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University of Illinois College of Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

Chicago, IL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 29% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.4
Good

Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.

Based on 1,078 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.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

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

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about motivations for pursuing medicine, the qualities of a good physician, personal attributes, views on healthcare reform, ethical dilemmas, and future aspirations in the field. Some respondents mentioned being asked about their research experiences, stress management techniques, family background, and specific interests in medicine. Additionally, several interviewees reported being questioned on their desire to attend the University of Illinois College of Medicine and their thoughts on the U.S. healthcare system. A significant number of responses indicate a diverse range of questions asked during interviews, suggesting a comprehensive evaluation of candidates' suitability for medical school.

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 hypothetical situations. The interviews seemed to cover various ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for pursuing medicine, and potential solutions to healthcare challenges, with some respondents mentioning a mix of standard questions and conversational inquiries.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Illinois College of Medicine discussed the MMI format, with many ethical and scenario-based questions, including inquiries about privilege, integrity challenges, advocacy for patients, and handling hypothetical medical situations. Respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the questions asked, which ranged from personal experiences to healthcare system challenges and professional ethics.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.

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.

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.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, reading the school's website, and utilizing resources like SDN for mock interviews and feedback. Many also researched current health care issues and practiced answering common interview questions to feel well-prepared and confident.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed with the friendliness of the staff and students, the emphasis on clinical experience, the integrated curriculum, the diverse student body, the location, the facilities, and the supportive and laid-back atmosphere of the school. Suggestions included more structured international medical experience programs and improvements in facilities and curriculum where necessary.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about outdated facilities, disorganization on interview days, lack of interviewer professionalism, unimpressive tour experiences, and concerns about the curriculum and campus environment. Suggestions included improving facilities, enhancing organization during interview days, ensuring interviewer preparation and professionalism, providing more informative and engaging tours, and addressing curriculum and campus atmosphere to create a more positive impression on prospective students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed a wish to have known more about the specific interview format, including the types of questions asked and the focus on their application essays. They also mentioned wanting more information on the campus locations, the admissions process for selecting campus preferences, and the overall relaxed and laid-back nature of the interviews.