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University of California, Riverside - School of Medicine

Riverside, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 31% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 appear to be in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, with questions resembling free online sample MMI prompts. Respondents also mentioned a focus on understanding the interviewee as a person beyond the MMI questions, indicating a holistic approach to the interview process.

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 was the most difficult question?

No responses
🤝 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 5 or more 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 a closed 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 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?

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 between $101 and $200.

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 Other or at another housing option.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

No responses

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as average
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

No responses

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 sample MMI questions, re-reading their application thoroughly, and seeking insights from current students. Many also utilized online resources such as YouTube videos and articles to further strengthen their preparation.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the casual and seamless interview process, the friendly interviewers, the dean's presentation, student opportunities, small class size, convenient location, and diverse leadership backgrounds. They appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and professional interactions at the school.

What impressed you negatively?

No responses

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known to bring caffeine to stay energized during MMIs, as they found themselves exhausted by the end of the day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed positive surprise at the school exceeding their expectations, particularly in terms of supportive faculty, staff, and a tight-knit community. They left with a strong impression of a caring institution focused on developing successful and compassionate doctors.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office provide more coffee or water during the MMI process to ensure candidates are comfortable and well-hydrated.