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Stanford University School of Medicine

Palo Alto, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 11% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate 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?

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 include inquiring about the applicant's background, research experiences, motivations for pursuing medicine, interest in Stanford, career goals, family history, and hobbies. The interviews often cover topics like academic concentration, specific activities mentioned in the application, challenges faced, future aspirations in medicine, and opinions on healthcare issues. Additionally, some respondents mentioned being asked about their favorite books, handling stress, dealing with patient disagreements, and discussing specific research projects in simple terms.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting questions asked at Stanford University School of Medicine discussed a variety of topics, from ethical dilemmas like discontinuing life support for brain-dead patients to personal experiences, such as family background and research pursuits. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the diversity of questions, with some respondents possibly under nondisclosure agreements due to the unique and probing nature of the inquiries.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Stanford University School of Medicine discussed a range of topics including research justifications, Nobel Prize winners, healthcare system improvements, personal motivations for medicine, and unique contributions to the medical field. Some responses indicated specific inquiries about research projects, while others highlighted questions about personal strengths, diversity, and overcoming challenges, with a few mentioning the MMI format and possible nondisclosure agreements.
🤝 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.
No responses

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 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.

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?

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?

Applicants commonly prepared for interviews by extensively reviewing the school's website, reading their application materials, such as AMCAS and secondary essays, and utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) for insights and guidance. Many also engaged with current students, participated in mock interviews, and researched the school's curriculum and unique aspects to effectively answer questions about their fit for the program.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the amazing facilities, research opportunities, financial aid, and overall happiness and enthusiasm of the student body at Stanford Medical School. The beautiful campus, friendly atmosphere, flexibility in curriculum, and wealth of resources for research were commonly highlighted as positive aspects.

What impressed you negatively?

The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants include concerns about the weak clinical rotations, average clinical sites, unimpressive facilities, lack of diversity in patient population, expensive cost of living, long class hours, disinterested faculty, and a perceived focus on research over primary care. Suggestions include improving clinical training, updating facilities, increasing engagement with diverse patient populations, and enhancing the overall student experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants wished they had known ahead of time about the varying interview lengths, the detailed research questions, the potential for a long campus tour, and the lack of questions about why they wanted to be a doctor. Suggestions included bringing water, preparing for research questions, being aware of the financial aid options, and familiarizing oneself with the campus layout to avoid getting lost.

What are your general comments?

Applicants commonly praised Stanford for its personalized education, opportunities for research, friendly staff, beautiful campus, and well-rounded student body. Some feedback mentioned the importance of faculty interviewers, the relaxed interview atmosphere, the emphasis on research and individual meetings with admissions and financial aid counselors.
  • Stanford was my #1 choice going into interview day and cemented itself at the top of my list afterwards.
  • Loved the school.
  • Everyone told me about research, research, research--and did we mention everybody gets paid to do it? Also, they use a "flipped classroom" model which is the greatest thing since the Flexner Report (it actually does sound nice but the administration's self-regard on this matter is a bit over the top). In general, the day was well-organized and the MMI was clearly thought out well. I wish they could try to involve more 4th/5th year students so we can get a sense of the clinical years!
  • This school is really big on 'personalizing' your education. Consequently you do everything one on one. Meet with the dean one on one. Financial aid one on one. Each interview was paired with one student on the interview. You really only at with the other 2-4 interviewees at lunch...interesting...
  • The campus is gorgeous, and some of the admissions staff is really friendly. I was blown away by the facilities and buildings. But overall I left feeling unimpressed due to the unfriendliness of my interviewers.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office provide clearer instructions regarding interview confirmation procedures to reduce applicant stress and confusion. Additionally, many applicants appreciate the friendliness, helpfulness, and organization of the admissions staff.