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University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School

Duluth, MN

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 25% 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 low 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 explaining grade trends, fitting into the school's qualities, recent reading material, free time activities, challenges and benefits of rural medicine, future practice location, patient scenarios, motivations for medicine, strengths and weaknesses, and interest in rural family medicine. Additionally, many responses mentioned the MMI format, indicating a structured interview style with questions focused on assessing interpersonal skills and ethical reasoning, possibly under a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School discussed a wide range of topics including future aspirations, ethical dilemmas, integration of faith into practice, and hypothetical patient scenarios. Notably, the interview format may have been an MMI based on references to non-disclosure agreements, while questions also touched on personal values, professional conduct, and healthcare delivery to diverse populations.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School discussed a wide range of topics including patient interactions, healthcare challenges, personal failures, and career aspirations. While some mentioned specific scenarios like handling stubborn patients or discussing health care reform, others described more traditional interview questions like explaining one's passion for medicine or addressing challenges in healthcare systems.
🤝 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 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.
No responses

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 4-6 hours 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 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

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 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?

Applicants commonly prepared for their interviews by thoroughly reviewing their application materials, researching the school, utilizing Student Doctor Network (SDN) for insights, practicing mock interviews, and staying updated on current events in healthcare. Suggestions included reflecting on personal experiences, strengths, and goals, as well as seeking guidance from current students or physicians, and engaging in practice interviews to enhance preparedness.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were consistently impressed by the friendly and welcoming environment at the school, including the approachable staff, faculty, and students. They appreciated the small class sizes, sense of community, and the dedicated support from faculty and administration. Many also highlighted the relaxed atmosphere, the emphasis on hands-on learning, and the positive interactions during the interview process.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about feeling out of place for not being rural enough, rudeness from interviewers, limitations in facilities and student life activities, small and old facilities, being stuck indoors due to cold weather, and a narrow focus on rural practice. Suggestions included improving interviewer professionalism, enhancing facilities, expanding student life activities, and broadening the program's focus beyond rural medicine.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known ahead of time about the conversational nature of the interview, the importance of researching the interests of the professors, being prepared to discuss health care reform, the emphasis on commitment to rural and family medicine, and the significance of shadowing a rural family practice physician. Additionally, some mentioned the unique aspects of the school, such as the small class size and the necessity of finding parking early.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally provided feedback that the interviews were conversational and stress-free, with many expressing positive impressions of the school's atmosphere, friendliness of staff and students, and community feel. Some mentioned the focus on rural and family medicine, while others highlighted the small class sizes and supportive environment as key factors in their interest in the school.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should prioritize character over numbers in interviews, provide more support and opportunities for local students, improve communication by emailing letters, and enhance the overall candidate experience by being more impressive and organized.