SDN Logo
 
 

Renaissance School of Medicine - Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 30% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

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 encompass a wide range of topics such as personal experiences, ethical scenarios, motivations for pursuing medicine, dealing with challenges, and specifics about research and extracurricular activities. While there were no explicit mentions of MMI or non-disclosure agreements in the responses, the questions provided insights into the comprehensive nature of medical school interviews, focusing on the applicant's background, decision-making abilities, ethical considerations, and future aspirations in the field of medicine.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Renaissance School of Medicine - Stony Brook University discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas in healthcare, handling patient care based on religious beliefs, and personal motivations for pursuing medicine. While some interviews were conversational, others delved into hypothetical scenarios involving patient treatment, physician conduct, and healthcare policy, reflecting a diverse set of challenges and considerations faced by aspiring medical professionals.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Renaissance School of Medicine - Stony Brook University discussed a wide range of topics including healthcare reform, ethics scenarios, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, and challenges in the field. Multiple responses referenced MMI or Multiple Mini Interview formats, indicating a structured interview process possibly subject to a nondisclosure agreement.
🤝 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 1 person.

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 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 less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

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?

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 reviewing their application materials, reading the school's website, practicing with mock interviews, and seeking feedback from resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN). It was common for applicants to focus on understanding the school's curriculum, practicing common interview questions, and researching current healthcare issues to feel more prepared and confident during the interview process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness, enthusiasm, and supportiveness of the students, faculty, and admissions staff at Stony Brook School of Medicine. They expressed admiration for the school's welcoming and low-stress environment, top-notch facilities, strong sense of community, and emphasis on student well-being and success. Many highlighted the positive interactions during interviews, the engaging curriculum, research opportunities, and the overall happiness and satisfaction of students at Stony Brook.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the outdated facilities, unprofessional behavior of interviewers, lack of enthusiasm from students, suburban location, need for a car, disorganization of tours, and the unattractive architecture of the buildings. Suggestions included updating facilities, improving interviewer professionalism, enhancing student engagement, offering more campus activities, providing clearer directions, and addressing the need for transportation options.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the low-stress and laid-back nature of the interviews at Stony Brook, the long commute to the campus, the importance of eating a substantial breakfast, and the need to be observant of small details during the interview day. They also highlighted the unique aspects of the program offerings, the relaxed atmosphere of the interviews, and the emphasis on non-traditional applicants and primary care.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found Stony Brook to have friendly and welcoming staff and students. The interview day was described as laid-back, stress-free, and conversational, with interviewers asking questions tailored to the applicant's application. Some mentioned the school's great value, facilities, and reputation, while others highlighted concerns about the location or specific interviewer experiences.
  • Overall, very friendly people! Barbara, in the office, even called me beforehand to make sure I knew how to take the shuttle from the LIRR to the right building. Students seemed happy!
  • It's an extremely laid-back day.
  • Great place, nice people, beautiful suburbs. Expensive tuition, but overall I really enjoyed interview day. Not intimidating at all. In general just know your application very well and you should do fine!
  • Rad school.
  • Know yourself more than anything. If from a different country like me, know where some good restaurants are and be able to talk about your culture. If you don't know an answer, it's okay - say so. Educated guesses are welcome. Always tell a story with your answer (short answers allow for awkward silence) and conversation flows better that way. Make that list of questions you genuinely are concerned about.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants generally appreciate the friendliness and efficiency of the admissions office staff. Common suggestions include improving automation to reduce delays, providing better support for low-income students, and ensuring a welcoming environment for diverse learning styles.