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

Buffalo, NY

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 33% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 personal experiences, ethical scenarios, reasons for pursuing medicine, interest in the school, handling stress, qualities of a physician, and addressing social issues. Some respondents mentioned being asked a wide range of questions related to their application, background, research, and hypothetical situations, while others noted specific questions on ethical dilemmas, non-disclosure agreements, and the MMI format.

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 wide range of topics including ethical scenarios, personal reflections, social issues, and hypothetical situations. The interview format appears to be an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses referencing nondisclosure agreements, ethical questions, and varying scenarios presented to applicants, aiming to assess their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a medical context.

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 topics, from ethical scenarios like handling derogatory comments to situational inquiries about physician qualities and conducting medical research. While some mentioned standard questions, others faced unique challenges like designing experiments, dealing with controversial interviewers, or discussing social issues, with some respondents indicating an MMI format possibly involving a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the questions.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 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 Admissions staff personnel

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 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 Hotel or at a hotel.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

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 average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

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

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as average.
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 engaging in mock interviews, practicing common interview questions, and researching the school using resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) and the school's website. Many also reviewed their application materials and talked to current students for insights.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and collaborative atmosphere at the school, with multiple mentions of the positive interactions with students, faculty, and staff. They also highlighted the school's facilities, integrated curriculum, early clinical exposure, and efficient admissions process as major positives. The emphasis on student success, lack of competitiveness, and supportive environment were recurring themes in the feedback.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about aspects such as unprepared interviewers, outdated facilities, long and unorganized tours, high student-to-cadaver ratios, lack of student enthusiasm, unpredictable interview processes, and the school's location in Buffalo. Suggestions included improving interviewer preparation, updating facilities, streamlining tour itineraries, reducing student-to-cadaver ratios, boosting student engagement, providing clearer interview schedules, and enhancing the overall campus experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and easy nature of the interview, the importance of being prepared for unexpected questions, the need for comfortable shoes and a substantial breakfast, and the emphasis on personal experiences rather than academic metrics. Applicants also noted the long tour duration, the surprise pop essay, the lack of breakfast provided, and the need for patience during waiting periods throughout the day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at the University at Buffalo to be positive and laid-back, with friendly staff and students, conversational interviews, and a welcoming atmosphere. Some mentioned enjoying the school's curriculum changes, faculty enthusiasm, and the emphasis on getting to know applicants as individuals. Suggestions included shortening the tour, improving interview scheduling, and providing clearer instructions for the essay questions.
  • 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.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should consider making the tour shorter, possibly with a multimedia component for a more engaging experience. Some also mentioned the desire for more food options during the visit, along with specific feedback on the length of the tour and interview schedules.