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University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

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Iowa City, IA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 17% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
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⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.6
Above Average

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

Based on 1,059 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 (87%)
Negatively (3%)
No change (10%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (34%)
Good (49%)
Average (16%)
Poor (1%)
Bad (1%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at the University of Iowa to be enjoyable and positive. Most appreciated the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the faculty, staff, and students. Some noted the structured nature of the interview, where interviewers did not provide immediate feedback, as a unique aspect of the process. There were mixed opinions on the interview format, with some finding it a bit awkward while others found it relaxed and conversational. Overall, many applicants expressed a high level of interest in attending the school due to its facilities, opportunities, and supportive environment.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • The CBL was interesting. They really just want to see how you are in a group, and they couldn't care less about what medical knowledge you already have
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • This was an incredible interview experience. I can't say enough good things!
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • I had an excellent experience.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • Interview day was great.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
  • Overall, I really enjoyed this school and it is definitely a top contender for me. The welcoming atmosphere of the faculty, medical students, and other people in the building was amazing. During class passing times, students would see us in the hall in our suits and wish us luck with our interview, which I thought was super kind.
    Had same question/issue | More from this member | Report
💬 Interview Process ▼

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
26 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
2.1 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
72% One-on-One
28% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
6% Open-File
94% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
60% Virtual
40% In-Person
🏫
Interview Location (for In-Person):
100% At the School
0% Other Location

UI-Carver-COMP interviews are an average of 26 minutes, with an average of 2.1 interviews. 72% of interviews are one-on-one, 40% are in-person, and 94% are closed-file. Of the in-person interviews, 100% are held at the school.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around ethical scenarios like organ donation and blood transfusions, as well as personal motivations for pursuing a career in medicine. Many respondents also mentioned questions about teamwork, handling patient beliefs that conflict with medical treatment, and addressing healthcare challenges, indicating a focus on ethical decision-making and problem-solving skills in the interview process. Some responses alluded to an MMI format, suggesting a structured interview with specific scenarios and potential nondisclosure agreements in place.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including addressing US healthcare system changes, identifying important physician traits, sharing personal accomplishments, discussing stress management, and exploring ethical dilemmas like dealing with patient non-compliance. The interview format appears to be structured with standard questions followed by informal conversations, with a variety of thought-provoking questions related to healthcare challenges, personal experiences, and ethical scenarios being common themes.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN), mock interviews, reviewing common interview questions, and researching the school's website. Many also practiced answering questions out loud, discussed with peers or mentors, and familiarized themselves with their application materials and current healthcare issues.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethics of organ donation, impact of rising healthcare costs, personal accomplishments, and future career aspirations. While some encountered challenging structured questions, others faced ambiguous or unexpected inquiries, with a few highlighting concerns about handling ethical dilemmas involving patient care.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the staff, faculty, and students at the University of Iowa. The state-of-the-art facilities, the focus on community and support, the integration of case-based learning sessions, and the school's emphasis on student well-being were highlighted as key positive aspects that left a lasting impression on interviewees. Many also appreciated the curriculum, the sense of camaraderie among students, and the opportunities for research and community service at the school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were often disappointed with the lack of information sessions about the curriculum and school features, as well as the brevity of the interviews. Many found the structured interview format uncomfortable and wished for more interaction with interviewers during the process. Suggestions included providing more comprehensive campus tours, incorporating more engaging activities during the interview day, and ensuring a more inclusive and informative experience overall.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the structured nature of the interview with strict time limits, the relaxed setting of the interview day, the importance of preparing concise answers for specific questions, and the emphasis on group dynamics during activities like the Case-Based Learning session. They also highlighted the need to be prepared for a long day with various segments, from tours to interviews, and to know more about the school's culture, such as the emphasis on the Hawkeyes and the relaxed atmosphere of the interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 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?

The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants for the admissions office include providing more opportunities for student interactions, improving the organization and content of informational sessions, enhancing the interview experience with longer and more engaging interactions, reducing paper waste, and sending out a detailed schedule in advance. Additionally, there were positive comments about the friendliness and enthusiasm of the admissions office staff.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)