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Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 9% 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 motivations for pursuing medicine, personal background and family influences, research experiences, future career goals, and ethical dilemmas. There is a prevalent use of conversational-style questions that touch on various aspects of applicants' lives and experiences. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format, indicating structured interview scenarios, while others alluded to a nondisclosure agreement, potentially indicating confidentiality surrounding interview content.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Harvard Medical School discussed a wide range of topics, from personal experiences to healthcare systems, ethical dilemmas, and societal issues. While the questions varied, some respondents mentioned engaging discussions about research, ethical scenarios, and personal reflections, with a focus on individual experiences and perspectives.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Harvard Medical School discussed various topics including reasons for choosing medicine, health care system challenges, personal strengths and weaknesses, and ethical scenarios like patient confidentiality. Additionally, there were mentions of specific research inquiries and inquiries about other career choices, with some respondents noting the interviews were conversational while others highlighted the rigorous detailing of past experiences.
🤝 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 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 with students at the school 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?

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 reading the school's website, reviewing their AMCAS application, and utilizing resources like SDN Interview Feedback and speaking with current students or hosts. Many also engaged in mock interviews, researched healthcare issues, and familiarized themselves with the school's mission and curriculum.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and down-to-earth nature of both faculty and students, the top-notch facilities and resources available at Harvard, the vast array of opportunities for research and involvement, as well as the collaborative and low-stress environment. Additionally, the beautiful campus, the location in Boston, and the freedom within the curriculum were highlighted as positive aspects that left a lasting impression on applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the lack of structure and engagement during the interview day, feeling that the school did not put effort into impressing them. Suggestions included providing more organized activities, enhancing the tour experience, and ensuring interviewers are well-prepared and respectful.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants wish they had known about the significant amount of free time during the interview day, the potential for random interview scheduling leading to downtime, and that interviewers may not have thoroughly reviewed their applications. Suggestions include bringing a book, researching the curriculum and facilities, and being prepared for unpredictable interviewers and weather conditions.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally shared positive feedback about the interview experience at Harvard Medical School, emphasizing the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews, the friendly and helpful students, and the impressive facilities. Some applicants appreciated the free time to explore campus, while others noted the lack of structured events during the day. Additionally, there were mixed perceptions about the level of stress during the interviews and the student atmosphere, with some finding it welcoming and others perceiving an air of elitism among students.
  • HMS doesn't try to impress their interviewees so there weren't many structured events during the day. You'll have a lot of down time. If you are in school, bring homework - the applicant lounge has nice study stations. I also recommend checking out their case-based learning classes.
  • Enjoy the free time!
  • Loved my experience here. My fellow interviewees were awesome. The interviewers were fair. There was a lot of free time to roam around. I used this time to get to know my fellow interviewees. The students there were helpful and friendly. Boston is great as was the campus. I recommend staying with a student host.
  • This is a great school, and it innovates to keep ahead of the curve, but the facilities weren't as nice as I was expecting. The surrounding area is very nice though. Overall I'm not going to be holding my breath for an acceptance, but it was just an honor to be able to interview here. What a great opportunity.
  • Great place, a well-organized day.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest improving the interview scheduling process to avoid conflicts with meals or tours, offering more structured and informative activities during downtime, and enhancing the overall experience by providing opportunities to interact with current students and faculty.