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 mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ 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 low 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 included inquiries about specific classes, proudest moments, personal experiences, study habits, reasons for pursuing podiatry, handling adversity, strengths and weaknesses, motivations for choosing a particular school, and understanding of the medical field chosen. Respondents also encountered questions about grades, test preparation, family perceptions, and the relevance of standardized tests like the MCAT. Some interviews were MMI format, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements.
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Asked about a specific class that I didn’t do well in.
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What is your most proudest moment?
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How have your medical experiences abroad influenced your decision to pursue podiatry over allopathic medicine
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What was the most memorable moment of your backpacking trip and why?
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What will your legacy be at this school?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the 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 programs, motivations for pursuing podiatry, favorite and least favorite undergraduate courses, dealing with busy study schedules, and the role of podiatrists in public health. Some responses hinted at an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements due to the mention of unique questions asked and limited disclosure of interview specifics.
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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 the most difficult question asked at California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University discussed a range of topics including personal attributes, career choices, legacy, academic preparedness, and reasons for choosing podiatry over other medical paths. While some mentioned specific inquiries about their application choices, others faced challenging questions about personal growth, academic performance, and future contributions to the field. Notably, the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses that hint at non-disclosure agreements or specific questions related to ethical dilemmas and personal attributes.
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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 Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 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 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.
📍 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 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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sjc
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San Francisco
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San Fran
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SFO - BART (subway)
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SFO
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
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n/a
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Waterford (the recommended hotel)
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Renaissance - Stanford Court
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Miyako
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Inn at Temescal
How would you rate the hotel?
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?
Many applicants prepared for their interviews by utilizing Student Doctor Network (SDN) resources, practicing with friends or advisors, and reviewing their application materials and school information. Engaging in mock interviews, reading interview feedback, and staying true to oneself were common suggestions to reduce interview anxiety and present oneself authentically.
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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 overwhelmingly impressed by the early clinical experiences, small class sizes, friendly faculty and students, diverse clinical rotations, and the campus facilities. They appreciated the welcoming environment, strong relationships between faculty and students, and the emphasis on hands-on learning experiences.
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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?
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the disorganization of the tour, the rushed nature of the visit, inadequate information on financial aid and tuition expenses, safety issues in the Oakland area, high cost of living, challenging second-year curriculum combined with clinicals, and the separation of facilities leading to a lack of cohesive campus atmosphere. Suggestions included improving organization and providing more detailed information during tours, addressing safety concerns in the area, enhancing support for dealing with high living costs, and integrating facilities to create a more unified campus experience.
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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 more about the day's schedule, parking details, the amount of standing and walking involved, and the length of the interview process. Suggestions included wearing comfortable shoes, arriving early due to potential travel delays, and preparing questions for interactions with students and interviewers.
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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 provided positive feedback about the school, faculty, and facilities at Samuel Merritt University, noting a welcoming atmosphere, strong clinical experiences, and dedicated staff. Some mentioned the long interview day but felt it was thorough and informative, with opportunities to interact with current students and faculty members.
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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 commonly suggest that the admissions office should continue its friendly, welcoming, and professional approach, while also potentially providing opportunities to meet with the dean, improving the interview process, showcasing dorm rooms, and sharing information on recent residency placements.
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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.
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