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McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine

Hamilton, ON

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 22% 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 discussing self-directed and problem-based learning, volunteering experiences, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, ethical dilemmas, time management skills, and scenarios involving role-playing and decision-making. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format with a nondisclosure agreement, interactive activities with other applicants, and scenarios with actors to test handling high-stress situations.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine discussed were related to an MMI format where respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Common themes included ethical scenarios, communication challenges, teamwork assessments, and personal values regarding healthcare, with specific questions touching on responding to medical errors, delivering difficult news to patients, and balancing international health initiatives with domestic healthcare needs.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, self-evaluation, implications of medical programs, conflict resolution scenarios, and personal values. Some respondents mentioned a nondisclosure agreement, hinting at an MMI format where specific questions were confidential and challenging to articulate without revealing details due to the agreement.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 5 or more 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 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.
No responses

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 between $101 and $200.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
No responses

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?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reading about medical ethics, practicing with mock interviews, reviewing ethical scenarios, keeping up with current events, and reflecting on personal experiences. The key suggestion shared by applicants is to focus on introspection, understanding personal motivations for pursuing medicine, and being prepared to discuss interests and passions during the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were consistently impressed by the welcoming and supportive atmosphere created by students, faculty, and staff at the interview process, as well as the organization and efficiency of the MMI format. They appreciated the friendliness of interviewers, the involvement of current students, the quality of facilities, and the provision of food throughout the day. Suggestions included focusing on being oneself during the interview and emphasizing the positive aspects of the applicant's personality and learning style.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the long and disorganized interview process, including waiting times, lack of breaks, and scheduling errors. Suggestions include improving organization, providing more structured breaks, and addressing issues promptly to enhance the overall experience for candidates.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed that they wished they had known ahead of time the duration of the day, that it is impossible to fully prepare for the MMI, to relax and be themselves, and that interview times may be rescheduled. They also noted that the MMI can be fun and that creative answers and thinking are valued by the admissions committee.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at the school to be enjoyable, informative, and less stressful than expected. They appreciated the opportunity to interact with other candidates, the engaging interview process, and the efforts made by the school to create a positive and welcoming environment.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

No responses