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Boston University School of Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

Boston, MA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 23% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.9
Good

Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.

Based on 989 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional 8–8.9 Very Good 7–7.9 Good 6–6.9 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 area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about ethical situations, leadership roles, academic challenges, resilience, reasons for choosing specific activities or institutions, healthcare problems, career motivations, personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and future aspirations. Some respondents mentioned being part of an MMI format interview, suggesting a nondisclosure agreement might have been in place regarding specific questions asked during the process.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at Boston University School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, research experiences, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, and scenarios involving patient care. The interviews seemed to encompass a conversational approach exploring candidates' backgrounds, values, and problem-solving abilities. Respondents may have been subject to an MMI format and a nondisclosure agreement, given the diverse array of questions mentioned.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Boston University School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, research details, and motivations for pursuing medicine. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format with ethical questions, while others highlighted specific inquiries about patient care, healthcare challenges, and personal experiences.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

What was the stress level of the interview?

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 an open 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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, practicing mock interviews, researching the school, reading through SDN feedback, and staying informed on healthcare-related topics and current events. Many also emphasized the importance of being themselves and staying relaxed during the interview process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the conversational and friendly interview atmosphere, the genuine passion and commitment to service shown by faculty and students, the emphasis on clinical experience and opportunities, the commitment to serving underserved populations, the enthusiasm of the Dean of Admissions, the diverse patient population, the location in Boston, and the supportive and welcoming environment at the school. Many noted the positive experiences with interviewers, the openness to answer questions, the quality of clinical training, and the passion for community health. Suggestions included more ethics questions during interviews and a more detailed discussion on healthcare.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the high cost of attending BU, including tuition and living expenses in Boston. Concerns were also raised about the school's facilities, the lack of campus community, the location in a less desirable area, and the unenthusiastic or rude behavior of some students and interviewers. Suggestions included addressing the cost issue transparently, improving facilities, enhancing the campus experience, and ensuring a more positive and engaging atmosphere during interviews and tours.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known to be prepared for curveball questions, the importance of researching the interviewer, the length of the interview day, and the emphasis on ethical and healthcare questions. They also mentioned the need for early contact for student hosts, the stress-free nature of the interviews, and the positive experiences with students and faculty at the school.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at BU to be positive, with some interviews being conversational and relaxed while others felt a bit more structured. The dean's presentation was informative, students seemed happy, and the facilities were well-regarded. Some concerns were raised about the cost of attendance and the lack of structure in some parts of the interview day.