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Rush University Rush Medical College

Chicago, IL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 21% 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 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 revolve around personal motivations for pursuing medicine, ethical scenarios, handling challenges, discussing research experiences, and addressing issues in healthcare. While there were a variety of questions asked, many respondents mentioned specific questions related to their application details, ethical dilemmas, personal attributes, and future aspirations, indicating a focus on assessing candidates' suitability for medical school. Additionally, some respondents participated in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format interviews with questions related to social responsibilities, teamwork, personal statements, and ethical scenarios, possibly subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Rush University Rush Medical College discussed a wide range of topics including personal motivations for pursuing medicine, ethical dilemmas, views on alternative medicine, and challenges in healthcare. While the interviews were predominantly standard, with a focus on applicants' backgrounds and experiences, some respondents mentioned ethical scenarios, genetic testing, and the impact of gender diversity in medicine. It appears that the interview format may have included MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) components, as some questions touched on nondisclosure topics or involved multiple scenarios for discussion.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Rush University Rush Medical College discussed a wide range of topics including clinical experiences, personal qualities, ethical scenarios, and stress management in medicine. While some mentioned specific questions like genetic testing ethics or conflict resolution, others highlighted the challenging nature of the MMI format and the need for quick, deep responses, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement due to the varied and probing nature of the questions.
🤝 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 0-1 hour 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.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

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?

✅ 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 primary and secondary applications, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school by reading its website and using resources like SDN, and seeking advice from friends or alumni who had interviewed at the institution. It was common for applicants to focus on answering common interview questions, understanding the school's mission and values, and being prepared to discuss personal anecdotes or experiences relevant to their application.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of both students and faculty at Rush. They highlighted the supportive and collaborative environment, the emphasis on community service and clinical opportunities, the beautiful facilities, and the well-organized and welcoming interview day. Suggestions for improvement included better communication from the admissions office and addressing concerns about accessibility and responsiveness.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the long and tiring interview day, feeling grilled or rushed by interviewers, outdated facilities, lack of a gym, high tuition costs, disorganization, and the intensive class schedule. Suggestions included improving interviewer interactions, updating facilities, providing more organized and informative tours, addressing the high costs, and potentially adjusting the class schedule to allow for more flexibility and student interaction.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that Rush's interview process is laid-back and conversational, with a focus on getting to know the applicant as a person rather than grilling them on healthcare or ethics. They also highlighted the importance of being prepared with questions, wearing comfortable shoes for the extensive walking, and being aware of the traffic conditions in Chicago.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found their Rush interview day to be well-organized, relaxed, and informative. Interviewers were described as friendly, with a mix of conversational and structured interviews. Suggestions include being prepared to discuss motivations and experiences, knowing your application well, and staying true to yourself during the interview.
  • The open file interview was more structured and there was a pre-set list of questions you had to go through while the closed file interview started more general and followed the conversational flow.
  • All of my interviewers were straight and to the point. They were not particularly warm or smiley, which is ok, it's just a change from some of the other interviews I've attended. I would characterize it as a "pressure interview," they definitely pushed me on some points I'd written about or responses I made.
  • they really care abt you as a student and your fit with rush
  • Jill, the one in charge of admissions was somewhat obnoxious over the phone and very bad at returning emails.
  • Nothing - came out feeling very impressed!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest improving communication about the timeline for hearing back from interviews, standardizing the interview process, updating the website with relevant information, and making staff more accessible for questions either through phone calls or prompt email responses. They also appreciate the efforts made to match interviewers with candidates who have shared interests and the enthusiasm and friendliness of the admissions office staff, particularly highlighting individuals like Sharon Gates and Jill Volk.