University of California, Riverside - School of Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

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Riverside, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 31% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.

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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼

SDN Interview Experience Score

8.0

Above Average

Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.

Based on 22 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 (75%)

No change (25%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

Great (50%)

Good (50%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed positive surprise and appreciation for the school's supportive environment and faculty, noting a strong sense of community and care for students' development.

I didn’t have huge expectations going in, and they definitely exceeded them. I left feeling like it was a school that cared about their students and the type of doctors that their students become

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Great gem of a school, supportive faculty and staff, tight-knit community

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💬 Interview Process ▼

Length, number, and type of interviews

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Length:

60 Minutes Average

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Number:

10 Interviews Average

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Interview Type (Interaction):

100% One-on-One

0% Group Interview

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File Type:

0% Open-File

100% Closed-File

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Interview Modality:

100% Virtual

0% In-Person

UCRSOM-COMP interviews are an average of 60 minutes, with an average of 10 interviews. 100% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 100% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools are in the MMI format, as reported by respondents who prepared using online sample MMI questions. Some interviewers also inquire about the candidate's personal characteristics and background. It is noted that follow-up questions are asked during the MMI, implying a structured format, and respondents might have been under a nondisclosure agreement.

Typical MMI like questions. I prepped looking at free online sample MMI questions and felt that the interview day uses similar type questions. Didn't feel like any questions were unfair. The interviewer also asks follow-up questions so don't worry about needing to talk for the entirety of the duration from your initial answer!

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Outside of the MMI prompts they really wanted to know who I was as a person

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What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of California, Riverside - School of Medicine discussed ideas for improving access to healthcare in the region.

What are some ideas in improving access to healthcare in the region?

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How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by focusing on Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) questions, reviewing their application thoroughly, and seeking insights from current students. They emphasized the importance of practicing with MMI prompts, understanding their application details, and leveraging online resources for guidance.

Look at sample MMI questions, re-read my app.

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MMI prep, reviewed my application, spoke with current students

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YouTube MMI prompts, online reading, review my application inside and out

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What was the most difficult question?

No responses

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the casual and seamless interview process, the friendly interviewers, and the overall positive vibes of the school. They also appreciated the engaging presentation by the dean, the opportunities highlighted by current students, small class sizes, the location relative to the undergraduate campus, and the diverse backgrounds of the school's leadership.

I liked how casual the interview day was, and how seamless the MMI stations were. The interviewers seemed like nice people--one even complimented my response! Overall, really liked this school and the vibes of the people here.

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The dean who gave our presentation, the opportunities that the students spoke about,

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Small class size, location relative to the undergraduate campus, the diverse backgrounds of the leadership

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What impressed you negatively?

No responses

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wish they had known ahead of time to anticipate feeling tired by the end of the MMI and to consider bringing caffeine to help maintain focus and energy throughout the day.

You will be tired by the end of the MMI. Think about bringing caffeine

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🤝 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 providing more refreshments like coffee or water during the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) to help alleviate stress and keep candidates comfortable throughout the process.

More coffee or water available during the MMI

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📍 Travel and Logistics ▼

Airports Used

✈️

LAX

100% interviewees used I used although Ontario is closer (but more expensive) (LAX).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.

✈️

50% Airplane

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50% Automobile

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0% Train or Subway

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0% Other

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 Other or at another housing option.

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

Student (100%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

Enthusiastic (100%)

All Responses

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Application Cycle ▿	Impression	Performance	Interview Location