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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

New York, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 21% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

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 experiences that led to an interest in medicine, research projects, extracurricular activities, challenges in healthcare, career goals, and motivations for choosing a specific medical school like Mount Sinai. Some respondents mentioned being asked specific questions based on their AMCAS application, ethical scenarios, future aspirations in medicine, and how they handle stress, indicating a comprehensive evaluation process typical of the MMI format where nondisclosure agreements may apply.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai discussed a variety of topics, including views on gender inclusion in organizations, personal experiences with diverse backgrounds, motivations for pursuing medicine over other paths, and reflections on childhood experiences. The interviews encompassed a range of questions exploring applicants' interests, values, future aspirations, and critical thinking skills, with some respondents noting a conversational approach and others encountering traditional inquiries related to their applications and career goals.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai discussed a wide range of topics, including personal beliefs, future plans, and ethical scenarios. Notably, many respondents mentioned questions related to research, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, and scenarios involving ethical dilemmas, while some interviews were in the MMI format with nondisclosure agreements possibly in place.
🤝 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 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by train or subway to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either With students at the school or with students at the school.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

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 reviewing their application materials, reading feedback on websites like SDN, and researching the school's website. Some also practiced with mock interviews and discussed with current students to gain insights and be better prepared.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the affordability of student housing in Manhattan, the supportive and welcoming environment created by faculty and current students, the emphasis on advocacy and fostering change-makers, the quality of facilities, research opportunities, and the pass/fail preclinical curriculum. They also appreciated the collaborative and non-competitive atmosphere, the proximity to diverse patient populations, and the enthusiasm and friendliness displayed by everyone at Mount Sinai.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions related to disorganization during the interview day, unprepared interviewers, unenthusiastic student tour guides, concerns about financial aid, lack of attentiveness from administration, and the dormitory conditions. Suggestions for improvement included better organization of the interview day, ensuring interviewers are prepared, enhancing the enthusiasm of student guides, addressing financial aid concerns proactively, improving facilities, and enhancing the overall student experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the lack of emphasis on specific healthcare questions, the relaxed nature of the interviews, the extensive walking involved, the need for comfortable shoes, and details about the schedule and location of the interviews. They also mentioned the importance of being well-prepared to summarize their candidacy and to be aware of potential delays in transportation.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed mixed feelings about their interview experience at Mount Sinai, with some praising the school's positive environment, student friendliness, and facilities, while others highlighted concerns about disorganization, unengaged interviewers, and elitism within the admissions process. Suggestions included improving the interview day schedule, enhancing interviewer training, and promoting a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all applicants.
  • Sinai should drop the elitism attitude. They need to also fire misogynistic men who question whether or not a student can handle the time commitment due to their gender. I do not recommend this school based on the toxic admissions committee.
  • Amazing school, hope I get in since it's my top choice
  • Incredible place
  • Great interview experience! Even if I don't get in, it was a great visit.
  • Generally relaxed day

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office improve communication and responsiveness, provide clearer directions for finding the office, and enhance the interview day experience with more structured content and improved materials. Additional feedback included the request for pre-reading applications, a more structured introduction talk, and the use of MSSM pens instead of pencils.