California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University Interview Feedback Summary
Oakland, CA
Podiatry Schools | Private For-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
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 included inquiries about specific academic performance, reasons for choosing podiatry as a career over other professions, experiences with standardized tests like the MCAT, personal motivations for pursuing podiatry, and the candidate's understanding of the field and specific programs. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format with questions related to academic challenges, career choices, and personal motivations, which might have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement.
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Asked about a specific class that I didn’t do well in.
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What was the most memorable moment of your backpacking trip and why?
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How are you misunderstood?
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Why podiatric Medicine
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What did you do differently to improve your grades (upward trend)?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University discussed a wide range of topics including choosing between DPM and DO, motivations for podiatry, favorite and least favorite undergrad courses, adapting to city life, MCAT perceptions, and personal hobbies. The interview format may have been an MMI, with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted questions related to public health roles and personal experiences.
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You applied to DO schools at one point. How will you choose between DPM and DO?
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What are you looking for in a school?
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N/a
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I see you've traveled the world, tell me about that.
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Do your family members realize how busy you will be studying?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University discussed a mix of personal and academic inquiries, such as choosing between DPM and DO, self-improvement feedback from family, and justifying career choices. Some respondents mentioned specific questions about personal statements and extracurricular activities, while others reflected on unique qualities and reasons for pursuing podiatry, with some also highlighting inquiries about adjusting to the curriculum after time away from school.
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What will your legacy be at this school?
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You applied to DO schools at one point. How will you choose between DPM and DO?
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N/A
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What is something your parents would say you need to work on?
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Nothing really. Just some really specific questions about my personal statement and extracurricular activities.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How long was the interview?
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 low 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 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 utilizing resources like SDN forums, practicing with friends or advisors, reviewing prior interview questions, researching the school, and going through their application materials. Suggestions included being honest about goals, relaxing before the interview, and reviewing personal statements.
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SDN
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SDN, practice with friends
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Looked at prior interview questions and researched the school.
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Practice against friends on adcoms
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SDN, mock interviews, looking over the website and faculty research, and going through my application.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were consistently impressed by the early clinical experience, small class sizes, friendly faculty and students, diverse clinical rotations, and the positive atmosphere at the campus. They appreciated the strong emphasis on clinical training, the supportive environment, and the opportunities for interaction with current students and faculty during the interview process.
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Really nice assistant dean of admission and faculty!
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Early clinical experience.
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Student body and their candid responses about the program
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The research center and hospital.
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The professionalism and enthusiasm of the faculty and students
What impressed you negatively?
Most applicants expressed concerns about the organization of the tour, lack of detail on financial aid, rushed feeling during the visit, safety and location of Oakland, high cost of living, traffic, limited study spaces, small gym and library, mixed opinions on facilities, long commutes between Oakland and San Francisco for clinics, and limited time for questions during interviews. Suggestions included improving organization, providing more information on financial aid, addressing safety concerns, offering more amenities, and allowing more time for questions during interviews.
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N/A
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Seemed a little unorganized.
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The gym facilities or lack thereof
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Did not get to see the anatomy lab and the Oakland area.
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Tour seemed rushed, didn't really see everything. Didn't talk much detail about financial aid/tuition expenses. No on-campus housing, bad area.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known about the long and standing-intensive interview day, the need for comfortable shoes, the multiple interview sessions throughout the day, and the location-specific details like parking and navigating the campus. Suggestions included being prepared with questions, arriving early to account for potential delays, and adjusting travel plans accordingly.
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How the day would be scheduled.
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Where exactly to park
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You'll spend a lot of time with students so come prepared with questions.
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A lot of standing time, waiting for interview
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Lots of standing, where comfortable shoes. Very low stress, no need to overprepare.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally expressed positive feedback about the school, mentioning friendly and supportive staff, great facilities, and early clinical exposure as highlights. Some applicants noted the long interview day but still had a positive overall experience, praising the faculty, location, and opportunities for hands-on learning.
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They didn’t ask me very many questions, it was more me asking them, so have a lot of questions prepared!
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The students genuinely seemed to love the program and all of their professors. The faculty seems wholly dedicated to making sure everyone is able to reach their potential.
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This is a great school and I wish I get accepted!
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N/a
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Looks like a really great school! People are nice.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally praised the admissions office for their friendliness, professionalism, and responsiveness, suggesting to keep up the good work and maintain the streamlined efficiency. Some applicants also recommended improvements such as organizing meetings with the dean, ensuring positive interactions with current students, combining interview sessions, providing information on residency placements, and offering tours of dorm rooms.
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good
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Keep up what you're doing, I left my interview even more set that CSPM was the program for me
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N/A! They were very nice and responsive!
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N/a
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It would be cool to meet with the dean for a little bit.
📍 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.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
What were your total hours spent traveling?
Most respondents spent 2-3 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 less than $100.
What airport did you fly into?
Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Oakland International Airport (OAK)
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OAK
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Oakland
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Oakland Airport
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Oakland International Airport
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Oakland international
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
The most commonly mentioned hotel in the responses is "Imperial Inn".
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America's best value inn
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Best Western
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Castle Inn
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Clarion
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Comfort Inn and Suites
How would you rate the hotel?
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
Would you recommend the hotel?
Most respondents would recommend their hotel.
What are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
All Responses
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