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 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 based on user responses include inquiries about personal motivations for pursuing medicine, strengths and weaknesses, experiences with stress and adversity, interests in specific fields of medicine, support networks, and unique qualities or experiences. Some respondents mentioned engaging in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format interviews with nondisclosure agreements in place, indicating a structured and confidential assessment process.
More of a conversation that incorporated indirect questions from the interviewer throughout the dialogue. Everything flowed well and was not Question>Answer>Q>A...
Explain some of the weaknesses on your application (grades and such). How did you cope with your loss in hurricane Rita and still manage to achieve in school.
Basically they wanted to know all about you so be your self and answer honestly!!
Tell me about your parents? Tell me about your major and school? Do you really want to be a doctor? Tell me honestly your mcat and gpa so I can know how hard I will have to fight for you to be accepted by the committee!!??
What do you think about the school's curriculum? Do you have any concerns about medical school (workload, housing, etc)? What do you do if you're not accepted to the school this time?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Louisiana State University Shreveport School of Medicine discussed a variety of topics, including favorite gifts, unique qualities, alternate career paths, and reflections on personal achievements. The interviews were described as conversational, with questions ranging from healthcare system issues to personal experiences and motivations for pursuing medicine. Some responses hinted at an MMI format with possible nondisclosure agreements due to mentions of nondisclosure and the varied nature of questions asked.
What books have you read lately? We both happened to just have read the same book and were big fans of the author. This was asked b/c I mentioned reading as a hobby on my personal statement.
The interview was more of a conversation than a laundry list of questions so it's hard to pinpoint one. They were truly interested in getting to know each applicant so every interview ended up focusing on different things.
Tell me honestly your mcat and gpa so I can know how hard I will have to fight for you?
Name one thing about yourself that is unique (that no one else at the table can say about themselves).
The interviewer attempted to lead me into a discussion on the folk music of my home country. He had recently attended a concert and was willing to talk about it.
Students said the most difficult question asked at Louisiana State University Shreveport School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, from personal challenges and coping mechanisms to ethical dilemmas and future aspirations. While some mentioned specific questions like role models in medicine or dealing with failure, the absence of questions related to healthcare issues or a focus on self-reflection indicated a conversational and laid-back interview format. Additionally, references to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) or nondisclosure agreements were not prevalent among the responses.
Having had personal experience with the death of a family member, how did you cope and how will you know if you are ready if a similar experience occurs in medical school?
Overall the questions were just about me so they weren't difficult, but I did get asked if there were any doctors whose research or accomplishments I admired.
An ethics question: "A woman comes into your office 6 months pregnant. You find out that if the baby is delivered at the end of the pregnancy, it will kill the mother. The mother wants to have an abortion. Leaving your opinion out of your answer, what act do you take as her physician if any at all?"
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 reviewing their application materials, practicing potential questions, reading interview feedback on websites like SDN, and researching the school. Many also focused on reflecting on their reasons for pursuing medicine and ensuring they were well-rested and calm for the interview.
With the help of this website, I was able to see what questions other applicants were asked. I prepared possible answers to those questions, made sure that I knew my application thoroughly, and tried to find ways to calm myself down.
I read over my AMCAS (especially Personal Statement), Secondary application, Resume, Transcript (basically everything that they have on file). I also looked over the questions on this site and thought of key points for the answers.
Read AMCAS application, particularly the personal statement. The closed file interviewers have a copy of your personal statement, so be sure you know what's in it.
I really didn't prepare much. This was the second time that I interviewed at this school so I had a very good idea of what kinds of questions I would be asked.
Applicants were consistently impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere of the faculty, staff, and students at the school. They appreciated the conversational interviews, supportive environment, and the institution's responsiveness to student input and feedback. Additionally, the school's facilities, integrated systems-based curriculum, and direct ties to the hospital were highlighted as positive aspects.
The faculty and interviewers were very engaging and seemed to love where they work.
The environment of the school was very relaxed and supportive. The students all seemed very happy, which I can't say for the other schools I've interviewed at. There's a Level 1 trauma center and St. Jude's affiliate children's hospital right on campus. One of my interviewers (a neurosurgeon) said that the students are vital to the operation of the whole medical center and aren't just flies on the wall. The standardized patients and systems-based curriculum are great things as well.
Video recorded lectures, in addition to podcasts, integrated systems curriculum was interesting, housing would be cheap, hospital directly tied to school building plus updated ER. Standardized patient rooms were all cool. Lots of pros to Shreveport, you just gotta go to see.
The efficiency and kindness of the office and staff. Mrs. Hatcher is the nicest lady! and dr. Kennedy is very nice as well. They know your name and are very excited to have you there!
Systems based curriculum seems like a good thing. The facilty is really great, especially the clinical skills lab and the sim lab. Also , everyone in Shreveport is very friendly. It is really easy to get around the city. In addition, they are really family oriented at this school, and they wil not give you a hard time if you are already married or have kids. In fact, they will do whatever they can to help you. Also, Shreveport may not be famous for its night-life like New Orleans is, but you can still have a good time.
I got lucky with the two most easy-to-talk-to doctors; they were so nice and relaxed and made me feel really comfortable. Dr. Kennedy was also very warm and kind; not uptight like I had heard. I really liked him a lot.
How great the facilities are, friendly the staff and Admissions committee is, and the fact that the Cancer center actually looks forward to getting students in there.
Two days after my interview, Dr. Kennedy personally called me on my cell phone on Thursday night to tell me that I was accepted. I thought that was very thoughtful. And everyone was EXTREMELY nice and friendly!!!
Students were enthusiastic and went out of their way to answer questions or help you find your way around the school. Enviroment seemed very positive and friendly.
Everyone was EXTREMELY nice, and made every attempt to make you feel comfortable. My nerves were gone after the first 10 seconds of my 1st interview and never returned.
Everyone was VERY friendly--students, faculty, staff. They were not trying to intimidate you or make you feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite in fact.
The repectfulness and kindness of the staff. Very low stress and laid back. The students dropped in and chatted and gave us more confidence as we were waiting for our next interview. Also the small class size....very personal and caring.
The friendliness of the faculty and Dr. Kennedy, the project underway to expand the school, new curriculum that is projected to increase the students' board scores
My fellow-interviewees were so friendly and predisposing; just chatting with them made me at ease...The students who gave the tour were also extremely friendly, open and unaffected.
Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback regarding the lack of professionalism in communication, outdated facilities, parking issues, unimpressive tours, and some negative interactions with interviewers. Suggestions included improving website quality, enhancing communication professionalism, updating facilities, providing better tours, and ensuring positive interactions with interviewers.
Its located in the armpit of Louisiana. They are VERY full of themselves. The dean is snarky and kind of a jerk. There are SO MANY typos all over their website. The official correspondence is worded very informal and comes off very unprofessional.
Dr. Kennedy is the obvious result of getting your ass kissed all day everyday. He's a pompous ass who seems more concerned with his own status than the school's status. The students seem extremely conservative, many of them already married.
Honestly, nothing. I wish there was on campus housing, but I walked away from this interview so much more impressed by Shreveport than I thought I would be. I will strongly consider going there.
Facilities were good for what they were, but the " newly renovated" lecture halls really paled in comparison to other places, lack of study space (i.e. seemed like many students didn't stay on campus to study), parking sucks... students said you park a few blocks away and ride a shuttle to campus.
One interviewer was indifferent, the other downright rude. Facility looks run-down. They also mentioned that they had tweaked their curriculum and that fewer students were passing the boards as a result.
One of our tour guides was talkative and interesting one-on-one. The other two just walked around talking to themselves. None of them really explained where they were taking us.
I arrived on time for my first interview but had to wait ten minutes while the doctor finished interviewing another student. I almost ended up being late for my second interview because of the delay in getting started.
Lots of negativism and put-downs by the Admissions Associate Dean. Unnecessary, I know my file. Why invite me to interview if he didn't think I was capable? Was this some cliched stress test?
Most applicants wish they had known ahead of time to relax, be themselves, and not stress during the interview process. They also mentioned the importance of being prepared with questions, unique stories, and information about the school, as well as the benefits of engaging in a conversational interview style.
I wish I would have known they are very partial to certain types of students and that I should have interviewed with them by being unapologetically myself. I also wish I would have known that one of the interviewers would ask me a very rude question so I could have been prepared to get frosty in the interview.
How friendly my interviewers, particularly the dean, are. No need to stress at all! Also, I wish I had come prepared with more questions about the school...the interviewers and students were all very open and honest.
Friends told me, but I didn't believe until I got there that it is really a stress free day and nerves only get in the way of them getting to know you.
I wish I had known, or had listened when people told me it was very relaxed and just to be yourself...because really they are just wanting to talk to you and see who you are!
I wish that I knew LSU Shreveport had so much to offer. I am from New Orleans, so I thought that LSU Shreveport would be like the step-child of LA med schools, but in some ways it was actually better.
Not to be so stressed out! I was really nervous as in sick to my stomach nervous, but they really do everything they can to make you relax- they have the lunch with students before the interviews to get you loosened up. Be confident! Be yourself- they don't want to hear how you think they want you to be- they want to know who you are!
How nice the school is and that you shouldn't judge a place before you go there. If I am excepted by both LSU schools I will have a very hard decision to make.
Students do a lot of community work and the school was created to train primary care physicians. They just built a new clinical skills center and the students pretty much run their own clinic in the hospital.
Nothing really, it was the last group interview day of the season. It was enlightening to learn how selective LSU-S is w/ interviews. They obviously don't interview people they don't believe are a good fit/will be successful there.
I wish I hadn't been so nervous at first/beforehand, but it's hard to help that. I couldn't have guessed how positive and complimentary the interviewers would be.
Applicants generally provided positive feedback about their interview experience at the school, highlighting the laid-back atmosphere, friendly interviewers, and informative sessions. Suggestions included being prepared to discuss personal experiences and staying relaxed during the interviews.
Loved the school, if accepted will probably end up there!
Be on your guard here. There facilities are good. They are a good place to learn because they are still a medical school. Just be prepared for rude questions. Don't let your guard down for Dr. Kennedy.
I was really pleased with everything. Dr. Arnold, Dr. Kennedy, Mrs. Hatcher, as well as everyone else were extremely friendly and made the entire experience memorable and not as nerve-wrecking as I had pictured it to be.
Shreveport is nice. Very different approach to medical school. To me the biggest difference (that matters) between New Orleans and Shreveport is the curriculum (more traditional vs. systems-based) and which system you'd learn better in. Both have clinical simulations, Shreveport has the better recordings and such for learning, New Orleans has a newer facilities. How much time would you actually be able to party? Both have bars in the city, so Shreveport isn't devoid of a nightlife. Shreveport is cheaper as well. So, in the end, it's better just to see both and make the judgment for yourself.
As far as interviews, it's pretty relaxing. Though they say they are closed file, I had a feeling like they may have read the file anyway, but portrayed that they haven't. The first interviewer I had tried to play bad guy and asked ethical questions that were made not to really have a good answer, but lightened up at the end and we talked about stuff. Dr. Kennedy just flipped through your file and asked a couple of questions. Last interviewer was relaxing and we just talked about all kinds of stuff, so that was enjoyable.
I think it can be best summarized in something Dr. Kennedy said "we want you to feel like you have been interviewed and not loved on...because we are really good at loving on you!!"
Great experience. My interviewers were easy-going, and the interviews were more like conversations that naturally progressed ( and went on some SERIOUS tangents). I can say that I had fun at my interview. How many applicants can say that?
Overall the experience was relaxing. The day started with a very short orientation. Interviews followed and the day ended with an optional tour given by two med students. The entire experiences lasted only 3 hours.
Great experience! I left with a much better impression of the program as a whole. The Comprehensive Care Clinic is exactly what I was looking for in my training and everyone on the staff or administration seemed eager to meet all of us. I had four interviews instead of the three because I had a sit down with Minority Recruitment. It wasn't scored but they really seemed like it was more of a recruitment meeting than just ''getting to know you.'' I was kind of thrown off by it, but I guess it was sort of flattering. Outside of that, great experience.
I had a great interview experience!It was fun getting to know others that were going through it with me; the med students were so nice and enthusiastic about the school; Mrs. Hatcher's (secretary) the sweetest person in the world; Dr. Kennedy is really sweet and sincere; If you had an emotional experience that affected your grades/scores mention it, bc Dr. Kennedy is compassionate and appreciates hearing that kind of stuff. He actually told me that I wasn't going to get in this cut, but would get on the waiting list and would probably get in later in the year. Thursday after the committee met he called me, and I missed it since I was at work, so I got in touch with him the next day, and he said they were enthusiastic about my interview and application and wanted to offer me a spot!!! Best Christmas present ever! Really nice of him to call!
All-in-all, pretty relaxed. They both last about 30 minutes. My first interviewer was kind of sensitive (if that makes any sense at all) and asked some really weird questions. My second interviewer pretty much summed up my whole thought process and talked the whole time, really awesome experience there. The tour was nice but a little overdone. The only negative thing was that it lasted until 5:30 and I had to drive back to Baton Rouge for work the next day. Very long drive on a deserted 150 mile stretch of road. Overall a very good experience, don't stress out.
The whole thing was great. I was pleasantly surprised! The day started out in a group with everyone introducing themselves and something interesting about themselves that makes them unique. Then we had lunch with students, had a few short presentations on financial aid, curriculum and clinical experiences. Then we had 3-one on one interviews. I had an extra meeting with the department of multicultural affairs. The final interview was with the dean of Admissions- an exit interview to look over my file to see if there were any issues that the admissions committee would ask about. When everything was good to go- we all went on a tour of the facilities- including the hospital and anatomy lab. I was very surprised at how much I really like the school- other schools have some competition! Everyone is very friendly, laid back and really want to see you do well.
I had a great time. I actually really enjoyed sitting down and talking with all of my interviewers. I felt confident when I left. Wasn't stressed at all.
It was pretty positive. There were not many minority students in my interview group but the minority affairs office made sure to answer any of my questions and make me feel welcome. My first interviewer was pretty "neutral." She didn't seem very enthusiastic. The second interviewer was very laid back and was truly interested in learning about me.
All of us were reapplicants, so there was no tour or check out interview with Dr. Kennedy. We had 2 interviews with different doctors, one an MD and one a PhD. They were very relaxed and very low key. Overall, the day was very stress free.
Very laid back, 2 closed file (w/ 2 local physicians), 2 open file (w/ Kennedy and some other guy) I was pretty much only asked about stuff on my resume and the obvious 'why medicine' questions.
No matter how much the other students' SDN feedback say to relax, I was not able to relax before the interview because there is almost always something that would make us anxious. Now, having gone to the interviews, I just want to say, "RELAX! You wouldn't have been invited to the interview if the Admissions Committee did not find you extraordinarily outstanding. :) You are already a shoo-in =) and the interview's purpose is just to see how even friendlier you are! Be honest and be yourself because that's the person they think is "outstanding."
Arrive at 12:45 (very late) and come up with something that is unique about you, then you have interviews -- 2 with faculty/ practicing MD's and 1 with Dr. Kennedy to answer any questions about your application (didn't even say much to me at all). Then they have a tour of the usual areas and a few things they think are nice (PET scan, etc.)
2 one-on-one blind interviews. Interviewers were polite and professional. Both interviews seemed very interested in my answers and were glad to be interviewing me.
Short interview day - doesn't start till after lunchtime, so you're on your own for the morning. Short welcome meeting with Dr. Kennedy & the 13 other interviewees. Then the one-on-ones - one student, one faculty, and a brief meeting with Kennedy that's more to see if there are any application problems. Student interviewer was nice, but seemed like she had somewhere else to be. Faculty interviewer was just a local MD who probably was trying to play "bad cop", but came across as a jerk. Student tour guides then led us around for about 15 minutes then asked "do y'all really want to finish the tour or just go ahead and leave?".
Two closed-file interviews, then an open-file interview to discuss anything negative that might come up in the committee meeting, so he could respond for me.
Dr. Kennedy addressed the group as a whole and asked us what was the best present we had ever given. Then had an ER doc speak to us and a financial aid woman. We then got our interview cards telling us where to go and when. I interviewed with Dr. Miller, a radiologist. She was really laidback and interested in what I had to say. Made me feel at ease. Then spoke with Dr. Werner, a pathologist. Again the interview was laidback and conversational. He really wanted to know about me as a person and why I did the activities and major that I had chosen. I spoke with Dr. Kennedy about my "file." He had no questions so we talked about football instead. :) Having the students come into the lounge/meeting room was nice. I really liked hearing why they went to LSU-S and about their experiences there. The tour did not impress me. Our tour guides were not enthuisiastic nor did they seem to want to talk about the facilities, school, or Shreveport.
Overall the experience went very well. The interviewers were very nice, polite, and understanding of the situation. They would go out of their way to help you. The interviews consisted of two blind interviews and one open book. On my open book interview, the interviewer didn't even ask me anything about my file. He read through it and said everything looked good, then asked me what I thought about LSU football and the new coach. Very laid back.
I interviewed at LSU-Shreveport last year too, so since I am a reapplicant, the interview was very low-frills. There were only four of us, all reapplicants. There was no tour since we already had that last year, just two 30 minute interviews.
This is a good school. I applied early decision, so there were but a few of us. Our interviews were one-on-one, and it was clear that if Dr Kennedy did not ask you to apply early decision, then you probably should not, unless you are a stellar student and a good fit in his opinion. if you have the opportunity, and sincerely wish to attend this university, please visit Dr Kennedy in his office a few times prior to your application. Ask his opinion of your credentials and record. He does not want gunners who are going to alienate themselves from the class. Ask for his suggestions on how you can improve your record. Tell him you will do as he asks, then visit later to show him you have. Very simple. Best of luck to you. This is a fine school.
Overall an enjoyable experience (believe it or not). They were very interested in what I had to say, and they asked me straightforward questions. Be sure to go in knowing something you want to tell them (that they might not ask about).
Overall I had a very positive experience at my interview. I, along with everybody else from the looks on their faces, was fairly nervous as the beginning of my day. However it quickly became apparent that we had no need to be nervous - it was a very laid back affair indeed. One of my interviews was with a Ph.D. professor of physiology and another one was with a 4th year med student (which surprised and worried me somewhat as I was not expecting this). Both interviews were pleasant, and I was never presented with any really difficult questions - they mainly wanted to know more about me, why I wanted to go into medicine, etc. In fact, with my interview with the 4th year, I ended up being the one that asked the majority of the questions, wanting to know all about her experience at the school, her likes and dislikes, etc. Others who had different interviewers did get asked some pretty tough ethical questions, so I guess I just lucked out. We had an exit interview with Dr. Kennedy to clear up any questions he might have about your grades, MCAT scores, etc., but I suppose he didn't see any major problems as he didn't ask me questions about those things but instead wanted to know about extracurricular activities and how I liked my college experience.
There were 12 interviewees in a conference room beginning at 12:45. We chatted for a bit then listened to several brief presentations about the curriculum, financial aid, etc...There were numerous opportunities to ask questions and answers appeared frank and honest.
The statistics were given: 200 interviews for 100 spots and usually around 150-160 acceptances were granted to fill the class.
Those are awfully good odds IF you get an interview. The two closed file interviews were with community physicians and were comfortable and friendly. They both had grade/MCAT info so I don't know what was "closed" but it didn't really matter. There were no surprising questions and interviewers offered tips on how to impress the others- a nice gesture I thought.
Our two 4th year tour guides had just matched at Cal-Davis (EM) and Baylor (IM-Cardiology) so it was clear the school has at least a good reputation nationally.
I preferred LSU-New Orleans. NOLA is much more organized. Their staff is much more polite and helpful, complete with nice folders filled with pertinent information for applicants. The whole Shreveport program is in complete disarray, complete with emails from the Admissions office in which the font of the type changes in mid-sentence. The whole operation seemed unpolished and unsure of their new module-based program, which was explained vaguely at best. The students leading the tours, when asked to elucidate on the module-based training, shrugged and said "I dunno. it's okay, I guess." Hardly a vote of confidence!
After an hour of orientation and summary of medical school, we were given a card with our interview times on them. Each student had 2-3 interviews scheduled at hour intervals. After your 2-3 closed-file interviews, you met with Dr. Kennedy (Asst. Dean of Admissions) for an open interview/review of your file that lasted from 2-10 minutes depending on the weaknesses in your file. After all applicants finished interviewing, 5 medical students gave us a tour of the facility. The tour guides were extremely nice and answered any questions we had. Overall, the interview process was laid-back and very enjoyable. Every student walked away smiling.
The overall experience was great. All the interviewees meet in a conference and introduce themselves to Dr. Kennedy, followed by two small lectures from other faculty about the curriculum, ending with a financial aide lecture. Next, the three interviews (two 30 min. blind, and the exit interview, open-file ~10 min.) take place over a 2 hr. period followed by an hour tour of the school, given by multiple students. The interviewers were some of the best self-esteem boosters I have ever met. Don't sweat these interviews. Best advice is to relax and be yourself, oh yeah, and read the rest of the questions people posted.
Day begins at 12:45 with a welcome session and fin. aid info. Then, a brief presentation of clinical and basic sciences are given by faculty. After that, you have two closed file interviews (i had one 4th year student, one faculty; they had my personal statement in front of them)and an exit interview with either Dr. Kennedy or Dr. Arnold. A tour rounds out the day with some med students.
Pretty low stress day overall; just make sure you review your AMCAS, especially your PS. I was asked several questions about specific decisions I made.
Just low-key and relaxed. I was really nervous at first, but the first interviewer really made me feel comfortable and very informal, which was perfect for me.
The interview process @ LSU-S was low stress. There were two blind interviews with faculty and an exit interview with one of the deans to clear up anything academically questionable in your file. The interviewers just wanted to get to know the personality of the applicants and see that you are committed to medicine.
I was given a hard time by one interviewer for not re-applying to their school right away (I waited one year before I re-applied after being waitlisted the first time). But Dr. Kennedy told me that it didn't bother him that I hadn't re-applied right away. There was no tour mainly because all 6 people there had all interviewed there at least once before. Overall, I thought that the interview was rougher than my first interview there, but I still enjoyed the experience.
At the time I thought that some of the questions were confrontational, but (realistically) they wanted me to be able to defend myself and justify my mistakes. I liked it!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest improving professionalism in official correspondence, addressing discriminatory behavior in interviews, and potentially changing leadership. They also appreciate the responsiveness and friendliness of the admissions staff.
Get a new Dean- he is creepy + interviewers are discriminatory
