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Weill Cornell Medical College

New York, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 16% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ 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 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 encompass a wide range of topics, including reasons for pursuing medicine, personal background, academic interests, extracurricular activities, career aspirations, views on healthcare, and reflections on experiences. While the responses varied, there were no explicit mentions of an MMI format or nondisclosure agreements, suggesting a diverse array of questions in traditional interview settings.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Weill Cornell Medical College discussed a wide range of topics including personal achievements, ethical dilemmas, future healthcare challenges, and unique life experiences. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview), potentially involving a nondisclosure agreement based on some responses mentioning non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Weill Cornell Medical College discussed various topics, including ethics, patient care, personal background, and healthcare policies. Some mentioned MMI format and potential nondisclosure agreements due to sensitive questions asked, while others highlighted specific inquiries about research, personal experiences, and ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 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 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?

Most respondents spent 4-6 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.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either with friends or family or with students at the school.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, researching the school, reading interview feedback on Student Doctor Network (SDN), and practicing with mock interviews. Suggestions include familiarizing oneself with the school's curriculum and philosophy, engaging with current students, and preparing specific questions to ask during the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities, the positive and friendly atmosphere among students, faculty, and staff, the innovative and well-rounded curriculum, the ideal location in New York City, and the emphasis on opportunities for international experiences and research. Many also highlighted the supportive and welcoming nature of the school, the diverse student body, the financial aid options, and the ease of conversation during interviews.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly shared negative feedback about various aspects of the interview day experience, including unenthusiastic interviewers, competitive or snooty students, lack of campus life, and the small size of the first-year dorm rooms. Suggestions included improving interviewer attitudes, fostering a more welcoming and supportive student environment, and enhancing the overall campus experience for prospective students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Most applicants wished they had known ahead of time about the short duration of the interviews and the importance of being concise, as well as the emphasis on stress interviews and the unique aspects of the school such as subsidized housing and PBL curriculum. Many also mentioned experiencing stress due to unexpected factors like cold weather, transportation challenges, and the need for thorough research about the school.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally provided positive feedback about Weill Cornell, praising its location, facilities, and resources. They appreciated the conversational and low-stress nature of the interviews, but some expressed concerns about certain interviewers and the lack of emphasis on selling the school. Many applicants also noted the friendliness of the students and faculty, as well as the appeal of the PBL curriculum.
  • Weill Cornell has a great location with strong facilities and resources to help students succeed (especially MD-PhD students and those interested in Ortho or Heme/Onc - will make it easier to match into HSS as a resident or MSKCC as a fellow). I was kinda put off by their admin/student body, but everything else about Weill is great.
  • The first was a stress interview (you know it when you feel the adrenaline rush). The interviewer was digging in and asking so many questions (KNOW YOUR APP REALLY WELL!), but just prepare well and you should be able to respond without much difficulty. Then, the second was conversational, in which you have the "power" to take the helm of the interview. Overall, I really enjoyed it.
  • The interview day was a great experience. Even though one of my interviews was a "stress interview", I felt very comfortable and I didn't realize the intensity of the questions until I was traveling back home that night. They made me feel very comfortable the whole time and I felt that I connected with both of my interviewers.
  • People have commented that Cornell does not really "sell" itself, but I left with Cornell sitting firmly as my top choice. The students were the funniest and friendliest I have encountered so far.
  • Fantastic school. Would love to live in NYC.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants suggested improvements in the efficiency of the admissions process by reducing wait times and better coordinating interview schedules. They also recommended more thorough training for student tour guides to ensure all areas are covered and time constraints are respected.