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Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Athens, OH

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 18% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low 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 low 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 revolve around why candidates want to pursue medicine, their strengths and weaknesses, experiences in healthcare, coping mechanisms for stress, and future career aspirations. Additionally, respondents mentioned questions about their file/application, research experiences, choice of medical school, and specific interests in osteopathic medicine, often in an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements in place.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics from personal hobbies to societal issues. While questions varied, the interviews were described as open-file and conversational, fostering in-depth discussions. Additionally, some respondents mentioned being asked to pick individuals for a hypothetical dinner, reflecting on personal passions, or discussing the impact of specific life experiences.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including preferences between MD and DO programs, evidence-based practice, dealing with diverse populations, weaknesses, and changes to the healthcare system. The interview format may have been an MMI, as some respondents mentioned nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted questions related to personal experiences and ethical scenarios in healthcare.
🤝 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 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 Admissions staff personnel

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 2-3 hours 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.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Port Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either at a hotel 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, practicing common interview questions from sources like SDN, and researching the school and its programs through its website and talking to current students. Additionally, mock interviews, reading about medical ethics, and staying relaxed and being themselves were common themes in their preparation strategies.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly, conversational, and welcoming atmosphere at the school, where both staff and students showed genuine care and interest in getting to know them. The positive feedback highlighted the community feel, the personal interactions during interviews, the beautiful campus, the supportive faculty, and the quick turnaround time for admissions decisions. Suggestions included maintaining the warm and welcoming environment, emphasizing the personal touch in interactions, and continuing to prioritize student well-being and support.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of thorough preparation by interviewers, long interview days, limited study areas, outdated facilities, remote location in Athens, and difficulties with parking and housing. Suggestions included improving interviewer preparation, shortening interview days, updating facilities, providing more study spaces, addressing parking challenges, and enhancing housing options.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed a wish to have known about the relaxed nature of the interview days, the specific interview format, the emphasis on understanding the school's unique programs like CORE, and being prepared for potential technical issues. They also recommended being familiar with the campus layout, bringing along food for short breaks, and ensuring a smooth arrival to the location.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at OUCOM to be low-stress, friendly, and conversational. They appreciated the informal atmosphere, the opportunity to showcase their personalities, and the chance to interact with faculty and current students. Some suggested being well-prepared with questions and information about the school's curriculum and location.
  • Know your primary and secondaries well. Low stress environment and super friendly, down to earth admissions staff. They get back to you same day or next day with decisions.
  • My favorite interview I had so far
  • Be yourself and be genuine. The interviews want to know you as a person, they care more about your "why" rather than your "what".
  • The information session, in the beginning, is very informal and helpful. Allows us to meet the admissions team and each other as candidates. Would appreciate more specifics on the actual courses within the new PWH curriculum, but they did their best to give us a broad overview in a limited amount of time. Make sure to have your lunch packed and ready, as you won't get the full 30 minutes for lunch. The Q&A session went longer than expected and this cut into our 30-minute lunch break. This was avoidable, but some fellow interviewees felt the need to ask redundant questions simply for the sake of asking (questions that have been answered already or easily found on the school's website/handouts we were given).
  • Pretty laid back interviews, feel like I messed up my chances because I said I’d go MD if closer to home, but I was being honest... we will see

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants provided positive feedback on the efficiency and thoroughness of the admissions office. Suggestions mainly focused on providing more detail on course names, enforcing time limits during sessions, creating an online application and payment portal, offering more breaks between interviews, and providing refreshments like coffee or donuts in the morning.