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University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Los Angeles, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 12% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ 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 motivations for pursuing medicine, personal experiences and background, challenges faced, opinions on healthcare systems, future career aspirations, and specific details from the applicant's application, research, and volunteer experiences. Many respondents mentioned being asked about their family history, childhood, academic choices, and opinions on healthcare reform, indicating a thorough exploration of personal and professional motivations during the interview process. Some responses suggest that interviews were in an MMI format with strict adherence to non-disclosure agreements, emphasizing the confidentiality and structured nature of the interview process.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including personal life experiences, career aspirations, challenges faced, and opinions on various societal issues. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on responses, potentially involving nondisclosure agreements as some details were not disclosed.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics from ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for medicine, knowledge of healthcare systems, to challenging experiences faced. While some mentioned specific questions on ethical scenarios and healthcare reform, others highlighted personal reflection and problem-solving inquiries, with a mix of traditional and unique questions posed during the interviews.
🤝 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 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.
No responses

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 0-1 hour 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.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

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 reviewing their applications, conducting mock interviews, researching the school and program, reading about healthcare issues, and utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) and the school's website. Many also practiced answering potential interview questions and stayed updated on current healthcare topics to ensure they were well-prepared and confident during the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were consistently impressed by the new curriculum, the passion and friendliness of the faculty and students, the new Ronald Reagan Medical Center, the location in Westwood, the pass/fail system, the diverse student body, the supportiveness of the school, and the opportunities for research and clinical experiences. Many also highlighted the relaxed and happy atmosphere at UCLA, the resources available to students, the enthusiasm of the student tour guides, and the positive interactions with interviewers and admissions staff.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of organization and structure during the interview day, including minimal presentations, uninformative tours, long waiting times, and disinterested interviewers. Suggestions included providing more detailed information about the curriculum, financial aid, and facilities, improving the tour experience, and enhancing the overall organization of the day to better showcase the school and engage with prospective students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known about the amount of downtime between interviews and events, the potential for unexpected changes in the interview process (such as having only one interviewer or missing a scheduled tour), and the importance of being well-prepared for navigating the campus and managing transportation in the LA area. Many also mentioned the need for comfortable shoes and clothing due to the long interview day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally had a positive experience at UCLA, with many noting the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews. Some applicants appreciated the friendly and encouraging interviewers, while others mentioned the unstructured nature of the interview day and the lack of formal presentations or organized tours. Suggestions included more interaction with students, additional information sessions, and improved organization of the interview day.
  • Loved the MMI process. Seemed low stress to me, and the interviewers were very responsive and encouraging.
  • Love the school, although the admissions office could put an 30-45 presentation to put us at ease and talk about the school a little. Besides that, the reputation of the school speaks for itself- - it's awesome. Love Westwood too, really nice area, beautiful people.
  • overall, i enjoyed my interview at UCLA. I was really nervous going in, since UCLA is ranked as a top med school and I was expecting a tough interview. But the med students who are super laid back impressed me with how much they love the school. But I was not impressed with the informal nature of the whole day. wish that the tour / day was more organized with demos maybe and with a financial aid advisor.
  • If, by the grace of God I am accepted, it would be the easiest choice I have ever made.
  • Great School, Great Location, the PBL style of teaching seems to be working very well for the students with lots of research opportunities.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office improve their website for better user experience, provide a formal orientation or presentation for prospective students, offer more organized and informative tours, and hire friendly staff who are enthusiastic about interacting with students.