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University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Iowa City, IA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 17% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ 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 revolve around scenarios like handling patients with conflicting beliefs, demonstrating compassion, discussing ethics in medicine, addressing challenges in healthcare, and describing personal qualities suited for a medical career. Some respondents mentioned engaging in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) with nondisclosure agreements in place, emphasizing the structured and sometimes challenging nature of the interview process.

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 traits important for physicians, stress management signs, proud accomplishments, impactful college experiences, and opinions on healthcare. The interview format may have included Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) components based on the varied and structured questions, with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements regarding specific questions.

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, future career aspirations, and handling challenging healthcare scenarios. While some responses mentioned MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and structured questions causing stress, the variety of questions revealed a focus on ethics, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and personal motivations during the interviews.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 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?

Most respondents spent 4-6 hours 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.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

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?

✅ 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?

Many applicants prepared for the interview by engaging in mock interviews, reviewing common interview questions, utilizing resources like SDN and school websites, and practicing answers with peers. Mock interviews, SDN, and familiarizing oneself with the school's website and interview feedback were common strategies used by applicants to prepare effectively for the interview.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and welcoming nature of the staff, faculty, and students at the University of Iowa. The state-of-the-art facilities, emphasis on community and support, unique programs like Case-Based Learning, and strong focus on student well-being and success were highlighted as major positives. Many applicants also appreciated the interactive and engaging interview day experiences, the school's commitment to research opportunities, and the beautiful campus and city of Iowa City.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of detailed information provided during the interview day, particularly regarding the curriculum and school features. Additionally, some applicants found the structured interview format, limited interaction during interviews, short interview duration, and the school's location in a smaller town to be negative aspects. Suggestions included improving the tour experience, providing more detailed information during interviews, and enhancing the overall interview format and duration.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed a desire to know about the weather conditions, the relaxed nature of the interview day, the short duration of the interview, the importance of being well-prepared for questions, and the need to engage in group activities. Additionally, they wished for more information on the interview format, the campus facilities, the opportunity to interact with current students, and the significance of asking questions during the interview process.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at the school to be well-organized and enjoyable. Many highlighted the friendly and supportive atmosphere created by the staff, students, and faculty. Some mentioned the unique structured interview format where interviewers do not give immediate feedback during the structured portion, followed by a more conversational and relaxed unstructured segment. The facilities, opportunities for research, and strong emphasis on student success were also positively noted. Some applicants expressed concerns about the lack of diversity in Iowa and the school, as well as the location and cost of attending the university.
  • I had an excellent experience.
  • Interview day was great.
  • 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.
  • I saw a lot of people on their phones or distracted like picking their nails. Idk about you but for me that shows disinterest in the school.
  • Carver is a fantastic program and I would be very happy to attend here! Great opportunities for clinical rotations at UIHC and the VA, also the brand new children's hospital. Classes are all recorded and scheduled in the mornings back to back in MERF auditorium (plug ins at every desk), many of which are optional, with learning community spaces right down the hall. The financial aid office is really there for students—they meet with each student every semester to help them budget, apply for aid, etc. Multiple options for distinction tracks which allow you to individualize your education in a structured way. Good opportunities for global health experiences too! Also, Iowa city is a hub for literature and arts, and there are always lots of events going on at the Englert or Hancher Auditorium, with great student discounts!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested having successful alumni speak about their experiences at Iowa, improving the food quality, providing more structured orientation materials and presentations, and offering more opportunities for interaction with current students during the admissions process.