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University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine

Honolulu, HI

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 26% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low 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 growth during undergraduate years, reasons for pursuing medicine, strengths and weaknesses, experiences with extracurricular activities, adaptability to new environments, handling challenging situations, future career goals, and knowledge of the school's curriculum and values. Some respondents mentioned being asked questions related to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format, which may involve a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, from personal strengths and weaknesses to ethical dilemmas and hypothetical scenarios. While the interview format was not explicitly mentioned as MMI, respondents shared questions related to book preferences, personal challenges as a physician, and reflections on the healthcare system, among others.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, personal strengths and weaknesses, commitment to medicine, and career aspirations. While some respondents noted standard questions, others mentioned challenging scenarios like dealing with guardians refusing medical interventions for a child and choosing between primary care and research funding. Additionally, references to MMI, Multiple Mini Interview, and nondisclosure suggest that the interview format may have included scenarios under confidentiality agreements.
🤝 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 3 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 another location.
📍 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 7+ 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 more than $500.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Honolulu International Airport (HNL)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

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, researching the school's curriculum and faculty, and familiarizing themselves with ethical issues and current events related to healthcare. They also utilized resources like SDN, school websites, and online forums for interview feedback and advice.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness of the faculty and students, the new and beautiful facilities, the collaborative and student-oriented atmosphere, and the emphasis on student well-being and happiness at the medical school. Many highlighted the welcoming and inclusive nature of the school, the innovative Problem-Based Learning curriculum, and the unique cultural and educational opportunities offered by the location in Hawaii. Suggestions for improvement were generally minimal, with a few applicants mentioning the length of interviews or basic questions asked during the process.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the scheduling process of interviews, outdated facilities, lack of academic support, and mixed experiences with interviewers. Suggestions include improving communication with interviewers, modernizing facilities, enhancing academic support, and ensuring consistency in interview experiences to provide a fair assessment of applicants.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known more about the interview attire, the emphasis on quantitative aspects, the PBL demonstration session, and the specific categories in which interviewers rate candidates. They also suggested doing more research, being prepared for ethical questions, and being aware of the low acceptance rate for out-of-state applicants.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at JABSOM to be relaxed and conversational, appreciating the opportunity to connect with their interviewers. They highlighted the importance of preparing questions, staying positive, and being themselves during the interviews, and expressed some concerns about the preference for in-state applicants and the logistical challenges of scheduling interviews.
  • Great people to chat with, but I disliked how I had to schedule the dates of interviews myself.
  • I am an OOS.. I felt that the JABSOM invited me because they like my academic profile, not because they value experiences and personalities written in my AMCAS application. A little bit disappointed.
  • Scheduling three one-on-one interviews around a travel schedule was difficult (being OOS), but thankfully we were able to make it work. I could see it negatively affecting others though.
  • Good luck.
  • There are a lot of rumors about the Dean of Admission's interview. I found him very aloof and distant. He didn't read my essays or even look at my file. When he asks if you have any questions (and he asks like 20 times), don't try to make up bulls**t if you don't (he'll get annoyed), just say "I honestly don't have any questions right now" and let him get on with his presentation about the school. His interview doesn't count anyway. Oh and he takes your picture.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should consider implementing an online secondary application process to reduce paper waste, improve accessibility, and streamline the application process. Additionally, applicants recommend that interviewers be more friendly and approachable during interviews, emphasizing the importance of a positive and mutually respectful interaction between interviewers and potential students.