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SUNY - Upstate Medical University College of Medicine

Syracuse, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% 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 motivations for pursuing medicine, reasons for selecting a specific school, experiences in healthcare and research, views on healthcare policies, ability to handle stress, personal qualities relevant to the profession, and future career goals. Many respondents also mentioned questions related to non-disclosure agreements and the Multiple Mini Interview format, suggesting a focus on ethics, scenarios, and personal attributes during the interview process.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at SUNY - Upstate Medical University College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas in medicine, personal motivations for pursuing a medical career, thoughts on healthcare policies, and hypothetical scenarios related to patient care. The interviews varied from conversational and file-based to more specific questions about personal experiences, values, and potential challenges in medical school, without a specific focus on MMI-style questions or nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at SUNY - Upstate Medical University College of Medicine discussed a variety of topics including ethical dilemmas, healthcare policy, patient scenarios, and personal reflections. Some respondents mentioned MMI format, multiple mini interviews, and nondisclosure agreements, indicating a structured and confidential interview process with challenging questions.
🤝 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 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 4-6 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?

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 AMCAS application, reading the school's website, practicing with mock interviews, and utilizing resources like SDN for interview feedback. Many also focused on studying ethical questions, practicing MMI scenarios, researching current health issues, and discussing their motivations for pursuing medicine.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the staff, faculty, and students at the school. They appreciated the low-stress and supportive interview environment, modern facilities, and the happy atmosphere among students. The focus on individuality, flexibility in curriculum options, and the sense of community were also highlighted as positive aspects of the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the location of Syracuse, the lack of emphasis on research opportunities, disorganization during the interview day, unimpressive facilities, limited clinical exposure, negative impressions of the city, and the cold weather. Suggestions included improving the organization of the interview day, enhancing facilities, increasing student involvement in the admissions process, providing more information on research opportunities, and addressing concerns about clinical experiences.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews would be low-stress and conversational, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Some also noted the importance of preparing to discuss their experiences and interests in depth, as well as being aware of practical considerations such as the weather and transportation options.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the SUNY Upstate interview day to be relaxed and enjoyable, with friendly staff and students. The interviews were conversational and not overly stressful, providing an opportunity to learn about the school and for the interviewers to get to know the applicants. Some applicants appreciated the emphasis on producing practitioners, the supportive environment, and the cooperative nature of the student body. However, there were mixed reviews regarding the interviewers' preparedness and the location of the school.
  • Great school, great interview day. It's really short too (only about 4-5 hours of scheduled activities).
  • This school is my first choice for a number of reasons, and I'm from the area, my family is nearby, and the tuition would be half that of any private school, so I'm biased. But SUNY Upstate strikes me as good as any school I've been to, including top schools in major metropolitan areas, and crouse is a great hospital where one would get an enormous diversity of experience. Nothing really gave me pause about my visit.
  • Just enjoy yourself and take it as an opportunity to get to really know the school.
  • Overall, a very chill day!
  • This is a very pleasant place. I imagine the education is more than solid qua state school. But coming from a CUNY institution, I was expecting more of a cold and utilitarian vibe. Not so. The facilities are nicely renovated and the staff is very welcoming. Syracuse has all the college town amenities one might expect, and the immediate surroundings of campus are pleasant enough, if not spectacular.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest updating the school website, providing a longer information session, improving communication about updates, enhancing the tour experience, and discussing financial aid during the admissions process. Some also appreciate the positive experiences and interactions with staff and suggest minor improvements to the interview day schedule and campus map.