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University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Chicago, IL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 10% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about applicants' motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences with underserved populations, academic and extracurricular activities, coping strategies for stress, and reasons for choosing a specific medical school. Additionally, questions about failures, research experiences, future career plans, personal interests, and scenarios related to ethics or patient care are frequently discussed. Some respondents mentioned being asked about MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and specific activities detailed in their application.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, from personal qualities like maturity and favorite books to scenarios involving ethical dilemmas and cultural experiences. While there were no specific mentions of MMI or nondisclosure agreements, the questions appeared to be diverse and aimed at getting to know the applicants on a deeper level.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including teamwork experiences, personal failures, challenges in medicine, ethical dilemmas, and reasons for choosing medicine over other professions. The interviews varied from standard questions to more probing inquiries, with some students mentioning thorough reviews of their files and discussions on personal statements and activities to assess their fit for the institution.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent less than $100.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either With students at the school or with students at the school.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reviewing their applications, practicing with mock interviews, reading SDN feedback, researching the school's website, and staying updated on current events and ethical issues in healthcare. Many also engaged in conversations with current students, shadowed medical professionals, and familiarized themselves with the school's curriculum and mission to feel more comfortable and prepared.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness, genuine enthusiasm, and sense of community exhibited by the students, faculty, and staff at Pritzker. The emphasis on health equity, strong mentorship, generosity in scholarships, and opportunities for academic and research exploration were also highlighted as major positive aspects of the school. Suggestions included maintaining the supportive and inclusive atmosphere, continuing to prioritize social justice and community outreach, and enhancing opportunities for research and interdisciplinary studies.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the surrounding area of Hyde Park, safety in neighboring neighborhoods, long lectures, lack of excitement about the clinical years, stressful atmosphere, traditional curriculum, and unfriendly interview experiences. Suggestions included better organization of interview days, more enthusiasm during tours, improved communication about admissions timelines, and addressing safety perceptions of the location.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews would be low-stress and conversational, the emphasis on working with underserved communities, the importance of flying into Midway Airport instead of O'Hare for convenience, the amount of walking involved during the tour, and the supportive and friendly atmosphere of the school. Additionally, applicants suggested preparing conversational answers, bringing comfortable shoes for walking, and being aware of the cost of transportation options in Chicago.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at Pritzker to be well-organized and informative, with multiple interviews (faculty, student, and admissions staff) that were relaxed and conversational. They appreciated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the opportunity to interact with current students, and the beautiful campus and facilities. Some applicants highlighted the unique aspects of the school, such as its strong community, supportive environment, and emphasis on academic excellence and real-world experiences.
  • School is very receptive to letters of interest/intent and update letters (especially from those on the waitlist).
  • Awesome, was a little skeptical of Hyde Park before coming, but truly amazing neighborhood. The student body is more relaxed, friendly, and family-like than any other including some schools that you would think would be more tight-knit by virtue of having fewer students.
  • Love this school, hope I get the opportunity to attend!
  • Great school, with amazing resources, faculty, and student body
  • Generally enjoyable interview day

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should maintain their friendly and welcoming approach, consider shortening or consolidating the interview day schedule to avoid long wait times and create a more relaxed environment. They also recommend improving the organization of class visits and being mindful of communication methods, such as avoiding last-minute location changes via text.