Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 35% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as low 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 revolve around reasons for pursuing medicine and osteopathic practice, academic preparation, resilience to challenges, personal experiences, interest in the specific school, motivations for osteopathic medicine, and ethical scenarios. Many responses also mentioned the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and nondisclosure agreements, indicating that applicants may have encountered questions under these conditions during their interviews.
Besides this one significant extracurricular activity (referring to one of my activities that lasted for 3.5 years), what other activity stood out to you?
You have an elderly patient who has a broken leg. You are warned by the nurses that the patient is upset and in a bad mood in the office. How do you approach the patient?
What is the maximum number of hours you took in one semester while in college?
4. What happened in your Organic class? (The first semester I had a lower grade.)
Explain a grade in Organic Chemistry. The professor said he wanted to see how I responded to this question because he was a chemistry major in college.
You come from a very large and urban undergrad school. Why do you want to come here and how do you know you will be comfortable someplace so different?
Compare the feilds of practice of your father and grandfather and what you think of both of them.
(My dad is an anesthesiologist and grandfather is in internal medicine.
Ethical question...if two ambulances come into the ER, one with the town druggie an the other with "joe banker" who contributes to the community, etc. Both need to be on a respirator, but there is only one...who gets it? The other person will die.
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including handling stress, motivations for medicine, ethical dilemmas, and personal interests. While some respondents highlighted the conversational nature of the interviews, others mentioned specific scenarios such as managing failing exams, ethical decision-making, and prioritizing patients for treatment.
There were the basic requisite questions of course, but after that, the rest of the interview was very conversational, so nothing really out of the ordinary.
What change happened in my life that I did so much better in grad school than undergrad? What was funny about this was that they asked the same question when I interviewed at LECOM. They looked at me funny when I laughed at the question, then I had to explain why I was laughing.
If you have two patients coming in via ambulances that both needed respirators, but you only have one respirator in the hospital what would you do? Background on the patients was given, one was a 70 year old banker and pillar of the community, and the other was a 30 year old drug addict.
There are two patients (a banker and a drug addict) present that are in need of a ventilator, but there is only one available. Which person do you treat?
Compare the feilds of practice of your father and grandfather and what you think of both of them.
(My dad is an anesthesiologist and grandfather is in internal medicine.
You have known and treated patient X for a long time. He has breathing problems and he has expressed to you that he does not want to be kept alive artificially. He is brought into the hospital and is accompanied by his two daughters. He will not survive without the use of a breathing machine. His daughters say they know of their fathers wishes, but will sue if you do not put him on the machine.
Suppose a 16 year old girl is a patient of yours, she comes to you and discovers that she is pregant. She asks you not to tell her parents. What do you do?
They asked me about my ACLU experience, and in a way that showed they were really interested and not looking to have me defend a non-medical internship.
Let's say you 10 years down the road and your practice partner comes in late and smells of alcohol. He tells you he was celebrating a little too much last night. What do you do?
Two patients need a heart transplant. One is 80 and the other is 18. Who should receive the transplant? Then the interviewer added that the 18 was an alcoholic and drug abuser. Who should receive the transplant under those conditions?
The ethical question: If a wealthy man who is 75 years old and gives lots of money to the community is in need of a liver transplant at the same time that a younger man in his 30's who is an alcoholic needs one who do you give it to?
My ethics question: What if a 16 year old girl came to you pregnant and she begged you not to tell her mom. What would you do? After answering that she is old enough to handle the situation on her own, the interviewer changed it to a 13 year old girl.
Let's suppose that you end up getting marginal grades (C's and B's) during your first semester. Given that you want to balance school with family life, how will you respond?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a variety of topics, including experiences influencing career choices, academic performance, ethical scenarios, and handling stress. The interview format appeared to involve an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) structure, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement, with questions tailored to assess personal attributes and critical thinking skills.
Ethical question...they asked me what I would do if I had a fellow student come to me and tell me she was having an abortion....they wanted to know what I would tell her
Seeing as to how close you are with your family... what would you do if your mother or sister became ill and needed you to come back home to take care of them?
They asked an ethical question. They short version of the question is: you're short on supplies and you need to choose between a junkie and a pillar of society which will get to use your one and only resparator?
None...If you know exactly why you want to be a D.O., and why you want to go to Pikeville, none of the questions are difficult. However, if PCSOM is your ''fallback'' school, or you don't really know why you're choosing osteopathic medicine, they will read right through you- and you probably won't get in.
You see a student at a restaurant getting intoxicated. The situtation gets out of hadn and the student harrasses numerous patrons of the restaurant and is kicked out. The next day you are taking an exam and one of the students friends say he is sick. what do you do?
Say you get accepted here and you have to pay the $1000 deposit within 30 days. What happens if on day 29, you get an interview at XXX school, what would you do?
I was asked how much time I planned to spend studying, when I answered I was told that it would not be enough and I was quoted a number 2 larger than my response
Nothing was difficult, it was absolutely a conversation. They really wanted me to aske them alot of questions though-and I hadn't prepared as many as I should have.
Is there anything you would like to tell us to add to your file? I basically just sent in my application, so I felt like I touched on everything I wanted them to know. When I was asked this question, I felt like I had to come up with things.
"Tell us about yourself." It was difficult because I was not prepared for such a broad topic. I was nervous and so rambled a bit, which made it difficult. However, the question loosened me up for the remainder of the interview.
Ethical question... "A child comes to you needing a blood transfusion or he dies, but his parents are Jehovah's witness and it is against their religion to accept blood transfusions. What do you do?"
The same as the most interesting question. There is no right answer to an ethical question, and they know that, but they just want to see how you feel and react to those types of questions.
Let's suppose that you end up getting marginal grades (C's and B's) during your first semester. Given that you want to balance school with family life, how will you respond?
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?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN), practicing mock interviews, reviewing their application essays, and researching the school's website and mission. Many also engaged in conversations with current students, physicians, and mock interview partners to refine their responses to common interview questions.
researched the school, had my parents/sister ask me questions, asked my sister/her med school friends question me and help me ask questions specific to the school
I reviewed application essays, read the interview feedback on SDN, ate a reasonable breakfast, drank some coffee, went for a brisk walk, and took deep breaths.
The night before, I read through the PCSOM booklet. That's pretty much it. They really stress to be yourself, and they make the experience as comfortable as possible (given the fact that it IS, after all, a med school interview).
I prepared for the interview by researching the school through their website and current catalog. Student Doctor Network was very helpful and gave me insight. Also, I underwent a mock interview from a local MD who sits on an interviewing panel at a state MD school.
Interview feedback here, read over my application, thought over answers the most common questions asked in interviews. Oh yeah, I also bought a new suit, but I don't really think that's what the question is asking for :>)
Applicants were consistently impressed by the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the school, emphasizing the friendliness of both faculty and students, the supportive and close-knit community feeling, and the conversational and relaxed interview style. Many also appreciated the school's facilities, beautiful scenery, and the focus on creating a family-like environment conducive to learning and success.
Very welcoming, really care that you are there and want you to be there
They were very passionate about their mission, all staff and students were very personable and honest about their experiences, beautiful scenery, nice facility but mainly in one building
Dean of Admissions in the waiting room making sure that I was comfortable and letting me know what the basic questions I should be ready for.
They wanted to get to know me there wasn't any tripping you up vibe.
The interviewer was very amicable and kind and I enjoyed speaking with someone from admissions. They also allowed me to ask questions about the process and gave me a general timeline about decisions.
It was a very relaxed interview. I felt like I was able to convey who I was as an applicant in a low stress environment. The interviewer was knowledgeable about the school and resources for students.
The (2) interviewers were very nice and supportive. You were allowed to speak with current KYCOM students while you waited for your interview or were taken on a tour of the school.
The entire staff was friendly and welcoming. The two interviewers that I had were very friendly and laid back. Also, the Coal Building is a state of the art facility; it's virtually brand new.
it was extremely conversational, they didnt even take notes during the interview. They spent a lot of time telling me about the school and about Pikeville
The school tour was amazing (state of the art facility), the dean came and spoke with us and he delivered an exceptional message, the professors who interviewed me were extremely knowledgeable, and even the group of students I interviewed with were extremely intelligent and friendly.
The community feeling I sensed during the interview. Everyone was friendly and there to support each other rather than being in a competitive environment full of gunners. This isn't to say you wont be pushed to succeed, but rather everyone is working to succeed together. They have some extremely well-respected faculty, and the Dean is at the top of the AOA.
How friendly the staff was! The students all clearly love being there and the program fosters and productive learning environment. The facilities are also new.
Everyone I encountered was very friendly, and the students were helpful with answering any questions I had. The interview focused on who I was as a person and there was no mention of grades/MCAT.
How amazingly friendly and close everyone was. To say they're merely friendly would be an understatement. Students, faculty, and administration were phenomenal.
It was a very warm atmosphere. Students seemed to interact very comfortably with faculty. This seemed like a very family friendly place, which is important to me.
SUCH a close, family atmosphere! They REALLY DO care about their students. They have designed their program to provide a solid education--especially geared towards rural, primary/family medicine. Very cool place.
The area surrounding the school has many nice views. Most of the people I met were very friendly.
My interviewers seemed to be interested in more than grades and MCAT. They told stories and conversed with each other as much as they did with me.
I heard that some professors went to school every day (including weekends), and that they held extra study sessions to help some students out.
The faculty and students were really really friendly and helpful, the whole process was laid back and I recieved an interview shortly after my materials were into the school.
This school is highly underrated. The quality of the students and faculty are some of the best that I saw during my interviews. It seemed like the students were a cohesive group and worked together to succeed. I was impressed by the goals of the school for the future and the high bond that the students had with the administration. Each student I met seemed to be highly goal oriented and intellegent as well as personable. This school also has turned out some of the best primary care doctors on the east coast.
this school is remarkable. The school really makes you feel like you are part of a family. My wife was included in a lot of things that were done during the interview. The students were very helpful and answered my questions. They showed me the anatomy lab and went beyond what they should have. My interviewers were very engaging and It seemed like this would be my best fit school.
The interview was not what I expected. It felt more conversational than I had thought it would. I honestly didn't want to leave the room, I enjoyed speaking with the interviewers so much.
How friendly everyone seems to be there. I liked the anatomy lab, very clean and well ventilated, plenty of room to move around. The faculty seem interested in the students being successful.
The friendliness of the students and the friendliness toward my husband. It was a beautiful day the day I interviewed. The hospital in town is freaking amazing! It looked like some imperial station in Star Wars or something
To be honest and frank, I wasn't impressed at all. But, I have to give props to the Student Ambassadors and the Student Support Group for their combined enthusiam. The faculity seemed bland and barely focused.
I really felt as if they were trying to sell the school to me as opposed to the other way around, everyone was remarkably friendly. My interview was on a Sat. and the dean called me with my acceptance on Mon.
Many of the students currently attending Pikeville were present for the interview day. They were extremely nice and genuine and settled my fears of living in Pikeville and the actual interview process.
This school is determined to produce world class doctors. They provide books, supplies and a laptop in the tuition costs. Everyone there is very friendly and supportive.
The overall demeanor of the faculty, including the ones that interviewed me, and the students. Great place to study w/o many distractions. The mountains are great for biking, hiking, camping, etc. etc.
The faculties down to earth attitude. We were all greeted by the Dean in the morning and he and the rest of the faculty were very nice. The dean even said to call him if you don't get in and he will help you to improve your application. How awesome is that? Also, the school is very big on OMM which is important because that is what distinguishes DO from the rest of healthcare professionals.
The students were exceptionally friendly. The staff and professors were very helpful and they did their best to make the interviewees as comfortable as possible. The dress code also impressed me.
The level of professionalism with the students and interviewing faculty. Pikeville takes great pride in their school, faculty and students. Team work was obvious and they wanted to know if you were a team player. Also, I was notified by the dean within three days of my acceptance, so that was a nice Christmas gift in advance!
I thought the town was quaint. I thought the faculty was amazing. They made me feel so at home. I felt that they really wanted me to be interviewing them as much as they were interviewing me. It felt like a very supportive environment.
I was suprised there was so much to do in Erie. Also, at lunch one of the students commented on how local hospitals/doctors respect and prefer the LECOM students (most likely because of the "professional rules" of the school).
Facilities, students were nice, tuition (which includes laptop (top of the line Dell), books, supplies, etc.) There is lots of subsidized housing available (more is being built as we speak)--$10-70 a month (WOW!)
The facilities, faculty and students. Everything was great and the students were happy.....a very good indicator of how good the school is. The students were also very helpful with answering questions (some very silly questions) and giving us pointers.
The availability and concern of the faculty members. Also, the students were extremely nice and really excited to be there. The builings and classrooms are brand new and have state-of-the-art technology. Also, all of your books are paid for by the school as well as a brand new laptop computer and OP&P table.
The people. Some of the friendliest people I have ever met. The students were also very nice. Seemed to be going into medicine for the right reasons. Also, you know very soon whether you got in or not. (3 days for me)
The students. While you wait for your interview, a handful of current med students sit around and talk with you. They were all very excited to be there and very helpful. I could ask them questions that I didn’t feel comfortable asking the faculty and they were excited to get to know me
The cohesiveness of the classes (only 60 in each), and each Professor had an interest in each and ever one of their students. ALso, this seems to be as non-competative as you can get for a med school. And the anatomy labs and classrooms are all great, as the school is only a few years old.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the rural location of the school and the small town of Pikeville. They mentioned issues with facilities, outdated resources, limited diversity, and a lack of activities in the area. Many felt that the interview process was stressful or lacked warmth, while others noted challenges like finding the interview location and navigating the campus. Suggestions included improving facilities, providing more information about the curriculum and resources, and enhancing the overall interview experience.
It was obvious they wanted a story on why you were specifically applying to DO schools over MD programs.
The students and faculty were very open that if you are not interested in primary care you should look into other options for schools because that is their main focus. The area is also very small.
I psyched myself out and was extremely stressed during the interview. They did ask a lot about my pitfalls and negatives and I did not expect to be asked so many specific questions about low grades. I had a negative experience but it was due to being nervous and thinking I did poorly.
The tour of the school was basically just you seeing each floor of the Osteopathic Medicine building lol.. and how the school was literally in the middle of no where. Not much diversity in the community at all. Made me feel out of place as a Hispanic.
It was difficult to find the building interviews were taking place. I wish they would have had a staff member in the main lobby floor to help direct interviewees.
The campus is confusing. I would suggest a map be sent out outlining where to park and how to get to the specific room the interviewees were supposed to meet.
The two doctors that interviewed me kept interrupting me and dwelling on the negative stuff in my file without allowing me to have time to explain myself.
campus is lacking size of facility compared to other schools, but they are in the process of building new facilities, but will not be done for another couple years.
It wasn't negative for me, but the school is small and in a small town. I like the small class size, and with a small town, you have nothing to do but study.
I would like to have gotten more information about the curriculum, clinical rotations, and cost of attendance. Facilities aren't as new and shiny as some other places, though there seems to be a solid focus on giving the student all the resources they need to succeed.
The projector wasn't working too well. I had already seen the pre-interview video online. Some of the information in the video is exaggerated.
The students helping with the application process were first years with limited knowledge about the school. The tour of the campus was incomplete.
the facilities are outdated and dilapidated, the students are robots, one tired to be honest but was shut down, the staff where friendly, but the instructors seems to think they were better then the applicants.
The people in the town are REALLY slow. I think we sat in the drive through at the McD's for a half hour (fast food my a$$). The campus is on the side of a mountain. The school colors are orange and black. As a Steelers fan I don't know if I can go to a school with Bengal's colors.
The powerpoint presentation at the beginning of the day was a little dramatic, kind of boring. Other than that, nothing. But don't come here if you don't want to spend 4 years in a very rural area.
Nothing really, they are still working on facility renovations (first year lecture hall) but everything should be really nice for next years entering class.
The school is so small, the medical school operates in the same building as the undergrad biology classes... Understanding that the school is very new, it was kind of surprising still...
nothing really. the initial presentation is a slide show, that is not very polished. It appeared to be along the stream of the general attitude of the school, do you want to be a physician that cares about people, are capable to meet the rigors of med school, but are not looking to be seen as 'special' just for the simple reason you will be a doctor...
The location is a little different than I had pictured; not rolling green hills, but mountains all around. Lots of rock and not so much grass, at first I felt like it was a colony on the moon, but after a short drive everything you need is there. Also, the facilities are not as nice and new as i might have pictured, but i feel like the teachers and small class size makes up for that, and they are putting on a 1 million dollar expansion soon.
I did not feel comfortable in the interview. Each of my answers were treated as if they were wrong, and each answer was "one up-ed". I was asked if I had experience working long shifts, like 24 hour shifts. When I said I had limited experience, she replied that it would be more than limited experience, it would be constant experience. I got the feeling that she was trying to scare me. I currently live in Chicago, and to start the interview I was told that I do not pronounce the name of the city correctly. I left the interview with the feeling that the interviewers were pesimistic about my answers.
Nothing, Pikeville is a great little town in a beautiful part of the state, and will allow students to devote all their time to a medical education. I love the outdoors and all they offer, so it will be a great area for me and my family.
I felt no connection with any of the students giving the tour. There were three of them, all were married. They could only answer questions about couple's lives in Pikeville and weren't really certain that there were many younger people coming straight from undergrad, as I'm doing.
The facility was just alright. The anatomy lab was smaller than others I have seen, and very dark. Also, the interview itself gave me a negative impression because the interviewers just asked me questions off a sheet of paper. I really didn't feel like they were trying to get to know me.
Taking the backroads to get their (I took the less optimal path). The doctor upstairs in the motel wouldn't stop banging around on the floor all night (and most of the next day)
The fact that I read that other students felt the interviews were very laid back and informal and that everyone was so friendly, but when I got there, it was the opposite.
Pikeville is a small town, and the areas you are able to do rotations in are small towns also, and it is very limited on where you are able to do your rotations.
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the laid-back and low-stress nature of the interview at Pikeville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Many also mentioned the importance of understanding the school's emphasis on regional contribution and having a positive attitude towards the small town environment.
If I had known they wanted applicants who liked the "distinctiveness" of being a DO, I would have looked into OMT more before the interview.
I wish I had better prepared for specific questions regarding my grades and was not so nervous. The people who were involved in the interview were very kind I was just very hard on myself afterwards, as I felt I was ill prepared.
I wish I would have actually understood how small the town truly is. Not much diversity in the town's residents, but much more diversity in the student population.
Not to wear a dress skirt. I am 5'3" and the chairs in the main presentation room are quite high off the floor and that made it difficult to sit properly. You are also divided up into groups and given information about the faculty members interviewing you which helped put me at ease.
How wonderful the staff are. I almost wrote off this school because of the location and I'm glad I gave it a chance. I can honestly say the interview was informative and fun.
The interviewers want to get to know the applicants, and want the applicants to get to know them.
It also would have been nice to know more about the area and its history before my interview.
You can call ahead of time and find out who your interviewers will be, which will enable you to do background information on them in order to ask questions if necessary after your interview.
ummm....They hadn't received my recent letters of recommendation, they had been using my letters from when I applied 2 years ago. Meanwhile, I had asked admissions there to tell me what letters they had received twice a few weeks before my interview.
Lack of good hotels and the high drug and use of cigaretts by people in town. And, one of the wives told us that the Dean smoked all the time right in his office. The facilities looked old and run down. The rent in town for apartments tends to be extremely high. Not too many single family homes are available either. The area has a high crime rate per population.
maybe two or three faculty had any worth, there pathology program was a muck, as I heard, and there is no true behavioral science course as the web site implied...there where many facts presented on the website, but no of it was true, it seemed I was lied to through the interview about what they had to offer. It seemed the only perk was thier chief was president of the aoa..
parking locations, remote location, lack of eateries that remained open beyond 5pm M-F, practically all the staff and admin were military, run the school like its the military, and have know one another for decades...they folks stick together...
I was fortunate to know a first year student, she gave me great advice and having her there really helped things to go smoothly. There were no suprises I can think of.
all texts, laptop(wireless), white coat, medical testing equip, memberships for student medical associations, comlex cost and full comlex review (kaplan) are included in price tag, which is one of the lowest.
The surrounding area around Pikeville is more developed than I imagined. The school is not in the middle of nowhere. There are many national food chains and stores. This is not the most secluded school I have visisted. I was also suprised that although Pikeville has approx. 7000 residents, the county has closer to 100,000.
Nothing, I visited the school on my own earlier in the year and have researched the school and town over the past three years. I wanted to go to Pikeville from day one, and that is where I'm going.
The faculty really really want you to stay in region after you finish school. They built the school there because they need doctors in that area, and really emphasized how they want you to stay. (of course you don't sign a contract or anything stating you will, but i think if they could , they would :)
also, the shockingly low-stress level involved. The interviewers were the nicest , and most easy-going poeple that i have met. It was my first interview, and they made it completely painless. Go into it relaxed...nothing to worry about. :)
Applicants generally found the interview experience at the school to be relaxed and welcoming, with a focus on community and a mission-driven approach. Some applicants mentioned a strong emphasis on primary care specialties and serving underprivileged communities, along with a preference for students interested in rural medicine.
Very relaxed environment, down to earth faculty and students. Current students all seemed happy to be there
I think it is a nice school and they are very welcoming, especially of people wanting to work in KY long term. They had really read my file (to the point where they wished me a happy early birthday) and were very kind and interested in me as a student, but there was definitely a strong preference for primary care and it did not seem like much support was in place for people interested in other specialties
There is no reason to be nervous! I was nervous for no reason and was disappointed afterwards for no reason. Just look into your transcripts and be able to explain any low points.
I was very impressed with KYCOM all around. Despite some of the bad comments you may see in the forums on this website, the school is great, faculty is great, and the city of Pikeville is great. Can't wait to start.
All of the medical school students were very kind, along with the faculty. The interview was very causal and random. Interviewers did seem to have prepared questions to ask, they winged it
Be yourself! This was the most laid back interview I had all season. Read about your faculty members and see if you can pull something out to connect with them about. The school, students, and faculty were amazing and extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
I would recommend KYCOM to improve their website. It is hard to find information on it. They need to include more stats on the student population (types of students they accept ie. what region/state, activities that students matriculating participate in, the number of acceptances per interviews, number of students that participate in research etc) . The website is a chance to promote the school, and I don't think it does a good job selling KYCOM.
The interviewers asked me what other medical schools did I apply. Then, they tried to sell me about their program. I consider this is a very good sign. At end of the interview, I was asked if I get accepted at Pikeville would I have any concerns. I was also asked if I get accepted at Pikeville and some other medical schools, where would I choose to go and why. Hug each other and strong hand shakes after the interview. If Pikeville is you top school, then you probably will get in. If it is your fall back school, then the chances are probably slim.
They really stress rural osteopathic medicines, but more serving the underprivileged. The best credential candidate does not mean success. They really stress Kentucky and Appalachian residents
This interview experience was quite different from the others I've been to. They're really mission focused which to me is a good thing. Clinical training seems to be moving in a positive direction with the addition of standardized patients and planned expansion of clinical training facilities. They like to throw around the word family here, but it didn't seem like they were blowing smoke. I really got that familial vibe from students and faculty.
While PCSOM is located out in the country, they have fast food places, a few restaurants (Mexican and Chinese), Staples, Walmart, Lowe's, K-Mart, JCPenney's, a new local hospital, a YMCA, a movie theater, etc. Lexington is only about 2.5 hours away by car and the students go there on long weekends to unwind. The people are friendly. If you are from a big city, you may find Pikeville to be small, but if you are from any 'normal' community 30 minutes from a city of any decent size, you will be fine. You're there to study anyways, not party!
This was a great interview. I wish I could have stayed longer and talked to more people. It seemed like they had quite a few graduates that have gone into high level residency programs in the past.
I greatly enjoyed my interview. The two faculty members that I spoke with were very friendly. The actual interview was 100% stress-free. It felt like a nice conversation with two professors, not an interview.
the interview day starts with an introduction by the dean and then a short powerpoint about the school. Then the students kind of sit around with you and talk to you about the school and answer questions about the school. You are pulled individually out of the main room for the interview. After the interview, they take you on a tour. My experience was great and I hope to get accepted there because I will attend.
PCSOM is a wonderful school. The faculty really want to make you the best doctor that you can possibly be. It takes more than grades to get in, they look deeper.
The interviewers try to make you at ease, which I find admirable, because they don't have to. I really liked the sense of community there. Everyone so friendly.
Very pleasant. Pikeville is not a town for everyone. I asked a few students what they don't like about the school and over and over the response had something to do with the town, not the school.
I really enjoyed my time in Pikeville. Everyone was so nice and seemed to really love the school. If you're from Kentucky, Pikeville really isn't that small of a town.
Overall, I was impressed & I thank PCSOM for accepting me into their medical school. I found out in 3 days!
I was surprised I did not get an ethical question.
The day began with the dean getting up and anoucing many of us would not be accepted. He was followed by a power point about the school. Then as we waited for our turn with our interviewers students hung out and spoke with us. My interviewers, were very professional, the interview was laid back, open file and actually enjoyable. I was surised about how short the day was. I remember driving home and being like I drove 4 hours round trip for a 1.5 hour interview
My overall experience was very good. There are many things about PCSOM that are very appealing, such as the small class size, the open door policy of the staff (current students have home phone numbers of many of the staff!), and the commitment of the school to serving the people of Appalachia.
Could have spent my money on another interview location. My last choice of all DO schools. Someone said the Dean of the school is now the AOA president, but how does that help me as a potential student. So then who is really running the place? What does the school really have to offer?? Seemed like a bunch of smoke and mirrors and no substanance to the program at PCSOM.
they tried to say they support the local community and osteopathy, but when I checked into it, they do what amounts to almost absolutely nothing for the community, except suck money from it...
The day started with an introduction with the Dean. I was then taken to a small conference room for the interview. It was very conversational, and not confrontational at all. The interviewers probably talked more than I did. They even told me they knew a good church for me to attend while in school. They seemed to care for the students a great deal. The entire experience was perfect.
what i found from faculty/students/staff, the school is held to military standars afar as dress code and attendence goes. it was mentioned that folks can get by missing class if they are passing, but most profs will send emails and send for you, even for one absence.....i heard of students who have family difficulty or are hard pressed are usulally pushed out insted of being helped or offered to take a leave of absence...what i heard make me refuse my offer to attend....I'm at another school....If you are military or if you can't shake your procrastinatin' this is the school that will shake it out of ya' good luck
My interview experience was very nice. Got there and met some students while eating breakfast. Heard a presentation, did an interview, and took a tour. I really have nothing negative to say about the school. I just didn't not like the idea of mandatory class attendance, but that is just me. You get so much for so little money at that school. You can tell that the teachers really care that everyone does well in their classes.
It was a really relaxed atmosphere, and all of the current students were a great help in calming nerves before the interview. It was VERY friendly and they really seemed to love going to school there.
I think I was only asked a few questions the whole interview. Mostly the interviewers spent time trying to sell the school to me and comparing it to the other schools I applied to. If you come from a larger more urban school make sure you can defend why you want to go to a smaller rural school, and why you think you would do well in that setting. I interviewed on a Sat. morning and was called the following Monday afternoon by the dean to let me know I was accepted =)
Like everyone else said, very laid back and conversational. I think I ended up asking more questions than I was asked. It was a 2 on 1 interview with two faculty and one interviewee but it was really stress free.
It lasted longer then I though it would, however it was a great experience. The most stressful part was the waiting before the intrview. I felt prepared and that I really was myself. I think I left with them having a good idea of the kind of person I am, and I felt more familiar with the school and program.
They stressed their goal of educating well-rounded physicians... They said that they were looking more for character than just grades... The whole experience was extremely laid-back and I knew I was in before I even left the building
I interviewed with Dr. Betz and Fitzovich. They asked me to give some info about myself (since I've graduated college, I had to tell a little about the work I'm doing now). They asked about the DO that referred me (he's on the clinical faculty at PCSOM). There was a question about my MCAT score, my trip to Haiti, and the ethical question.
I've been on 4 interviews and this was the first were I felt as if I was a commodity. All of the professors/staff seemed to be very genuine and willing to go out of their way to help students. During the interview they told me that I could call them at 2am during exam week w/any questions.
I was only asked 2 questions: "Why do you want to be a D.O" and "Why do you want to come to Pikeville"... I was caught off-guard by how laid back it was... basically after I answered those questions, they were just selling the school to me.. At the end, the interviewers all but told me that I was in... probably the best interview experience I've ever had
In the morning you meet in a room with current med students and then you get called for your interview. The interview is with 2 faculty and lasts from 1/2 an hour to more than that. Afterwards you take a tour and then you are free to go by noon or so. The day starts at 7:45 am.
I read this website before attending my interview, but nothing could have prepared the city of Pikeville. I am coming from a relatively large city and moving to Pikeville will be quite a change. While I was very hesitant about the location going into the interview, all of my fears were calmed by talking to current students. Pikeville seams to be the ideal place to study medicine. The facilities are limited and small, but adequate. Overall, it was a great experience and you should not be worried going into it.
Overall was a great experience. Extremely friendly atmosphere with southern hospitality. Right off the bat, both professors explained to me how "laid-back" this meeting will be. They wanted to know in words what my profile couldn't do on paper. The interview went a LOT longer than anticipated (80 minutes), but the discussion was open and courteous with much to learn. Not at one point did they look down or become impatient. One should really consider researching more into this place. Lastly, thought it was very kind for the Dean to contact my family only 2 days later to let me know I was accepted.
Faculty and students very friendly and although students were honest that there was not an awesome social seen in Pikeville they all like the school, and believe they are getting a better education by having attended PCSOM.
It was really easy going. We watched a video and then had interviews. They said they would call us Monday if we got in (interview on a Sat.) and they were true to their word. I got a call Monday afternoon. The school is nice and well kept, the medical students I talked seemed happy and without any real gripes agnist the school or town. The town itself is small but has a lot to offer. All and all it seems like the perfect place to study medicine without distraction.
Overall I was pleased with the experience. The students were very open and very helpful. They are truely proud of the school and are ready and willing to lead the school to national notoriety. The faculty was very friendly also, they made themselves available to speak to students on tour, and were familiar with all of the students giving the tour on a first name basis. They are not kidding about the call in 3 days, I got one in 2.
I enjoyed the interview. It was the most pleasant experience that I have been part of. I found out 3 days later that I was accepted. The administration is very nice.
very enjoyable, the interaction with the faculty and students was above par. The interview was informative and they seem to like that I had prepared some detailed questions in advance and that I was aware of the overall program, history of osteopathic medicine and philosophies of Dr. A.T. Still.
I had a great interview experience. The facilities were great, the students and staff were really nice, and I found out in only 3 days that I had been accepted!
The interview experience canceled out any negatives. The interviewers were attentive and communicative. They wanted to know all about my file but asked nothing about grades or MCATS. They wanted to sell themselves as much as I wanted to sell myself as an applicant.
Make sure you dress nicely. The school is big on students acting/dressing like professionals. As I said before, just look over the questions on this site and there is nothing to worry about.
The town is pretty, quaint, but not too small (like Lewisburg). The staff and professors seem very nice and willing to accomodate. The students are very friendly. I had a good interview (one of the interviewers was Dr. Murphy--whom I had heard about-which was wrong). I found out today that I got accepted, and I will definitely take them up on their offer.
It was a relaxed environment and everyone was very helpful. Any interview will include a little nervous jitters, but once I got past that I felt no stress. The interviewers smiled and were very friendly.
The day began with the Dean telling everyone that many of us would not be accepted (I felt this was inappropriate). The day was unorganized and there were not as many interviewers present as they had expected, so many interviewers had to give more interviews than they would have liked. The two people who interviewed me did not smile once and one of them did not look me in the eye at any point. I felt I had to defend myself from the moment they began my interview. They began it with a question like, " So, you aren't good in chemistry, are you?" This after reading other interview feedbacks saying how relaxed it was, caught me off guard. I would have to say, do not believe everything you read (referring to previous interview experiences)...Pikeville IS a great school, but the interview is a little more stressful than I had anticipated.
My interview was very conversational, and low stress. There were no ethical questions (which I had prepared for), and nothing from left field. They wanted me to convince them that I was capable of handling the rigors of med school.
It was an overall good experience. The interview itself was very relaxed and was also the longest one I had sat in on. The overall day was short, they told you what you needed to know, and let you go.
I had a great experience at Pikeville! The faculty is all very nice and willing to help you succeed. The school is relatively new with state-of-the-art technology and new classrooms. The town is very friendly and everyone seems so willing to help you out. Because there are not many distractions in Pikeville, it seems like a great place to study medicine.
The day started with a nice buffet of b'fast foods, juices, and coffees. the dean spoke for about five min. and then gave a presentation on power-point. The interviews began and the tour followed. Pray you don't interview with Dr. Murphy. I heard he was tough!
The Appalachians are very underserved. If you want to go into medicine to work with people that have very little medical care, this is the place to go. It may take some time to get used to the town (small), but the students I met seemed well adjusted. This is the perfect place to study medicine, because there are very few distractions.
It was a very laid back interview. The interviewers tried their best to keep it very casual and stress free. The facilities there are all brand new and they have state of the art technology. I was much more impressed with this school after visiting it.
Make sure you have questions ready. They really make every attempt to make it a conversation and not an interrogation. This is obvious, but be honest with everything. If they ask you what field you want to enter, and you don't know, say "I don't know" . I said i hadn't been exposed to enough to make that decision but i was debating family medicine, and they really seemed to not only appreciate the honesty, but sort of criticized those who already think they know what they are going to do.
It was very stress-free. One interviewer was a clinician (adjunct faculty) and the other two were PhD faculty members. Even this late in the interview process, it was not stressful.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants generally praised the admissions office for being responsive, friendly, and creating a low-stress environment. Suggestions included improving responsiveness to emails and phone calls, providing more detailed follow-up information, offering longer interview days with additional activities, having staff available to guide students, and enhancing the website with more information.
Be more responsive to students trying to get in touch by email and phone. I have heard of many prospective students who have not received responses to questions.
I would suggest that the interview day last longer. It felt awkward to just leave after the interview was over. They did not present any financial aid presentation like most schools. Another thing I would suggest (it will not work on Saturday interview days) is to have prospective students sit in on a lecture. Another suggestion could be a demonstration of OMM by some of the 2nd year students. Overall the interview day was well paced, but it needed to be longer to sell the school more.
