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Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Interview Feedback Summary

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New York, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 14% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did okay.
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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.2
Above Average

Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.

Based on 785 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.

What was the stress level of the interview?

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (78%)
Negatively (9%)
No change (12%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (30%)
Good (41%)
Average (24%)
Poor (4%)
Bad (1%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at Columbia to be relaxed and conversational, with varying experiences regarding the interviewers. Many appreciated the enthusiasm of the students, the school's location in NYC, and the quality of education, while some had concerns about the facilities, student body attitudes, and the interview structure.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • Awesome school and relatively laid-back interview day
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • This doesn't reflect well on the school
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • LOL @ People who are scared of Harlem.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • Students who interviewed for Columbia-Bassett program had lunch with only one student and did not receive a complete campus tour. Wish we had opportunity to meet and speak with more NYC students.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • There really are low numbers of people becoming primary care physicians. Seems that most people go into surgery. Definitely a factor to be considered depending on what field you are strongly considering.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
💬 Interview Process ▼

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
36 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
1.2 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
100% One-on-One
0% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
99% Open-File
1% Closed-File

CUCPS-COMP interviews are an average of 36 minutes, with an average of 1.2 interviews. 100% of interviews are one-on-one, and 1% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools were centered around personal experiences and motivations, such as "Why do you want to be a physician?" and "Tell me about your research experience." While some respondents mentioned a conversational interview style, several responses indicated a wide range of inquiries covering research, extracurricular activities, academic background, and future career goals, suggesting a holistic assessment approach by the interviewers. Some responses hinted at an MMI format and potential nondisclosure agreements due to the lack of specific questions disclosed.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons discussed a wide range of topics, including specific aspects of their applications, their interests outside of medicine, and their future aspirations. While there was a variety of questions, some respondents mentioned discussions about Victorian literature, healthcare reform, family influences, and specific research experiences, indicating a diverse and engaging interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, reading the school's website, seeking advice from current students, using SDN for interview feedback, and practicing mock interviews. Many also researched the curriculum, familiarized themselves with healthcare policy, and brushed up on current events to be well-informed for the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons discussed various topics such as the challenges in medicine, future healthcare changes, and personal motivations for pursuing a medical career. Additionally, multiple respondents mentioned engaging in conversational interviews with questions about their backgrounds, extracurricular activities, and future aspirations, indicating a more relaxed and open-ended interview approach at the institution.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the enthusiasm and friendliness of the students, the supportive and laid-back atmosphere, the excellent facilities, the strong sense of community, the engagement of faculty and the thoroughness of the interview process. Many highlighted the opportunities for clinical training, the location in New York City, the strong curriculum, and the diverse extracurricular activities available. Suggestions included addressing any negative perceptions about the school's facilities and reinforcing the positive aspects of the educational experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly noted negative impressions regarding the interview experience, old facilities such as Bard Hall, lack of diversity among students, unimpressive dorms, disorganization of the interview day, unenthusiastic tour guides, and the less appealing neighborhood of Washington Heights. Suggestions included improving interviewer engagement, updating facilities, increasing student diversity, enhancing the dormitory conditions, providing more structured and informative interview days, and ensuring enthusiastic and informative student guides.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and conversational nature of the interview, the need for practical information like transportation details, and the importance of being well-prepared to discuss their application in-depth. Suggestions included bringing a book for downtime, being aware of the school's emphasis on certain specialties like neurology, and not stressing over the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)