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University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

Tucson, AZ

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% 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?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

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

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

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) scenarios with nondisclosure agreements, ethical dilemmas, motivations for pursuing medicine, future career aspirations, qualities of a good physician, and personal experiences related to research, leadership, and clinical exposure. Questions also touch on family background, interests outside of medicine, challenges in healthcare, and unique qualities that set applicants apart.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson discussed an MMI format, with several respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements. Commonly asked questions included scenarios about personal experiences, career motivations, views on healthcare, and ethical dilemmas, along with inquiries about research, family background, and future goals in medicine.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson discussed included Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with mentions of nondisclosure agreements, along with inquiries about personal experiences, motivations for pursuing medicine, potential challenges as a physician, and views on healthcare reform. The interviewers also explored applicants' reflections on their strengths, weaknesses, and future contributions to the field of medicine.
🤝 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 1 person.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had a closed 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 2-3 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

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

Most respondents spent less than $100.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by practicing MMI questions, reviewing their application, practicing with mock interviews, and researching current events and ethics. Suggestions include practicing answers out loud, reviewing school websites, and utilizing resources like SDN for feedback and sample questions.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the caring and supportive atmosphere at the school, with a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the new facilities, innovative curriculum, emphasis on early clinical exposure, and opportunities for research were highlighted as significant positives. Suggestions for improvement were minimal, with some mentioning minor facility upgrades or specific program enhancements.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants expressed concerns about disorganization during student-led events, unprofessional financial aid presentations, limited facilities and resources, small class sizes, lack of campus vibrancy, and mixed feelings about the locations of Tucson and Phoenix. Suggestions included improving tour experiences, addressing the campus facilities' shortcomings, enhancing student engagement and diversity, and streamlining the interview process.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known more specifics about the interview format and question types, the campus facilities, and the timeline for hearing back from the admissions committee. Suggestions included preparing for scenario-based questions, being aware of the unique aspects of each campus, and understanding the admissions process timeline to manage expectations.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interviews at the University of Arizona to be relaxed and conversational, with interviewers showing genuine interest in getting to know them. They appreciated the friendly atmosphere, the emphasis on fit with the school, and the opportunities provided by the curriculum and resources available. Some mentioned specific aspects of the program, such as the MMI format, the new research program, and the supportive campus community.
  • 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!
  • great school, enjoyed the MMI but was slightly more stressful than one-on-one

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office provide breakfast on the day of interviews and improve the flow of the interview day with better organization and formal closing discussions. Overall, applicants appreciate the friendly and helpful staff and recommend maintaining the current positive practices.