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University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Interview Feedback Summary

Tucson, AZ

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 23% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.1
Above Average

Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.

Based on 555 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 (79%)
Negatively (6%)
No change (15%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (45%)
Good (43%)
Average (10%)
Bad (1%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at the University of Arizona to be positive and relaxed, appreciating the friendly and conversational nature of the interviewers. Many noted the emphasis on fit with the school's culture and the importance of being genuine and prepared to engage in conversations during the interviews. Some mentioned specific details about the interview process, facilities, and opportunities offered by the school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • Overall, my answers weren't perfect but I really enjoyed interviewing here. The interviewers were all very kind and conversational, I never felt like I was speaking into the void.
  • I was overall impressed by the school. Tucson is not for everyone, and I think they look for a specific fit (which is why a lot of OOS get interview waitlisted). They are integrating a new research program into their curriculum. Also, their distinction tracts prepare you to be competitive for residency applications.
  • Overall, I was very impressed by the students here and their brand new facilities. I'd be happy to go here.
  • This seems like a great school and a wonderful campus. They take their student's success very seriously.
  • Great interview experience! It is what you make of it!
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
48 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
2.7 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
99% One-on-One
1% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
19% Open-File
81% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person

UA-COM-COMP interviews are an average of 48 minutes, with an average of 2.7 interviews. 99% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 81% 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 motivation for pursuing medicine, personal interests, family background, clinical experiences, leadership skills, and future career aspirations. Many respondents mentioned being part of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format interviews, where non-disclosure agreements may have been required, leading to questions related to ethical scenarios and scenarios testing interpersonal skills.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson discussed the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, with some mentioning being subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Common questions included inquiries about personal experiences impacting the desire to enter medicine, healthcare views influenced by family background, and future career aspirations in medicine.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for interviews by practicing with mock interviews, reviewing MMI scenarios, reading about ethics and current healthcare topics, studying their application materials, using resources like SDN and school websites, and creating lists of questions to ask. Many also highlighted the importance of relaxation, practicing out loud, and being prepared to discuss personal experiences and motivations during the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson discussed was related to MMI format, with references to nondisclosure agreements. Common themes included questions about motivations for pursuing medicine, personal challenges in becoming a physician, views on healthcare, and future contributions to the field, while some encountered more specific inquiries about past experiences, career aspirations, and personal qualities.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming and supportive atmosphere at the institution, as evidenced by the enthusiasm and camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff. Many highlighted the brand-new facilities, innovative curriculum, focus on early clinical exposure, and opportunities for service as standout features that left a positive impression. Positive comments also revolved around the small class size, faculty dedication, high-tech classrooms, and the school's commitment to student success and well-being.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the disorganized student-led pre-reception, the early timing of Step 1 exams, the financial aid presentation, the limited facilities and campus size, the lack of a lively campus atmosphere, and the negative experiences with interviewers. Suggestions included improving organization for events, providing more comprehensive information during tours, enhancing financial aid presentations, expanding facilities, and ensuring a positive and engaging interview experience for prospective students.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known specific details about the interview format and types of questions asked, such as the closed-file nature of the interviews and the variety of question types in MMIs. Additionally, some applicants mentioned wanting more information on the differences between campuses, the admissions process timeline, and specific details about the curriculum.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 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 frequent updates on application statuses and streamline the interview day experience by including a formal arrival event and closing discussions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
PHX

20% interviewees used PHX (PHX), with 15% using TUS (TUS) and 10% using Tucson (Tucson) and 5% using phx (phx) and 5% using -Denver-TUS (ATL) and 5% using Phoenix Sky Harbor (Phoenix Sky Harbor) and 5% using Sky Harbor (Sky Harbor) and 5% using mesa sky harbor (mesa sky harbor) and 5% using TUCSON (TUCSON) and 5% using there's only one in Tucson (there's only one in Tucson) and 5% using Tucson Intl. and Phoenix (Tucson Intl. and Phoenix) and 5% using Phoenix (Phoenix) and 5% using Sky Harbor (phx) (Sky Harbor (phx)) and 5% using N/A, virtual interview (N/A, virtual interview).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.

✈️
22% Airplane
🚗
74% Automobile
🚆
1% Train or Subway
🚲
2% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Sheraton Four Points (average ranking 5/10), with some staying at Springhill Suites (average rating 10/10). (Top 3 displayed)

🏨
Sheraton Four Points
5/10
🏨
Springhill Suites
10/10
🏨
marriott
10/10

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 Friends or family or with friends or family.

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (18%)
Faculty member (4%)
Student (78%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (2%)
Enthusiastic (83%)
Neutral (15%)

All Responses

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