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Howard University College of Medicine

Washington, DC

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

HBCU

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 27% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 handling unethical behavior, reasons for choosing medicine and a specific school, overcoming challenges, experiences in healthcare, personal qualities, handling academic integrity violations, altruism, teamwork, communication skills, leadership experience, weaknesses, study habits, and future goals. Some responses indicate interviews in an MMI format with questions related to nondisclosure agreements, while others focus on a wide range of personal and academic topics to assess candidates thoroughly.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Howard University College of Medicine discussed a range of topics including ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, qualities of a good physician, and future career aspirations. The interview format may have included ethical scenarios and the possibility of an MMI as respondents mentioned diverse questions on ethics and values, along with some non-traditional questions.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Howard University College of Medicine discussed various topics including name 3 good and 3 bad things about being a doctor, sacrificing personal interests for others, ethical dilemmas, and explaining academic grades. Some respondents mentioned questions related to MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and specific application details, indicating a range of challenging inquiries during the interview process.
🤝 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 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.
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 at a hotel or with friends or family.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

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 conducting mock interviews, reviewing their application materials, utilizing resources like SDN and the school's website, and practicing responses to common interview questions. Suggestions included reading up on the school's history and mission, seeking advice from current students or alumni, and staying calm and relaxed before the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming, supportive, and family-like atmosphere at Howard University College of Medicine, as demonstrated by the friendly interactions and genuine camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff. The students' enthusiasm, kindness, and satisfaction with their educational experience, along with the institution's investment in modern facilities like the new library and technology, were highlighted as key positive aspects that left a lasting impression on applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the outdated facilities, disorganization during the interview day, lack of engagement from faculty and students, and the unprofessional behavior of some interviewers. Suggestions included improving facilities, enhancing organization during the interview process, ensuring faculty are prepared and engaged, and addressing the unprofessional behavior of interviewers and students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known to relax and wear comfortable shoes, as well as to be prepared for a laid-back interview process and potential delays. They also suggested filling out financial aid forms early, using resources like Student Doctor Network for preparation, and arriving early to sign up for interviews in a first-come, first-serve system.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at Howard University to be positive and relaxed, with a welcoming environment among the students and faculty. Some noted concerns about disorganization and delays in the interview process, while others highlighted the school's supportive community and emphasis on serving the underserved. The students' experiences and interactions played a significant role in shaping applicants' perceptions of the school.
  • Great interview day and great school.
  • It was really nice honestly and I loved how they wanted to make us calm.
  • During tour, we were stepping over mops and buckets, no thought was given to perception. Also M1 and M2s were telling interviewees to avoid Howard at all costs
  • You’ll do well, just be yourself !
  • It was good but the tuition costs were insane.......

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should improve organization, provide clearer communication about interview schedules, hire more staff to handle workload, and transition to an online application system to streamline the process and improve accessibility for applicants.