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Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Stratford, NJ

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 16% 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?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the applicant's motivations for pursuing medicine, their understanding of osteopathic philosophy, experiences with leadership, strengths and weaknesses, and their specific interest in the interviewing institution. Many responses also mentioned questions related to personal background, research experiences, extracurricular activities, and future career goals in medicine. Some respondents indicated that their interviews were in the MMI format, which may have involved questions under nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including cultural competence, changing aspects of healthcare, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, and favorite recipes. The interview format appeared to be standard, with some respondents mentioning familiarity with their application material as a key preparation point.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including DEI, future goals, conflicts with patients, and personal strengths. While some responses mentioned standard questions, such as future aspirations and past experiences, there were no clear trends indicating a specific type of challenging question.
🤝 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 at a hotel or {{value2}}.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as average
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 application materials, practicing with mock interviews, reading feedback on SDN, researching the school's website, and studying osteopathic medicine principles. Some also read books on medical admissions, engaged in prayer, and sought advice from current students or medical professionals.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, including the low-stress, conversational interviews and the supportive, family-like environment created by both students and staff. The positive interactions, the facilities, and the focus on student well-being were commonly highlighted as key factors that left a strong impression on applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly mentioned negative impressions related to the interview process, such as lack of engagement from interviewers, standard questions, and feeling rushed. Additionally, concerns about the campus location, facilities like the cafeteria and gym, and the interviewers' attitudes were frequently highlighted, with suggestions for improvements in these areas.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were laid-back and conversational, the staff were friendly, the process was low-stress, and that being genuine and relaxed in their responses was key to a successful interview. Additionally, some mentioned the importance of asking thoughtful questions, understanding the curriculum structure, and being aware of logistical details such as parking and tour arrangements.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at UMDNJ-SOM to be relaxed, welcoming, and conversational, with interviewers aiming to understand the applicants as individuals. They appreciated the supportive atmosphere, friendly staff and students, and the emphasis on expressing passion for osteopathic medicine. Some mentioned the small class size, strong curriculum, and the fast response time for admissions decisions as positives.
  • Be confident, know your story, and express your passion for medicine and how it relates to your past. Do these and you'll be fine.
  • Very good school and even better staff.
  • Know your application (AACOMAS and secondary essays) well and be prepared to answer the most common types of (osteopathic medical school) interview questions, like 'Why D.O.", "Why Rowan/South Jersey", etc. They apparently have a very high post-interview acceptance rate (~94%), so if you've made it this far, you're golden!
  • As long as you view this interview seriously and prepare for it as other applicants here have recommended, it should be a positive experience.
  • Great school, great general body, they are basically like a family and if you talk about that during your interview (ie why Rowan), you would stand out if don't already stand out. They didn't serve lunch and breakfast was just Coffee/tea and granola bars so try to eat before your interview.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest improvements such as implementing online payment options, enhancing communication through follow-up emails, providing more detailed information during interviews, and increasing organization and efficiency in the admissions process. They also appreciate the friendliness and helpfulness of the admissions staff and value clear communication throughout the application process.