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Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Piscataway, 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 moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ 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 include inquiries about personal challenges, motivations for pursuing medicine, strengths and weaknesses, ethical dilemmas, experiences in healthcare, and opinions on controversial medical topics like euthanasia and stem cell research. Some respondents also mentioned questions related to family background, academic performance, future aspirations in medicine, and scenarios involving patient care and ethical decision-making. Additionally, several responses indicated a focus on MMI format questions and potential nondisclosure agreements due to the nature of the interview process.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, patient scenarios, personal motivations, and views on controversial issues like abortion. While some responses referenced MMI or Multiple Mini Interview format and nondisclosure agreements, the questions primarily focused on ethics, patient care scenarios, personal attributes, and healthcare challenges, reflecting a comprehensive evaluation of candidates' critical thinking and values alignment with the medical profession.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School discussed a wide range of ethical scenarios, including dilemmas on patient care, euthanasia, abortion, and healthcare disparities. Many responses mentioned Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) with role-playing scenarios and ethical inquiries, suggesting a structured format where respondents may have been subject to nondisclosure agreements.
🤝 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.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

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 average.
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?

Many applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN), reviewing their AMCAS applications, conducting mock interviews, researching current medical issues, and reading the school's website. Suggestions include practicing common interview questions, staying informed about healthcare topics, discussing ethical dilemmas, and seeking feedback from current students or healthcare professionals.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the community outreach opportunities, friendly faculty and students, and the school's emphasis on research, community service, and diverse clinical experiences. The new and modern facilities, supportive staff, flexibility in curriculum, and the overall welcoming and enthusiastic environment were commonly highlighted as strong points of the program.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the lack of engagement and disinterest from interviewers, inconvenience in scheduling interviews and tours, outdated facilities, split campuses causing disconnection, emphasis on research over clinical exposure, negative impressions of the surrounding areas, and unenthusiastic or unprofessional behavior from staff or students. Suggestions included improving interviewer training, providing more comprehensive tours, updating facilities, enhancing community engagement, and addressing concerns about campus locations and student culture.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known more about the specific locations and logistics of the interview, such as the campus layout, transportation options, and parking situations. Many also expressed a desire for more information on the dual degree programs offered and the emphasis on ethical and healthcare-related questions during the interview process.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found Rutgers to be a welcoming and friendly environment with faculty who care about students' well-being. The interviews were described as conversational, with a mix of questions about personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, and healthcare knowledge. Some noted the facilities and tour were impressive, while others mentioned areas for improvement such as organization and interviewer preparedness.
  • Schools seems really great to attend, yes the building is a bit old compared to neighboring Public Health and Pharmacy schools but Rutgers is very quick to fix anything, whether its a broken light, wobbly desk, any technological issue, etc. Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming and from what was shared, it seems that the faculty really care about the students and their wellbeing. MMI was a bit tough because it was a new experience but after the first few prompts, you get used to how to present yourself and answer the questions.
  • Be prepared to think a bit during the interview and answer everything in a consistent manner. Don't let the time frame dissuade you from finishing your discussion with your interviewee.
  • Great school for the value. Some people are turned off by it because it is VERY suburban, but it's super easy to get to the city....and let's face it - you're going to be studying most of the time. You can see how the school keeps the tuition low by cutting down on the non-essentials (for example, you have to pay for the gym).
  • underrated school--great place to be with tons of opportunities.
  • I interviewed in NB and went to the tour in Piscataway.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office provide practice MMI questions, reduce the waiting time for decisions, streamline scheduling processes, offer snacks during wait times, improve travel instructions, and provide more comprehensive tours. They also expressed a desire for quicker communication and decision-making processes.