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Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Interview Feedback Summary

Newark, NJ

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 34% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

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 average.
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 improving the American healthcare system, strengths and weaknesses, ethical dilemmas, motivation to become a doctor, and perspectives on healthcare challenges. Some respondents mentioned a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which may involve a nondisclosure agreement regarding specific questions asked during the interview.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School discussed a wide range of topics including healthcare system improvements, qualifications for becoming a doctor, addressing social determinants of health, personal motivations for medicine, moral dilemmas, family influences, and healthcare reform. The interview format may have been MMI, as some responses alluded to nondisclosure agreements, while other common themes centered on ethical scenarios, healthcare challenges, and personal attributes relevant to medical practice.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School discussed a wide range of topics including healthcare system improvements, leadership qualities, ethical dilemmas, medical discoveries, academic records, and healthcare reform. While some responses indicated a conversational and laid-back interview style, others highlighted specific inquiries related to MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and questions about fixing the healthcare system.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

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 an open 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 practicing common questions, reviewing their personal statements, researching the school website, and staying current on healthcare and ethical issues. They also utilized resources such as SDN, mock interviews, and discussions with current medical students to enhance their preparation.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were most impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the staff, students, and faculty at the school. They appreciated the emphasis on early clinical exposure, the supportive and non-competitive environment, and the sense of community and diversity within the student body. Suggestions and feedback included the importance of maintaining this positive atmosphere, continuing to offer strong clinical experiences, and further highlighting the school's commitment to service and community engagement.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the school's location in Newark, outdated facilities, disorganization during the interview day, lack of campus amenities like a gym or dining options, and unengaged or unprepared interviewers. Suggestions included improving facilities, providing more information and structure during the interview day, enhancing campus resources, and ensuring interviewers are well-prepared and engaged with applicants.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known to practice extensively, prepare for potentially stressful interview situations, bring a list of questions for the interviewer, and anticipate variations in interview styles. Additionally, they noted the importance of being knowledgeable about specific aspects of healthcare, campus navigation, and the emphasis on humanism in the curriculum. Suggestions included arriving early to account for parking difficulties, being prepared for ethics and healthcare policy questions, and understanding the school's clinical emphasis and community service initiatives.