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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

Chicago, IL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 14% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.6
Above Average

Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.

Based on 777 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional 8–8.9 Very Good 7–7.9 Good 6–6.9 Mixed < 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (86%)
Negatively (7%)
No change (6%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (28%)
Good (48%)
Average (18%)
Poor (6%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at Northwestern to be well-organized and informative, with a mix of individual and group interviews. The panel interview, while initially intimidating, was seen as a unique and interesting experience by many, although some felt it could be variable based on the dynamic of the group. The students and faculty were friendly, the curriculum was appealing to many, and the campus and facilities left a positive impression. There were mixed feelings about the financial aid system and the pass/fail grading structure, but overall Northwestern was considered a top choice for many applicants.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • Fantastic school with a really supportive and diverse community that trains excellent doctors that are free to follow their interests in medical school and after.
  • Great school and great program, even though they're short on admissions committee members
  • FSM blocks off 3 hours for interviewing--do not be intimidated by this large block of time. They go by quickly. Possibly be prepared for some unexpected questions. They're not intended for you to have prepared answers but rather to evaluate how you think in the moment and make decisions. I found that this was my most enjoyable interview but one of the more challenging with the types of questions. I stayed relaxed throughout the day and acted like myself.
  • Do not get phased by the group interview.
  • Really low-stress... no need to pre-prepare your answers, cause then you sound stupid
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
57 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
3 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
8% One-on-One
92% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
15% Open-File
85% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person

NU-COMP interviews are an average of 57 minutes, with an average of 3 interviews. 8% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 85% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about why the candidate chose medicine, their career aspirations within the field, personal attributes, views on healthcare policies, ethical dilemmas, and interests outside of medicine. Additionally, responses indicate that Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) were prevalent, potentially involving non-disclosure agreements due to the confidential nature of the questions asked in those interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including personal mentorship, ethical dilemmas, favorite books, and hypothetical scenarios like being stranded on a desert island. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) structure, as some responses hinted at non-disclosure agreements or confidentiality regarding specific questions asked.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by researching the school, reviewing their application materials, reading interview feedback on websites like SDN, discussing current healthcare issues, and participating in mock interviews. Many also focused on understanding the school's curriculum, practicing responses to potential questions, and ensuring they were well-rested before the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including personal attributes, ethical dilemmas, unique scenarios, and future goals in medicine. Notably, the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements, while questions varied from ethical scenarios to personal reflections and hypothetical situations.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the well-organized virtual experience, flawless execution of the interview day, warm and supportive culture, top-notch facilities, and the ideal location in downtown Chicago. They also appreciated the engaging student events, the Grand Rounds sit-in opportunity, and the enthusiasm of students and faculty. Suggestions included highlighting the unique aspects of the curriculum and the dual degree options, and continuing to prioritize student well-being and involvement in decision-making processes.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly concerned about the lack of diversity among the patient population and student body, the high cost of living in Streeterville, the long and disorganized interview day, the focus on group interviews instead of individual interactions, and the limited financial aid options. Suggestions included improving financial aid transparency, increasing diversity, and providing more individualized interactions during interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were not as intimidating as anticipated, with the panel interview being particularly relaxed and conversational. Many also highlighted the importance of being prepared for the long day, the open-file nature of interviews, the flexibility of the curriculum, and the emphasis on problem-based learning at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 Campus and Facilities

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?

0 = Low, 10 = High

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.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest reducing paperwork, improving breakfast offerings, starting the day later, shortening the interview day, providing clearer directions, and refining the admissions process to include improvements in technology and scheduling.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
ORD

39% interviewees used ORD (ORD), with 16% using MDW (MDW) and 15% using O'Hare (O'Hare) and 11% using Midway (Midway) and 4% using ord (ord) and 4% using CHI (CHI) and 1% using MDY (MDY) and 1% using oha (oha) and 1% using mdw (mdw) and 1% using OHA (OHA) and 1% using Both (Both) and 1% using ohare (ohare) and 1% using Ohara (Ohara) and 1% using Midwest (Midwest).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.

✈️
68% Airplane
🚗
18% Automobile
🚆
11% Train or Subway
🚲
3% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Wyndham (average ranking 9.5/10), with some staying at Radisson (average rating 8.5/10). (Top 3 displayed)

🏨
Wyndham
9.5/10
🏨
Radisson
8.5/10
🏨
Inn of Chicago
8/10

What was the cost and time spent traveling?

Cost: Low Cost to High Cost

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are out of state students.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (1%)
Faculty member (1%)
Other (1%)
Student (98%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (1%)
Enthusiastic (92%)
Neutral (7%)

All Responses

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