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Duke University School of Medicine

Durham, NC

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 11% 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 include inquiries about research experiences, strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, future plans for third year, ethical scenarios, personal characteristics of a good doctor, and motivations for pursuing medicine. Some respondents mentioned being asked questions specific to their essays, about their ethical dilemmas, and what they would do if unable to pursue a career in medicine, suggesting a variety of challenging scenarios in the MMI format where respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at Duke University School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas to personal attributes, such as what character they would like to spend a weekend with or how they plan to integrate being a woman and a physician. The interviews included situational questions, ethical scenarios, and even a role-playing exercise, with some respondents mentioning a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and possible nondisclosure agreements related to the process.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Duke University School of Medicine discussed various topics such as personal regrets, ethical dilemmas, and self-reflection. Many responses mentioned an MMI format, indicating a structured interview with questions on humanism, coping with patient loss, and scenarios with ethical considerations, potentially under a nondisclosure agreement.
🤝 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 between $201 and $300.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either at a hotel 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, practicing interview questions, reading SDN feedback, and researching the school and current healthcare issues. Many also emphasized the importance of re-reading their secondary essays and staying informed about ethical scenarios and healthcare topics.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the enthusiastic and friendly students, the innovative and unique curriculum, the state-of-the-art facilities, and the supportive and welcoming faculty and staff at Duke University School of Medicine. Many highlighted the emphasis on humility, community service, and the opportunities for research and flexibility in the third year. Suggestions included providing more information about the city of Durham and enhancing communication about the curriculum and financial aid packages.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the lack of diversity in the student body and interviewers, feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the intensity of the program. They also noted a lack of enthusiasm and organization during tours and interviews, with some concerns about the facilities and location of the school. Suggestions included improving diversity, reducing stress levels, enhancing organization of tours and interviews, and providing more information on curriculum changes and facilities.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time to wear comfortable walking shoes, stay hydrated during interviews, and be prepared for a relaxed MMI process. Suggestions included reviewing secondary application materials, practicing more, and being aware of the emphasis on research at Duke University School of Medicine.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed positive sentiments about Duke, citing the school's impressive curriculum, beautiful campus, and friendly staff and students. Many found the interviews to be relaxed and conversational, with an emphasis on research and ethical questions. Some applicants noted concerns about elitism, heavy focus on research, and the location of the school, but overall, Duke was considered a top choice for many.
  • Great school, unique and amazing curriculum, beautiful school.
  • The MMI here is not so bad - just try to relax and express ideas that are consistent with your values in a somewhat logical way (I know it can feel hard to do so under stress). The rest of the day is pretty enjoyable. Try to socialize with your fellow interviewees and keep an eye out for the things that matter to you for deciding on which school to attend.
  • What an amazing school
  • I hope they show me love.
  • I loved this place. They had me at "hello".

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest improvements such as scheduling Dr. Armstrong's speech later in the day to avoid makeup mishaps, providing a more spacious seating area, implementing rolling admissions, and having longer interview times. They also appreciate the friendliness and efficiency of the admissions staff.