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Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Miami, FL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 40% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 personal qualities, conflict resolution, decision-making in unfamiliar situations, future goals, favorite activities, handling stress, ethical dilemmas, views on healthcare, and reasons for pursuing medicine and choosing specific schools. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format, suggesting a structured interview process, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements regarding specific questions asked.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting questions asked at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including handling conflict in a team, personal expectations, research, ethical dilemmas, future aspirations, healthcare disparities, and scenarios involving patient care. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses, with a diverse set of questions reflecting on ethics, personal values, and decision-making skills, suggesting possible subjectivity due to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult questions asked at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including handling change, ethical dilemmas, personal failures, healthcare issues, and the ability to address challenges with little expertise. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format with questions on non-disclosure, while others highlighted questions about personal strengths and weaknesses, handling non-compliant patients, and discussing significant medical breakthroughs and global health issues.
🤝 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 a closed 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 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 Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

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 average
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 and current healthcare issues, practicing with friends or family, and utilizing resources like SDN and mock interviews. They emphasized the importance of knowing the school's mission, being familiar with their own application, and practicing responses to common interview questions.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed with the friendliness and enthusiasm of the faculty, staff, and students at the medical school. They appreciated the supportive and welcoming atmosphere, the innovative curriculum, the commitment to community service, and the extensive resources available, as well as the emphasis on individual attention and support provided by the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the lack of dedicated medical facilities, disorganization during the interview day, negative interviewer interactions, the emphasis on selling the program rather than showcasing experiences, and the shared campus with other programs causing a lack of space and resources for medical students. Suggestions include improving interviewer training, enhancing the structure of the interview day, focusing on authentic experiences over sales pitches, and prioritizing the development of dedicated medical facilities.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the breaks between interviews, encountering interviewers who provide no feedback, the campus size, the stress of the curriculum, the relaxed interview atmosphere, bringing a book, arriving early, and the importance of community service experience. They also mentioned being surprised by the short interview duration, the heavy emphasis on ethics, and the strict enforcement of time limits during interviews.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the school impressive with a positive atmosphere and friendly staff, though some expressed concerns about the program's newness and resources compared to established medical schools. Suggestions included improving resources, reputation, and execution of ideas, while highlighting the school's unique opportunities and community-based approach.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested starting with interviews or financial aid sessions before lunch, reducing downtime by having interviews before lunch, providing more perspective from M3 and M4 students, improving communication regarding timelines, and offering more in-depth tours of the medical facilities. They also recommended holding a social event before interviews, avoiding simultaneous interviews by two people, and ensuring professionalism during presentations.