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Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University

Downers Grove, IL

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private For-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate 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 motivations for pursuing medicine, specific experiences that influenced interest in osteopathic medicine, examples of leadership and conflict resolution, strategies for stress relief, and ethical dilemmas. Some respondents also faced ethical scenarios like assisting a minor with birth control without parental consent. Additionally, the mention of multiple questions related to nondisclosure agreements suggests that some interviews were conducted in an MMI format with potential confidentiality agreements in place.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University discussed a wide range of topics including physician-patient relationships, ethical scenarios like assisted suicide and patient confidentiality, personal qualities important for a physician, and challenges like working in teams or handling conflicts. The interview format may have been an MMI, with variations in questions including nondisclosure agreements, but common themes centered around ethics, personal experiences, and healthcare system challenges.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University discussed a wide range of topics including physician-patient relationships, quick decision-making scenarios, leadership experiences, ethical dilemmas, and future career aspirations. While some respondents mentioned standard interview questions, others highlighted the presence of ethical inquiries and scenario-based discussions, indicating a diverse and challenging interview experience that may encompass the MMI format with possible nondisclosure agreements.
🤝 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 3 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a in a group interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had a closed 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 automobile 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 at a hotel or with friends or family.

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?

✅ 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 applications, practicing common interview questions, and researching the school and osteopathic medicine. Mock interviews, utilizing SDN resources, and discussing questions with friends and advisors were common strategies employed to feel more confident and prepared for the interview process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were most impressed by the friendly and welcoming environment at the school, with students, faculty, and staff all being described as approachable and supportive. The campus and facilities were highlighted as modern and beautiful, with an emphasis on the school's location near Chicago and strong clinical rotation opportunities.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were consistently concerned about the high cost of tuition, lack of information about the school's offerings, outdated facilities, limited student interaction, and the stress-inducing curriculum with frequent exams. Suggestions included improving communication about the school, updating facilities, increasing student engagement, and reevaluating the curriculum structure to reduce stress on students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed a wish to have known more about the interview format, the types of questions asked, and the overall relaxed and conversational atmosphere. Many mentioned the importance of being prepared for ethical scenarios, the semi-closed file nature of the interview, the short duration of the interview, and the need for more practice in structuring answers.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at CCOM to be straightforward and well-organized. Most candidates had positive experiences, with interviewers focusing on getting to know them as individuals rather than drilling them with tough questions. The campus and facilities were generally well-received, with students and faculty being friendly and helpful. Some applicants noted a lack of information about the school's programs and curriculum, with downtime during the day and limited engagement with current students.
  • Overall very straightforward interview. Usually a faculty member and a M3 or M4. The last 5 minutes are for you to ask them questions so make sure to have some ready.
  • Great experience. Interview day made me more interested in CCOM.
  • They ask you a lot of general (non-med school) interview questions. One interviewer will be “pushing” you with curt answers or making you doubt what you said, which is apparently on purpose. If you tell them any points about yourself or what you do, then they definitely write it down and come back to ask/explain yourself in more detail.
  • Wish I hadn't gotten in my own way more, but it was a great learning experience for me.
  • overall the interview was pretty easy, their questions weren't super hard. just know your app, have solid examples, and practice.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office provide more detailed information prior to interviews, update the website to showcase the school's strengths, offer more organized interview days with less downtime, and consider providing recorded lectures as a resource for students.