SDN Logo
 
 

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Worcester, MA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% of interviews, indicating it is highly 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 range of topics, including motivations for pursuing medicine, handling stress, impact on healthcare, clinical experiences, future goals, and personal attributes. Some respondents mentioned interviews in an MMI format, potentially subject to non-disclosure agreements, which typically involve scenario-based questions and ethical dilemmas.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Massachusetts Medical School discussed a wide range of topics, from ethical dilemmas in patient care to personal qualities and career choices. The interviews included scenarios like dealing with stressed parents refusing blood transfusions, discussing personal activities, and exploring motivations for pursuing medicine, with some respondents mentioning conversational and standard questions alongside inquiries about emotional support systems and societal issues in healthcare.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at University of Massachusetts Medical School discussed a wide range of topics, from personal attributes and career motivations to healthcare systems and ethical dilemmas. The interviews included questions about evidence-based medicine, personal challenges, healthcare policies, and qualities of a good doctor, with some respondents mentioning a focus on family influence and handling difficult patient scenarios. It appears that the interviews were diverse in nature, covering both traditional and non-traditional aspects of medical school readiness.
🤝 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 2 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 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 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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by practicing with mock interviews, reviewing their application materials, researching the school and healthcare policies, and seeking feedback from resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN). They also focused on developing responses to common interview questions and ensuring they were well-rested and mentally prepared for the interview process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were most impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students, faculty, and staff at the school. They appreciated the supportive and stress-free environment, beautiful facilities, affordable cost, and emphasis on community and collaboration in learning. Suggestions included continuing to focus on student well-being, enhancing research opportunities, and maintaining the welcoming atmosphere.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about the lack of diversity, disorganization in the interview process, limited campus facilities, the unimpressive city of Worcester, and the rushed nature of the day with minimal time for exploration. Suggestions included improving diversity, enhancing organization during interviews, upgrading facilities, and providing a more comprehensive and structured campus tour experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews, the potential parking challenges, the need for comfortable shoes during the long tour, and the varying interview formats (morning vs. afternoon, on-campus vs. off-site). Additionally, applicants suggested familiarizing oneself with the school's location, being prepared for a potentially confusing building layout, and being open to unexpected questions or interview experiences.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview day at UMass to be low-stress and enjoyable, with friendly staff and students. Feedback included appreciation for the conversational interview style, mixed experiences with interviewers, positive impressions of the facilities and atmosphere, and some concerns about communication regarding admissions decisions and interviewer dynamics.
  • Nothing
  • An interviewer at one of my MMI stations spent the first 1.5 mins talking and I was really frustrated because I couldn't finish my answer.
  • I had a blast during my interview day. The staff and students were extremely nice. Despite not having experience with this style of interview, UMMS did a great job on explaining the template and why most schools are changing to the format. As for the MMI, the interviewer doesn't expect you to talk for the full six minutes. Rather, they will ask you questions about your particular stance or provide additional information. Also, be cautious about being to adamant about one side. Ideally, you should give pros/cons for your decision and then why you think (blank) is the best option.
  • Its a wonderful school and the staff and administration is really on the students side helping them become the best version of themselves. That's the type of school I would want to go to. Where your individual weaknesses are addresses and you feel supported!
  • I wish UMass would let applicants know their admissions results, or at least keep us in-the-loop with where our apps are in the process. You interview in the early fall and you still haven't heard a peep in the early spring...?

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office provide better communication throughout the application process and improve organization during interview days, such as providing more information in advance about the interview day schedule and reducing rushed presentations.