SDN Logo
 
 

SUNY - University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Interview Feedback Summary

Buffalo, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

AI Advisor

Ask questions about this school. Answers use aggregated data and are subject to error.

👋 Hi there! How can I help?
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 33% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.9
Good

Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.

Based on 706 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 (81%)
Negatively (7%)
No change (12%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (39%)
Good (39%)
Average (18%)
Poor (3%)
Bad (1%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally provided positive feedback on the interview experience, expressing appreciation for the conversational style of the interviews, friendly staff and students, and the school's curriculum and facilities. Suggestions for improvement included shortening the tour, addressing the waiting time between interviews, and enhancing the organization of the day's schedule.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • Loved the interview, school, staff!
  • Everyone said the interviews were conversational but one of mine was more like a formal interview.
  • Great school
  • The interview style is very laid back and not at all high-pressure. The only stressful part is the uncertainty of waiting between interviews and the long day (8:30am-4:30pm).
  • This school seems to have the entire package. Great curriculum, devoted faculty and student body, plenty of research/service opportunties, and a great network of teaching facilities in the area. You are making a mistake if you are a New York State resident and do not apply to UB. Out of every school that I have visited and dealt with during the application process this year, UB definitely is the only school that is actually interested in you as a person rather than your numbers. During the interview, the interviewers do not have access to your numbers (GPA, MCAT) and focus solely on you and your experience.
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
40 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
2.1 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
99% One-on-One
1% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
97% Open-File
3% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
20% Virtual
80% In-Person
🏫
Interview Location (for In-Person):
100% At the School
0% Other Location

UB-SMBS-COMP interviews are an average of 40 minutes, with an average of 2.1 interviews. 99% of interviews are one-on-one, 80% are in-person, and 3% are closed-file. Of the in-person interviews, 100% are held at the school.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about ethical dilemmas, experiences with diversity and inclusion, stress management, reasons for pursuing medicine, views on current healthcare issues, and personal qualities that make a good physician. Responses revealed a mix of standard questions, scenario-based inquiries, and discussions on applicants' backgrounds, volunteer work, and research experiences. Some respondents mentioned being subject to a nondisclosure agreement, indicating an MMI format interview with questions tailored to assess various competencies and qualities.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at SUNY - University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences discussed a variety of topics including ethical dilemmas, personal experiences, and social issues such as vaccination refusal. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on references to nondisclosure agreements and a range of scenario-based questions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Many applicants prepared for their interviews by conducting mock interviews, practicing common questions, researching the school, and reading through resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN). Suggestions included reviewing personal statements, staying up-to-date on current events, and practicing with friends or current students to feel more comfortable during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at SUNY - University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences discussed a wide range of challenging scenarios, including ethical dilemmas, social issues, and personal reflections. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses referencing nondisclosure agreements, with questions covering topics like handling unethical situations, addressing social problems, and assessing qualities of a good physician.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming nature of the student body, faculty, and admissions staff at the school. They appreciated the non-competitive atmosphere, the emphasis on collaboration, the modern facilities, the early clinical exposure, and the transparency in the admissions process. Many applicants highlighted the supportive environment, the integrated curriculum, the involvement of faculty in student success, and the efficiency of the admissions process as key positive aspects of their experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about the outdated facilities, long and unorganized tours, unfavorable weather in Buffalo, unengaged interviewers, high student-to-cadaver ratios, lack of personalization in interviews, and the remote location of the school. Suggestions included improving facilities, streamlining the interview process, enhancing student engagement, and considering the impact of location and weather on applicant experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed nature of the interview, the focus on personal experiences rather than academic metrics, the need for comfortable shoes for the lengthy tour, and the unexpected pop essay during lunch. Additionally, many suggested being mentally prepared for waiting periods, ensuring a good breakfast, and researching current healthcare issues for discussions during the interview.
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 suggested that the admissions office should consider shortening the length of the school tour to make it more concise and focused. Additionally, there were requests for more interactive and multimedia elements during the tour to enhance the experience for prospective students.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
BUF

55% interviewees used BUF (BUF), with 10% using buf (buf) and 10% using Buffalo (Buffalo) and 5% using Buffalo-Niagra (Buffalo-Niagra) and 2% using BNI (BNI) and 2% using Niagara International Airport (Niagara International Airport) and 2% using Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (Buffalo-Niagara International Airport) and 2% using Buffalo/Niagara International (Buffalo/Niagara International) and 2% using Buffalo International (Buffalo International) and 2% using Buffalo/ New York La Guardia (Buffalo/ New York La Guardia) and 2% using Buffalo-Niagara international (Buffalo-Niagara international) and 2% using N/A (N/A) and 2% using Buffalo Niagara (Buffalo Niagara).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.

✈️
51% Airplane
🚗
40% Automobile
🚆
4% Train or Subway
🚲
5% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Hampton Inn (average ranking 7.8/10), with some staying at Holiday Inn (average rating 8.5/10). (Top 3 displayed)

🏨
Hampton Inn
7.8/10
🏨
Holiday Inn
8.5/10
🏨
Hotel Indigo
8/10

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 Admissions staff personnel
Admissions staff (84%)
Faculty member (10%)
Other (1%)
Student (4%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Enthusiastic (100%)

All Responses

Loading responses...