way the curriculum is laid out. You do one year in Phoenix, then you get placed somewhere else. I am person who likes to move so I donÃฦ¢ââโฌลก‰âโฌลพ¢t mind. Also you get to start your clinical rotations at an early time than any other medical schools. I saw that someone had written that we donÃฦ¢ââโฌลก‰âโฌลพ¢t get to do our own dissections on the cadveras. On my interview, I didnÃฦ¢ââโฌลก‰âโฌลพ¢t hear that. I thought they said we would have anatomy lab like any other school. Any besides that you are starting your clinical rotations earlier, which means you will be able to do live dissections at an earlier time in your medical school career.
They really emphasize the osteopathic principles. As most of you know DOÃฦ¢ââโฌลก‰âโฌลพ¢s are know to serve in disadvantaged communities, that is one of the main reasons why I chose to do Osteopathic medicine instead of Allopathic. My main goal is to serve the disadvantaged and COM-Mesa definitely throws you into that early on.
The curriculum is going to be really innovative and hi-tech. Being embedded in a CHC the 2-4 years will give students very solid clinical exposure. Arizona is beautiful and most of the CHC sites are in cool places to live (Seattle, New York, Hawaii, etc.) This school plans on only using those educaiton models that have been proven to be effective. The school will truly provide a unique learning experience not found at any other school in this country.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the interview process feeling like an interrogation, uncertainty surrounding Clinical Health Center (CHC) placements, lack of access to dissections, long and disorganized interview days, and the school's newness impacting facilities and curriculum. Suggestions included improving interview organization, providing more transparency about CHC placements, incorporating more hands-on dissection opportunities, and ensuring a smoother and more informative interview experience.
my interviewers, i felt like i was being interrogated.
CHC uncertainty both selecting one and once you are there. They can lose a hospital site etc. and then you may have to spend months somewhere else. It's a lot of "moving" and as a result you lose access to the nice facilities in AZ.
You spend 3 years at CHC yet never get to "see" it before hand.
Seems like 1st year curriculum is more brutal than other schools to compensate for clinic time in 2nd year.
Had concerns about some comments made by faculty, school doesn't report/release board scores, students at school seemed unsure if school was preparing them for COMLEX, disliked that they made us try on white coats at interview for sizing
Traditional interview seemed like a good-cop/bad-cop scenario. Felt pretty one-way and the "bad cop" kept questioning my motives for becoming a physician.
Very unorganized on the day of the interview, although they said they were short staffed. A staff member went on a big spiel on how health care is a privilege so if someone can't pay that's their problem, you'll never pay off your student loans if you go in to family practice, surgeons make $600,000 a year and that is still not enough....The whole thing really turned me off.
I felt like I was on the stand and getting interrogated during my interview. One of them kept trying to get me to contradict myself. I hardly had time to speak with them because of the questions being fired at me. Not a pleasant experience at all like I've had at other schools.
You have to put in extra curricular time if you want to dissect a cadaver? Every medical student should get that chance without having to give up study time.
The number of students interviewed in the same day (48) - felt like a number. Biggest turnoff: the staff promised 4 weeks for a decision but it took 8 weeks and nobody would answer my emails about why it was taking so long so that I could accept/decline other schools!!!
The cost is very expensive for a medical school. Also the curriculum is drastically different than most other schools, and it is difficult to judge how the students are doing because there are no residency matches available. They also put you in a room for an hour while you watch a video on financial aid and CHC's - which was not enjoyable.
This school is very different compared to other medical schools. I don't consider this to be a true "negative" but it's something worth considering as you interview here and consider a potential offer.
Teamwork exercise where someone observed me and the other candidates interviewing, taking notes furiously; students seemed to be older and married -- nothing wrong with this, just not the atmosphere that interests me; location -- campus seems to be in the middle of a bunch of dirt fields; admissions director; the idea of moving after my 1st year of medical school; lack of on-campus housing; emphasis on studying in small groups
no real library (everything is digital), no board scores, no residency match lists, provisional accreditation, requirement to pay for own criminal background check and CPR certification upon acceptance, $2000 deposit (most schools only require $1000 and applies to first-year tuition), no research opportunities, no guarantee of any CHC location upon acceptance
The provost, This guy was a nut. He made fun of the mayo clinic. Saying some doctors sit behind their desks waiting for patients and others actually get out and help people. When asked about research, he said we emphasize actually helping patients over research.
ONE HOUR long presentation on financial aid...oh what fun! =|
actually, IF you have not sat through one of these presentations before, it is very informative...but I have already done it and it was just reviewing the same stuff I heard before.
Although no final decisions have been made, there is a possibility that students will need to return to Mesa near the end of their second year for a board review course (approximately 6 weeks). I wonder how living arrangements for this length of time will be made.
Nothing really - perhaps some of the other interview-es ... They seemed to be quiet competitive, one of them didn't miss a chance to show her ''extra'' knowledge of all things medicine.
The curriculum seems a little sketchy, I hope it works out for everyone. The community health center (CHC) in Phoenix is only for Native American students or those who can demonstrate a strong desire to work with the Native American population. For a campus that is based in Phoenix, they should have had some other CHCs in the Phoenix area and sought to cover a wider demographic. A Native American focus in Phoenix is a very narrow focus. There is a diverse group of underserved in Arizona and a diverse group of students with varying interests. I also didn't like that the questions were all set questions that everyone is asked even though I knew them ahead of time from SDN. The interviewer was not involved at all other than to ask the questions and write down answers. He just looked at his paper and wrote things down. Hopefully this school does not bring down the reputation of ATSU-KCOM, which is an awesome school.
Being a brand new school (interviewing for second class), they can't have 100% accredation yet, aren't eligible for some things until they graduate a class and that even our program/CHC isn't perfectly laid out.
no dissection, only prosection... they try to plug you into a CHC... seems like they want a specific type of physician and that's it.... the CHC emphasis probably won't help you if you want to specialize in something else
Everyone is fairly new there since this is the first class they have so not everything is 'set in stone' yet at the school and changes are still being made. The financial aid woman wasn't very knowledgeable in our session.
The lady said the class is ''full'' but they are still waiting to hear from 28 students. There is an ''accepted'' list, in addition to a wait list. Seems like it will be tough to get in since it's so late. Also, since there are only 10 spots per community health center, it could be hard to get the one you want.
The revelation at the end that the class is ''full''. Talk about a heartbreaker. I know spots will open and students will change their minds...but ouch!
This is a new school so some of the facilities were not finished. We werenÃฦ¢ââโฌลก‰âโฌลพ¢t able to get a accurate feel to what our classrooms and labs would look like.
School is TOO new and I don't think they have full accreditation yet.
The interview is only five strict questions. They have no idea who I am because they never even asked ''How are you?''
They still have a lot of planning to do, so its hard to get exact answers about certain things on interview day. The anatomy lab is pretty small. The area is going to be developed to include a lot of stuff, but it won't be ready for next years class. Conceptually, the school sounds great, but it reamins to be seen how it pans out in reality.
The cadaver lab is extremely small, I am not sure where the medical students will have their class. No real preparation for step 1 of COMLEX/USMLE because there is not very much time dedicated in the curriculum for basic sciences.
Most applicants wished they had known more about the curriculum, location, and specific requirements of the program ahead of time. Additionally, they recommended being well-prepared for the interview process, ensuring familiarity with the school's teaching philosophy, and being aware of potential challenges such as long interview days and specific technological requirements.
two one on one interviews 30 min each, wish i saved myself some time and didn't accept the interview
I would get my acceptance call at the latest time on the last day they said they would let us know. ( I got the phone call at 4:40pm on the last day of the 4th week after my interview... they said they would let us know in 3-4 weeks).
When they say it is hot in Arizona, they mean it is HOT! Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for going outside on the tour. Organize your interview accordingly: the admissions staff may tell you they will give you an answer in 2-4 weeks but mine took 8 weeks... luckily I had enough time to accept/decline other schools but I was very nervous!
That you need to buy a specific laptop....too bad i already bought one a couple months ago...now i have to spend another 2 grand to get the specified laptop, oh well!
Nothing. The "interview schedule" posted on the school's website is completely accurate and if you read over their website there is nothing that you should have missed. However the day was rather long, though I was relatively prepared for this.
The school, reminded me of ITT Tech. It just seemed that these guys were trying to cut corners wherever they could. there was a great amount of technology, like flat screens and stuff like that. But there is no dissection. The Dean said that dissection is a waste of time..... the library is non existent, why have books when you can read them online. you are only at the school for a year and do your second year of didactic online. with a faculty adviser on site.
That there was construction going on out in the street and I missed my turn and got lost as a result! So I wished I drove down the day before just to make sure I would know exactly where to go.
There were about 20 students being interviewed. Half of us did file reviews and interviews while the other half toured the campus. The same person who interviews you also observes you during a group activity; the groups consisted of four students.
I wish I had read more about the CHC's - a little bit perhaps, but they do give a presentation and you have about 7 days to get back to them about the choice of your CHC.
Mesa is pretty large. Stay as close as you can to the school if you're only going for a day... You cannot walk ANYWHERE in Mesa. ANAYWHERE. There are barely sidewalks.
I forgot that you have to pick which Community Health Center site you'll be at for years 2-4. I wish I had known that this campus wasn't exactly a problem-based curriculum but have an even more unique way of teaching through case studies and flow charts kind of (it's hard to explain!)...
How inadequet the anatomy lab is and the anatomy philosophy of the school in general. There is not much in the way of teaching areas, just promises that there will be more fascilities in the future and not for this entering class.
Arizona is sunny and beautiful. I learned a lot more about what the CHC's (community health centers) were. It gave me more confidence about the program. Faculty to student ratio will be 1:10 at CHC. Some lectures will be podcast from main campus.
The whacky curriculum. I think they want to move the students out of the school after a year because there is not really any room for them at the school.
Applicants generally found the interview day at the school to be long but enjoyable, with a mix of structured interviews, group activities, and presentations. Feedback included praise for the staff, the innovative curriculum, and the emphasis on community health, but some expressed concerns about the length of the day and the lack of clarity on certain aspects of the program.
Enjoyed being in-person and learning more about the school
The interview day is very long (7:30 to 1 pm) but everything happens so fast you barely have time to freak out. The clinical patient part was very fun and stimulating, the group interview was also very fun because you got a chance to really interact with the other interviewees. The speed dating was a little messy for us and most of those questions were difficult but it was really quick. Overall, the interview day was long, but fun.
The students only mention of fun was watching a 1 hour tv show on a Friday night after studying all day. The students didn't mention doing much of anything for "fun"
It is a busy day but it goes quick. Even though the speed dating was kind of off-putting, you will get some people you click well with and others not so much. They definitely want to see as much of you as possible and have as many opinions as possible to put together.
The day was much too long. Way too many presentations of unnecessary info. for applicants. Typical interview days last about 4 hours with lounging time, this one was just over 6!
great school, be wary of the 1+3. They never offered specifics on % of people who passed boards. If I could, I would press the dean to give specific numnbers on who passed and who did. Maybe ask them who would not be a good fit for th school.
The school seems to have a very family/community feel, which really appeals to me. All staff and faculty members seem very dedicated to each student's success. The social on the night before the interview was a great way to get to know the other candidates and interview panel and to lower the anxiety.
I think this curriculum is "love it" or "hate it" - it is a great idea if you don't mind being up-rooted frequently but it may not be the best option for people with family. I was extremely sold on it by the end of the day - the staff does an excellent job of explaining the reasons for this type of set-up.
Seems like a good program, but is very expensive and you are taking a risk on this drastically different educational approach. The rotational sites were very undesirable for me and is a large reason why I will not be attending.
I recommend the afternoon interviews. You'll be doing your interviews later in the day, after touring the campus and having lunch with some Year 1 students. You'll be able to think of some questions to ask the interviewers and also better plan your interview strategy.
The admissions office was great, I interviewed on a Tuesday and I got a response via phone call three days later on Friday extending an acceptance offer . The standardized questions were a pain the butt and I kept asking the interviewer to repeat the questions because some of them were really long. One question was about 2 paragraphs. The nice thing is that asking them to repeat the question does not hurt you, its better to totally understand the question than to be only 50% sure and answer the question incompletely.
There are two interviews, the first one is standardized with 5 or 6 questions and is closed file. The second interview is more of a file review where they go over the AACOMAS. This is where you want to get all the information that you have stored up out. Since you can't really say much during the standardized interview, this is where you need to show your emotion and explain any hiccups in your app. My file review went pretty quickly, the only thing I really needed to talk about was my low MCAT score. However, I kept talking about my current job, my life experiences, why I wanted to attend the school, and all about my volunteer work. Do not stop talking during this time...if there is a long pause, you need to fill it up with what you have to say.
Even though ATSU-SOMA is a brand new program, the staff, especially the dean, have everything down to a science. Like most people, the fact that they have no board scores/residency matches let alone graduates to back up their program's success scared me a little, but after listening to the presentations given by the dean and the provost I was actually very impressed with what they have set up there and the research that went in to creating their program. It seems to me that they will produce a lot of successful docs. Also, the fact that they have 100+ years of experience in Kirksville really helps!
Nice school but you have to love the Community Health Center idea because you're out of the school after just one year to go to a CHC. I feel like its more primary care oriented compared to other schools.
The school does a really poor job of representing itself. I really want to go here because of what I've researched and experienced OUTSIDE of what's on their website and what I learned during the interview day. Before attending, I actually went and shadowed the 2011 class in my CHC of interest, and was really impressed by everything I saw. That's when my opinion of this school completely changed, and it's a pity that so many people will be missing out simply because they do not know enough about this program or feel they already know enough not to even consider this school. A huge myth is that this school locks you into primary care -- this is simply not true; you can specialize in anything you want, and because the class is so small (and new), I feel the students really have a lot of say and flexibility in what they get out of their education here.
The facilities are sub-par. simulation dummy you use are not very nice, nor up to date. There is only one and the simulations room is just a side room that does not give the feeling of an actual hospital, nor clinic. It just is a small office.
One interview is closed file and they ask the standard/ethical questions
The other interview is open file and they go through each bad grade, your MCAT, certain ECs, foreign language, etc.
The group project involved 4 students tacking a problem in healthcare and identifying 3 key elements and solutions to the problem. The woman who watched us just sat in the corner taking notes--she is a specialist in family/marriage counseling so she can see through any discomfort or ingenuity.
Be nice, don't be nervous!
GREAT SCHOOL!! (Read: Accept interviewer with initials R.J.D. if you are an admissions director, I will make you proud :D) But seriously, give this program a shot.
It was really warm when I visited (109 degrees!). You have one 30min closed-file 1-on-1 interview. Another 20min open-file 1-on-1 interview. The last is a 30min group interaction activity. The staff and interviewers were awesome, welcoming. SOMA's interview day is one of the longer interviews I've been on and I was exhausted by the end of the day. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking around quite a bit! Rumors of SOMA graduates only becoming primary care physicians are lies.
There was a 30 min. open "file review" that is extremely conversational and allows you to explain anything and everything that is in your application.
There was another 30 min. more formal interview that was closed-file.
In addition, you do a 20 minute group project with 3 other applicants.
Everyone has a chance to go over their file with one admissions representative, so you can explain any gaps or poor grades in your education, and provide any additional information pertaining to your community service, etc. You are also interviewed by another individual, who has never seen your application and knows nothing about you; they ask a few standard questions that everyone is asked. Later, this same person observes you during a group activity.
Everyone is very friendly and helpful. They spend a good portion of the day discussing the school's mission and their curriculum. They also spend some time discussing the financing of medical school. During lunch you have the opportunity to sit down with current students and ask them anything you want.
Two days after the interview I received notification that I was accepted.
Overall, my interview day provided a positive experience. The facilities and technology afforded by this University are very nice. My interviewers were all kind and asked the standard questions. I had a 30 minute file review, a 30 minute interview, and a group exercise in which we were to collectively provide five points of a medical school honor code. Lunch with the current students was positive and helpful. I did recieve a very nice coffee mug :) I found out that I was accepted to the program and am seriously considering attending.
The day was really structured well. We had presntaions about the school and its mission in the morning and then we were broken up into two groups. My group did interviews while the other group a financial aid presentaion and tour, then after lunch the groups switched. There is one main closed-file interview with a set of standard questions, one file review to give you a chance to talk about whats in your application, and then one group activity at the end of the day.
I had a very postive experience. The staff members were wonderful and I really felt like I fit in with that program. Whatever hesitation I had about going to a new school simply dissipated after visiting the campus, speaking with the students and going through the interview process.
The interview experience was great, everyone was friendly. The students for last year's class had lot of good things to say about the school. All in all - everyone seems to be genuinely excited about the new curriculum.
It was a great day. The admissions staff was very organized. Everything ran very smoothly. All of the questions that I had prior to the interview were answered in the informational sessions. Lunch was excellent and the students we ate with were very enthusiastic and happy. The faculty and staff were very welcoming.
It was a good but long day. This was my first interview so I was really nervous but the staff and students really made me feel comfortable. The day started with a school and CHC presentation, followed by lunch with students and faculty. The interviews/file review, financial aid/tour were next, and then the group exercise. It was a really good day!
It was great. Everyone was really nice and it was pretty relaxing. The school is definitely innovative, but all the students seem to love it. They are all about suceeding and becoming the best med school once they graduate their first class.
My time at the school was nice. The presentations were incredibly informative about the school and faculty. Totally laid back, I actually had a good time meeting all the other interviewees. Don't stress, just be ready to learn about the program!
It was a full day. You have a file review and then an interview that is closed file where they ask you a standard 5 questions everyone gets. Lunch was absolutely amazing!!! Then you do a group session where you're being watched and evaluated. We helped create important things that should be included in their honor code since they don't have a school honor code yet. I found out I got into the school the next day!
positive; but made realize that this school is looking for a particular type of student and if you don' tfit the mold this may not be the school for you
It was the best interview experience I've been on yet. I've let offers expire just so I can have a shot at this school, and I'm really stretching the offers of another to wait and see if I'm lucky enough to go to Mesa!
The lunch was good, the students there seem very happy, Phoenix is a great place to live with lots of culture and opportunities to be outdoors, and the school is a visionary creation.
That said, you really need to be signed on with their philosophy to be happy here. If you don't really care about catering to underserved populations, especially ethnic populations, this isn't the school for you.
If you have any experience in public health, this school is a godsend!
I'm passionate about this school - hopefully everyone else who's going is, too. It's true what they say about needing a specific kind of student for this program. The learner-centeredness of this program is going to require this kind of a person and the students are what's going to make the program take off (not to say that faculty and staff aren't top notch because they are). Go here if you're on-board with everything on interview day. Don't if you're not. You'll likely be unhappy and those around you, too.
I really loved COM-Mesa. I was accepted and will be placed in Hawaii for my clinical rotations. The school is technologically advanced and has a lot to offer a medical student. I know people are hesitate because it is a new school but I think they are just as worried as we are about accreditation which means they will do anything in their power to make sure we succeed. I hope to see some of you in the Fall!
My experience at the school was almost exactly like it has been described by the other feedbacks. Some of the ideas the school has like immediate patient exposure, are good ideas however the school is extremely focused on community health and primary care. The curriculum will not train their students adequetly, I feel, in the basic sciences so I will be turning down my acceptance to Mesa and attending AZCOM instead as I love Arizona. Before I drop 200K on an educational program I need to know that the school will be doing everything possible to allow me the best all around education and success.
I interviewed with a member of the Evaluation committee a board member of one of the Community Health Centers in Arizona. They ask 5 standard questions that were given to everyone.
There was also a file review with the Associate Director. This was to verify that everything was correct and to explain the reasons for low grades or MCAT scores.
Again, I felt that they were looking for a very specific kind of candidate. The interview, group activity, and even lunch are structured to evaluate if you are that kind of candidate.
(I was accepted, so my comments are not sour grapes.)
Everything seemed well-organized, but they did not conduct a very good interview. You'll answer the questions, but they still won't know what kind of person you are or how you think.
The day was really organized (no sitting around doing nothing time). The lunch was really good and we ate outside in the sun. The faculty member sitting with us answered a lot of questions well. The three part interview allowed you to speak with three different interviewers in three different settings, so you had the opportunity to show more than one side of yourself. The three parts are: 1) The regular two person med. school interview, 2) A file review to discuss problem areas in transcript/MCAT, 3) A group exercise.
The interview day started at 10am. There was about 20 interviewees. We all listened to a talk about the school from the different directors. We ate lunch with faculty, I think they all watch everyone at the lunch for ''character assessment'' which is creepy. Then we are split into groups and either taken on a tour/financial aid spiel, taken to a file review, or taken to an interview. The file review consists of one person looking at your entire file and critiquing it. The interview consists of two interviewers asking some good and some nutty questions. By the way there are right answers to the questions they are not just philosophy questions which is stupid since everyone will see the philysophical questions they ask differently. Then everyone does a group project with 4 other interviewees and that is about it.
It was a great experience, everyone was really nice, and really excited about the new program. They gave free mugs, candy and pens. Having 30 interviewers that day was pretty overwhelming, but make sure to sit up front during the presentations. The facilities aren't done so the tour is wack, except the SIM-MAN, but you can tell they really want everything to be hi-tech, and it will be. There were three interview situations: (1) 2 on 1 closed file formal 30min, (2) 1 on 1 open file 10min, (3) 2 on group, make a def'n of professionalism, how to implement, and teach. (4) I had a feeling I was being evaluated all day though, especially during lunch.
A VERY LONG AND SOMEWHAT STRESSFUL DAY- YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO 'FAKE' YOUR WAY THROUGH THIS ONE, SO JUST BE YOURSELF.... VERY DIFFERENT THAT ALL OTHER INTERVIEWS I HAVE BEEN ON
Over all the experience was very good. The school is brand new so its very nice. There is a big push for technology so they have state-of-the- art equipment. The school is located in a very nice part of Mesa, just about 15 minutes from the mountains. The method of teaching the material which is through case-studies seems very interesting and innovative.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should consider shortening the interview day to reduce downtime and avoid it feeling drawn out, and to provide more clarity on the schedule and duration of the interviews.
For online interviews, three consecutive 15 minute interviews is not enough time and definitely felt rushed.
Admissions office is great with questions and always redirect me to someone who knows how to answer them. They are also very responsive to emails/calls.
Fantastic overall - organization could have been better but I understand the first weekend of the cycle can be a bit of the guinea-pig run through. I would advise for such short interview time that the interviewers ask at the end "is there anything more you would like to tell us that we didn't talk about?" Also, PLEASE stick to your timeline for notifying applicants! We have deadlines from other schools as well to respond :/
