SDN Logo
 
 

University of Rochester School of Medicine

Rochester, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% 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?

Many respondents were asked a variety of standard individual interview questions, including inquiries about their motivations for pursuing medicine, personal strengths and weaknesses, significant life experiences, academic challenges overcome, and ethical dilemmas faced. While the questions covered a broad range of topics, there was a notable prevalence of conversational questions about personal backgrounds, experiences, and interests, with occasional ethical scenarios and discussions about the healthcare system.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Rochester School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including scenarios about starting community programs with limited or infinite budgets, teaching empathy, personal experiences influencing career choices, ethical dilemmas, and qualities of a good physician. The interviews were described as conversational, with some involving role-play scenarios, while others delved into specific research interests and personal backgrounds.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Rochester School of Medicine discussed various scenarios including ethical dilemmas, personal challenges, and career choices like MD vs. PA. Some respondents mentioned the interview being conversational, while others highlighted specific questions about research, personal values, and healthcare issues, reflecting a mix of personal and scenario-based inquiries.
🤝 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 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 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 With students at the school or with students at the school.

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 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?

The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants on how they prepared for the interview include reading SDN interview feedback, researching the specific school programs, practicing answers to common interview questions, reviewing their application materials, mock interviews, and familiarizing themselves with the school's website and curriculum. Many applicants also discussed staying updated on current healthcare issues and reflecting on their motivations for pursuing medicine.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students, faculty, and staff at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. They highlighted the innovative curriculum, early clinical exposure, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for research and community outreach as standout features of the school. Suggestions included enhancing the sense of warmth and inclusivity, and providing more detailed information on the curriculum and student life.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants expressed common concerns about the lack of organization in the interview process, excessive mandatory activities, unengaging tour experiences, unimpressive facilities, challenges with the city of Rochester, and a feeling of disconnection with the student body. Suggestions include improving interview logistics, providing more flexibility in the curriculum, enhancing campus tours, and addressing the perceived shortcomings of the city and facilities.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the unstructured nature of the interview day and the amount of downtime between scheduled events. Suggestions included being less stressed, familiarizing oneself with the campus layout, bringing appropriate attire for the weather, and being prepared for conversational interviews.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally had positive experiences at the University of Rochester, with many highlighting the friendly and supportive atmosphere among students and faculty. The interview process was seen as relaxed and conversational, allowing applicants to showcase their personalities and interests. Additionally, the school's unique curriculum and emphasis on early clinical exposure were major draws for many applicants.
  • Overall positive experience, practice practice practice, and truly be yourself because they seem like they will easily snuff out inauthenticity
  • Faculty that interviewed me was chill but didn't seem to want to be there, hurried through the questions and cut off my questions after we reached 30 minutes.
  • Generally a positive experience; enjoyed the virtual campus tour and the one-on-one current student interview especially.
  • This school is definitely not for everyone, but if your values align with those of UR, you will love it
  • The small group discussion is super low-key. Just be yourself and relax then you should be fine

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants generally appreciate the friendly and accommodating nature of the admissions office staff, while some suggest diversifying student tour guides and improving scheduling for interviews to allow for class observations.