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Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

Yakima, WA

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 40% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 as average compared to 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 scenarios on ethical dilemmas like handling patient confidentiality, professionalism concerns among colleagues, and delivering difficult news to patients. Additionally, questions about personal experiences, motivation for pursuing medicine, study habits, and viewpoints on healthcare reform are frequently explored, with some interviews conducted in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a variety of scenarios including work-life balance, ethical dilemmas, handling pediatric injuries, and motivations for pursuing medicine. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the diverse range of ethical and situational questions, potentially subjecting respondents to a nondisclosure agreement regarding specific questions asked.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a variety of topics, including preferred medical specialties, explaining application details, communication scenarios with patients, and health care system improvements. Some respondents mentioned an MMI format or nondisclosure agreement, indicating a structured interview process with specific guidelines.
🤝 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 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 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 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 7+ 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 Yakima Air Terminal (McAllister Field) (YKM)

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?

Many applicants prepared for interviews by practicing with family, using forums like SDN, conducting mock interviews, and researching the school and current healthcare news. Suggestions include reviewing personal statements, studying the school, staying updated on healthcare issues, and remaining calm during the interview process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, with staff, faculty, and students creating a supportive and close-knit community. The dedication of the faculty to student success, commitment to continuous improvement, and the school's focus on providing a positive learning environment were commonly highlighted as positive aspects.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly concerned about the disorganized and chaotic group interview structure, lack of opportunity for all candidates to contribute, unprofessional behavior from interviewers, faculty diversity, limited study spaces, and the school's newness and location. Suggestions included improving interview formats, providing clearer information on rotations and student housing, enhancing faculty professionalism, and addressing concerns about the school's development and location.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known more specifics about the interview format and schedule, such as the presence of traditional questions, the relaxed atmosphere, and potential waiting times. Suggestions included preparing for unexpected factors like weather, ensuring updated GPS information, and being mindful of arrival times.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally shared mixed feedback about the interview experience at the school, with some expressing nervousness impacting their responses and others mentioning positive aspects such as the welcoming environment and emphasis on holistic learning. Some highlighted concerns about the location, cost of tuition, and waiting times during the interview day, while others praised the school's potential and dedicated faculty for rural medicine education in the Pacific Northwest.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested updating the outdated portal, improving the interview process to be more individualized and less intimidating, and providing more clarity on interview schedules and online application procedures. They also appreciated the responsiveness and helpfulness of the admissions office staff.