Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 50% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
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 as average compared to other schools.
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
Most rank this school as average compared to 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 the motivation to pursue medicine, personal experiences that shaped this decision, strengths and weaknesses, career goals, challenges in medical school and as a future physician, views on healthcare systems, ethical dilemmas, and how applicants handle stress and time management. Some respondents participated in an MMI format, which may involve a nondisclosure agreement, while others faced questions tailored to their application materials and experiences.
Name a time where you were unfairly represented? You took the MCAT a few times, how did you increase so dramatically from the first two times to the third time?
Have you given any thought to what you might do if you do not get into med school this year or ever?
They also asked me about my medical missions trips to Honduras. They asked me why I transferred colleges after my freshman year and what that experience was like.
What happens in your life that makes you want to run home and tell your family? What really excites you? What does your husband do? How will you handle family life and being in med school? Do you know where you'd want to do your rotations? Is there anything you'd like to tell us before you go?
Why have decided to pursue medicine? Give us a specific example that led you to medicine? What other examples can you give that made you want to consider medicine?
Why NEOUCOM? Have you considered a specialty and why? What do you hope to get out of being a physician? Where do you intend to practice? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
If we were to talk to your friends, and ask them why they like you what would they say? And if they then said "but he can make me angry because..." Finish the sentence.
They asked if I had interviewed elsewhere and if I had acceptances elsewhere. They didn't aks me where else I got in, but asked me why I was still interviewing at NEOUCOM.
Students said most interesting question asked at Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine (NEOMED) discussed a wide range of topics such as personal hobbies, ethical dilemmas, role models, legacy, and handling challenging situations. Some respondents mentioned MMI format or nondisclosure agreements, hinting at a structured interview process with specific scenarios and ethical questions.
They asked about my hobbies that were in my application (like dance and rock climbing)
Would you be willing to extra classes if we felt you were deficient in a particular area? (Biochemistry) What happened during your sophomore year? (1995?)
Do you plan to return to your native country to practice? (I think I can do more for my people here... and there mission statement mentions that they want to graduate students to serve northeast Ohio... so be sure to try to emphasize you plan to stay there.
One of the interviewers placed his hand on the table and said, "OK, imagine this is your first day of medical school and your anatomy professor calls you down & asks you to describe this hand to the class for 3 minutes. You may begin NOW!"
Students said most difficult question asked at Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine (NEOMED) discussed various topics including learning styles, ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for medicine, healthcare policies like the Affordable Care Act, and scenarios involving ethical decision-making. Some respondents mentioned questions related to MMI format or nondisclosure agreements, indicating a structured interview process with specific ethical and situational inquiries.
Do you think it's right for the government to tell me what I can and can't do regarding things that only affect me (wear a seat belt, smoke pot in my own home, etc.)?
You are doing a surgical clerkship and you see me cut something I shouldn't have (resulting in a negative outcome). How do you respond? (asked stoically by a surgeon)
You are the sole member of an ethics committee and you have to decide who to give a liver to: a 54 year-old successful senator with a family or an 18 year-old who just got out of prison and has a girlfriend (both are EXACTLY the same otherwise), who would you give the liver to?
Why NEOUCOM? What can you bring to NEOUCOM? Have you shadowed? How was your shadowing experience? Besides what you learned during shadowing is there anything about it that pushed you toward/away from medicine?
What did you learn in molecular cell and biology, that was related to medicine? ( I told them that was my favorite class, but I took it my sophomore year)
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 SDN interview feedback, practicing mock interviews, reviewing their application materials, and researching the school's website and curriculum. Many also sought advice from current students, brainstormed answers to common interview questions, and engaged in mock interviews to prepare effectively.
Brainstormed answers to common interview questions (strengths/weaknesses) and reviewed my application (personal statement, activity descriptions, secondary essay)
i went for a walk with a paper and pen and thought about my life and certain experiences of my life, thought about those stories and wrote down the ones i thought i might be able to talk about
I read this website, other random websites, and NEOUCOM's website. I read over my application essays. I talked to people who know me about potential questions/answers.
this site (was very helpful, there was not one question I was asked that I hadn't seen somewhere on this site, or the packet they sent me to study for)
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and kindness of the staff, students, and interviewers at the medical school. They appreciated the warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as the conversational and low-pressure interview experience. Suggestions were also made to explore specific facilities like the Wassan Center and to appreciate the school's focus on medical education without other graduate programs.
The people at Neomed were all incredibly nice; the interviews took place immediately, rather than at the end of the day; the financial aid presentation was only 15 minutes and made more sense than any other financial aid presentation I've had.
The school is solely a medical school. There are no other graduate programs, meaning all the teachers, money, and resources go directly to the medical students. Also, the students were exceptionally friendly. Several people approached me to ask whether I needed any help or if I had any questions. Everyone appeared genuinely happy.
The two interviewers were very friendly. The interview was more of a conversation than anything. They just wanted to get to know you. The match list was impressive.
How relaxed everyone was. I was interviewed by a doctor that had graduated the program and a professor. There were also students that were in the program now, that were there to ... I don't know why they were there, but it was helpful and made the environment more laid back.
The enthusiasm of the students was very encouraging concerning the academic atmosphere at the school. Also, the two professors that interviewed me were very professional and representd neoucom very well.
Everyone seemed to be in a very postitive mood even though 1) the school was basically in the middle of nowhere and 2) it was very early in the morning. Also, they have addressed the problems with their class-time heavy curriculum (40+ hours a week!) and a revised "integrated" curriculum will debut in the fall.
The gross anatomy lab, the newer feel of the buildings which allow you to stay inside during bad weather and get to where you need to be (it's a circle of buildings).
The people were very cordial... almost like a northern hosptality thing.. (from the south so I value that... and man they had some very pretty middle eastern/persian/indian girls....(sorry girls with the exception of me the guys all looked like geeks)
The staff and faculty I met were very courteous and enthusiastic about my being there. There was a sense of loyalty to the school and a genuine concern for the students. They also are quick in getting their decision to you.
Everyone was so kind, and the interview process/admissions procedures very clear. They were very positive about admitting me as a non-traditional, slightly older applicant.
Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the rural location of the school, lack of engagement and interaction during the admissions process, outdated facilities, and concerns about the curriculum and teaching methods. Suggestions included improving the admissions process, updating facilities, enhancing the curriculum, increasing student engagement, and providing more information about the school's benefits and support for students.
The admissions team had us record our answers on a webcam rather than taking the time to actually interview applicants and get to know us.
Though the "village" of apartments on campus is new, it feels like a dorm; the admissions tour guide didn't seem to have a plan, just went with things as they came up
The location is a bit lackluster, but its close enough to large (Cleveland) or moderately sized cities (Canton, Akron) for that not to be a real issue.
lotsa youngsters a.k.a. ''rocket docs'' (yikes)....also, though we were the first group of the year to interview, we wouldn't go in front of the committee until late december, coupled with two more groups that had yet to interview.
It was a half hour of side streets to get to the school once I got off the highway. Also the fact that about 80% of the students will be coming from the 6-year BS/MD program. They say they tend to be more immmature. The interview was for an alternate list spot. I still liked the school though.
Most everything. The school seems to have been left exactly as it was when originally built in the 1970s. We weren't shown any labs, only the lecture halls, library and cafeteria. We didn't meet any BS/MD students. Their perspective would have been useful, too. There was no real discussion about how the school would help us become good doctors or why we would want to attend NEOUCOM.
The "integrated" curriculum will probably have some bugs that will have to be dealt with by the fall class. The area in which the main campus is, again, located in the middle of nowhere.
The Yougstown interview was horrible. It was two old doctors who looked at you like you were the scum of the Earth. I wanted to die. Alas, I survived, and you will too if you go through it. Everybody's experiences are different because they are interviewed by different people.
having to choose between Akron, Canton, Youngstown campuses during 3rd year. Library not impressive. Curriculum is under contsruction. It will only benefit me in year 2.
Rootstown is the pitts. Plus, the admissions people did not seem interested in pitching the school and I often felt as if they were talking down to me. The interviewees did not have a chance to meet and introduce ourselves and this felt like it was breeding competition.
The fact that they are in class essentially from 8am to 5 pm 5 days a week. They realize the error of this and how it turns a lot of applicants off and they are trying to change it, but the changes won't happen for years to come. Many of the students seem worn out and openly voice their disgust for the curriculum. But they will also tell you that most went to NEOUCOM because they didn't get in anywhere else. (This only pertains to the 4 year MD program, not the combined 6 year BS/MD program.)
Their class time is longer than the national average. It seems like they are in lectures too long with little independent study time. They are working on changing that but it wouldn't effect me until my second year when the plan is implemented. Also, I sat in on a class. The professor was great but many students were talking throughout the entire lecture! It was very annoying. Maybe it was because it was right before lunch and they get tired of sitting in lectures all day!!
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the possibility of being waitlisted, hidden fees, the flipped classroom approach, and the short nature of the interview day. They also recommended wearing comfortable shoes for lots of walking during the tour and being prepared for a good cop/bad cop interview style.
I think that EVERYONE needs to know that you will get waitlisted no matter what unless you're a pathway student. Everyone needs to realize this. Many people at the current class got waitlisted but are here now and it is great. But prepare to be waitlisted and it is different than a normal waitlist.
There's a good cop/bad cop theme of the interview. It's doesn't mess with you that much, but the ''bad cop'' can make you a little tense.
Also, be careful, they are indeed listening to you and will follow up on your answers with several other questions, so make sure your answers aren't canned.
The kids in the program were very cool, and didn't seem stressed at all. I read on this site that some kids knew within 24 hours that they were accepted. I asked this question during my interview and they told me that no one will know that fast, so don't count on it. i haven't got the call anyway.
I wish I had known that the interview day would be so short and cover so little about the school. The website is just horrible but I figured that the school would really try to sell themselves during the interview day....like all the other schools do. Had I known, I would definitely had written down some questions.
That my interviewers would be a female family practice doctor that was a NEOUCOM grad, and that the other would be a basic sciences professor of Neurobiology. No big deal, it just would have been nice. Also, they called that same night to tell me I was accepted. I liked the fact that they don't drag it out like everywhere else.
That they waitlist some people with credentials good enough to go there because they see the other schools you apply to and assume that if you get into any of those you wont go to their school. Also, that some ridiculous percentage (like 80% or something) of students are 2 years younger than the average, traditional medical student.
Applicants generally provided positive feedback about the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, with a particular emphasis on the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews. Some mentioned the small town feel of the campus and the personal attention given during the interview process, while others highlighted the efficiency of the day and the quick response regarding acceptance decisions.
Out of all the schools I interviewed at, this was the least impressive as it was the only school that decided to not do live interviews during COVID.
The students are very kind and informative and the administrative staff seem super sweet. The school had a very small town feel. The lunch provided was pasta and salad from a buffet style table. water and lemonade available all day to drink. The staff had a coat rack set up and will hold your luggage if you bring it with you. The tour was wonderful.
overall i had a really nice experience. i was scheduled to arrive at 8:30, but did not interview until 11:30, so bear in mind that you may have a few hours there before they interview you
The day is not too long, done by 1:00 and started at 8:00. Overall the day is not too stressful unless you have the last interview of your group. There were about 12-13 people that were interviewing during the same block of time I was. There was a second group of interviewees that came in after us and presumably ended their day around 3:00.
I walked into the interview with very low expectations, and I left the interview pretty impressed with the school. While it is still not my top choice, I believe I would get a personal education and enjoy my time at NEOUCOM.
I had a quick info session with an admissions officer, then my interview, then a financial aid info session, then a tour, then lunch. Other people had slightly varied schedules, but it was awesome to get my interview out of the way early. There were about 20 other people interviewing on the day I went. Unfortunately, the ease of your interview must be the luck of the draw because the other set of interviewers apparently did not ask any ethical or theoretical questions what so ever, where as mine did... a lot!
The interview was very casual. The interviewers asked me general questions about why I want to be a doctor, where do you see yourself 10 years from now, etc . . .
The interview started when I got there, a little backwards from all my other interviews. We started with an informal interview, then the actually 2 vs 1 interview, a finacial aid talk, and then lunch.
The inteview day in general went very quickly. there are only 8 interview days per year, so it seemed rather rushed. I felt as though the interviewers may not have gotten the most accurate picture of me as an applicant. Yet, the day was a positive experience.
It was mostly them asking me questions and letting me talk. The questions weren't weird or anything. They seemed to be playing good cop/bad cop. One interviewer was really nice and the other tried to contradict me. It was more fun than the interviews where they tell you how great you are the whole time.
Both interviewers were quite nice and the interview session, itself, was very open and relaxed. They expect you to talk - a lot, which I liked, and, therefore, the interviers kept the questions to a minimum and stuck to very broad topics. Although, prior to the interview, you are told that the interview session will take 30 minutes, it seemed that, at least with the morning session, there was at least 45 minutes scheduled for the actual interview. So, say a lot and have plenty of questions handy.
Very positive interview experience. The admissions staff let me know that I was accepted within 24hrs! I was impressed and I'll be happy to attend there in the fall. Priceline.com hooked me up BIG with a nice hotel for $25.00. look into that if you need to stay a night or two. Like many wise people have said... just be yourself.
for the most part it was a relaxed conversation in which they're trying to figure you out. They want to know why you picked the courses you took and how you performed.
The interview was the best part of my visit. Although one of my interviewers did not speak english, they both tried to get to know me and understand my ambitions.
It neither impressed me, nor deterred me from wanting to go there. I have multiple acceptances from other Ohio schools, so I went to give the place a chance. But it doesn't look like I'll be going there.
Really cool overall... very nice people all around... they take your files seriously and take the time to read them. Ah and I was surprised there were so many cute girls in the Akron, Kent, Youngstown region...
Great program. The school is small and in a very rural environment so you get a lot of attention as a student. It seemed a little like high school with everyone knowing everyone's business (the students admitted this) but overall, it appears as though you get your moneys worth.
Interview lasted longer than expected. Very personable, they were interested in my teaching experience and how that would make me a better doctor. After the interview they took us on a tour of the school, then lunch. They told us at lunch that we were accepted.
Great experience. The people were very friendly and comfortable to get along with. They even told me if I got in or not before I left! I didn't expect that, and they said that it hasn't happened like that before.
Excellent. My number 1 choice school. I interviewed on a friday, and they told me they would send out a response on monday. I felt really good because one of my interviewers said that after reading my personal statement he really looked forward to meeting me...hopefully it paid off in the end.
NEOUCOM is a great little public school in Ohio. They take about 25 direct entry students per year to add to the 75 BS/MD students. The students were generally nice but seemed pretty stressed (finals coming up.) The buildings labs and classrooms were as nice as I've seen anywhere else. They do stress primary care, but last year's match list was impressive - people went into every field you can think of all over the country. Overall a nice looking school.
I am a senior medical student at NEOUCOM and went directly into the 6-year combined BS/MD program. Therefore, I interviewed as a senior in high school. I'm not sure how ready I was for interviewing for medical school but they somehow manage to bring the interviews to our level. There are three feeding universities (Univ of Akron, Kent State Univ and Youngstown State Univ) where you can apply to for 2-3 years of undergraduate studies. I applied to all three and was invited for all 3 interviews. Then, you get to rank them and they rank you (hmmm, think NRMP). I ended up at the Univ of Akron (Go Zips!)
Depending on which ones you apply to and where you get interviews, you have to interview at the individual universities and not at the med school. You get a separate tour of the med school facilities at another time.
From my experience - Univ of Akron were the most laid back but its supposed to be the most competitive. KSU had that "hand" question and seemed ok. YSU asks some tough questions and you have two separate interviews - one personal and one ethical.
NEOUCOM is quite a different enviroment from the other schools that I visited. They have somewhere in the vacinity of 160 medical students per class, but of that number roughly 140 are BS/MD students, meaning that they are in the combined college/medical 6 year program. This makes for a interesting enviroment for any student wishing to enter after 4 years of college. The university is locate in a very small town and consists of one meta-building surounding a circular courtyard. The facilities are very nice and modern with even a cute little medicinal herb garden. NEOUCOM is known mainly for producing primary care physicians, but all manner of physicians come from this institution. The interview day was very simple with a short tour and lunch with students. The interview is in panel format with two physicians or professors. They are relativly easy on you and friendly. NEOUCOM is definity a nice place to spend the four years of medical school if you can deal living in a small town and studying with students at least two years younger than you (although they do a good job of integrating you).
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should conduct live interviews instead of pre-recorded ones to show respect and engage with applicants. Additionally, many applicants appreciated the efforts made by the admissions office to create an enjoyable and positive experience during the admissions process.
Be like every other medical school, show some respect for applicants and actually take the time to interview them. The pre-recorded interview defeats the entire purpose of an interview.