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Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Loma Linda, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Faith-Based

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 personal motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences dealing with conflicts or ethical dilemmas, influences shaping career choices, strengths and weaknesses, as well as future goals and aspirations in the medical field. Some respondents mentioned specific questions related to the MMI format, suggesting a focus on scenario-based or ethical questioning, potentially subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Loma Linda University School of Medicine discussed personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, future career plans, and family dynamics. The interviews seem to cover a broad range of topics, including scenarios involving patient care, personal values, and unique qualities that set applicants apart, with a mix of traditional and situational queries.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Loma Linda University School of Medicine discussed various scenarios such as managing a challenging curriculum, handling conflicts, ethical dilemmas, personal impacts, and increasing diversity. Some responses hinted at an MMI format, potentially subject to a nondisclosure agreement, with a mix of questions focusing on personal attributes, ethical reasoning, and future goals in medicine.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 40 - 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 0-1 hour 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.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Ontario International Airport (ONT)

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 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 studying SDN questions, reviewing their application materials, practicing mock interviews, and researching the school's website and mission. Many also sought advice from current students, read ethics books, and focused on presenting themselves authentically during the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the kindness and genuine interest of the interviewers in getting to know them as individuals. They appreciated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the campus, the strong emphasis on whole-person care, and the supportive community at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the outdated facilities, disorganization in scheduling and interviews, emphasis on religion, potential favoritism, lack of research focus, and the strict, conservative atmosphere at the school. Suggestions included improving communication, updating facilities, balancing religious emphasis with inclusivity, and ensuring a fair and organized interview process.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were low-stress and relaxed, that over-rehearsing answers is not beneficial, and that being genuine and honest is key. Some also mentioned the importance of being prepared for ethics questions, the possibility of encountering group introductions, and the diverse backgrounds of interviewees.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at LLU to be positive and welcoming, with interviewers showing genuine interest in getting to know them beyond their application. Many highlighted the comfortable and conversational nature of the interviews, the warm atmosphere of the campus, and the faith-based aspect of the school as important considerations for prospective students.
  • This interview made me want to go to LLU even more and was very encouraging.
  • I had a faculty interviewer first and then a student interviewer. I wish it was the other way around because the student interviewer made me feel much more relaxed but both were very nice and genuinely interested in getting to know me. I also found it very interesting to get to know them as well. Definitely make use of the time you get to ask them questions!
  • N/A
  • NA
  • The interviews felt comfortable and the entire staff was excited to tell you about the program and the culture of the school.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested the admissions office to reduce paper usage by using email for communication, provide feedback for rejected applicants, ensure interview locations are easily accessible, and avoid last-minute changes to interview times. Additionally, some applicants recommended offering tours as part of the interview process and providing online resources for essential information.