Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 36% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did well.
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 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 include inquiries about time management, handling patients with different beliefs, motivations for pursuing medicine and attending a specific school, personal background, research and clinical experiences, ethical dilemmas, future of healthcare, and commitment to the profession. Additionally, some respondents may have experienced an MMI format with questions related to nondisclosure agreements, family dynamics, and decision-making scenarios involving personal sacrifices.
What to you think about time management? How do you time manage? Give an example of how you separate your professional and personal life.
My interviewer asked if I'm the only daughter in my family and since I am he wanted to know how my parents felt about my coming to Puerto Rico and why I applied to Ponce.
What do you think about the bombings in Madrid (I had studied abroad there) which led to how I felt after Sept. 11 and then how I felt about the war in Iraq. That then led into how I make difficult decisions.
Students said most interesting questions asked at Ponce Health Sciences University (Puerto Rico) discussed a wide range of topics, including addressing the opioid crisis, handling group conflicts, personal mental health practices, reactions to recent news, ethical dilemmas like genetic manipulation of babies, and justifying one's uniqueness in a competitive application pool. Some respondents also mentioned questions about personal interests, inspirations, and controversial global events, with no specific reference to MMI or nondisclosure agreements.
How would you handle the opioid crisis and who do you think is at fault?
Give your opinion on the following situation: The parents of a sick child genetically manipulate their unborn baby with hopes that it will later help save the life of its sibling.
What's your favorite class this semester, and why? Oh, and both my interviewers asked how I had done in my Calculus classes but didn't ask about any other grades in other classes.
Students said most difficult question asked at Ponce Health Sciences University (Puerto Rico) discussed various topics including handling the opioid crisis, personal virtues, current events impact, US healthcare system, PR-US relationship, and Reforma improvement. Additionally, questions on the percentage of medically underserved residents in Florida, study commitments, and future debt were also challenging.
How would you handle the opioid crisis and who do you think is at fault?
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 utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN), practice questions on interview websites, and staying updated on current events in Puerto Rico. Some applicants also practiced speaking Spanish, received mock interviews, and sought advice from current students.
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and enthusiastic faculty, the interactive and laid-back interview environment, the approachability of staff, small class sizes fostering a supportive environment, and the overall laid-back atmosphere of the school. They also appreciated the close relationships between students and faculty, as well as the location offering opportunities for cultural experiences and activities.
The faculty that interviewed me was all extremely friendly and enthusiastic about the school. Felt a little bit more personal than a normal MMI because they asked a lot of follow up questions.
Location offers a very laid-back environment for you to concentrate on studies. The island offers a wide range of activities, however, for those who love and embrace new cultures. Small class size offers a very cooperative/supportive environment instead of a competitive one.
The professors were very involved with the students at the school. They keep a close eye on the class and make sure everyone does well. How well the class does on the boards!
Applicants commonly mentioned negative impressions such as lack of personalization in interviews, late start times, inadequate facilities, a focus on comparing the school to others rather than highlighting its strengths, and unexpected language mismatches during interviews. Suggestions included providing more personalized and welcoming interview experiences, improving facilities, emphasizing the school's unique strengths, and ensuring consistency in interview language preferences.
How the interview started off with a question before being presented to the person interviewing you. It made the introduction feel less personal. I also did not have an opportunity to ask them questions.
Facilities were small and not state of the art compared to other medical schools. However, this is an LCME accredited school, so you learn the same things. It's the residency that matters, so do well in your board examinations.
Students seemed somewhat insecure. They were constantly putting down UCC and UPR, stating that their school was better. Enough already! Why don't you sell me on the positive points of your school instead of "We do this better than UCC" or we have better recognition than UPR.
Applicants commonly expressed a wish for more information on the interview format and specific details such as the language of the questions, group interviews, and the need for self-directed planning in terms of transportation and arrival. Many also mentioned a desire for better guidance on how to navigate the location and logistics of the interview day.
4/6 MMI questions in Spanish, 2 in English, the two English ones are first. Don't feel like you have to talk AT the interviewer the whole 8 minutes, they all have follow up questions to keep the conversation going
No tour was going to be given, so you have to ask around (cafeteria, how to take taxis, etc) Also, there are flights that arrive to Ponce (Airport Mercedita) directly so you have to research/plan your trip accordingly. There's that saying that goes: Preguntando se llega a Roma.
An easier way to find the school and that it takes much longer to get there than it should. Fortunately I arrived the night before. If you are flying into San Juan, plan accordingly as Ponce is on the southern part of the island well away from San Juan.
Applicants commonly mentioned that Ponce emphasizes fluency in Spanish, has impressive faculty, and offers a laid-back environment with friendly students. Some expressed concerns about the language barrier and mentioned the need for personal transportation on the island.
4 out of the 6 stations were in Spanish. There is only 8 minutes per questions to discuss with the interviewer.
Ponce performs better than the rest of the island schools in the USMLE Step 1. The school really emphasizes on integrating the knowledge taught to you so each month a medical case is presented for students to analyze with their current knowledge. It is a beautiful island with many things to do if you are willing to take the 1 hour drive to San Juan. All the beaches are nice and the mountains are amazing. Ponce is in the driest place in the island so the heat, although it's really hot, won't suffocate you. You have to be carefuly where to go, however, because crime rates aren't dropping anytime soon. Also, you will need your own transportation, either a second hand car, a bike, or a new car. Ponce does not have public transportation. Thank Ford and another american car manufacturer for that (they bought out the stocks of the railroad being constructed in the island many years ago).
Interviews were laid back and were conducted in both Spanish and English. The student interviewer seemed enthusiastic. I felt though that the staff and students could focus more on selling their school as opposed to trying to disparage other schools. I mean, what's the point? It is a laid back place and the people are friendly. There is a lot to do, but not nearly as much as in San Juan, but if you like a smaller city that may be OK.
My interviews were pretty lay back. They just wanted to know me. My first interview went great and I had a serious and somewhat sarcastic second interviewer but we ended up talking about the World Basebal Classic, so it wasn't that bad. The fascilities are not great, neither the passing rate for the USMLE Step 1, but I don't think the school is entirely responsible for the latter. Some student have way too much fun. The culture and people however are great. The style of life is very lay back and the food is awesome. But what impressed me the most was the friendliness of the students. They are like a family, helping each other out, which is a huge plus in my opinion. I wouldn't hesitate to go to Ponce.
The interviews were stimulating conversations. I didn't want them to end. Both interviewers were young and proud to be working at Ponce. I could tell they would make great mentors.
one with financial aid director, one with library director. They both asked pretty much the same questions because I could see their rubric/scoring sheet. Standard questions.
I had a really good time at Ponce. Everyone is very nice and helpful. My first interview was a little more stressful since it lasted about an hour and he asked me absolutely everything down to what was covered in the Physiology course I had taken. The second interview wasn't stressful at all.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Many applicants suggested that the admissions office should offer tours of the facility to provide a better understanding of the campus environment and resources available.