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Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Hershey, PA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 29% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 include inquiries about research experiences, favorite books, challenges in healthcare, motivations for pursuing medicine, strengths and weaknesses, future career goals, views on the healthcare system, and specific details from the applicant's application such as extracurricular activities, research, and academic performance. Some respondents also mentioned being asked about their interest in Penn State, clinical experiences, family background, preparation for medical school, and potential contributions to the field. Additionally, multiple respondents noted that the interviews were conversational, with questions tailored to their application materials.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discussed various topics such as dealing with stress, future career aspirations, personal experiences, and unique qualities. The interviews seemed conversational with a mix of standard questions and personalized inquiries, with no specific standout trend except for a focus on individual backgrounds and motivations for pursuing medicine.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including personal experiences serving minorities, healthcare reform, teamwork challenges, and ideal healthcare systems. While some respondents mentioned routine questions and conversational interviews, references to MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and standard inquiries like strengths, weaknesses, and career motivations were prevalent.
🤝 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 Other 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 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 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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by engaging in mock interviews, reviewing their application materials, reading the school's website and SDN forums, and practicing common interview questions. They also emphasized the importance of being genuine in responses, researching the school's unique aspects, and being prepared with questions to ask the interviewers.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere of the staff, faculty, and students at the school. They appreciated the emphasis on humanistic aspects of medicine, the innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and the strong sense of community and support among students and faculty. Many mentioned the hospital facilities, the simulation lab, the patient project, and the proximity to major cities as positive aspects of the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the rural location of the school, limited social activities in the area, and the lack of integration with urban areas. Suggestions included improving interview organization, providing more thorough tours led by students, and addressing concerns about the remote location by highlighting opportunities in nearby cities and enhancing the campus experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time to relax and not stress as much, that interviews were more conversational and laid-back than expected, and to have solid stories ready to share. They also highlighted the importance of comfortable shoes, being prepared with questions, and the unique programs offered by the school.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at Penn State to be conversational and laid-back, with interviewers showing genuine interest in getting to know them. The campus and facilities were highly praised, with students and faculty described as friendly and supportive. Some applicants noted the rural location as a potential drawback, but overall, many left the experience with a positive impression and a newfound interest in the school.
  • The 2 interviewers alternated asking questions and there were 5 total questions with 5 minutes to answer each. Then you could ask 2 questions of your own at the end. Most of the questions they asked were “talk about a time when…” type questions.
  • Awesome interview with fantastic, thought-provoking questions that I think allowed me to fully represent myself as an applicant.
  • I had a wonderful time
  • Penn State sells themselves as being friendly/non-competative, patient-focused, and team-oriented. From what I gathered from the interview and discussions with the medical students, this is very true. I had a fantastic experience interviewing.
  • Loved the school. Will definitely attend upon acceptance.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest maintaining the friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere of the admissions office, ensuring clear communication about interview logistics, utilizing student-led tours for a more authentic experience, and potentially making the interview day shorter for efficiency.