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University of Illinois College of Medicine

Chicago, IL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 29% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate 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 included inquiries about personal motivations for pursuing medicine, management of stress, role models, memorable experiences, empathy vs. compassion, qualities of a good physician, and reasons for choosing a specific medical school. Additionally, questions related to integrity, ethics, healthcare policies, future plans, research experiences, and personal interests were prevalent. Many responses indicated personalized questions based on the applicants' essays and experiences, with some interviews following a script while others delved into specific application details.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Illinois College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical scenarios, personal attributes, healthcare reform, and future career aspirations. While some responses mentioned MMI, Multiple Mini Interview format, or nondisclosure agreements, the questions primarily focused on ethics, personal experiences, problem-solving skills, and views on healthcare challenges and advancements.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at University of Illinois College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including personal challenges, ethical dilemmas, professionalism, and healthcare policies. Many responses referred to an MMI format, indicating scenarios involving privilege, integrity testing, ethical decision-making, and patient interactions, while some respondents mentioned facing non-disclosure agreements 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 3 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 0-1 hour 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?

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 their application materials, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school website, and reading feedback on Student Doctor Network (SDN). Many also delved into healthcare issues, current events, and ethical topics to be well-rounded in their preparation.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere created by both staff and students during their interview experiences. They appreciated the emphasis on early clinical exposure, diverse patient populations, and the excellent facilities available at UIC. The sense of community, support for students, and opportunities for research and hands-on experiences were highlighted as significant strengths of the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the outdated facilities, disorganization of the interview day, lack of engagement from interviewers, and the feeling of being rushed or stressed throughout the process. Suggestions included improving facility conditions, enhancing organization and communication during interview days, providing more engaging and supportive interactions with interviewers, and creating a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for applicants.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the diverse range of questions in MMI interviews, the laid-back nature of the interviews, the reliance on essays for questioning, and the campus preferences for accepted students. They also recommended being prepared for potential changes in interview formats and having a clear understanding of the interview day schedule and parking options.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally provided feedback on their interview experiences, with most expressing positive impressions of the school, faculty, and students. Some noted the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews, while others mentioned specific questions asked during the process. Additionally, there were comments on the facilities, tour, and overall organization of the interview day.
  • Overall good
  • Great school, students were enthusiastic
  • Wonderful school!
  • none
  • I had 1 faculty, 1 physician, 1 student. You may have no students or no faculty, so it's just luck of the draw. Had a good hot lunch!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested improvements such as enhancing website navigation, providing clearer communication regarding interview scheduling and status updates, utilizing electronic communication for decisions, and improving the overall interview experience through better organization and friendlier staff interactions. Suggestions also included accommodating dietary restrictions, allowing online interview scheduling, and providing more detailed information for out-of-town applicants.