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Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

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 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 cover a wide range of topics, including strengths and weaknesses, motivation for pursuing medicine, ethical dilemmas, healthcare reform, personal experiences, and future career goals. Some respondents mentioned being asked about their specific research, volunteer experiences, family background, and opinions on healthcare systems. Additionally, multiple references to MMI or Multiple Mini Interview format and nondisclosure agreements suggest that some interviews followed an MMI format with restrictions on discussing specific questions.

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 social determinants of health, family background, healthcare systems, medical ethics, and personal motivations for pursuing medicine. While the questions varied, there was a notable focus on ethical dilemmas, healthcare reform, and the impact of social factors on healthcare delivery.

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 leadership qualities, ethical dilemmas, healthcare policy, and the impact of medical discoveries. While the majority of responses did not highlight particularly challenging questions, some mentioned inquiries about healthcare reform, ethical decision-making, and the future of healthcare delivery systems, indicating a comprehensive assessment of applicants' knowledge and critical thinking skills.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.

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.
📍 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 Friends or family or with friends or family.

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 average.
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 personal statements, practicing common interview questions with friends, researching the school's website, and utilizing resources like SDN and healthcare literature. It was also common for applicants to stay updated on current events and healthcare issues, engage in mock interviews, and seek feedback from peers or mentors in the medical field.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and supportive atmosphere at the school, with many highlighting the enthusiasm and happiness of the students, faculty, and staff. They also appreciated the emphasis on early clinical exposure, the diverse patient population, and the community-oriented approach of the institution. Some mentioned the relaxed interview environment, the facilities, and the school's commitment to service and humanism in medicine as standout qualities.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions of the interview process, facilities, location in Newark, disorganization on interview day, and lack of enthusiasm from interviewers. Suggestions included improving facilities, providing more organization and information on interview days, and ensuring interviewers are well-prepared and engaging. Additionally, addressing concerns about the surrounding area and enhancing the overall experience for applicants were highlighted as areas for improvement.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly shared feedback and suggestions such as the importance of preparing thoroughly with practice, being aware of potential technical issues, bringing questions for the interviewers, staying relaxed, and noting the variability in interviewer styles. Additionally, many emphasized the challenges of parking on campus and the need to plan ahead to navigate the interview day smoothly.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally shared feedback about their interview experiences at NJMS, ranging from difficult and disorganized interviews to positive and supportive interactions. Common themes included variability in interviewer style and questions, the emphasis on community service and clinical training, the campus facilities, and the friendly atmosphere of the school. Some applicants found the location and organization of the interview day to be challenging, while others appreciated the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews.
  • Was a difficult interview. Wish I practiced even more
  • They gave me 2 faculty interviews. In the first one they just asked about my activities. In the second one, they asked specifically for clarification in some parts of my application and tries to get a better idea of why I applied early decision to NJMS and also addressed some red flags on my application. Overall, it felt very personal and I enjoyed the interview process here.
  • Very good interview, and I feel that this school would provide me with lots of support. There is also a very heavy focus on serving underserved and diverse communities, which is a huge plus for me.
  • An amazing school. The tour only made me love it more and more. The interview was very casual but unfortunately, I think it made me too relaxed and chit chatty. Don't forget that you're still in an interview!
  • It was a very positive interview experience

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should improve organization, provide clearer directions, offer more engaging recruitment efforts like interview days, update outdated materials such as videos, and consider providing refreshments or activities during wait times to enhance the overall experience.