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A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Mesa, AZ

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private For-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

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.

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
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about motivations for pursuing medicine, reasons for choosing osteopathic medicine, handling ethical dilemmas such as organ transplants, opinions on pharmaceutical advertising, demonstrating compassion, and working in underserved communities. Many respondents mentioned being part of an MMI format and signing nondisclosure agreements, indicating a structured interview process with standardized questions and potential confidentiality requirements.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona discussed the MMI format with references to nondisclosure agreements. Commonly asked questions included scenarios about ethics in medicine, dealing with underserved populations, opinions on medical practices, and personal values in healthcare, reflecting a focus on ethical dilemmas, patient care, and professional values during the interview process.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at A.T. Still University - School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona discussed a range of challenging topics, including ethical dilemmas such as deciding between transplant recipients, dealing with failure in patient care, and articulating motivations for pursuing medicine. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) given references to nondisclosure agreements, with questions focusing on ethics, personal values, and the integration of mind, body, and spirit in medical practice.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.

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.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by Admissions staff personnel

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent more than $500.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their primary and secondary applications, practicing interview questions (including MMI questions), reading SDN feedback, and familiarizing themselves with the school's website and curriculum. Many also engaged in mock interviews with friends, read about osteopathic medicine, and sought feedback from current D.O.s to enhance their readiness.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the passionate and friendly staff, innovative curriculum, top-notch facilities, early patient interaction, and commitment to community health centers. They appreciated the low-stress environment, diverse opportunities for clinical rotations, emphasis on underserved communities, and the hands-on approach to teaching. Overall, the school's unique educational model, enthusiastic faculty, and dedication to student success left a lasting positive impression on applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of organization, chaos, and uncertainty in the curriculum, clinical rotations, and facilities at the medical school. Suggestions included improving communication with applicants, providing more transparency, and ensuring a smoother and more structured experience during interviews and throughout the program.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known more about the interview day's length, the specific requirements or expectations of the program, the unique curriculum, and the potential delays in receiving acceptance notifications. Suggestions also included researching the school's teaching philosophy, preparing for specific questions during the interview, and familiarizing oneself with the location and facilities.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day to be long but well-organized, with a mix of structured interviews, group activities, and information sessions. Feedback highlighted the innovative curriculum and facilities, emphasis on community health, and the importance of aligning with the school's mission and values for success.
  • 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.
  • Loved this school! Definitely the medical school of the future!
  • Amazing school.
  • 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"

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should shorten the interview day to reduce downtime and make the process more efficient. Additionally, they recommended extending the interview time per candidate to allow for a more in-depth conversation and ensuring better communication about the schedule and timeline for notifying applicants.