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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 34% 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 106 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 include inquiries about why the candidate chose the specific school, their motivation for pursuing optometry, study habits, perceptions of the profession, and what they look for in an optometry program. These questions provide insight into the candidate's passion for optometry, alignment with the school's values, and understanding of the profession's scope and responsibilities.
Students said the most interesting question asked at Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University discussed a range of topics, including motivations for success, impressions of the school, elevator pitches about optometry, hobbies, optometrist roles, and reasons for volunteering. While there were no specific mentions of the MMI format or nondisclosure agreements, the questions provided insight into the applicants' personalities, goals, and interests during the interviews.
Students said most difficult question asked at Arizona College of Optometry, Midwestern University discussed various topics including handling adversity, motivation for success, overcoming challenges, future plans post-graduation, and unexpected preparation topics. Some respondents may have encountered an MMI format with nondisclosure agreements in place.
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?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by using resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) for questions, conducting mock interviews, and researching the specific school they were interviewing at. Many also sought advice from peers, professors, and professionals, and practiced answering potential questions to feel more prepared and confident for the interview.
I found questions on student doctor net, wrote out answers, and other questions to ask that I couldn't find answers to online. I also had a mock interview through my school's HPAC.
Looked through this website's forums, asked friends who had gone through interviews (at med school, dental school, pharm school, and opto school), talked to professors and OD's that I've shadowed. I put questions on flash cards and practiced going through what I would say for each of them the night before my interview (I didn't memorize anything, just had an idea of what I wanted to say).
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere of the staff, faculty, and interviewers. They appreciated the modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and emphasis on creating a comfortable and conversational interview experience. Suggestions included maintaining the positive atmosphere and continuing to prioritize student comfort and support throughout the admissions process.
How nice the staff was. They were so easy going and the people that interviewed me were so laid back. They were tried to make you as comfortable as possible! My interview was over zoom due to COIVD and they were constantly asking for feed back and trying to make it the best experience as possible
The campus is beautiful and the clinic is amazing. Dr. Jarnigan was an incredibly nice man and I liked that he gave us the tour of the clinic and ate lunch with us.
The admissions staff and professors were very welcoming and helpful, campus was in a great location and is nicely spaced out, Eye Institute is AMAZING, professors emphasized their open-door policy to students. Very professional, yet comfortable interview.
Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions related to rude or unenthusiastic interviewers, lack of friendliness from current students, slow clinic operations, and long or tiring interview days. Suggestions included improving interviewer attitudes, enhancing student interactions, and ensuring efficient and engaging interview experiences.
The interviewers weโre fairly rude. They gave off a very negative vibe. I went in with high hopes and was not impressed with the attitude of my interviewers.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the laid-back nature of the interview process and the importance of being themselves. They also mentioned the need for comfortable shoes during the long tours and the opportunity to assess the school as a potential fit for themselves.
the breakfast offered was not healthy, just cereal bars/processed snacks- I would have eaten a healthier and more substantial breakfast before if i had known.
Applicants generally found the interview process to be casual and conversational, with an emphasis on getting to know them as individuals. Some feedback included a positive outlook on the school, the campus, and the program's potential for growth and success. Suggestions included making more personal connections with candidates and addressing any concerns about the clinic's pace.
I went into the interview day not sure how I felt about Midwestern and their program, and I left with a very positive outlook on the school. The school is newer than others, but I think it's a great program.
The interview was very casual and informal and mostly felt like the professors just wanted to get to know who you are as a person. Everyone was super nice and interacted with the students.
The school focused too much about itself. They really didn't put much effort in making a connection with the candidates and getting to know them more in person.
The campus is beautiful and very up-to-date. In general the staff were very enthusiastic and friendly.The atmosphere was very relaxed and the staff made sure everyone was comfortable.
The interview itself was not bad at all, very conversational, you're interviewed by 2 faculty members in the program, questions they asked were just based on optometry and your application --nothing random. I really like this school and I think their program is very strong and has the potential to go far. I like how the interview day was structured - the interview is the first thing on the itinerary! That way you can breathe the rest of the day.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested the admissions office incorporate a financial aid talk into the interview day schedule, make the tour shorter, provide more information on financial aid and housing options, improve communication about application status, and maintain their friendly and positive demeanor.
It would have been very helpful if there was a financial aid talk incorporated into the interview day schedule. There was too much time just sitting around waiting for other applicants to finish their interviews (almost 1.5 hrs).
Improve communication; the only way I found out I had been invited for an interview was when I logged on to their website. They also said they would call on Monday to let me know if I was accepted - they didn't call until Tuesday, but I checked online and saw that I had been accepted Monday afternoon.