Texas A & M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine Interview Feedback Summary
College Station, TX
Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 33% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.8
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 525 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional
8–8.9 Very Good
7–7.9 Good
6–6.9 Mixed
< 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (83%)
Negatively (9%)
No change (9%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (35%)
Good (46%)
Average (18%)
Bad (1%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the school impressive, with positive comments about the friendly and invested faculty/staff, the attention to students, and the interview experience. Some mentioned concerns about the regional campus setup, lack of clinical experiences at one campus, and variations in interview experiences, but overall, the school left a good impression and moved up in their rankings.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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My interviewer spent more time talking about the school than they did asking me questions.
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Good school I am impressed and would like to go here. Long ass interview day.
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Great school
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Seems to be a good school overall. Some things about the interview day I would personally do different, but I'm not in charge of admissions. The regional campus thing is not explained well on the website, but the 2nd year students hammer it out during lunch. It's also explained during a presentation. I would go here over some other schools I have interviewed at.
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Seems like a great program with great attention to students
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Lovely school. The multiple campuses create a sort of dilemma .
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Nice school
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I think having two different interview locations with two vastly different impressions of the school will lead to half of the students ranking this school considerably lower than they would have at the Bryan campus.
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A&M switching to a 1.5 year preclinical/2.5 year clinical curriculum is a a huge positive and big advantage of the school, in addition to rotating at some of the best hospitals in Texas: Methodist Hospital, MD Anderson, Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Cook Children's, Baylor Scott and White, and others.
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Interview here and you will absolutely love how invested the faculty/staff are to making you feel welcome and succeed in your medical education.
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I really didn't know what to expect when I came here, but I left very impressed! It is definitely an option for me.
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Great school, went up my list!
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Everyone is super friendly
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School was more impressing than I thought it would be!
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Based on my second interview, I'm pretty sure that I am not getting into this school. This was my first interview and I thought that it would set the bar for the rest. After going on another 3 interviews I've discovered that what happened to me here was quite unusual. At the risk of sounding like a bitter interviewee, the school really doesn't have much to offer. Bryan, Texas is unappealing and in order to get significant clinical experiences you have to go to Scott & White in Temple, which is in the middle of nowhere. The Bryan campus is in some building sort of separate from the campus. There aren't many opportunities here for clinical experiences. However, if you like rural medicine, this place may be appealing.
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I was really impressed with this interview day. My interviewers were awesome... they were amazing actually. We had wonderful conversation vs straight interview. It was obvious that my interviewers read my app. They mentioned things that I barely mentioned and barely even remembered putting in my app. They nearly spent the entire time trying to convince me why A&M would be a good choice. My interviews flowed so well that my first interview was 45 min (supposed to be 30 max). The only reason we stopped was because a facilitator was knocking on the door because the next interviewee had been waiting for 15 min. My last interview went way over.. we talked for over an hour. And after the interview, he walked me outside and we talked for another 20 min with a couple of other interviewees and a couple of professors. I didn't get any of those challenging ethical or health care policy questions that this school is so infamous for. No questions about the state of medicine or anything like that. However, I did talk to some other students that were interviewing who did get these typical questions about challenges in medicine, ethics, healthcare reform, etc. I was definitely impressed by this day.
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Generally a good school, I was impressed overall.
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The school felt cultish to me. One interviewer fell asleep during my interview, or at least it looked like it. I asked what weaknesses/hospital the school had, and he said 'none'. Big red flag. They didn't seem that concerned with getting to know me as a person. The other interviewer talked about himself for 20+ minutes before asking me a question. Just didn't get a good vibe from this school, but hopefully others will find a fit.
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I got a great impression of the school and the people there. The medical center is not very impressive, but the tour guide was very encouraging and friendly as well as the doctors and nurses there.
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I liked this school. I just want to go to medical school please!!
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The interviews are open-file, so both interviewers had my application and essays in front of them and had studied them well. The first was laid back, but knew my mission and wanted to get a deeper sense of who I am. The second basically had marks all over my application for follow-up. He even almost quizzed me on certain activity dates. Interviews start first thing in the morning after an introduction and student panel. The students really seemed to enjoy one another's company & have fun. Tours are given throughout, and a huge Texan lunch is served afterwards. The College Station area seemed great, and only about an hour's drive from Houston.
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Scott and White is pretty sweet. Simulation center is one of the best I have seen.
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This was my first interview so I was way more nervous than I will be on my next one. I really dont have any other schools to compare this to, but I thought it was a nice school overall.
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I had two interviws. One was open-file, and the other one was closed. One of my interviewers was a medical student and the other one was a doctor. The were both incredibly nice and supportive.
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Interviews are all pretty standard, kind of blows that you have to drive an hour and a half to scott and white after the morning interviews. Everyone is real great and ready to answer questions. The assistant dean of admissions was around all day and came around periodically to everyone to make sure they were doing ok or had questions.
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Overall, the school was quite impressive. There is money coming in for the school to expand beyond college station. Just relax and answer the interview questions openly and honestly. The cirriculum seems typical but I am not quite sure if I like how they grade you in gross anatomy. Lastly, they are starting a 4 year track in college station and they just started a 4 year track in temple. I am still not convinced that the students in temple have the same resources and faculty assess as the students would in college station. (just my opinion)
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Everyone was very nice and I was pleasantly suprised. The program seems to be good and the emphasis on humanites in medicine in the curriculum is very appealing.
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I came away more impressed than I would have imagined at A&M. Outstanding facilities and opportunities for students.
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The staff in general were pretty cool and the students seemed to be enthusiastic. my day was thrown off because of my first interviewer who asked me some really tough ethical questions and wanted me to give the solution to those issues =x. other than that, scott and white is an aright hospital but there sim center for 3rd and 4th yrs is totally badass (well worth it to pick temple > cs for at least the last 2 yrs)
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Thie was my first medical school interview, so I was very nervous. The interviewers really did try and put me at ease and feel more relaxed, and it was evident that they were just trying to get to know me as a person so see if I fit with their philosophy. The time during the interview for me went by so fast. You really don't feel like you are sitting there talking for 30+ minutes when it is all over with.
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Overall, very comfortable and informative. LOW stress. :)
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It was my first interview, and the first of two back-to-back. It makes for a very long day, but was a really great experience overall.
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It was nice, my first interview, so it was good practice for the schools i really want to go to. i really was turned off by attitude of students towards class/learning in general. they were nice and nurturing, but i mean you're in med school, you shouldn't need to be babied so much... one guy basically said he would have failed out of medical school had he not received so much care from A&M which other schools may not provide... which i thought was scary (who wants THAT guy as his doctor?)
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It was a long day. We didn't see much of the College Station campus, but it didn't seem very impressive. Temple was much nicer, and I can now see why the drive is necessary. My first interviewer was unpleasant, but Filo and the other staff members made up for it.
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Overall, it was a great experience. As I was walking out someone pointed out that despite the long day you didn't leave thinking about that, you left being impressed with the school and that is very true. ATM has an impressive program and its worth being tired!
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The school makes a great effort to make interviewees feel welcome. Lunch is really nice and there are so many students to ask questions, so you do get a really good feel for the school. Overall though, it is a really long day, especially if you have to drive home that night, so I recommend getting plenty of rest the day before and taking snacks for the way home.
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Overall very positive. I went in expecting to hate the location and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I came out thinking much more highly of the school than I went in. And they really are the most enthusiastic students as a group (ALL of the students were crazy about the school).
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It's the longest day ever. filo was great but he gave a speach mid-day after lunch and i could barely stay awake
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Kind of a long day (began at 7am, ended at about 5 pm). Overall, it gave me a very good view of the school and their motivations. Had a panel of 2nd yrs that spoke to our group in the morning and a handful of 3rd and 4th yrs at Temple who took us around Scott and White. Didn't see too many other students which kept me from asking questions of students who may have a different view of the school.
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Overall it was good. The learning lab was very impressive
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Two interviewers, one at Temple and one in Collge Station. Nice breakfast and lunch. Scott and White Hospital is impressive. No horror stories; extremely positive.
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Very positive. The interviewers had obviously read my material and were efficient and professional. I felt like these were excellent doctors / administrators reviewing me in a logical way. I really was left with a sense that this was a competitive program that will continue to improve as it grows and offered a very positive rewarding experience for the students who are going through the program now (albeit with a lot of hard work required).
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I had a PHD and DO, one at CS and one at Temple both were ok. They both seemed to have really read over my application and asked me specific questions about my application one even wanted to know about my MCAT writting score. the other asked about various volunteer opportunities.
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I thought the questions were fair and the interviewers were really trying to make me feel comfortable.
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Overall I had a great experience at TX A&M. People were very nice there. I had one interview at 8am on the College Station campus and one at 3pm on the Temple campus. I have to say this was not a typical interview day for me. We had a fire drill during the morning interviews. Luckily, I was already done with my morning interview when the fire drill happened, but it was funny seeing the other applicants being interviewed outside under the HOT sun. The tours at the Temple campus were amazing. The school really has some wonderful stuff for the students. Oh yeah, one more thing about my interview. One of my interviewers dozed off for a second or two while I was in a middle of a sentence. There goes my chances of getting in. Despite all the funny things that happened that day, I really like the school. Right now, it's my top choice for the match!!!
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Stressful & tiring
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It was a very good experience. i met a lot of people i could definitely see being my peers in the future. i'm a little wary of living in college station and temple because i've always been in a big city. a&m looks like a very good school though relatively unknown and it is fairly high on my list.
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Excellent. Very efficient day. Also very long day: 7AM - 4:30PM
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Really great school. Possibility of getting a hard interviewer.
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Day was organized well, and you are exhausted by the end. They feed you very well. Also, I can't stress enough how great a guy Filo seemed. As for interviews, my 1st was a PhD and it went like a normal conversation. Talked about research and the personalities required for med school. Very nice guy - even gave me reprints of his publications. Made me feel I could be valuable to the school, as did my 2nd interviewer. He was an MD in academic medicine who did most of the talking during the interview, explaining his life as a clinician-educator. Overall I emerged with a very positive feeling about the program, which seems very underrated.
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This was definitely the easiest interview I've had thus far. Laid back and organized and we weren't left alone to wander or be bored for a moment. The staff and students do an incredible job of selling the school and the program.
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I though this school was great. It definitely shifted my rankings.
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Overall it was very good. I was tired by the end but they feed you well and everyone is friendly and helpful.
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The day starts really early, but it's organized and runs like clockwork.
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7-8 breakfast, 8-9 welcome/student panel, 9-10 interview, 10-11 finaid, 11-12 drive to temple, 12-1 lunch, 1-2 cirriculum, 2-3 tours, 3-5 second interviews, 5:30-7 back to a&m
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I had an interview with what seemed like one of the deans in College Station, and then an interview with Filo (great guy). Both were great. They were both very impressed with me. I didn't think my application was that impressive.
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I had a great experience at this school. Both interviews were converational. They asked me pretty standard questions.
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7-7:15 AM-Continental Breakfast 7:15-7:30 AM-Greetings from Filo 7:30-7:55 AM-Student Panel 8:00-8:15 AM-Tour of LRU 8:30-10:30 AM-Interviews in College Station 9-10:00 AM-Overview of Financial Aid 10:10-10:25 AM-Tour of the Anatomy Department 10:30-12:00 PM-Drive to Temple 12;1:30 PM-Lunch and College of Medicine Powerpoint Presentation 1:30 PM-2:15 PM-Tour of Simulation Center 2:30 PM-3:00 PM-Tour of the VA 3:00-5 PM-Interviews in Temple A&M does an excellent job with their interview day. Filo is an absolute asset to this medical school and makes you feel completely at home and makes sure you are comfortable throughout your time both in College Station and in Temple. I also think S&W Hospital in Temple is quite underrated. However, I'm not too gung-ho about the idea of moving to Temple. Without a doubt, A&M is a young but rising medical school and I would not be surprised if it becomes more prominent in the coming years.
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Overall, it was a great first interview. If anything, it's prepared me for my next interview and others to come (I hope!). A&M is a great school and they are VERY friendly. Everyone knows everyone there and I am looking for that kind of environment in a medical school. I wasn't really considering this school as one of my tope choices but I think my opinion has changed drastically. The location is somewhat of a turnoff though.
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Overall, I was very impressed by the atmoshpere at A&M. They seem to be interested in each individual student. Every student I talked to was very happy with the school and highly recommended it. The day went very smooth due to great organization and the friendliness of the staff involved.
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Both interviews were in a very relaxed, stress free atmosphere. It was more like a two way conversation than a feeling of being on the hot seat. In my second interview the interviewer didn't care about my application, he just wanted to sit back and have a friendly conversation. I asked him more questions than he asked me.
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Great atmosphere at the school, however one student on the panel stated, "I'm here because of the Texas match." Driving to Temple isn't that fun. Interviews were random, one good, one not so much.
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My whole attitude regarding A&M is positive! The administration was exceptional. When I walked by Filo's office, he asked me, "How was your flight from --?" How could it be any more welcoming!? The students were very approachable and anxious to answer questions. The student panel was professional and took extreme pride in their school and representation. The interviewers were tough (toughest of all the schools I've interviewed at), but by feeling so welcomed, I was confident and ready for their questions. Both interviewers were very familiar with my application, experience, and education, so be sure to know yourself as well as they will. The only situation that would keep me from ranking A&M #1 would be the dislocation to Temple during the clinical years. My girlfriend is a physician, so relocation would be difficult. S&W is very well thought of, and residency matches are good.
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Overall a great day- i came in with very little expectations but ended up loving it!
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I really loved this program. Dr. Pliego is awesome if you're lucky enough to get an interview with him. The drive to Temple really isn't that bad. There was a whole line of cars that were clearly heading there so getting lost wasn't a problem. I just don't know that I could stand living in the middle of nowhere for 4 years. Nonetheless, I will rank this one highly because I can tell it is a really great program.
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The day was extremely well organized and Filo was very nice. For those of you who don't know, Filo is the Assistant Dean of Admissions and he is one of the coolest guys you'll ever meet. The financial aid lecture was really informative and applicable to students everywhere, not just A&M. The Scott & White facility was really impressive and the interviews were really laid back.
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Excellent!
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The day was well-organized and planned. Other schools schedule tours of their facilities but, if they occur while you're interviewing, you're outta luck. TAMU has intermittent tours so everyone can go on all the tours. The drive to Temple took about 1.5 hours and the heat was unbearable in a suit. The tours at Scott&White were helpful (S&W is the only level 1 facility in central TX, the nearest one being Houston!!!). The VA Hospital was very nice as well. I was very impressed with the facilities both in College Station and Temple, and with the small size of the class. The M3s and M4s seemed very well prepared for residency, due to the individual attention. All the faculty know all the students...wow! Overall it was a great but extremely tiring day.
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Overall, A&M seems like a medical school interested in recruiting a diverse student population. The small class size is a plus.
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Both interviews were laid back and it seemed that they wanted to get to know me.
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It was great, the admissions director, financial aid director, students, everyone is so nice and they really want to get to know you. I really liked A&M.
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GREAT!! I enjoyed my time there even though when I went in I really did not think that I would like A&M. I love the small class size and how close knit everything was. They treat you like you are one of the them already. The financial aid seminar was great and it applied to any school you would want to go to not just A&M
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Overall, my experience was a positive one. I really don't have any complaints. The entire day was laid-back and relaxed. Both interviewers were polite and non-confrontational. The interviews themselves felt more like conversations and no difficult questions were asked. A few other candidates I spoke to seem to have received more challenging interviews with ethical questions.
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Very relaxed! I know everyone says this, but it is true...just be yourself! They are not antagonistic interviewers at all.
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I had an excellent experience! I came in to the interview experience thinking that A&M would be one of my top choices, but left knowing that it is THE top chioce for me!
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It was a long day -- started at 7am and I didn't get back to college station until 7pm. The interviews were totally laid back so I wouldn't stress out about it at all. Texas A&M wasn't a top choice for me at all -- in fact, I almost didn't want to go; I have, however, changed my mind since then. A&M isn't as well known as a lot of other med schools, but it's definitely moving up.
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I absolutely enjoyed my interview day at Texas A&M. It starts off at 7am in College Station where you have breakfast and are greeted by Filo and his presentation. The M1/M2 panel was informative as was the financial aid briefing. My interviews were with an M2 and a physician in Temple. They both were VERY conversational and not stressful at all. I got the sense that the students and faculty share an almost familial relationship. Everyone knows each others names and care about each other. Overall the day was very long and tiring. And it was HOT - especially with a suit on. Be prepared to walk a lot on tours and also to and from your interview room. The food was grand - like a banquet.
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Long day, good lunch, nice people
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Very full day, but they feed you well and there aren't any dull moments. I loved the tours of the facilities and the medical student panel. Med students were really helpful and friendly. I was very, very impressed by what A&M has to offer. Even though Temple's a small town, the hospital facilities are state-of-the-art, and both the VA Hospital and S&W are paperless!
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Overall, a great day, low stress, GREAT people, super food. They had staff or stident escort taking you to every interview, and although it was all very structured, they were so Friendly, you just appreciated it a lot. Best Financial Aid Breifing so far!
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Turned out to be more interesting than I expected; however, the tremendous amount of information seemed to be overwhelming and not entirely relevant from time to time.
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It was a great day with a more comprehensive overview of the philosophy and their mission statement. Also the tours were really interesting.
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Great Interview Experience! They really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and special. They only interview 500 out of the 2300 applications, and they accept 230 for a class of 80. So you basicly have a 50% chance of acceptance if you get an interview :) The interciewers at Scott & White will find anything wrong with your record and make you defend it, so be ready!
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The day is long. Get plenty of sleep the night before otherwise it will drag, especially in Temple. The interview day starts at 7:00am with a quick introduction, a 1st and 2nd year student panel, then it's tours and interviews followed by a financial aid presentation. You will be in College Station from 7-10:30, and then drive to Temple and have lunch starting at noon. Filo gives a great presentation aout the school and its philopsophy, then there's the tours of Scott & White and another interview. Some people were able to leave at 4:00pm others had to remain until 5:30pm. My first interviewer was exptremely nice and I was able to build a good rapport with him, howeve rin the afternoon, the interviewer was the complete opposite, I felt like every answer I gave the interviewer wasn't satisfied with it. A word of warning in the interviews...be prepared to defend your application. Any deficiencies will more than likely be addressed in one or both interviews. Be able to explain low MCAT scores, dropped classes, low GPR, etc. It seemed to happen to several people.
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I didn't have high hopes for this school before I went. It quickly became one of my top choices. The class size will only be 80 students. They are very focused on you as a student.
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Overall, I am very impressed with the school. The curriculum are well constructed, with the help from students. The College Station/Temple location change is not that bad, especially with the perks of hands-on clinical experience you will get. This is a great school to be!
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The day is really organized. College Station seems like a nice college town. I think I would have like A&M a lot more if all four years were there as opposed to Temple. The "good ol' boy" system seems to be thriving at A&M. It seemed like every med student I met was a white male...and white men are great, but they could mix it up a little.
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Filo Maldonado is a warm man who makes you feel completely at ease. He informed us that we were the 9th group of 50 to be interviewed, and that there were 9 more groups that followed. A&M only has a class of 80. So if you want to go to A&M badly, make sure you stake your territory by telling your interviewers. They are looking for those that are committed to serving in underserved areas and working as general practitioners. There was a considerable amount of down time at both sights.
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The students seem arrogant...I didn't like the atmosphere.
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This is a very long day, but definitely worth it. I was a little nervous going in because of what some previous posts said about the interview process and it was my first interview of the year. I found the interview extremely enjoyable and relaxing. Both interviewers made me feel at ease. The interviews were conversational, mostly, and the questions just flowed from what was said.
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Overall, a very long day - expect that. both interviews were open file and asked me about specific experiences, quoted parts of my personal statement and asked me to expand. the interviewers were very nice and laid-back and all the students said that working at Scott&White is worth living in temple. overall, i didn't fall in love with the school, but i left liking it a lot more than when i came. they do a great job at selling the school's high points and a great place to come especially if you're interested in any type of primary care medicine. however, be ready for ethical questions and list questions in your interview.
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First interview was with a PhD and seemed a little distant. I would answer and he would just shake his head and say "yeah." He was nice but I couldn't read him. The second guy was great. I think he was manic or something because we talked about 100 things in about 40 minutes.
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Overall, I did like the school and the people there. college station seems like a very nice, safe place to be. i just don't know about having to pack up halfway and move to temple. oh well.
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We arrived at College Station 7:00am and didn't leave Temple that afternoon until 5:30pm so it makes for a tiring day. Overall friendly atmosphere. Students were available to answer any questions that you might have at both sites during the day. Not much free time, very structured. Don't stress though, everyone goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
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Overall, I had a very good experience. The only negative portion of my interview was a mixed feeling of my second interview. Theimportant thing is for you to relax and be yourself. Good luck to all.
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A good school. Their biggest asset is their class size, which will be around 80 next year. The campus and facilities for the first two years are not exactly inspiring like some others, but Scott and White seems to be a good place for years 3 and 4. The students were very kind and helpful on the tours. This is a middle-of-the-pack school, but they put on a good interview day.
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I really liked this school. It definitely has moved up my match list.
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As mentioned, I left the school with a strange feeling that originated with the final interview and it caused me to feel differently about the school as a whole. The school is a fine facility and it could be that I just had a unusual experience.
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They are so nice and helpful throughout the process. I was expecting tough ethical questions, but I didn't get any. Know all the material you submitted. They basically focus on that stuff.
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They gave it their all. It was the best presentaton on any interview. They acted like they wanted every one of us, and they gave all they had. Some schools with more resources only gave enough to call it an interview day. A&M wants its students and they let you know it in the interview, and when you get here.
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The interviewers were very intimidating even after they both said that they didn't believe in stressful interviews and that they just wanted to converse. by the end, i felt like my brain had just been picked clean!
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Overall positive and pleasant.
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Great experience overall. This school was low on my list when i first applied but moved up alot after taking the tours and meeting the people.
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With it's friendly and personal environment, emphasized with the small class sizes, I can definitely see myself being happy here.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
33 Minutes Average
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Number:
2 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
100% One-on-One
0% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
100% Open-File
0% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person
TAMUSHSC-COM-COMP interviews are an average of 33 minutes, with an average of 2 interviews. 100% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 0% are closed-file.
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, experiences with cultural diversity, challenges faced, ethical dilemmas, and proposed solutions to healthcare issues. Some respondents mentioned being asked questions in an MMI format, which may have involved non-disclosure agreements due to the nature of the interview structure.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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In my one-on-one interview I was asked about my application. I signed a confidentiality agreement for the MMI.
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Why do you want to be a doctor
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What is the greatest risk you've taken?
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Describe a time you were courageous
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What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you and how did it impact you?
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Tell me about a time you interacted with someone of a different culture
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Tell me what I should say to the admissions committee to advocate on your behalf
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Explain your low high school rank but high ACT/SAT scores
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What is my reason for medicine?
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What is something negative you saw in healthcare?
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Tell me about yourself.
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How could you contribute to the diversity of this campus?
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Tell me about the B you got in x class... okay.
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Tell me about a time you failed and how you overcame and learned from the experience?
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If an adult patient (who is a jehovah's witness) is going to die unless they receive a blood transfusion, but they are refusing it due to their religion, what do you do?
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What is the biggest problem in healthcare, and how can you as a physician change it?
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What will you do if you don't get into medical school?
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What are you most worried about going into medicine?
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This school harps on service. They truly want to give back to the community and produce quality doctors that have a strong foundation for service.
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What do you see yourself in 15 years?
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What are your study habits? What was the hardest class undergrad?
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What are three major concerns facing physicians today?
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Aren't you too old to be applying to medical school? (I'm 26 btw)
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Which volunteer experience had the greatest impact?
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Hypothetically what would you do "if" you didn't get in this year?
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What's the biggest problem in healthcare?
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Why do you want to be a doctor?
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Why Texas A & M?
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Why did you choose to retake the MCAT?
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So I see you do so-and-so, how do you think you'll manage this in addition to medical school?
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Why Texas A&M?
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What legacy do you want to leave behind?
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What would you do if you could not be a doctor?
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What got you into this?
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What are some major problems with the american health care system, and how could you fix them as a physician?
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What is the strongest part of your application?
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Tell me about yourself
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Why A&M?
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Are you satisfied with your application?
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Why do you want to become a doctor?
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What do you think happened on your first MCAT? (Considerably lower than my 2nd)
-
Give me 3 values you believe are important in being a good physician.
-
Why did you get a C in organic chemistry? (Ugh, first question, too!)
-
Problem in healthcare and how would you fix it?
-
What personal problems do you see yourself having in healthcare?
-
What experiences I have had with cultural/social diversities?
-
What type of specialty?
-
How did you get here today? (I'm non-trad so my life story tends to be the bulk of the interview discussions).
-
What are two things you would improve in health care and how?
-
Several ethical questions.
-
Why were you so involved in volunteering, and don't say because it would look good on your application.
-
You're going through quite a career change ... tell me about that.
-
Describe so and so experience.
-
How do you get to where you are? to be interested in medical school and interviewing for it right now.
-
Why do you want to become a physician?
-
Do you think the healthcare system is broken
-
What is a pressing issue in medicine?
-
If I were going to make a really great, exciting movie about you, what would it show?
-
Why is your cancer institution researching something not related to cancer?
-
How do you do it all?
-
Tell me about Afghanistan.
-
What do you see yourself doing in 20 years?
-
Do you think patient education will help the diabetes and obesity problem in the US?
-
What do you think is one quality of a good doctor?
-
How did you do so well on the Bio section of the MCAT without taking the second half of OChem?
-
What do your parents think about you choosing medicine?
-
Why are you graduating in 3 years?
-
What are your strengths and weaknesses? What have you done to overcome your weaknesses? (asked by both interviewers)
-
What current issues in medicine concern you the most? (Asked twice)
-
So, how's life at home/school?
-
Do you know any issues concerning medicine?
-
What do you think are the most important characteristics of a physician?
-
Philosophy of medicine?
-
Why TAMU?
-
How would you fix the problems with malpractice lawsuits?
-
What are three important healthcare issues facing America and what would you do to fix them?
-
What does your father do for a living?
-
If you could not be in the medical profession, what would you choose for an occupation?
-
Name 3 issues in the world today that you concerned about
-
What drives you?
-
Tell me about one of your research endeavors.
-
Why do you want to come back to Texas?
-
Where do you see medicine heading in the next 10-15 years?
-
Why medicine? Why A&M? Who was your favorite prof? what was your fav. class?
-
Why Medicine and why Now?
-
Tell me about your volunteer exp
-
Tell me about your experience moving from Taiwan to Texas.
-
Why medicine?
-
What is your greatest strength/weakness?
-
Jack Kavorkian, good or bad?
-
Why did you choose your major.
-
Why did you pick your major?
-
List three social trends (not related to medicine) that are leading this country in the wrong direction.
-
Why do you want to be a doc?
-
Ethics
-
Why did you go to community college before the 4 year? (of course this led to her nagging me about the advantage of a 4 year college over a 2 year- whatever!)
-
Future of healthcare and what to do about it.
-
Was there ever a defining moment when I knew that medicine is something that I would want to go into?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Texas A & M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including cultural competency, personal motivations, ethical dilemmas, and societal issues. While the questions varied, the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on references to diverse questions, and some respondents mentioned being subject to a nondisclosure agreement.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
How do you connect with someone from a different culture than you? Tell me about an experience with someone from a different culture than you.
-
If you were to go back in time and reflect on your habits and joys from a child, what actions did you do as a child that showed you had an engineering mind?
-
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you and how did it impact you?
-
Tell me about a time you advocated for someone
-
(something specific about my application)
-
How would I handle failure in medical school?
-
What made you the person you are today?
-
Tell me about your experiences as an athlete and what you learned
-
What non-academic book have you read lately?
-
Which 3 people (dead or alive) would you like to model yourself in the practice of medicine?
-
As a doctor at what point do you need to cut a patient off if they aren't following your orders
-
What three non-medical social trends concern you the most?
-
I am a diabetes counselor, so I was asked about the epidemic of diabetes in America.
-
You have a diverse background, why choose medicine?
-
What do you want to be said about you after you pass away?
-
What do you think your biggest problem will be in 20 years?
-
There were none... this was a very antagonistic interview.
-
Can't really think of any
-
The after your dead question I guess.
-
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
-
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
-
You've mentioned and described many positive medical experiences. What negative parts of the medical field have you seen and what are your feelings on their significance to the practice of medicine?
-
What do you think makes a good doctor?
-
None
-
Nothing exceptional, everything seemed pretty standard
-
Do you think the government should mandate that young women be given the HPV vaccine?
-
I was asked how I would tell a long term patient of mine that he/she was dying. I answered, and then the interviwer asked how the cultural identity of the patient would make a difference in how I delivered the news.
-
Are you satisfied with your MCAT score?
-
What is the biggest social problem in medicine today?
-
How would you feel if you had to watch a baby die?
-
How would you handle a 16 year old girl that is pregant and wants an abortion?
-
So I like what you wrote here, but why should I believe you?
-
How would I deal with an attending physician that I absolutely did not like?
-
What is the best thing that happened to you?
-
Nothing interesting
-
If you had to look back over your career as a doctor, what 2 things would have had to happen in order for you to say you have had a good career?
-
Why would being
-
What are some ideal characteristics you strive to achieve and that drive your life?
-
Name 3 problems in society today and give possible solutions. Name 2 problems in healthcare today and give possible solutions.
-
Q:So you are interested in dentistry? A: No. I have never been interested in dentistry?
-
Do you think that with your engineering background you might expect more precision than a field like oncology has to offer?
-
Give me five adjectives that describe yourself?
-
If you were cloned, what would you other "self" be if it couldnt be a medical doctor?
-
What I imagine myself 15 years after medical school?
-
Name 3 problems with society; name 3 problems with the healthcare system
-
What's concerning about the present state of medicine.
-
Why the long wait before applying to med school?
-
Following an explanation of the leadership in medicine program: How does professionalism/leadership apply in medicine?
-
How I was able to balance all the things that I have done while still supporting a family? (I credited my wife)
-
Why did I go to Afghanistan?
-
If you are doing something to serve the community now (teach for america) how is being a doctor different?
-
You have two minutes with our admissions board. Why should we let you in this school?
-
What do you think a doctor does?
-
Does this country have a problem with the socialization of medicine?
-
What would you do with Jehovah's Witness Patient who refused to take blood products but is bleeding to death?
-
Nothing really interesting....the standard questions that everyone tells you to expect.
-
Name specific strategies and general personal characteristics that have made you a successful student.
-
What are you personally going to do to fix the problems in medicine?
-
I was in a fraternity, how was that?
-
Why didn't you apply to ---- (another school in TX)?
-
What is my philosophy of medicine
-
What do you do if you prescribe medications and the patient refuses to take them?
-
Elaborate on the statement "altruism is the most important aspect of medicine".
-
Three people would i meet
-
My student interviewer had just gotten married the week before my interview, and the issue of having a significant other/being married in medical school came up...
-
What types of books do you read?
-
What are three important healthcare issues facing America today and what would you do to fix them?
-
What is your relationship like with your siblings?
-
What would you do in this really difficult case where a woman is bleeding to death but can't get a transfusion for religious reasons? She has 5 children.
-
What is the driving motivation behind everything you do?
-
What makes a positive physician?
-
What do you think of Aggie Bonfire? He asked because we are both former students.
-
N/A
-
There were several: What are the 3 biggest social issues in our country? What are the 3 biggest health care issues and how will they impact you as a physician?
-
If you could have dinner with anyone from any period of time, who would it be and why?
-
Why a business minor?
-
How would you balance religion and medicine in the case of a Jehovah's witness? (just wanted to hear me pick a side)
-
What do you think will happen with the legislative attempts to limit medical damage law suits?
-
Standard stuff
-
So is this where you really want to go?
-
How to handle the noncompliant patient? You are treating a patient and prescribe a med, when the return for follow up they never filled the medicine, how do you deal with this patient
-
Just the normal questions.
-
Are you still take ballet classes?
-
What is the biggest problem in medicine today?
-
If you were given 10 million dollars to address the health care problems in texas, what would you do?
-
Tell me about your childhood
-
What do you like about early American history? Why was Science and Religion your favorite class?
-
Ethical situational questions - a Jahova's witness comes in and needs a blood transfusion and a histerectomy, however, it is against her religion and the family says no blood, you can call the court and try to get a court order or watch her die - what do you do? real-life situation that my interviewer had been in.
-
What time period did Hippocrates practice?
-
When did the tide of World War II really turn against Germany?
-
Nothing really interesting.
-
What don't you like about being a doctor?
-
Nothing Interesting - Just a note: Filo is a really nice guy. He has a sort of fake administrative eloquence, but his interviews are pretty challenging. Be prepared to really hash out some broad social issues.
-
I am a returning student and a little older and I was asked if I would have a problem with younger people giving me instruction during the latter years.
-
What college club/organization would I recommend other students to join?
-
Expect some ethics questions and patient centered questions. This school is big on teaching physicians to be ethical leaders in their community, with a focus on patient needs over your own. I promise this is huge. Be ready for it.
-
Tell me about bilirubin.(????)
-
Future of healthcare and what to do about it.
-
What makes you different from everyone else applying?
-
Concerning the future of genetic manipulations, if you and your future wife learned that you would soon be having a child who was physically or mentally disabled, would you try to alter it for the better through gene therapy?
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for interviews by conducting mock interviews, practicing with friends, reviewing application materials, reading school websites, using SDN for feedback, and researching current healthcare issues. They also emphasized the importance of formulating responses to common questions, knowing about the school and healthcare statistics, and showcasing their unique qualities during the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Read BeMo book, 2 mock interviews, talked to myself a lot, prepped responses for common questions
-
Practice with friends, family, medical students
-
Reviewed the materials provided by the admissions committee, and reviewed my resume.
-
Interview book, healthcare book, practiced in mirror
-
School website. Premed Playbook; guide to the interview. MSAR. Texas health news websites.
-
Practiced answers to general questions- studied the school; know background information about the school and healthcare statistics in Texas
-
Drafting responses to expected interview questions
-
Sdn interview feedback, mock interview
-
Other interviews, mock interviews.
-
Other interviews
-
SDN, current students
-
SDN Interview Feedback page
-
Had a 8 on 1 interview with my pre-health committee before they wrote my recommendation letter, re-read my application, read SDN questions.
-
Read their website, re-read all my application materials, spoke with current students
-
SDN feedback, bioethics online from Washington, reviewing application
-
Read SDN
-
I thoroughly read the website, and formulated a list of questions that I would like to ask. I also paid close attention to specific programs so that I could inquire about them and see if this is the right school for me.
-
Read SDN looked at school online
-
Read current events, SDN and prior interview.
-
Reviewed my file, reviewed philosophy of medicine texts.
-
SDN interview feedback. Studied potential interview questions.
-
Read over my application
-
Didn't really, read SDN feedback.
-
SDN, MSAR, TAMU website
-
Read SDN, used an interview prep packet from my health professions office, read current events
-
Wow... I read as much information about the school that I could. I definitely tried to mention details about the school that were unique (that other interviewees might not mention). I printed out pages of questions on Word and practiced answering them all week. I studied my resume, applications (TMDSAS and Secondary), and read up on the socialization of healthcare, abortion debates, and euthanasia debates. I talked with my friends in med school and spoke with a resident about how to carry myself and how to let my personality shine through without losing a serious mentality during the interview. Also, I bought a suit & low heel shoes!!!
-
Researched the school, read my essays.
-
School's website, interview feedback, primary and secondary
-
Relaxed; researched the school, reviewed all my essays
-
Application Materials, Admissions Website, SDN
-
SDN, Website, applications, other questions and internet material
-
Sdn.
-
Read P.S. and essays; SDN
-
SDN, my primary & secondary app, talking to studnets before getting there
-
Read over applications, sdn, read up on current issues in healthcare and ethical issues.
-
SDN. TAMU website.
-
Read
-
Went over sample questions, did some research about the school and other things that I wanted to get straight, SDN
-
SDN, reviewed essays
-
I interviewed last year, had mock interviews.
-
SDN, tried to sleep.
-
Read healthcare books, SDN, thought about questions that you'd expect to be asked
-
SDN, reviewed app and secondary essays
-
Looked online at possible questions, read over my applications
-
SDN, looked at school's website
-
MSAR, read over my app, SDN feedback, reviwed some
-
SND, mock interview, read website, stayed with student and asked her questions
-
Re-read my primary and secondary application, read feedback on SDN, read school website.
-
Went to previous interviews
-
Read A&M's history. Looked at websites on College Station.
-
Reviewed my TMDSAS and secondary applications. Reviewed previous questions from StudentDoctor
-
Read over SND and TAMU website and my application
-
SDN, mock interviews, and reviewed all applications
-
Nothing
-
Didn't really
-
SDN, looked website, reread all my submitted materials
-
Reflected a little.
-
Chilled out the night before, got a lot of sleep.
-
Relaxed, got a good night's sleep.
-
Drank a couple beers the night before and watched the Astros game.
-
Looked over SDN and the school's website
-
SDN, School website, mock interview
-
Read website, reviewed application, sdn
-
Read questions on sdn
-
This website, Personal statment, practiced interviewing.
-
SDN, A&M website, talked to MSI, looked over secondary
-
Read this site, practiced with a list of frequently asked questions in medical school interviews.
-
SDN, school website, read up on healthcare issues online, read my primary and secondary applications, talked to friends at the school.
-
Read A&M website, sdn, sample questions from my health professions advisor.
-
Read over app., school's website, and sdn
-
My school's interview feedback book, the school's website and catalogue.
-
SDN (very helpful), meditation, introspection, familiarity with world events
-
Looked on sdn, read a&m's website
-
SDN, school website
-
SDN, read application packet
-
Read website and App
-
Read through my personal statement and my application
-
Read SDN, read website, read my applications.
-
Read SDN and reviewed my application.
-
My application, school website, other reviews
-
Read up on A&M, this website
-
Read over the website, this site, read secondary and AMCAS app
-
SDN, reviewed basic bioethics at University of Washington site, read up on healthcare policy
-
Read my personal statement, secondary, this website, and read-up on medical issues.
-
Read my application, SDN, the school's website, & walked through interview scenerios in my mind.
-
Read about health care, read about the school, went over my interview, SDN and other helpful websites.
-
Looked over the admissions viewbook and website. Reviewed my application and previous feedback on SDN.
-
SDN, read over app and secondary, pray
-
Read SDN website, my applications (both primary and supplemental), mock interviews
-
TMDSAS, secondary app, TAMU info they sent out and SDN
-
SDN, school website, SLEEP
-
Reviewed all applications and prayed
-
SDN, Web site, deeping current on issues in health care
-
Read over TMDSAS application, TAMU secondary application, SDN
-
SDN, school website, application.
-
I read over their website, SD website, research on health care issue online and mock interview with my friends.
-
Read my application, read the school's website.
-
Brought an umbrella (it poured all day!)
-
Looked over application
-
Read the school website, read ethics books, read about health insurance reform, read about malpractice compensation reform, read over my AMCAS, TMDSAS, and secondary application
-
School Website, application, SDN
-
SDN, looked over my application
-
This website, their information
-
Read brochure, SDN, relaxed
-
Read this website; Went over application; Attended interview workshop.
-
Read over application, spoke with A&M med students of past interview experiences and looked at website
-
Read this site, Read over my application
-
Website; read over my application; previous interview experiences from others
-
Reviewed applications and read SDN feedback.
-
TAMU brochures and web site
-
Know your own convictions and goals, and be able to communicate them to the interviewer. They want passionate people with clear focused goals. You don't have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but you better be able to tell them what foundation you plan you future on. ie ethics, morals, convictions, loves, hates, social roles, family......
-
This site, read over my application and essays
-
Reviewed application, school website, and SDN feedback!
-
SDN, looked up medical issues online
-
Looking over school materials, and just preparing for the "typical" style questions.
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Texas A & M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine discussed various topics such as opinions on rural medicine, application weaknesses, ethical dilemmas in healthcare, personal growth, and societal issues. Many responses indicated a mix of general questions and scenarios related to healthcare and ethics, with no specific recurring theme apart from the wide range of topics covered.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Do you know how to make a soufflé? (I said no). Tell me how to make a soufflé. Also: What is your opinion on rural medicine?
-
What do you think is lacking on your application?
-
What are the technical skills that you have that make you a good candidate for ENMED?
-
Tell me about a time you interacted with someone of a different culture
-
"Tell me what I should say to the admissions committee to advocate on your behalf. " I personally just hate that question as a lead-off because it's like a bad mix of "tell me about yourself" and "what are your strengths?" If you're fine with it as the only question they ask about you then you'll do just fine.
-
All general questions- but may be asked about bad grades
-
Tell me about your low high school rank...
-
What is an issue doctors will face in 30 years?
-
None
-
Tell me about a time you failed and how you overcame and learned from the experience?
-
What was a conflict that you had recently, and how did you resolve it?
-
Is it ethical to continuously take a patient's money if they continuously not follow your orders multiple times.
-
Do you have any mitigating circumstances affecting your application
-
Is health care a right or privilege?
-
Name a weaknesses from academics that you can improve on?
-
What are your three top principles of medicine?
-
How are you going to compete with these young fresh minds?
-
None really
-
Probably the after your dead. Not really anything I would say was hard.
-
What's the biggest problem in healthcare, and what would you do about it?
-
What are some of the biggest issues facing society today?
-
The one above--however, I was able to answer the question well.
-
What makes you special?
-
What is one of your weaknesses
-
Tell me about this ticket i see here on your application?
-
Tell me about your research.
-
If there was one thing you could tell the admissions comittee what would it be?
-
Are there any alternatives to collecting stem cells without killing embryos? (I had any answer...she just caught me off-guard)
-
Same as above
-
Would you consider yourself a career student?
-
What is the biggest ethical issues in medicine?
-
How would you manifest your leadership in a clinical setting?
-
Give me 3 examples of problems in the health care industry and how they will effect you.
-
If the US has the capability to feed the world, why don't we?
-
Same as interesting... nothing at ALL was difficult.
-
Hmm, that's interesting...name another healthcare problem and provide a possible solution.
-
None were particularly difficult.
-
What are two things about yourself that you would want to improve?
-
Tell me why you "need" to practice medicine. Say "I need to practice medicine because ___"
-
None.
-
None were difficult. They were really just trying to get to know me better. There wasn't much time in the interviews, so there was a lot of ground to cover (many questions) in a short time. Rapid-fire questions might throw some people off.
-
What TAMU?
-
What is the biggest problem in health care?
-
What's the biggest problem in healthcare?
-
How did you feel about this C on your transcript?
-
Tell me 3 issues in the society today?
-
What 3 personal characteristics would you delete? What accomplishment are you most proud of?
-
None were difficult.
-
How have you matured since last year's applications?
-
Would I tell the parents of a severely autistic child of the option to sterilize their child before he/she turns 18?
-
How have you changed from the beginning of college to now?
-
See above
-
Name the 3 biggest problems in this country.
-
What would you do if your best friend was cheating?
-
Name 3 people you would like to meet, dead or alive. This one stumped me. I couldn't think of anyone after naming my dad, so I said Schroedinger for some reason (don't ask me why). I bet you my interviewer thinks I'm a big nerd now... No healthcare questions at all though, which is a good thing for me.
-
Nothing difficult was asked
-
Did you feel different when you retook the MCAT?
-
What is the #1 problem in U.S. healthcare? How would you solve it?
-
Nothing really
-
Discuss three of the most pressing medical issues in medicine today
-
Standard case studies ( ethical stuff)
-
Nothing out of the ordinary. They were all VERY conversational. One interview was all about my research because I chose to bring it up after realizing that my interviewer was the in exact same field as the one I did my summer research in...and my next interview was based solely on my love for sports..nothing difficult at all!
-
What are the biggest problems in health care today?
-
Why did you withdraw from several classes?
-
What is the main problem with healthcare? How would you fix it?
-
Name 3 issues that affect healthcare today and how you would solve the problem.
-
Name 3 people from the past, present, or future that you would like to sit down and have a conversation with and tell me why you chose them?
-
None of the questions were extremely difficult, but my first interviewer asked me what is a weakness of mine and how I aim to fix it.
-
What is a positive doctor?
-
What drives you?
-
How would you fix the nation's healthcare crisis? (i forgot to think over this question before the interview)
-
How do you feel about rationalized medicine?
-
Standard stuff
-
What is the most pressing social (not medical) issue facing the United States currently?
-
You seem happy as a paramedic, why persue being a MD?
-
Why werne't you accepted to medical school in the previous years that you applied?
-
Tell me about yourself.
-
There are 2 questions: (1) Who should be responsible for the health care coverage for people who can not afford health insurance. (2)Tell me about the course "court and cival liberty."
-
Name two positive and one negative aspect of your personality.
-
No hard questions here, they just wanted to get to know you.
-
Why did you choose to go to Johns Hopkins University if you went to high school in Texas? Why A&M now that you are living in California? (Not really difficult)
-
List three things you would tell President Bush to do to fix the "health-care" crisis.
-
What are your major strengths and weaknesses? (This is always a difficult question.)
-
Nothing really hard.
-
What don't you like about being a doctor?
-
Lots of lists - List 3 social trends that are leading this country in the wrong direction - and many other list questions.
-
What is something that a student or professor did to you that mad you mad? and how did you deal with it?
-
None really, though see negative comments.
-
Relax on the difficult questions. They don't care if you have a world class knowledge of metabolic pathways or diagnostic biochemistry. They may ask you a question that seems very specific and over your head. This is to see your response. They are looking to see if you BS your way through it, or if can say I don't know with confidence and integrity. They may do it just to see if you panic. If you know what it is great, but if you don't, DO NOT GIVE THEM YOU BS. It works in undergrad not in Med School.
-
Tell me about bilirubin!!
-
My first interviewer asked me about ethics and cloning, something I didn't know alot about (other than what i'd read in magazines)
-
Most of the questions were fairly straight forward, none really took me off guard.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the faculty, staff, and students at the medical school, as well as the emphasis on student support and well-being throughout the interview process. Many highlighted the top-notch facilities, small class sizes, and the genuine interest shown by everyone they interacted with, particularly Filo, the associate dean, as key positive aspects of the school. Suggestions included continuing to prioritize a supportive and welcoming environment for prospective students, maintaining the high level of organization during interview days, and further promoting research opportunities for medical students.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
The warmth and positivity in the faculty and medical students, also certain aspects of the school I really like (mostly low tuition lmao).
-
Presentations
-
Everyone was SO NICE AND HAPPY
-
The facilities are nice. The chairs are comfortable. They give you more swag than any other school I've been to or heard about. The chairs are comfortable.
-
Attention to students- took us through skills lab and services offered for students
-
The friendliness and diversity of students, the friendliness of my first interviewer
-
The faculty and staff. They seemed to be genuinely invested in their student's learning and becoming someone of exemplary character.
-
Friendliness of staff
-
Atmosphere and politeness of staff.
-
Amazingly engaging faculty and students
-
I had one student interviewer that was awesome, she made up for the rest of the day, was very engaged and happy to have a meaningful conversation with me.
-
Everyone is very friendly.
-
Nicest faculty and staff of anywhere I interviewed in Texas
-
Interview nearly everywhere in Texas. The faculty/staff at Texas A&M were by far the nicest, most supportive who all made you feel extremely important, special, welcome, and comfortable.
-
Everyone seemed very laid-back. A couple med students who weren't even a part of the tour team came to our room and answered more questions. The fact that they had no reason to come see us or promote the school, but did anyway, was big.
-
Very friendly atmosphere, great focus on research and passion for teaching, all students seemed happy to be there.
-
Huge push for primary care and ethical leaders
-
Friendliness, the MD plus program
-
The interviewers were very laid back and seemed very genuinely plugged into the process of sifting through to find the best applicants.
-
How they combine education and technology in the curriculum
-
Scott & White, smaller class size, technology, emphasis on underserved populations, brand new science building to be open in 2011 ending..
-
College station area; friendliness of staff.
-
My first interviewer was interested in me as an applicant.
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The interviewers, the expansion of the school and campus, small classes, emphasis on rural medicine, the med students were genuinely enthusiastic, no curve grading system, residency match list.
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Scott & White !! Would be an amazing opportunity. I liked that you could do all four years at Temple as well if you wanted to.
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I guess that Temple is pretty easy to get around.
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The students, faculty, and associate dean, the simulation center, the new curriculum, the campus expansion
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The facilities are top notch. The Simulation Center is ahh-mazing.
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I interviewed at College Station. The large university system (and camaraderie) surrounding the medical school. I knew I wouldn't be at a loss for things to do or places to study. The large expansion of the school into Round Rock and Temple.
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Students, faculty-student interaction, clinical experience, facilities, board scores
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The small class size truly fostered learning that was, in their words, "personalized". And of course Scott and White.
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The admissions office staff was amazing. They were extremely organized and made sure that everyone was not stressed. My interviews were very laid back and the interviewers spent a lot of time explaining why they loved their jobs instead of just asking me questions the whole time.
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Simulation center, teacher-student ratio, location
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Everyone was very nice. the school and hosptals were clean, new, and impressive. the current students really seemed like they liked the school.
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The Scott and White hospital was pretty awesome
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The simulation center was quite impressive. The staff was very helpful and wanted to make sure your day ran smoothly.
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The attitude of the students and staff. The students seem to love the school and all of the staff and faculty I met seem to go above and beyond for their students. Also the sim center in Temple was very impressive. I was also impressed with how the students are encouraged to pursue international electives during their 3rd and 4th years. I was also told that the school was hoping to implement an internation medicine certificate program within the next year.
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The facilities and enthusiastic students.
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Loved their sim center in temple as well as the smaller class sizes
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Everyone was truly genuine and really made me feel like I was important to them.
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Scott and White. The sim center was awesome. How friendly everyone is at A&M. Filo.
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VERY friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
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The facilities at Scott & White and the ability to do all 4 years there. The admissions staff was very accessible and fabulous.
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Everyone was ridiculously nice, Filo is very nice. the sim center, Scott and White
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Filo and the facilities in Temple especially the Simulation Center. They escorted you to your interview so you wouldn't get lost.
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The friendliness of everyone involved in the interview day. They really went out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable.
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All the facilities are brand new, they have an amazing simulation center, the school is growing with lots of new opportunities, the small class size is really personal, it's a great school if you're married & have kids b/c all the spouses help out with child-care, lots of scholarships (especially if you're out of state), cost of living is really low (like $400/mo for an apartment really close to the school)
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Very enthusiastic students, small class size, Filo is an admissions god, the sim center rocks.
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Filo, the interviewers, that the student's get to know faculty, a random doctor we met in the hospital
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Did a good job making me feel like they were recruiting me, good presentations, lunch was very nice (tasty!)
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It was well organized and people were extremely friendly
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The small class size and atmosphere.
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Scott & White is impressive -- an excellent teaching hospital. Also, they they have a simulation center that is like an emergency room and private practice complete with computerized dummies, ambulances that beats anything I have seen at other medical schools. The attitude of the faculty and administration impressed me in that they want every student to succeed ... not just the top 80% or whatever. Every single student passed the step tests for the past few years. The students really knew each other and seemed to have a good chemistry with one another. Very organized planning for the future (with options for a Temple 4-year and Bryan/College Station 4-year track coming up for the future). This school clearly is clearly committed to to producing excellent doctors and growing their program in a way that maintains excellence. Scott & White has many clinical research opportunities. None of the students was "personality deficient." At every other school, I met at least one medical student who was shy or was challenged in personal interaction. At A&M every student had at least good interpersonal skills and most seem to excellent in the people skills department and were very motivated and happy.
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The interviewers actually knew and had read over my file and asked me specific questions about my file. The Dean Filo was very friendly and helpful.
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The approachable staff and incredible facilities (simulation center and the best teaching hospital I have ever visited).
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Filo and the staff. The students were very nice.
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Facilities were very high tech & new
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Filo, enthusiasm of students, facilities, scott and white hospital
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Filo was awesome!!! The best, most friendly, most helpful assoc. dean ever. School seems to genuinely wants to find applicants who are humanitarians, who will contribute to the society and in rural areas.
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The really great food. The students were awesome. And the man Filo was very impressive.
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Was fed very well and personally escorted to my interviews. Simulation Center was impressive as heck. Felt like I could flourish in this program with such a supportive faculty. I liked that there was room for and encouragement to do research, which was opposite of what I heard previously. Most impressive however was Filo himself. I encourage interviewees to find some time to converse with him about anything.
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The fact that everyone is cordial and the program is extremely organized. This is a complement to Filo and the staff that run the organization and it reflects their committment to the students.
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I though that I would not like this school but I was very impressed with their facilities and their approach to medicine.
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The enthusiasm of the students, the class size (80), and Scott & White hospital in Temple where 3-4 yrs do rotations.
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Everyone was super friendly and welcoming.
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Everyone was really friendly. a&m goes out of their way to take care of their students.
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A&m cares about its students. all the staff dress up that day to greet you & walk you to the interview. Filo is one great guy. clean campus, great lunch atmosphere. my second interview was a gem! one of a kind.
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The faculty was very genuine. They want to produce caring doctors.
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FIlo- the associate dean, the friendliness of the interviewers
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Filomeno Maldonado (Filo) is an absolute asset to A&M Medical School and makes everyone feel so comfortable. Also, the interview day was very well organized.
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I'm really into research and I didn't think this school was into promoting research for its med students, but they're really trying to make a name for themselves in the life sciences. I think that my interest in research was a plus since they are really set on expanding in terms of research.
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The friendliness of everyone involved throughout the day. They also seem to genuinely care and respond quickly to student feedback and opinions. The doctors at Scott & White are also genuinely interested in the students' education and allow a great deal of hands on experience. Overall, a very good learning atmosphere.
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All students and faculty I came across seemed genuinely compassionate. Since the school is small it is a close knit group all willing to help each other whenever they can. The Scott & White facilities were much more impressive than I was expecting. The overall experience was very positive.
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Small class size and friendliness of the staff.
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The whole atmosphere of the administration, students, and community. Small class size.
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How friendly all the faculty and students were- also how nice scott and white was in temple
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Filo, financial aid presentation, Scott and White, small class size, and the fact that this school seems to invest a lot in their students
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Small class size was great, very organized day and faculty/students were very personable
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Quality and attitude of faculty
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The students, the faculty, administration, the parking availability, housing...wait...everything did!
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The organization of the day was superb. Very hospitable and accomodating.
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Everyone at A& M was very nice.
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The personable people at the school, their attentiveness to students, the athletic facilities in College Station, Scott and White in Temple
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It was really well organized, the people were very nice, overall it was a very positive experience
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There were people to take you to and from your interviews. Filo was great because he was always present and the financial aid seminar was wonderful!!
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Small class size, one-to-one ratio of students to attendings during third and fourth year rotations, how nice Scott and White and the VA are in Temple
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The students seemed incredibly enthusiastic and genuinely happy at the school. As everyone else has said, Filo is a HUGE asset and really embodies the core values of the College of Medicine. Also, the Financial Aid lady knows her stuff, so pay attention. They want their students to succeed and go all-out in helping them do so with an incredible support network and wonderful resources. The students seem to share and work closely together.
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Filo Maldonado!! He was very comforting and knowledgeable and made an excellent presentation at lunch. Also, my interviewers, the students and the school were all great! Also, I've read that many students find the drive to Temple to be a negative experience; I saw it as a time to reflect upon my interview in the morning and to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses...I'd advise others to do the same!
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Filo, definitely. Scott and White really is amazing.
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Amazing facilities at Temple (S&W, VA, etc.). The students and staff are genuinely interested in getting to know you and make you feel welcome. Lots and lots of food. Filo RULES - get to know him well.
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People, scott and white facilities, the admissions staff escort you to your interviews so you don't get lost
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Everything!! Mr. Maldonado is awesome--he runs the show and does a great job of it. He is extremely knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely excited about what A&M has to offer.
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FILO Maldanado!!! He's associate dean of admissions and very involved in ALL aspects of recruiting, reviewing, procesing and admitting medical students. During your visit, he will be EVERYWHERE ALL the TIME. He is very charming, movtivating and if you are at all in doubt about which Texas school to attend, this guy will make the difference for you!
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Scott & White turned out to be a decent hospital with 500 bed capacity.
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The organization and the medical students who answered all the questions.
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You felt like you were being recruited the whole time you were there. Filo is the real deal, he personifies A&M's outlook. Scott & White is amazing, the low student to faculty and resident ratio give you plenty of chances to get your hands dirty.
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The friendliness of the campus, not having to ride the coattails of residents and other medical students in 3rd and 4th year rotations
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The interview was very organized. Also, the lunch was nice.
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The faculty and student. The school just have a positive energy that draws me in. The clinical opportunity throughout 4 years of medical school is also very appealing.
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Filo was very nice. No one at TAMU mentioned another school in a negative way. They said "other larger medical schools" but never said a specific name. Not even students. I thought this was very professional. The financial aid presentation is really good.
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All 80 students are in one anatomy lab. the professors seem very approachable. scott and white and the new paperless hospital that is being built in the complex.
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The low student to faculty ratio. Filo is really nice.
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The people there were the nicest I have ever met. My second interview was well over an hour, and I was the last one to interview at 5 PM. The Assistant Dean of Admissions personally drove me back to my car (just one example). The small class size is also a big plus.
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Small class size (although it is growing) and curriculum. also, all the students really seemed to like the comraderie of their class.
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Scott and White is amazing
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A&M leaves no doubt that they want you to be a part of their school. I was extremely impressed with the Asst. Dean of Admissions and his dedication to the interviewees during the day. He made a point to speak with each one and seemed very encouraging and helpful.
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Students genuinely have a fire for their school. faculty seem nice. they really want you--interview day is very structured and well-organized. lots of food!
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Friendliness of everyone.
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The students, faculty and staff were all very helpful and nice. The assistant dean, Filo, is an extermely nice person. Feel free to ask him any questions.
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The students at A&M are great. Also, their philosophy seems to be admirable, and they apparently live up to it. Scott and White is actually a cool place, and would be a good place for years 3 and 4 despite a generally negative attitude towards Temple among fellow interviewees and others I have spoken to.
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Friendliness of EVERYBODY! beautiful campus; small class size=80
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A&M has a tradition of being a family atmosphere and graduates seem very loyal and I could see better where that originates from. Most everyone was open and helpful.
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Organized schedule; each individual was taken to their interview
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Philo. He is the real deal. Philo is the perfect rep for A&M, what this school is about, and what it's attitudes are. He is there for you, and so is this school. Scott & White. I knew right away that this is where I wanted to be after visiting S&W. Temple is bad, but you will not get better clinical trainging than you will from S&W. Look into it, research it's history and national reputation. The physicians they draw, the inovative procedures that they perform, the experts that they have on staff. It's only down side is Temple, and that's not so bad since Austin is so close.
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The school's curriculum and Philo
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Faculty, students, and staff are very open and friendly. It is obvious they want you to come to their school.
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The sincerity and friendliness of the staff; they really want you to come to their school and don't try to hide it
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The Absolute openness and friendliness of the staff and students. The Admissions staff were completely open and wanted you to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. They really went out on a limb to make you feel wanted.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about the split campuses in College Station and Temple, as well as concerns about the long commute between the two locations. Some also mentioned issues with unprepared interviewers, lack of financial aid information, and the rural locations of the campuses. Suggestions included improving interviewer preparedness, providing more comprehensive financial aid information, and addressing the challenges of split campuses.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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The second interviewer I had was rapid firing questions at me and it was his first time interviewing. Just an uncomfortable experience. Also they only gave me a week notice for this interview and it was in August on a weekday.
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They did not cover cost of attendance or financial aid in any of the presentations.
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The multiple campuses is kinda confusing
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The school is in a pretty inconvenient location. It's not part of A&M proper, but a little way up a highway with nothing around. It's not connected to a hospital either. There's 3 affiliates in the county to rotate at, but they aren't right next to the school. College Station is also pretty congested. I suppose 68k students will do that to a city, but it was not as free flowing as I had hoped.
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Split campuses uncertainty
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That my second interview seemed unprepared (had not even looked at my file)
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The campus tour did not seem that coordinated.
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City of temple
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Crickets!!! They were everywhere but apparently this is only 2-3 weeks of the year.
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Students were disinterested, students didn't seem to show initiative in their education, was told by one student "I hope you get into the other schools you're interviewing at and can go there", did not like the idea of split campuses as it seems consistency in training may vary, anatomy lab groups are very large and you are only doing 1/3 dissections yourself, step performance was below national average, limited research emphasis.
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Absolutely nothing.
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Nothing really.
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Med students seemed uninterested or did not like the ethics courses/primary care push
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The number of locations and the reliance on video for lectures
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Some of the lectures are video-casted
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Students seemed very casual and too relaxed for my taste. All the A&M undergrads there everywhere would distract from intensity of med school.
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Intensity of USMLE-prep talk; facilities tour.
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My second interviewer was an arrogant jerk who spent the entire interview trying to convince me that pre-meds are naive and don't know what we're getting ourselves into. He was rude, swore that he'd never allow his own children to go into medicine, though his son was a 4th year, and made me feel like an idiot for even applying. He focused on the negatives in my app and refused to acknowledge the positives. He was late and even took a personal phonecall during my interview. It was a terrible experience.
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Curriculum is changing for the incoming class. Don't mind block scheduling but I do mind comprehensive shelf exams (NBME) at the end of each semester. Students can't move forward to next semester if they don't pass shelf exams even if they've passed all of their class exams. I don't like the mandatory scholarly project required for graduation (equivalent to a masters thesis)
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Some curriculum issues I didn't like, spread out clinical locations, video feed professors in some classes.
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The lack of excitement among students, their lack of participation in the interview day. Seems that distance lectures are used quite a bit. They didn't show us the library on the tour--this is where I'd spend most of my study time!! The tours should be led by students, not admissions people. The gross lab is located across the parking lot/street from the medical education building.
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College Station Medical Center, randomly scheduled tours of the school - especially the short video "tour" of the learning resource library
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Temple doesn't seem to offer a lot--however, it was too foggy for me to get a clear picture of the town/city area.
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The small class size. Having attended both a liberal arts college and a huge public university, I actually prefer larger class sizes.
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I interviewed in Temple. There is very little to do there.
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Location. Temple is not the greatest place.
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Nothing really. the location is not really for me, but even that wasn't as bad as I though it would be.
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The city is very small.
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The drive from College Station to Temple (crazy traffic and construction!)
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I just don't like the location of the school.
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Scott and White is a great facility right smack dab in the middle of nowhere. That being said, I would still go there in a heartbeat.
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The cities (temple and cs) aren't exactly urban but not exactly rural...i'm a city boy so i guess this was a big letdown. the interviewers also wore hard-ons and drilled me
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The tour of the VA seemed rather pointless...
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The VA
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I don't like the idea of having to move to Temple after 2 years, but I'd rather do that than stay in College Station for all 4...Scott & White is awesome.
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The concept of telecourses for many classes and the ''tour'' of the VA.
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The students were too laid back. sure small class size is nice but, i have a competitive spirit, and don't think the soft attitude the students seemed to have was fitting for someone in the medical profession
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The first interviewer was 40 minutes behind schedule and was very abrasive during the interview. There was a lot of downtime at the end of the day in Temple.
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It isn't really a negative impression just something negative to expect, the day is long and you have to drive between College Station and Temple so just prepare for a LONG day and lots of walking and moving around.
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The location is very rural, you have to move to Temple the same time you take your boards, the anatomy lab only has room for 4 students, but 6 are assigned to a tank - so on the day you're not dissecting your group members have to teach you the material,
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The crazy long day (7am to 5pm) and the drive to Temple. But I can't imagine you'd be able to get a good feel for the school any other way. The nature of two campuses I suppose.
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The girl I stayed with, the tour of the VA (pointless and dull tour guides), size of cities and school, facilities, the students in general (strange...)
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Paying for parking at College Station campus (but that's an A&M thing, even for prospective undergrad students), first interviewer harped on my grades and MCAT (when all I heard in the opening presentation was how A&M wanted to get to know me as a person, beyond my grades)
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The small anatomy lab. They don't have enough cadavers for all of the students, so there are 6 students per table. Due to the lack of space they only allow 4 students at a time at the table. So this means that instead of attending anatomy lecture mon/wed/fri, you would only go mon/wed. The people who went on friday are responsible for teaching you the material that you missed and then you are quized on it during the next class period. Your partners that taught you receive the grade you earn on the quiz. This is to ensure that your partners take the time to teach you.
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Having to move to Temple halfway into your training.
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Nothing really. I was actually quite very impressed. This is a school focused on rural care, so it's not going give the big-city indigent care hospital experience that some might seek.
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The heat and the drive from CS to Temple. the Medical school looks old but they are going to build a new one and a new hospital at Temple.
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The two years in College Station and two years in Temple. However, new students can now choose a four year program in Temple! So, it's not bad after all.
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Location and the different changes going on at the school.
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Aggressive & competitive students; insincere/smarmy dean
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Moving in 2 yrs to a city in the middle of nowhere
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None
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Second interview. He kept interrupting me to throw out more questions. One after another, some of them pretty harsh, then "Okay, time's up." I did not get to ask anything.
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Temple isn't ideal for those with very active social lives. Not enough interaction with 1st or 2nd year students during the College Station session. Not sure how well students are prepared for boards.
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The fact that you have to move to Temple after two years. Yay.
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Having to drive to Temple.
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The commute to Temple (1.5 hrs) to complete the interview day, and one student tour guide who seemed completely disinterested.
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Driving to Temple was tiring but a good chance to relax. Also, the day was VERY exhausting.
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It is a school focused on rural medicine. i thought i would like that, but it's not for me.
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Split campus, LONG day. you had to travel at least from a&m to temple, then went on a bus to the stimulation center then again to scott and white
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The split campus is a terrible idea. It's an hour and half out to Temple, which is out in the middle of nowhere.
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Having to drive to Temple
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3rd and 4th year are in Temple. Temple is probably one of the most boring places on earth.
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The drive to Temple was long. There were lots of turns and highways and towns to go through, but I kind of tailed the guy in front of me. =) But then again, this was my first interview experience and I didn't think my first interview was all that great (though by no means bad either) so I had a lot of time to rethink some of the answers to the questions he asked. Good thing I did because my second interviewer at Temple asked some of the same questions and that one went really great!!
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Not much. Its a long way from home for me as I'm not a resident. Facilities in College Station are not the best, but OK.
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The split campus was really the only turn off.
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College Station and Temple.
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The long drive to Temple
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How far temple was from a&m
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The medical students were cool, but the rest of the student population at Texas A&M is really scary (unless you're a facist, neo-nazi, bible-thumping, right-wing nut-job and I happen to be a liberal atheist)
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The long day.
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The 84 mile drive for the second interview
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While most people boast about a small class size...80 seems a bit too small for me. I feel a bit larger class size may allow for more diversity...but again, the sampling of students I met at the interview may not be representative of the entire class...
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The drive from College Station to Temple and then back home.
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Not much! Although the interview process is very long. Also, I toured the Scott & White facility with several VERY immature applicants.
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"the move" to Temple, academic enviornment does not seem as strong as other schools
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It's such a long day, Both locations are very rural.
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The long day
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A&M is a split campus, meaning that the first two years are in College Station, while the last two are 90 miles away in Temple. Also, both towns are pretty small and are in the middle of no-where. (When we were driving to Temple, we knew that we were going in the right direction when we could see Scott and White rising out of a relatively desolate area from about 20 minutes outside of town. This is a testament to how small Temple is and how large Scott and White is.)
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Nothing, really. Some students didn't show-up at the VA Hospital to give tours, but it was due to a misunderstanding.
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The long day. It was a 15 hour day for me and that made it more of an endurance test more than anything.
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The loooong day -- the drive to and from Temple was longer than I thought, but I rode the shuttle and had cool people to chat w/.
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The drive to Temple, long and tiring day (7am-5:30pm)
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Split campus, temple is not so cool
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Drive to Temple wasn't too bad, but I was exhausted at the day's end after driving home.
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The LONG DRIVE from College Station to Temple.
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Location
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They let medical students conduct interviews
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Very long day! They really squeeze the drive to Temple in, most of the group was 15-30 min late getting to Temple.
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Temple. I don't care about moving between the second and third year, but Temple doesn't have the ammenities that College Station has.
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The drive to Temple and the length of the day. You start at College Station at 7:00 and end at Temple at 5:30.
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Nothing.
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The drive to Temple, Temple, Scott & White. One of the tour guides at College Station, Tiffany, made it clear that she did not want to be there at all. Also, there were only three female medical students that I encountered and only five minority students.
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At 8:30 am, they took us to a lab and we were lectured about the technology of microscopes that now allow us to see how integrins talk with the cell membrane. it was a bit dry.
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The students seem a bit arrogant. The split campus - no interaction between 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th years.
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The split campus (Years 1 & 2 in College Station and 3 & 4 in Temple) didn't appeal to me. Wherever you are, you would be isolated from some aspect of the medical school experience.
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The drive to temple, the early morning, overall, i'm just not sure what i really think about temple - not much to do.
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I wouldn't be too excited to live in Temple, but then again, it's only for 2 years.
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The split campus thing is a bit of a downside but certainly not a serious one. Scott and White also has extremely cheap on-campus housing. Also, some of the resources at A&M are less than at other places. Its definitely on its way up though.
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Lots of tours..drive to temple...early start (7 am!!) it was a very tiring, long day--difficult to keep awake by the end of it.
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The day seemed really long. Overall it was cool though.
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The only negative impresion I obtained was the 2nd interviewer that I met. However, this was my personal experience. For future students going to A&M, I think everything will be fine. What will really make the day excellent or average will depend on your interviews.
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I somewhat didn't care for College Station. The worst thing about the day is how early it starts. Most of us were there by 6:30 am. My first interview was at 8:00 am, and I don't think I was fully awake yet. It's a long day.
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Drive from College station to Temple
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I rated the interviews negatively, but it was really only the final interview that was not positive. This was my first interview day, so I was nervous. However, I interviewed with a doctor that offered no visual feedback during the interview and that was a little difficult to deal with. I tried to anticipate the various personalities that you might encounter, but a stone faced interviewer who would continue to stare even after you finished your answer was quite different for me. I had to fight the urge to continue talking after my answer was complete. Since that was my last contact with the school before I left for the day, I didn't know what to make of it on the way home.
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The structured schedule made some of the staff uptight; the second interview was at the Temple Campus--so we had to drive 1.5 hrs.
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Temple, as a town. You will be too busy in the clinical years to worry about the town. It is best not to have the temptation anyway
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The facilities seemed old and the students that we talked to were rather immature. the interviewers acted like they were interviewing us for harvard or something
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The drive to Temple! Temple is fine, but the drive is long and boring.
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Temple. ugh.
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One of the tours was for the research department, as I'm not much interested in reseach, it did not interest me much.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the variability in interview styles, the emphasis on prepared questions for interviewers, the need to be prepared for a long, full-day interview experience, and the importance of relaxation and being oneself during the interview process. They also noted the significance of researching the school's unique aspects, such as the different campus locations and clinical opportunities, and being aware of logistical details like parking arrangements and travel times between locations.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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The medical students there said all interviews will be chill and conversational. My first one was like that, my second one was entirely the opposite. Be prepared for anything.
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Open file
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There is a standardized patient interaction
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Old SDN reviews talk about traveling between College Station and Temple for interviews. In 2018 this is not the case. My entire interview day was at College Station (technically Bryan). An interview in Temple will be spent entirely in Temple. The interview day is long! They don't joke around about it going from 8-5. Breakfast left much to be desired to eat before you arrive unless you want some fruit and a donut. Lunch was good though. The interviews don't start until 2:00 pm. So there is a lot waiting in anticipation while you listen to presentations and go on tours. You get to ride a bus over to the county hospital for a tour. Then you get a tour of the anatomy lab and the floor where standardized patient encounters are done. You don't get a tour of anything else though.
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Na
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That they seem to put a lot of emphasis on having questions prepared for the interviewer at the end of the interview. Seriously-- prepare questions for them!
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N/A
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It's a full day with no down time relative to other interviewing formats
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That I should have requested to interview at the Bryan campus.
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(Temple campus) Many of the faculty came to Temple to work at the hospital before it was affiliated with A&M. I made the mistake of asking an interviewer why he chose to come to A&M and he just looked at me funny...
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The parking lot was really full, so make sure to get there early.
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TAMHSC is a looooong interview day
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To relax
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Leave early to allow time for parking
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That the admissions people are very fiendly and want you to pick their school if you get an interview there.
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That this interview would be a waste of time and money.
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That we wouldn't have breakfast.
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That I would not like this school very much.
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Hmm.... I kinda felt prepared for everything.
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The interviews are in the morning.
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They give tours of a hospital in College Station and the med after the interview day is over. You sign up the day of the interview.
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Not to stress as much. Great place with great faculty.
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There was really no reason to stress out like i did
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There is no way that you will make it to from bryan to temple in an hour. Every one is late... it takes an hour and a half to get to the second interview spot.
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The 2hr drive to Temple
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Nothing. I felt prepared.
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The directions from cs to temple are clear until you get into temple...
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How nice the facilities were in Temple and how much time and money A&M was putting into updating their curriculum and learning environment for the students.
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Although on the schedule the time between College Station and Temple is 90 minutes, they are not going to start without you/forget about you in Temple.
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It really was going to be okay.
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Nothing really.. everything was very straightforward
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I wish I had known more about the new four year track in Temple.
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Pay parking details. Get there in plenty of time to figure out the machine to pay for your parking. I didn't and decided the interview was more important, so I got stuck with a campus parking ticket ($30).
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If you are driving there in the morning, you're going to drive in the dark the whole time, which makes it hard to read the directions and see the signs.
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It is truly an all day event - so driving for 2+ hours to my next interview the following day was pretty arduous.
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These are the hardest interviews i've had yet. pretty much like, what i first expected all med school interviews to be like (ethical, personal questions)
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They are increasing the class size. This means there will be 3 possible tracks: CS all 4 years, CS for 2 and Temple for 2, and Temple for all 4 years.
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How long the day would be (it was exhausting)
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It's pretty interesting how they are going to have 4-year tracks in Bryan/College Station and Temple in the future.
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That they would ask me alot of questions from the secondary that i completed for them such as specialty choice.
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I got lost going back home from Temple too!...hehehe
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...how to get back home from Temple.
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That 2 years of school are in college station & 2 in Temple
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The emphasis on humanistic aspect of medicine.
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I would have worked on my secondary for this school harder if I had known how nice it is.
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Info on all the interviewees is given out to everyone - pretty interesting.
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That I could have taken a bus.
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Nothing really.
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You will get a parking ticket if you don't prepay correctly.
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A&m has the nicest ppl around! will be stuck in a shuttle with 10 ppl for at 3 hrs that day. alot of free time between interviews. some questions were asked from the secondary app (make sure you remember what you wrote.
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This was my first interview. All of them mostly followed suit with this one- no really probing questions. I could have been a lot more relaxed beforehand.
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Students walk you to the interviews- so you cannot get lost
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Emphasis on research, Scott and White, that my low GPA (3.3) was not an issue for either of my interviewers since I had the upward trend going (they both told me that I had NOTHING to worry about in terms of numbers which was a HUGE relief).
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Nothing
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There was no need to be stressed.
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Nothing new
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How great the facilities are and how small the medical school class is
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Their are lots of opportunities to get involved such as the Health Circus, anti-tobacco activities, and that fact that clinical training is one-on-one.
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The small class size and the magnitude of the Scott & White facility
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That the drive was 84 miles and the shuttle came back 1 hour after the last flight out
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College Station is a pretty happenin' place...I went into the interview dreading it.
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Where to park in College Station (the directions aren't clear).
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The trip to Temple was longer than I anticipated.
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Filo and the others really are as nice as everyone says.
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That it would be such a long day...I wanted to fall asleep the whole time. Drink lots of coffee.
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I wish I had know Temple was a lot closer to my home than College Station then I would have driven to Temple..but that was my fault and in no way reflects the school
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Nothing really...just be prepared for a long day.
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Scott & White in Temple is one of the US News' "Top 10 teaching hospitals" in the nation. You begin a "preceptorship" during your second year in which every Tuesday from 1-5 pm, you work with one physician and go to clinic with him/her. A&M was one of the first schools in the nation to start this program.
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I was anxious for no reason! Relax..the people at A&M will go out of their way to make you feel at home! They really promote a family environment!
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To just totally relax. The folks at A&M will really treat you well.
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That it is really a get-to-know-you type of experience. No need to prepare for the interview other than to be yourself at all times. Your interviewers will be able to sniff out BS. Also, prepare questions in advance that you have for your interviewer.
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They had a shuttle available to ride to temple
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Pay for parking! They will issue parking citations so be prepared! Make sure you follow someone to Temple so you know where to park at Scott & White (I managed to luck on to it).
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Drs Scott and White (namesakes of S&W hospital) were contemporaries of the Mayo brothers and patterned their hospital system like the Mayo clinic. Just kind of cool trivia....
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Loads of money thrown into building new facilities.
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They have moved to a organ systems/classical approach last year. It seems to be better this year, but the MSII's did not have much nice to say about last years introduction to the new approach.
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This school is not as well known as others, but is a very good school.
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The drive from College Station to Temple is longer than I thought.
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The day is really really long. Get lunch on your way to Temple, lunch there isn't good, especially if you don't eat red meat or pork.
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DONT SPEED while going on the route from college station to temple. the cops were out, watching for law breakers.
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Not to worry about the interviews.
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That you can spend most of your fourth year electives wherever you want. also, b/c of the small class, students get much one on one time with the attendings during 3 and 4 years
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The Temple experience...
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Class size has increased from 64 to 80.
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From my experience, it seemed that the interviewers looked at the application either 5 minutes before the interview or saw it first hand as they spoke to you. For example, my inetrviewers had problems differentiating future course work from current course work. So as long as you guys have a good idea of your statement and what you have done, then you should feel prepared. If you want to prepare, look at ethical and social issues. Overall, try to relax as much as possible. In addition, once you finish the 1st interview, quickly move on to Temple so you will not be late to the luncheon.
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That there would be a lot of open-ended "list" questions. Those really force you to think on your feet and be eloquent, which is sometimes difficult at 8:00 am.
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It is a longer day, so rest up.
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The faculty really pays attention to each person, and they are really good about knowing your name.
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To relax. please, just relax. Enjoy. And take note of the LRU. It is a little sanctuary for Med students only with everything you will ever need, and a full time staff to meet you every need, not to mention staff psychologists ,lawyer, and computer techs for you home computer needs. They give you everything you could ever need.
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Nothing, it was really pretty boring
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That the fourth year is likely somewhere else besides Temple, depending on how you setup the year's electives.
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I go to TAMU so there's not much to learn ;)
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I thought that the clinical aspects were limited with this school, and I found out afterwards that there is actually great diversity and several clinical sites to utilize and explore. Not only this, but the clinical sites are expanding and will have some very impressive new facilities by the time that I would be there.
🤝 Campus and Facilities ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?
0 = Low, 10 = High
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.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should provide more information on financial aid, tuition costs, and housing options, and ensure interview locations are convenient for all candidates. Additionally, there were requests for interviewers to avoid asking inappropriate questions and for the admissions office to consider covering parking fees.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Mentioning the financial aid, and cost of tuition etc would be useful. Also discussing housing.
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N/a
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Do not split campuses for interviews, especially when most people will never be at the Temple campus
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The talk on the curriculum and preparation for the USMLE was pretty intimidating at College Station.
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Make sure that your interviewers know not to ask 'illegal' questions
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It would be nice if parking was paid.
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Slow the tour down; break us into groups.
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None
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It would be nice if they paid our parking fees like other schools.
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
✈️
IAH
33% interviewees used IAH (IAH), with 17% using Austin (Austin) and 17% using College Station (College Station) and 17% using dfw (dfw) and 17% using Houston Bush Intercontinental (Houston Bush Intercontinental).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
✈️
9% Airplane
🚗
85% Automobile
🚆
3% Train or Subway
🚲
3% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Hampton Inn (average ranking 8.8/10), with some staying at La Quinta (average rating 7.5/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Hampton Inn
8.8/10
🏨
La Quinta
7.5/10
🏨
Fairfield Inn
6/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (13%)
Faculty member (5%)
Other (9%)
Student (73%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (3%)
Enthusiastic (89%)
Neutral (8%)
All Responses
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No responses found.
| Application Cycle ▿ | Impression | Performance | Interview Location |
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