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California Northstate University College of Medicine

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Elk Grove, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private For-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 51% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did well.
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⭐ 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 as average compared to other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most rank this school as average compared to 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 appear to be in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, with respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements (NDA) and being asked MMI case questions. Respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the MMI format, which typically involves multiple scenario-based questions.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at California Northstate University College of Medicine discussed a nondisclosure agreement, indicating that the interview may have been in an MMI format with restrictions on sharing specific questions.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at California Northstate University College of Medicine discussed nondisclosure agreements (NDA), indicating the interview may have been in MMI format with restrictions on sharing specific questions.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 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 a Student

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?

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

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

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Other or at another housing option.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

How would you rate the hotel?

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

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

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

What are your comments on where you stayed?

✅ 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?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by researching the school online, reading tips on platforms like Reddit and SDN, reviewing their application, and practicing with online MMI resources. It is important to familiarize yourself with the school, practice common interview questions, and seek advice from others who have gone through the process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were impressed by the genuine passion and belief of interviewers in their school, despite facing challenges. Additionally, the clean and new facilities, along with ambitious plans for an academic medical center, left a positive impression on applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were negatively impressed by a lack of transparency and communication, particularly concerning the interview process and dates. Additionally, concerns were raised about the school's location in an industrial park, the president's discouragement of student advocacy, and the for-profit nature of the institution with limited financial aid options.
  • When asked whether they believe the probation from the LCME was warranted, one of the interviewers essentially say they could not comment on that question directly. He did say, however, that the issues that led to the probation had been resolved.
    More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this too
  • No options to pick interview dates, last minute information regarding the interview process
    More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this too
  • The school is located in an industrial park in Elk Grove. The President of the school gave a weird rant about how students should never be advocates because they have one job: to learn. Seemed like he doesn't want students protesting the university admin...weird thing to rant about on interview day. The school is for-profit. You can only take out private loans, and there's no financial aid.
    More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this too

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known in advance that the interview would be 1-on-1 with a consistent format, and desired clarity on the timeline for post-interview communication and modernization of acceptance protocols to an online platform for efficiency.

What are your general comments?

The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants are concerns about the school being for-profit with sketchy rumors, but also positive impressions of the staff's confidence in preparing students for future roles as physicians. Applicants generally express a willingness to attend if it's their only option, but recommend exploring other MD options if available.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should transition to electronic acceptance paperwork to streamline the process and reduce paper waste.
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