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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Los Angeles, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

HBCU

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 18% 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 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 MCAT scores, motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences with underserved communities, personal strengths and weaknesses, career aspirations in medicine, and responses to challenging situations. Respondents mentioned an MMI format in some cases, indicating the use of a Multiple Mini Interview format where confidentiality agreements may have been required.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science discussed a variety of topics, including the US healthcare system, attributes of a good physician for underserved patients, universal healthcare, decreasing smoking in schools, and improving healthcare for the underserved. The interviews were described as conversational with a focus on personal attributes, motivations, and interests, while some respondents mentioned questions about music, family background, and career choices. Many responses suggested an MMI format with nondisclosure agreements, highlighting a diverse and thought-provoking interview experience.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science discussed the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement. Commonly asked questions included inquiries about weaknesses, reasons for performance in exams, views on healthcare systems, goals in healthcare, and personal attributes relevant to medicine.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

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.

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 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile 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 Long Beach Airport (LGB) Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

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?

✅ 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 the interview by reviewing their application materials, researching the program and school website, engaging with current students, conducting mock interviews, and reading interview feedback on platforms like SDN. Some also focused on understanding the mission and unique aspects of the institution, staying informed about current healthcare issues, and practicing interview skills.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the strong sense of community and camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff at Drew University. They appreciated the welcoming and friendly environment, the focus on serving underserved populations, and the unique opportunities for hands-on experiences, highlighting a genuine passion for the school's mission and a family-like atmosphere.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of a campus tour, negative impressions of the location and facilities, long wait times for interviews, unprofessional behavior from interviewers, and the limited number of slots for admission compared to the number of applicants. Suggestions included improving communication about interview timelines, enhancing the interview experience, providing more information about the institution, and addressing issues with the clinical training facilities and faculty interactions.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants expressed a desire for more information on the interview format, including the presence of MMI and group interview components, the need for a positive attitude, and the importance of arriving early. They also mentioned concerns about financial aid, the school's reputation, and the organization of the interview day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed a desire for better organization during the interview process and emphasized the importance of being genuine in expressing their interest in the program's mission. Some applicants appreciated the community-oriented approach of the school, while others raised concerns about communication delays and negative perceptions associated with the institution's past.
  • They should be more organized and remember that they are trying to impress the applicants, just as we are trying to impress them.
  • Strict confidentiality agreement. Plan to be well versed on your experiences and why you want to attend this program specifically. Be kind, be confident, truly- be you,
  • I wish they would have taken us on a campus tour. Still my top choice because of its mission.
  • Lunch was amazing
  • Loved this program, everyone seems to really care.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should streamline the application process by integrating it into a general app, improve responsiveness, transition to electronic applications, provide more detailed scheduling information in advance, and conduct more conversational interviews with unexpected questions.