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University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Pittsburgh, PA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 16% 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 cover a range of topics, including experiences in teamwork, failures, interactions with diverse populations, future of medicine, healthcare challenges, motivations for pursuing medicine, research experiences, interest in specific specialties, extracurricular activities, and reasons for choosing the university. Some respondents also mentioned standard questions about personal backgrounds, hobbies, career goals, and unique qualities. Additionally, there were instances of student interviews focusing on basic questions while faculty interviews delved into personal motivations, experiences in medicine, and insights into the applicant's journey.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discussed a variety of topics ranging from future healthcare trends, challenges facing medicine, patient interactions, personal motivations, and even hypothetical scenarios. While the questions were diverse, there was no specific trend towards MMI format or nondisclosure agreements mentioned in the responses.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discussed various topics, including recent advancements impacting population health, conflicts with peers, failures, motivations for medicine, and personal characteristics. The interviews appeared to encompass standard questions with some focusing on research impact, community involvement, and personal experiences, while also including unexpected inquiries about creativity, motivations, and unique qualities.
🤝 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 2 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.

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 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent between $101 and $200.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

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 SDN feedback, conducting mock interviews, and researching the school and its programs extensively. They also practiced common questions, reflected on personal experiences, and familiarized themselves with their application materials to be well-prepared for potential questions during the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the school, including the faculty, staff, and students. The conversational and low-stress interview style, advanced simulation facilities like the WISER center, extensive clinical opportunities, collaborative student community, dedicated faculty, and the overall positive attitude towards research, curriculum, and the city of Pittsburgh were highlighted as major positive aspects. Suggestions included more emphasis on the scholarly project and global health for research-oriented students, while maintaining the school's strong focus on student satisfaction and well-being.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were negatively impressed by various factors at the school, such as the outdated facilities, lack of enthusiasm from faculty and staff, disorganization during the interview day, unenthusiastic tour guides, limited interactions with current students, concerns about the city of Pittsburgh, and a perceived lack of diversity. Suggestions included improving the tour experience, enhancing interactions with students, updating facilities, and addressing concerns about the city and overall organization of the interview day.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the low-stress, relaxed nature of the interview day, the emphasis on comfortable shoes for the tour due to the hilly campus, and the long duration of the day with multiple activities. Suggestions included being prepared for a conversational tone during interviews, bringing a change of shoes for the tour, and having questions ready for interviewers.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at the school to be welcoming and low-stress, with a focus on getting to know them as individuals. The conversational nature of the interviews, the friendliness of the faculty and students, and the opportunities for research were highlighted as positive aspects. Some comments mentioned a long but well-organized day, while others expressed concerns about specific interviewers or the atmosphere.
  • Overall very welcoming environment. Made me excited to attend.
  • Relax for the interview.
  • Very relaxed, standard conversational interview. They want to get to know you and make sure you'd be a good fit.
  • Very relaxed interview day, team exercise was not hard or stressful at all
  • I personally did not like Pitt at all, partially because of its lackluster facilities (the arena across the street from the school is much nicer than any of the hospitals) but also because the group interview felt forced and superficial. I have met numerous other applicants who felt the same way and even an applicant from the area who said the area was a terrible place to live (but in much ruder terms). While the school does have great opportunities to offer, this was one of those interviews I genuinely am glad I went to interview because it showed the school was not a good fit for me.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest having current medical students conduct interviews, releasing decisions on a rolling basis, providing a more detailed itinerary, improving communication regarding interview locations, and offering more vegetarian-friendly meal options during the interview day.