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Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Rochester, MN

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 8% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate 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 teamwork challenges, recent books read, motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences with difficult individuals, ethical dilemmas, and personal strengths and weaknesses. Respondents also mentioned questions about research projects, volunteer experiences, family influences, reasons for choosing a specific school like Mayo, and scenarios related to patient care and healthcare issues. Some respondents reported being subject to an MMI format interview with questions tailored to their application materials, while others highlighted questions related to personal attributes and decision-making scenarios.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine discussed various topics such as personal stories, conflicts, diversity, research explanations, and healthcare reform ideas, among others. These questions were part of a conversational interview format that may have included the MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) setup, potentially involving a nondisclosure agreement given the diverse range of questions posed.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, personal reflections, healthcare reform, and hypothetical scenarios. Some respondents mentioned questions about resolving healthcare crises, addressing personal failures, and defining professionalism in challenging situations, with a notable absence of questions related to typical academic achievements.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 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 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 between $301 and $400.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Rochester International Airport (RST)

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 average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as average.
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 primary and secondary applications, reading SDN interview feedback, and studying the school's website. They also practiced with mock interviews and familiarized themselves with common questions and ethical issues. Many applicants emphasized the importance of being genuine and not overly scripting their answers, while some also spoke with current medical students or physicians for insights.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Mayo Clinic, the beautiful campus facilities, the enthusiastic and down-to-earth students, the ample opportunities for clinical experiences and research, the generous financial aid and scholarships, the patient-centered philosophy of the school, the individualized curriculum with selectives, and the supportive staff and faculty. Many highlighted the exceptional resources, student support, unique opportunities like dual degrees and international rotations, small class size, and the strong sense of community at Mayo Clinic.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants expressed concerns primarily about the location of Rochester, Minnesota, citing its small size, lack of cultural attractions, and extreme cold weather as potential drawbacks. Some applicants also mentioned feeling limited by the town's offerings and the challenge of finding activities outside of Mayo Clinic. Suggestions included providing more information on opportunities for social engagement and addressing the lack of diversity and entertainment options in the area.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known that Mayo Clinic interviews are relaxed, partly because interviewers are friendly and non-intimidating. They also recommended preparing for behavioral/HR questions, wearing comfortable shoes, and being aware of the cold weather in Rochester.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed a strong admiration for Mayo Clinic and its facilities, emphasizing the welcoming and friendly environment during interviews. Feedback highlighted the conversational nature of interviews, the emphasis on fit with Mayo's values, and the positive experiences with staff, students, and the overall interview process. Some mentioned the long day of activities and tours but appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the school.
  • The school, MDs, and students do certainly give off a "cult" vibe. (They are NOT a cult, at least not as far as I know, but they do give off the vibe). They want people who will abide to the Mayo system and philosophies...some not so orthodox.
  • Absolutely loved this school and would go there in a heartbeat.
  • Amazing place
  • Mayo values communication, but it's not everything. If you are a strong enough applicant, you may be just fine without sending LOI.
  • Absolutely loved the school and the people!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants generally appreciate the work of the admissions office, with many suggesting to keep doing what they're doing. Some suggestions include providing more transparency in the admissions process and avoiding unnecessary stress-inducing tactics, while maintaining professionalism in all communications.