Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 26% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
What was the stress level of the interview?
Most respondents rated their interview as low 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 achievements, motto for life, gap year activities, patient experiences, strengths and weaknesses, favorite classes, lessons from activities, specialty interests, motivations for pursuing medicine, and potential challenges in healthcare. Some respondents mentioned a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with nondisclosure agreements, while others highlighted a mix of conversational questions about personal experiences, interests, family, clinical and research experiences, and future goals.
How have you spent your gap year/ what have you been up to?
Are you apprehensive about any of the current health care reform proposals? If so, why? If not, why not? (was not phrased so formally...just wanted my thoughts on HCR)
Faculty interviewer was curious about why I chose to major in Economics rather than a specific science. We talked about my educational background and the program I have been a part of since graduation.
First "interview" with assistant dean was a group interview. It was casual introductions/stories about each applicant. Then we went into a sample PBL activity. It was very relaxed and quite interesting.
Student interviewer conversation was very casual. We spoke again about the program that I have been a part of. We talked about healthcare policy in the country and specifically in CT. Student was very helpful with questions about school culture and climate.
(other questions that i can't remember, the questions served more as a springboard to a lot of very interesting discussions. definitely come prepared with good questions to ask! it's a great opportunity to see if the school is also a fit for you)
If I had a blank check how would I spend it to prevent this case where a woman with lump is told by here PCP to go to the secretary to make an appointment with radiology but the secretary tells her she can't get through to radiology and to call later. The woman goes home and never calls back and ends up coming back 6 months later with metastatic cancer. Whose fault is it? And how could you prevent it from ever happening again? (and then there was further rebuttle against the answers I gave)
Talked to one of the interviewers at length about my current research. I think he basically wanted to make sure that I understand it from a methodological and scientific point of view.
"Who's the #1 golfer right now?" Me: Tiger Woods. "Ok then who's the #1 female golfer right now?" Me: Uh... "Hmm, don't you thin it's a bit sexist of you to know the #1 male golfer but not the #1 female golfer?"
Almost nothing was directly asked. I basically engaged in two separate, long conversations. To be honest, I don't even know if the interviews were supposed to be open or closed file! (Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing in retrospect).
the faculty interviewer hadn't read my file..so we started from scratch...he asked me a lot of detailed questions on what I had experienced in my various internships...
Do you have any ideas about what you want to do in medicine? Note: this was very informal and was after the interview was kind of over, and we were chatting.
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Connecticut School of Medicine discussed a range of topics including unconscious bias in physicians, personal attributes like fun or regrets, ethical dilemmas such as handling vaccine refusal, and motivations for pursuing medicine. While some interviews were more conversational, others touched on unique scenarios like fixing communication in hospitals or balancing personal life with a medical career.
Do you think you will spend alot of time getting involved on campus?(student interview)
The questions about being "apprehensive" a/b HCR or not. I was interviewed by a person who coordinates the free clinic. We had a great conversation about the ethical need for reform, and the real concerns about going to far with reform. A great conversation!
I actually didn't get asked anything very unusual. Mostly standard questions like ''why medicine'' and ''why uconn'' but also some more detailed questions about my background and application.
1. If I could be any animal what would I be? (just bizarre)
2. Any questions that the other interviewer asked that you wished you had answered differently?
The dean of the medical school asked me if I wanted to tell him anything that he couldn't find in my file. It seemed almost like a last plea. "Let me in!"
"Tell us a funny story." This was in a large group setting that felt somewhat like an interview, the interviewer was taking notes and had our files out as we spoke.
how do you plan on balancing your career and your personal life, like a family? (the reason this did not offend me was because it was from an aweseome female ob/gyn)
The student interviewer was picky...he asked me lots of questions on the various courses I had taken, the results of my summer research, even questions on why I chose to take certain gym classes...
Describe the process by which you ended up in this room (ie; the interviewer's room)...it was a nice change from "Why do you want to be a doctor"?
How I would feel about coming from a bigger city to a slower pace. I think this is a good question, showing they really want people who will be happy there.
Students said the most difficult question asked at University of Connecticut School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and future aspirations. Some respondents mentioned encountering Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)-styled questions or scenarios, possibly subject to a nondisclosure agreement, while others highlighted questions about healthcare systems, personal attributes, and decision-making processes.
What would you have done differently in undergrad?
Faculty interviewer kept asking me the same question phrased differently, which was basically: "You're old. How are you going to cope with the stress?" I was expecting to have to answer that question, but not five times. I don't know how many different ways I can re-word the same answer.
None really. He did push me though. He would not have accepted answers like "I just want to help people." He wanted to know details about everything, which was fantastic! It was my favorite interview of the season.
Tell me about how your interest in medicine evolved (a more detailed version of ''why medicine'' in which i tried to be coherent and represent my interests)
''Do you think you spent too much time doing extracurriculars...because I think you did.''
I was given a long scenario that the doctor interviewing me had experienced. I was asked:
Who is at fault? Who would I sue? If I were a lawyer, would I take that case? If I were given a blank check, how would I use it to fix the problem?
Because it flowed more like a discussion, there weren't "difficult" questions that were asked for the sake of stumping me. But the interviewers certainly posed challenging issues for me to discuss, and were interested in how well I have thought out my decision.
Nothing, pretty standard questions, but be prepared to talk about yourself in the group intro and have a short story that shows something about your personality
He draws WAE on some paper... "What is this?" After 5 minutes of confusion, he circles the A..."Ok, what is this?" After another 5 min of confusion, "Ok, I'll give it to you. This is Afghanistan, West and East. Now draw and label the countries surrounding Afghanistan."
How much time do you expect to spend in class and studying? What do you forsee your daily schedule to be? Questions reagarding time management and balancing family and medical school.
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 thoroughly reviewing their application materials, practicing responses to common questions, researching the school's website, utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN), and engaging in mock interviews. Additionally, many applicants sought advice from current students, reviewed health care news, and familiarized themselves with the school's curriculum and unique aspects.
I worked with my pre-med advising office and was matched with a medical student at the school to mentor me.
Re-read website, especially info on new curriculum. Skimmed a few older SDN school-specific threads. Read through SDN interview feedback page. Reviewed my PS and secondary app.
SDN, New England Journal of Medicine, Review AMCAS, review thesis and research I've done, talk to other docs and med students about their experience interviewing
Read over term papers I wrote in college. Read about schools curriculum. Prepared for some of the "traditional" questions. (Why this school, why medicine...)
SDN, practiced answering questions with a good friend and then someone who i didn't know as well. (because of the open-ended nature of the discussion format, it would be very helpful to practice answering questions and discuss your reasons for wanting to go into medicine with someone beforehand)
Sadly...I didn't do anything. But that wasn't a bad thing. They tell you lots about the school, so there's plenty to ask about. And I knew my application well.
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the kindness and enthusiasm of the staff and students, the sense of community and collaboration, early clinical exposure, the supportive atmosphere, and the quality of facilities and curriculum. Many highlighted the strong emphasis on student well-being, the pass/fail system, and the welcoming environment that made them feel at home and valued. Suggestions were minimal, with most feedback focusing on positive aspects of the institution.
Staff is so kind, and they really know your application and seem to care for you
It was clear the admissions office had carefully prepared for interview day. They did a great job at making me feel at home. There were plenty of opportunities to see what the school has to offer.
The campus is gorgeous! It is on a hill so when you look out you see beautiful trees and an elegant community. The administrators are friendly and very available. They make you feel comfortable. There is also a true P/F system and the curriculum is awesome. If you are truly interested in community service and receiving clinical exposure, this is the place to be!
Everything. Specifically: the curriculum and the people. Everyone was happy and the school works sooooo hard to make everyone as happy as possible during med school. The SCP program sounds AWESOME.
Students are happy, my host was great, people study together and are happy. The tuition is nice, in-state after the 1st year if out of state. Nice anatomy lab.
How excited the students were about their school. The people I spoke with all emphasized that it's still early in the cycle and we were selected as early interviewers (despite the SDN general impression) because of our character and backgrounds and our grades and MCAT were less important at this stage.
The students were very receptive, everyone was incredibly friendly, I really liked the emphasis on clinical training from the beginning of the first year, they are revamping their facilities as well
The intensity of the clinical exposure that begins in the first year. Lots of current medical students came into the admissions office during the day to visit with the staff and stayed to chat with the applicants and were all very friendly and welcoming.
You can get in-state tuition your 2nd year, friendly students, ''smart'' boards, lots of patient contact from year 1 on, extended anatomy course, are currently redoing the classrooms--will be read next year
interviewers were very friendly.. could talk about sport, quilting, or dreams for 25 minutes. Seemed to evaluate mostly your conversation skills. Very nice and new facilities...
Although the hospital looks stark from the outside, the facilities inside were amazing. The anatomy lab was very well lit and somehow did not smell at all. The students were very friendly and normal. There were almost 25 students enthusiastic enough about their school to volunteer to interview and lead tours on a Saturday.
UConn has a very well integrated pre-clinical curriculum. You get early patient contact, learn to perform physical exams and history taking right away, and work with one physician for three years helping take care of his patients.
also, since they have a small class, there's definitely a strong sense of family.
The program's organization is ideal for me because emphasizes early patient contact, which I think is very important (and obviously works out well considering that 100% of their students pass the clinical skills portion of step 2 the first time). I also really liked the small size of the class. The Dean of Students was really great and seems to know the majority of the students on a personal level. The schools just seems to be very close knit.
Learning about the continuity clinical experience of working with the same physician one-on-one for three to four years and being able to develop relationships with patients
I really enjoyed talking to the students: those are the happiest I have seen in the process: I would definitely recommend spending the night with a student host. The program is also very well organized I thought.
Curriculum setup - 8am-12pm everyday, and two afternoons either in Clinical class or in field at doctor's office. Also, split between lecture and hands on, problem based learning. Integration and openness to Alternative Medicine a big plus.
The people (students and faculty) were all so nice and enthusiastic and seemed like they really genuinely cared about everyone who comes through the school - just a very warm, friendly, laidback atmosphere. Also, the curriculum.
how happy the students were, how caring and involved the faculty seemed, the awesome clinical exposure and training, particularly during the first two years
the staff, students, everyone seemed geniunely nice, interested and happy to be there. They also seemed pretty pleased with the cost- after a year the student qualifies for in-state tuition, the PBL is definitely a plus
The students were very enthusiastic about the school and gave valid reasons for it (versus just stating that "it's a really good school"). The organization of the curriculum and supportive atmosphere were also impressiive.
The atmosphere of the school is SO friendly, the gross labs are very well ventilated and you get to meet with two Deans while you're there! The school just really seems to be very concerned with what students think, even before you're a student!
The facilities and area were beautiful, I learned that Yale sends students to UConn for clinical training, and the Assistant Dean took the time to meet with each applicant to make sure that we had expressed what we wanted the comittee to know
This was the best interview session I've been to. The morning is very relaxed and organized. The students, faculty, and administration are truly laid back and happy to be there. From that, you feel very comfortable.
Quite a bit. Systems-based curriculum, PBL, minimal lecture time (and the PBL session on the tour, while rudimentary, was still cool). The facilities surprised me by how nice they are, particulary since it's a state school. Better-than-expected avg board score (220 for Step 1), students seem fairly competitive for resident match.
wonderful students who truly seem happy. nice facilities. the area is really cute, although a small town. my interviewers seemed like they spent a lot of time reading my file. the physician who interviewed me told me a lot about her experience through med school, etc. which was realistic yet positive.
Their clinical training it AMAZING. For first 3 years students go once a week to same primary care facility and work with a doctor. Also GREAT volunteer opportunities that all the students are interested in.
The cordiality with which all the interviewers conducted themselves... very low stress. Even the other interviewees were really nice- there is a feeling of zero competition at the school.
Everyone was very warm and receiving, and faculty did seem to truly know the students. They allotted time for you to meet and interact with other students interviewing.
The students really seemed to love it there and expressed that many times. The faculty are so involved with the students too. Oh and the Dean knows all of the students by name.
The friendliness of both the students & faculty. All the students were extremely honest & seemed completely down to earth. My student interviewer was great to talk to - she seemed like a friend I had known for years.
The school is active in the community and works with 4 very large hospitals so it has a diverse patient base. The students all help each other because of the pass/fail system.
The dean of students and his very sincere declaration that it was his job to care about us.
The students are excellent - they are wonderful people and it's clear that they enjoy their school.
the school itself, the health sciences center is impressive. ^The problem based learning session gives you a good idea of the school philosophy and teaching techniques
The center. It's beautiful. Also the friendliness. This was my last interview, and there was a sense of friendliness and comaraderie not seen elsewhere among students.
Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the location being isolated, lacking recreational facilities like a gym, having unenthusiastic tour guides, and facing issues with parking and campus amenities. Suggestions included improving the organization of tours, addressing the lack of campus atmosphere, and enhancing the overall student experience with better facilities and activities.
My faculty interviewer slightly rushed the interviewer(was not rude though).
Really not much... the pamphlets they handed out could have used a bit more thought, but even they were fine. I will be matriculating, so I am prob biased. (I got into several schools though...I just really loved UConn).
only two weeks to study for step I?!, isolated location - suburban and completely separate from the main UConn campus, small class around 65-70% female
Facilities are not amazing. Lecture halls are undergoing construction though. When we asked what students didn't like about the school, they said the teaching - some lecturers aren't good, they said. A couple people said the teaching isn't great, which concerned me.
The people and atmosphere. The interview day started late. As you walked through the halls, no one greeted each other. Seemed like we were an imposition on them.
Is clearly a primary care school yet they keep stressing research even though everyone knows they aren't a research institution; no campus -- people live 30 min from school, many close or with their parents
The facility is kind of drab and everything is ine one location. However, they do have plans to update the lectures halls and such in the very near future.
You mean other than the fact that my interviewer was the DEVIL himself? My tourguide got wasted on a school night--then proceeded to skip class to sleep it off.
Academic rigor didn't seem to be a priority, the students were pretty homogeneous, and the area is a bit remote -- but all to be expected from a state school!
no campus housing, so no medical student community outside of the schoo/hospital. Also, you have to commute. person leading the PBL session was too low key, made it drag on a bit.
While in the gross anatomy lab, a professor came in and yelled at the tour guides, saying we shouldn't be in there, that it was a place of respect and not a zoo. It was nuts. But, to UCONN's credit, the guides spoke to the Dean of Students and he spoke to us and to the professor afterwards. We were permitted in there and it was strange she went nuts on us. I was impressed the Dean took the time to fix this. Went to a second year class... it was a little boring. Facilities aren't great but not bad, either.
The cafeteria kind of sucks and the tour guides told us the John Dempsey hospital only has 80 beds! Not sure if this is accurate though because it's not what the brochure we got says.
Neither my student nor my faculty interviewer showed up. It didn't bother me too much, because I was then interviewed by some of the deans, which was wonderful. Farmington isn't exactly the hottest spot in the country either.
Applicants commonly expressed a wish to have known about the late lunch timing and the need to bring snacks, as well as the conversational and friendly nature of the interviews. Suggestions included being prepared for a group introductory session, bringing extra cash for lunch, and being aware of the unique aspects of UConn's curriculum and community.
Maybe to ask questions at the end of the last information session.
To bring a little extra cash for lunch. You are given a complementary meal ticket but it may not cover as much as you would like. Bring some cash and then don't worry about having to add up your meal before you check out.
I was happy I knew about the PBL ahead of time, make sure you read up on PBLs, understand how cases are strutured, objectives, etc. The case isn't hard, but you need to be able to discuss it with other interviewees. Also, you will have to introduce yourself in the group session and discuss healthcare issues (hint: reread your secondary)
How friendly everyone was going to be! It lessened my stress level. It was nice knowing about the information session with Dr. Sanford, where you have to introduce yourself and participate in a Problem-Based Learning session, ahead of time from this site.
I was just a little nervous and hopefully didn't leave things out that are important to my interest in medicine and a career as a physician when I was answering questions.
Nothing, just be prepared at the very beginning of the day to talk about a medical case. It's nothing difficult, it's very intuitive and very basic, they just want to see how u interact in a group setting.
That I would have to think up an interesting story about myself that's not in my application on the spot for the 'orientation' at the beginning of the day!
I've interviewed at quite a few places, and UConn is at the top of my list. I'm not really sure why this school doesn't get more respect (good curriculum, good facilities, MSTP-funded) because it seems like a great place to attend school.
that uconn is trying to expand its out-of-state acceptance percentage- good for me. also,there is a mock-pbl session with a faculty member and a student. this does not count towards your interview and it's pretty fun.
Their great clinical training program-apparently Yale sends their students to UConn's standardized pt program b/c they don't have one and Uconn's is really good.
Know stufff about their curriculum... its systems based and very well laid-out. Also, there is a program that places you at an MD's office in the community one afternoon per week for your first 3 years... I thought that is really cool.
I pretty much was aware of it all b/c friends had just interviewed. Definitely be aware that you all meet for about an hour in the beginning to discuss topics in general.
there is a get to know you session in the begining...its very informal..so don't stress...some think its a group interview...nooo such thing! Just questions like..where are you from, what school do you go to, your extraciriculars, and a fun fact about yourself.
I wish I had known about that Q/A session. Here's something helpful: If you have part of your interview at the Exchange (like someone in my group did), call x2143 for a shuttle. ALSO....eat breakfast. You won't eat till 1:30pm....I got hungry during my second interview
Applicants provided feedback that UConn's interview day was relaxed, informative, and left many feeling excited about the school. The interviews were conversational and low stress, with a focus on getting to know the applicants. Some mentioned the supportive environment, while others highlighted the school's program offerings and community spirit.
There were 15 people interviewing alongside me - it seemed clear that every person had CT residency, and attended either (1) UConn or (2) an Ivy League school for undergraduate. Based on what I saw in MSAR, I would advise OOS students to be careful applying here unless you have specific ties to CT. For context, I might be biased, because I interviewed here early on in the cycle and may be n the "first batch" of interview offerings.
I was pleasantly surprised by what UConn had to offer–I am in their combined program in medicine, but I was thinking I would almost certainly go somewhere else. Now, UConn has moved well up my list.
Love UConn. The people are fantastic, the sense of community was palpable. Just relax and be yourself. They apparently try to get people that will be comfortable in their tight nit community, so pay attention for those types of things.
The interview day is such a low stress activity that it is difficult to self-assess how the day went. I did not have to "conquer" a tough question or admit that I was clueless. Hence when the day ended I had no concrete idea of how I may stand in the minds of the interviewers.
UConn can be a good financial deal for in-state students but I did get a sense that you "get what you pay for" in terms of resources and opportunities.
UConn has a wonderful program. The interview day was a little different than normal (I'm a reapplicant) in that the admissions office was a bit disorganized due to remodeling. Arrived in the morning and was shown to a classroom with all the other applicants. Went around the room and had to introduce ourselves, talk about oyr education background, and had to share a little story. Thinking of a "good one" was the most stressful part of the day! Dr. Sanford gave an overview of the program. Half of the group then left for their faculty interviews and teh rest of stayed. Dr. Sanford asked us to discuss the problems we addressed in our applications. Was low key. Then had a faculty interview and a student interview. Then had a tour and lunch with 2 first years. Day ended earlier than usual.
Arrived in the morning and was shuffled to a conference room where the Dean gave us a presentation of the school and did a small PBL exercise. It was fun and a good taste of PBL, not difficult. Then we get put in a room and have interviews with people (little disorganized). Lunch and tour with students, then Q&A with the Dean of student affairs at the end.
Not a bad day, tour was nice. People are friendly.
My interview experience was good. I had 3 different interviews, 2 with faculty members and 1 with a student. all the interviews were about 30 minutes long. They were relaxed and very conversational.
overall good. It seemed the major goal was to acquaint the applicant with the school. Interviewers just wanted to talk over the important points of the application and get to know you. Make sure your not a creep and all.
Went into the office and waited, some lady came to get us and bring us to a converence room where we met with Dr. Sanford. He gave us an overview of the school, then gave us a case study and had us discuss what was wrong with the patient step by step and our hypotheses on what could be wrong (not bad at ALL don't worry). Then we waited for our interviewers to pick us up and you went to each one at a time (two faculty and one student interviewer). Then there were two medical students that picked us up and took us to lunch and on a tour of the facilities. They had no bearing whatsoever on the selection process so def ask them lots of questions if you have them. Then we met with the Dean of Students and he also wanted to get our input, feedback and questions because he also didn't have a say in the selection process. Then you're free to go....9:30am-3pm, it def goes the whole day. But it was not stressful, it was my first interview and im glad it was because it put me at ease and made me feel confident in myself.
An hour session where the assistant dean of admissions talks about the school and does a problem-based learning exercise with the medical students. 3 half-hour interviews. Lunch with the tour guides in the hospital cafeteria and a tour of the medical school. Half hour group session with the dean of the school (or maybe of admissions...I forget which), where he gave us the opportunity to ask more questions and learn more about the school. He said he didn't have any say in the admissions process so it was ''safe'' to ask him any questions.
i was interviewing for post-bacc, which I understand is basically structured like an actual med school interview. I just didn't get the complete tour, and perhaps the questions weren't as specific when it concerned medicine.
but overall, it's very low stress. definitely prepare and take it seriously, but enjoy the ride, because they will try to make you feel very comfortable.
I had an awesome experience. The interviews were very conversational and pleasant, and it wasn't stressful at all. I love this school's program: early patient contact, incorporation of PBL, extended anatomy course so you are dissecting what you are learning about in the other classes, etc. Out of staters also have the benefit of paying resident tuition after the first year; I don't know of any other public schools that do that. So relax, be yourself, and enjoy the day.
One interview was stressful because I was asked about things I did not know the answer to mostly non-medically related and very very loosely based on my application. There is a student interview that is open file and more relacxed. And the assistant dean takes the time to interview also, which is good.
Everyone was really nice. The school offers a lot of other opportunities if you get into their program, such as research fellowship during the summer, abroad clinicals, MBA's, and 5th year enrichment program...
meet with dean and other applicants for introductions, speech and sample PBL. three interviews then tour and lunch and then meet with the head of admisisons for a few minuted, remeet with the dean individually and the go home
I had a Saturday interview (the first time UConn ever held interviews on the weekend). the interviews (2 faculty, 1 student) were very laid-back and informal. Admissions staff were helpful and very welcoming.
Sat. morning interview, was exhausted by the end. The first interviewer was more hardcore -- he had a list of questions and seemed to disapprove a lot. He was really in to research. The second interviewer didn't really have many questions for me and we just chatted for a while.
This is their first time with Saturday interviews. Personally, I thought it was a great idea. The day started off with an orientation where everybody introduced himself/herself to the group (probably the most intimidating part of the day). Dean Sanford talked about the school's curriculum and other aspects in detail. Dr. Sanford is an extremely nice guy, and I was very appreciative of how comfortable he made us feel throughout the day.
My interviews were fairly laid back and stress-free. Then we toured the school a little bit. The anatomy labs have good ventilation (haha) and doesn't feel damped. I really liked the fact that UConn stretches out the anatomy course for a year so that basic science courses correlate to dissections in the anatomy lab.
They have plans to renovate the facilities soon, and already have some neat gadgets/resources for the students. All in all, the day was great!
The interview day was not stressful at all. The initial meeting with Dean Sanford was probably the most intimidating part, but he was very nice and excited to hear about us. I really liked the school and the sense of community.
Overall I have no idea how my interviews went. The first guy I interviewed with was a PA (not an MD) who constantly "changed gears" throughout the interview. We starting out talking about my current work in research and then changed gears to delve into my family history - and I mean DELVE. He wanted specifics on where everyone went to school, what they were doing now, how long each of my grandparents have been dead...it was really alarming and I kept thinking "can he really be asking all this" and "why does he want to know all this". And then he proceeded to ask me what I though my role in my family was and why and weird stuff like that. And then we changed gears several more times, but not once did we talk about anything I had done in college - he said that was all covered in my application and he wanted to know about me before college and about my current work. So that interview was weird. The second interview was with an older lady and once again we barely discussed anything in my application other than how I improved my MCAT score and what research I was doing. The rest of the time was spent talking about random other stuff including my family once again, except this time it was more general/basic info unlike the first guy. We talked about photography for a while because I said my younger brother is studying it in school. The weirdest part of this interview was when she asked me if I knew the definition of 'mesmerized' since I had used it in one of my essays. The third interview is with a student and my student interview was fine. She asked questions about my application as well as giving me her impression of the school and stuff like that. At the end of the day I enjoyed interacting with the students during lunch and the student interview, but my interaction with the two faculty members as well as with the deans left me with a negative vibe about the school in general.
My schedule of interviews was pretty long. They don't provide breakfast so have a good one before coming. As has been said before, you have to tell a story about yourself in the introductory meeting with Dean Sanford.
HORRIBLE. I got into every other school I interviewed at. Apparently a guy from my college had the same interviewer and was waitlisted as an in-stater. He called to get a re-do interrview, and then got in immediately. Bottom Line: If you get a gyn onc old man interviewer, run out the door before you waste your time.
Very positive. They made the day as laid back and stress free as possible. The interviewers were friendly. First we were greeted by the dean, asked to give a short summary of our life's activities and a funny fact. Then you go to your interviews, 2 faculty, one student. Then a tour done by med students.
Very long but very informative as well. The staff is so supportive and seems to know the student body very well. They seem to be very receptive to students as well.
Positive. Very informative. Extremely long. In theory it was 3 interviews but in reality there was a fourth because you meet wit hteh dean one on one after the three interviews
Orientation and introduction to the school's history/curriculum, three interviews (two doctors, one student), lunch and tour, mock problem-based learning session, meeting with dean of students, exit briefing with dean of admissions
overall, very good. 2 faculty interviewers - one was very kind and conversational, the other a little more tough. the third interview was with a student, and a little more informal.
Really enjoyed it besides the location and the facilities. This was my favorite interview so far: very interesting, low stress but at the same my interviewer was able to ask quite a few questions to get to know me.
It was a wonderful experience and exceeded my expectations. They format the interview day very well, forcing you to break the ice at the start so you get to know everyone immediately. I couldn't tell how "open file" the interview was, my interviewer had my secondary in front of him, but didn't ask any specific questions about my past, so who knows...Schedule: Meet with Dean Sanford, laid-back interviews, lunch, tour, mock PBL session, then exit interviews with Dean Sanford as well...great experience, great school.
Interviewees meet with Dean of Admissions in conference room and share basic information about ourselves with the group. Be prepared to talk about clinical interests, personal interests, and a short story describing who you are. Then we have a faculty interview followed by a student interview. They say both are weighed equally - very unique. These followed by lunch and tour of school. Then problem-based learning session (not evaluated, just for fun).
introduced ourselves to the group, interviewed with a faculty member and then a student, lunch, tour and exit interview with Dean Sanford - a great day!!
Overall the school seems like a good environment to learn in. People for the most part were great. Unfortunately, I had a really bad interviewer. He had a huge ego, and recognized that I did not. He scrutinized my record (which is actually pretty strong) and accused me of not being genuinely interested in medicine. Questioned (and almost ridiculed) my sincere desire to help people, explaining that medical school will strip all of that idealism away from me. Ironically, I sensed that he was actually the one with a lack of interest in medicine.
It was low stress, very laid-back and focused on the interviees. Oh and most of the questions are drawn from the application so it's important that you remember everything that you wrote including the classes you took, programs you were involved in... etc
Interviews were very relaxed. Interviewers knew my application almost better than I did, and asked a lot about it. If you've gotten this far in the process you can relax and be yourself. They just want to know if you and the school are a good fit.
admissions office, meet with dean and other interviewees, introduce yourself (name, where from?, some extra-curric's, tell story about self that explains who you are), meet with faculty interviewer, meet with student interviewer, tour (with lunch), PBL session, option to speak with dean's, fin. really laid back day...definitely don't need to stress, but it did help to prepare.
It went well. In the beginning as a group you will meet with the dean (Keat Sanford) and have to say a little about yourself and tell a short story that says something about who you are. Then you will have you 2 interviews (1 faculty, 1 student) then go on the tour and eat lunch. Then (as a group) you will participate in a pbl. At the end of the day you will meet with Keat Sanford again to discuss any issues you may have had during the day or to have him answer any lingering questions you may have.
Hung around the admissions office, taken to a small room and met with the Dean. Asked to introduce myself (name, town, major, research, interesting fact, etc.), taken to interviews (doctor and student), lunch in cafeteria, tour, PBL session, met with Dean of Students. No exit interview my day.
showed up, met with dean and five other applicants. Discussed ourselves briefly with him. Faculty interview, student interview, lunch with tour guides, tour, 30 minute meeting with dean of med school. fin.
The day started at 9:30. As an URM, I first met with the HCOP office. At 10 am there was an orientation with the dean of admissions. A brief financial presentation. Then there were two 45 min interviews, one student, one faculty. My interviewers were very laid back, and it felt more like a conversation. After the interviews we had lunch. After lunch was the tour. I was impressed by the newly renovated library. The tour guides were fun to be around. They are first-year students, and they empasized that in med school you still have time for a social life. After the tour, we had a PBL session which was fun. Trying to figure the solution to the problem presented made me feel like I was an up and coming physician. The day ended with an exit briefing with the dean of admissions and a talk with the new dean of students.
A very positive experience. As a result of this interview, UConn has jumped way up on my list! My interviewers were great, very conversational. We met with the Deans of Admission and Students at separate times, and they really made us feel comfortable. The school even lets you establish residency after your first year if you're out of state so you can pay the much lower in-state tuition.
UConn seems like an excellent school for both primary care and specialty care. The admissions staff were extremely helpful and the students were very happy.
This was my first interview and I was so relaxed. It is hard to think about anything bad because it seemed as if I had long conversations instead of interviews.
UConn had a great interview session. The admissions staff helped the small group of interviewers relax and break the ice amongst each other. Then the interviews were take care of. In the afternoon, everybody has lunch with the tour guides, a tour, then a problem-based learning session. Everybody was truly relaxed and didn't try to sell the school.
I really liked this school (see comments below). I think it would be a great place to study medicine, for a variety of reasons. Connecticut residents are lucky this is their state school.
This was my first interview. Glad it wasn't stressful! There were 6 other applicants that I met in the morning during a short "getting to know you" session with the dean. We all went our separate ways for two one-on-one 45 min. interviews (1 faculty, 1 student), but we were together again for the tour/lunch/PBL session (doesn't count as part of interview). I was impressed by the attention the Dean and Asst. Dean of Student Affairs gave to everyone as an individual. One woman in our group had a short (10 min.) interview with a faculty member because a pipe burst. The Dean met with her in the afternoon and interviewed her to make sure she got everything across that she wanted to.
initially i was hesitant to fly out to CT, because i didn't think i had a huge chance as an out-of-stater and thought it would be a waste of money. but according to the admin people, they are trying to increase that number. i just got a good vibe from the students and faculty i met, and am soooo glad i went out there. from the many students i met, i can see myself being friends with all of them. one student and one faculty/physician interviewer.
Pretty low stress for me since it was my second interview. 1 student and 1 faculty interviewer. They have a great program that doesnt get a lot of recognition, however I don't if I could live in Farmington.
Nice talk with a professor. I felt older than the other interviewees which made me a little nervous. But in general we were all headed for the same goal, so it felt good to talk to people going through the same process.
A little nervewracking (my finrst interview), but definately positive overall... great school if you dont mind not being in a city and are from CT. Everyone is very friendly and helpful and Dr. Sanford (dean) lets you know when you should hear back with a decision.
Overall I felt very welcome at UConn and was impressed by attitudes held by faculty and students. Wished I could have had some actual interviews, but they definitely did their best to work things out.
Overall my experience was really good. My student interviewer never showed up so the dean of admissions interviewed me instead. The people seem extremely supportive and the environment was positive.
Compared to my other interviews - this one was completely different. I was not even nervous for one minute. Everyone seemed really interested in you & wanted to answer any question that you had.
We started with a student interview which was extremely low key. The student was very honest about the positive and negative aspects of the school. The physician interview was not quite as relaxed but still pretty conversational. There were not difficult questions.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience. Although I think its weird that they interview the minority students first...they school is definetely interested in minority students...
Excellent, but quirky. My student interviewer wore boots and jeans, and interviewed me on one of the lounge chairs in the lobby/hallway. My faculty interviewer ate a fajita while he interviewed me. He had not looked at my file beforehand; most of his questions were very general (tell me about yourself etc.) My student interviewer had and asked very specific questions. Both interviewers asked me to ask them questions. My faculty interviewer was very honest about the school's shortcomings and made me feel like they wanted me.
It started out with an information session about UConn..then the student interview (or faculty...but usually student)...then the faculty interview...then lunch and a tour with students...then a PBL session...then an exit interview with Dr. Sanford. It was a great experience. UConn's a very caring place!
This was a great interview experience. You get one student interview and one with a doc/faculty member. It was very laid back. When asked the toughest question, I was honest and said I didn't know what the reimbursement system currently was. It was fine; he explained it to me, and I then answered. We then spoke about New York (where I am from) and food and stuff. Very friendly. The doc was very nice and let me talk when he asked me a question (you will see some do not). Overall, great...low stress.
Very friendly and laid back. I was interviewing for the Post-Bacc Program. Interviews were with the Dean of Admissions, a faculty member, and a student. Conversational style interview, very low stress. Given a meal ticket for cafeteria, on your own or with other interviewees for lunch. Direct admission medical school intetrview is basically the same format.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants commonly suggest implementing an online applicant portal for status updates and document submissions, while maintaining the personal touch of mail-in applications and phone interviews. They also recommend enhancing the presentation of materials provided to applicants during interviews.
Have an online site for students to check their application status. Also, give that site the ability to accept secondaries online. I was so nervous that they didn't receive my secondary for some reason because it took a while to respond.
I actually like how we send in the secondary application in the mail & schedule interviews over the phone. Makes it more personal. However, I think the packet handed out to applicants at the interview could be nicer and more in line with what other schools give out.
