Applicants commonly mentioned that the interview process at the University of Minnesota was generally laid-back and conversational, with interviewers focusing on getting to know the applicants as individuals. Feedback highlighted the positive and friendly atmosphere of the school, while some applicants expressed minor concerns about organization and communication during the interview day.
-
Nice interview, the actual interview with students and faculty was very casual and friendly.
-
There was a CASPER-style virtual interview before my actual mission interview. I scored in the 2nd quartile on CASPER and thought I kind of flubbed this one up but I still got in
-
Very pleasant staff, low stress interview, interesting MMI questions
-
On Zoom. 20 minute interview followed by MMI. Lots of breaks. You get the questions at the start of the day and don't know which one you'll answer until you are in the breakout room.
-
Be prepared but don't freak out. Be professional.
-
The admissions committee at this school has poor communication with applicants. Applicants are encouraged to ask questions, but answers are often too vague to provide any relief during a difficult and long process. Other schools are more responsive to feedback and give more meaningful information.
-
LOVED the interview day. The MMI was honestly pretty fun and interesting. Everyone was really nice and friendly.
-
It's pretty lazy to not change the questions from year to year, and quite unfair to honest interviewees.
-
Top notch school. Friendly and professional staff.
-
This is really a great school. While it's old, it really does have a massively collaborative environment and very good academics. I would love to be accepted here
-
At the beginning of the interview day it was one of my top schools and became a solidified top choice after.
-
Please speed up the turn around between interview and notification of result.
-
I would be happy if I can go to school here
-
Everyone here was extremely nice. One student saw that I had finished my interview and walked with me answering questions for thirty minutes.
-
This is a fantastic school! Can't wait to (hopefully) matriculate next fall!
-
Na
-
I wish they would take letters of update or intent into consideration but Dean White specifically said that they do not.
-
Great program, everyone is friendly, students are happy
-
I got the general impression that none of my interviews were trying to set me up for failure. They just want to get to know you, make sure you're normal, and that you have an interesting perspective on medicine.
-
Love this school
-
Low stress interview. If they invite you to interview than likley you have already impressed them.
-
Excellent experience!
-
UofM is an awesome school and I congratulate all those who got in. I was bummed that I got wait-listed. I rank it very highly next to the other schools I visited.
-
I went in with low expectations since I was unimpressed when I visited as a Sophomore, but I loved my visit this time around.
-
None
-
Interviewer had secondary essays and AMCAS except grades/MCAT.
-
Could not have been a better interview.
-
Remember you have pretty good chances if you get this interview and don't stress about it too much. Very very conversational. The lunch is so good.
-
Great school overall. People in MN are really friendly but of course it is cold for about 7 months of the year.
-
The faculty interviewer doesn't know your GPA or MCAT, so the whole interview is very unbiased. They want to know if your personality would fit with school and medicine. It's very relaxing.
Student interviewer doesn't know anything about you. You'll have to explain, which is good.
-
I was very impressed by the school, especially how well the students got along and how dedicated the faculty is to the students. Our student tour guides were very unconventional and simply gave us their raw opinions on various aspects of their school... mostly positive. From their feedback, I gained the impression that the staff was very dedicated.
Every student also agreed that the environment was very cooperative, as the P/F system essentially neutralized any competition whatsoever.
Also, everyone (including professors) heads to the bars after exams. Awesome.
-
If you interview with Dr. Martel, consider yourself lucky. He makes you feel very comfortable and puts you at ease. He just wanted to know about me and what my passions were. Just a nice conversation in general.
-
Nothing really. Its a cool school...a lil bit on the expensive side compared to the nat'l average, but a good school none the less.
-
Positive- i had 2 student interviewrs- both gave really thorough answers to my questions
-
Arrive at 8am, curriculum and fin. aid presentations for ~1hour, then interview. Then we sat around for an hour; then 2nd-year students showed up for long tour (in which doors were locked so we couldn't see labs) and tasty lunch. Tour was entirely inside, but it's a lot of walking. Then we sat around some more waiting for our 4th-year interviews.
-
Very informative. I gained a better understanding of what the various years of medical school might be like at the U of MN. I am now even more excited about attending.
-
Overall, I was impressed by the University of Minnesota. The students and faculty I met were helpful, and there seemed to be a genuine feeling of community and dialogue amongst everyone at the school. I was disappointed that my interviewer and I were told different times for the interview, which caused the interview to feel rushed. I also wish my interviewer would have been more prepared for my visit. I'm not certain that he had read my personal statement. I actually liked him a lot, which prevented me from feeling completely disappointed with the mix-up. It was energizing to meet someone who has been in medicine for a VERY long time and still really loves what he does.
-
Interviews were great with faculty of choice, and students were some of the nicest people ever!
-
Lots of downtime, nice school though with laid back, normal students
-
It was a great experience. The people were incredible and we were treated well. The interviews were very laid back and the entire day had minimal stress.
-
Two interviews- first with a faculty member, admissions committee member... those last about 45 min. then you attend a lecture, tour, eat lunch, do a lot of waiting in between, and have a 4th year student interview you... which is awkward depending on your interviewer... some are very friendly and others are way too shy and not very easy to talk to...
-
The day was well organized and it is obvious that the administration wants to attract good candidates. The only ''hitch'' in my day came up during my interview with a 4th year student (new feature in the interview process) because they forgot to forward him my file. But we ended up having a good interview regardless. If anything, I was sold on the school just based on how happy the students were and how willing they were to offer insight and advice.
-
It was positive. My interviewer was very intelligent, and he cut me off quite a bit, but it was a good experience.
-
Very laid back and informative. I didn't have any hard ethical questions, just a ''get to know me'' interview.
-
Everything was exactly as expected. The interviewer just went through my application and asked questions based on what I had written. I could tell I was the millionth applicant she had gone through this with.
-
The day begins with the interview. Mine was at 9:30 AM. My interviewer's previous interview ran long, so mine was a little late. Since my interview ran a little long too, I wasn't able to sit-in on a class. It was optional anyway, so I just waited in the admissions office waiting room. Paul White gave a presentation on the school, and a financial aid representative spoke. Afterward, we were picked up by the student tour guides. My tour guide was really hilarious and enthusiastic, and the school was great. Lunch was the last activity of the day, and it was a great meal.
-
Excellent and very relaxed
-
Very comfortable day. I checked in to the office at 845, had my interview from 9 'til a little after 10, had an opportunity to sit in on class, got a tour, a schpeel from the admissions director, and a delicious lunch.
-
My interview was the first thing on the agenda and lasted for 80 minutes. We could have attended a class but both first and second years were taking exams that day. We sat around for an hour and attended a seminar by the dean of admissions, financial aid office, and the dean of students who came in for Q&A. We were then greeted by our two awesome tour guides who took us around on a tour and then to lucnh at Fairview. Overall the day was great.
-
Pretty informative and everyone was super nice! The director of admissions was really funny and my interviewer was very sweet. Lunch was amazing and overall the interview was very laidback, they really wanted to get to know you and not stress you out. Interviews are suppose to be 30 minutes but lasted longer.
-
I wasn't really sold until the student's met us for lunch/tour. The early interview (first thing) could be considered good or bad depending on the person. But, since the website doesn't have a lot of info about the school, and the interviewers want to know exactly what you like about the school...It would've been nice to have the tour first. Minnesota is cold as balls, so prepare accordingly. Finally, I would recommend you go to the Mall of America. It's quite a spectacle: 400+ stores, 50 places to eat, huge indoor amusement park, wedding chapel, over 3 million square feet. Good way to kill time before a flight. Take the light rail from downtown, it'll get you there in 20 minutes for less than a buck. INFO ABOUT THE INTERVIEW: your interviewer only has your AMCAS without grades or MCAT scores. They do not see any of your letters of rec, or anything from your secondary.
-
My interviewer was very friendly and really helped me to feel comfortable. Truley was interested in me and why I want to be a doctor.
-
*It's okay*
-
It was a very positive experience. At the beginning of the interview, it was clearly stated that it was a chance for the interviewer to get to know me. The interviewer was very open and the interview was very conversational. We got caught in a conversation and had to cut it short because I had to go sit in on a lecture. At the end, the interviewer was positive and said he would like to be a colleague of mine.
-
My interview was very straightforward. No ethics questions, in fact, no questions that were meant to make me squirm. My interviewer treated me like a young professional and didn't even ask "Why medicine?" I got the impression that he felt that if I had made it this far, I knew what I was doing. We basically went through my list of ECs one by one and I described them in greater detail. I brought along a minature version of my research poster and showed it to him. It was easier to briefly describe my research by showing him pictures rather than going into long boring detail.
I had googled him beforehand and saw that in the 60s he had studied under a surgeon who had a building named after him. When he asked if I had any questions, I asked him about the surgeon. He lit up and pointed to a portrait on the wall and told me that it was that particular man, then he went on to describe this person's philanthropic principles. He said he hoped I got in and he'd write up a good recommendation for me. I couldn't have asked for a better interview.
-
Rough... the weather was bad, interviewer was rude... and I was tired.
-
My interviewer was very old (ca. 85 years) and made several inaccurate statements regarding items on my application. I wasn’t sure if he was intentionally making “mistakes†to try and catch me off guard and trap me in a lie or if he was just old and had not thoroughly read through my application. I did my best to politely correct him but after about the 5th or 6th mistake it became a bit awkward.
-
My interviewer was kind of strange. His name is Dr. Levitt of Physiology. He was very kind but also very soft spoken and non-conversational. He loves details and anything he asks you about he will pry deep underneath it. He didn't just focus on my application though, which was nice, and we ended up talking politics for the last half of the interview. At first I thought that he was taking notes while I was talking but soon realized that he was just doodling on my application. I think the guy might have a mild case of Asperger's syndrome, but that might just be me being quick to diagnose. But he was soft spoken and had trouble making eye contact and very detail oriented so maybe I'm right.
-
The interviewer was very casual and gave me ample time to respond to all of the questions. I was really impressed by the flexibility that the school provides.
-
Overall it was reletively low stress and personal. Many of my questions were pretty non-traditional regarding things I was interested in and the ways I felt about current medical issues. My interviewer seemed to want to get to know me more than anything else.
-
Everyone was very casual, which almost made it difficult to keep a professional attitude. Make sure you don't get so caught up in casual conversation you forget to sell your good points. (I think this happened to me a bit.) Have things you want them to know about you ahead of time and make sure you fit them into the conversation. They don't seem to ask the generic questions but just ask questions off your essays. Also, side note, don't worry about weather too much. There's underground tunnels everywhere so we never went outside. It's easier to not have to cart around a coat.
-
I enjoyed the interviewer and going to the 2nd year class. The rest of the program wasn't very organized, but I think that was because the dean was out of town.
-
I arrived at 8:30 for my interview at 8:45, but they had changed the time on the interview without telling me, so I had to sit outside her office for another 45 minutes. That was the only bad part of the day however. I interviewed with Dr. McLoon, she teaches anatomy to the 1st years. It took a minute to connect with her, because she likes to talk alot, but she was very nice. The questions she asked were pretty standard though. After the interview there is a short presentation about the school (short but impressive) and then there is a tour that is given by students. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes, because the med school campus is large and spread out. I didn't have problem but some of the girls in high heels did. After the tour they take you to the cafeteria and you can eat whatever you want. There was quite a bit to choose from so that was good. Overall the experience was good, and I hope I can go to school there.
-
I had a great interview experience, my interviewer was very friendly and interested in finding out who I am as a person and the school was great in how the classes are run and the information presented.
-
I had a great experience- I was really impressed with the school, programs, and students.
-
My interviewer was a nice old man who had recently moved from TX to MN. i talked about myself a bit, then asked him about his research (tumor vaccines).
-
Very positive. I was a little afraid because I was interviewed by a 4th year student. I assumed beforehand that she wouldn't have as much weight as the other admissions committee members. I was completely wrong and she was great at making me feel comfortable and welcome.
-
We talked about our backgrounds and why we each were interested in medicine. Dr. Hill asked me question based on my responses to understand how I see medicine and what role I will play as a physician.
-
Amazing. It was just the best interview in all of my graduate and undergraduate experiences. My interviewer was so excited and kind and really made me feel relaxed (and very welcome).
-
Pretty good, the staff and faculty were so enthusiastic about the school and very passionate about everything they talked about. you could tell they really believed in the school and its qualities.
-
1st year students host a coffee hour the night before for any questions. Everyone was very friendly and interviewer was great.
-
I had a great interviewer who put emphasis on the conversation more so than interrogating me, which I was worried about beforehand due to horror stories I had heard. It was a "getting to know you" exercise and it seemed to go well, with few awkward moments. One thing I appreciated was at the end of the interview he made me stop and take the time to think, for a full minute, of anything I had forgotten to add to the interview...he didn't want me to leave the office and regret not having said something. Also, the questions flowed nicely between one another, and while there were some difficult ones he never seemd condesending if I didn't have a snappy answer. Rather we would discuss and debate the issue between us.
-
Informative, boring.
-
I was really impressed by UMinnesota. I'm surprised they don't rank higher.
-
Very good. The applicants were all friendly, the students were nice....everyone seemed very intelligent and down to earth. My interviewer was extremely friendly as well.
-
Very positive- my interviewer made me feel like we were old friends, looking back I think maybe it was TOO comfortable... but at the end he told me he liked me and was going to write me a good review.
-
The interviewers don't get your scores or grades, only the responses to the essay questions, which they have looked over beforehand. Know thyself, and know thy application, too!
-
Although my interviewer was a bit challenging (I had to defend everything; he seemed to think I had lied on my application - I had NOT!), the school seems pretty good. I'm not sure it's the right fit for me, but I can definitely see other people having a great experience here.
-
University of Minnesota sounds like a great place to go to school. True P/F cirriculum and you get to make your own schedule for rotations in your clinical years. Very well balanced school as far as research and primary care. Seems like whatever you want to pursue, they afford you significant opportunity to do so. Most importantly, you are are surrounded by great people.
-
It was a relaxed atmosphere, we were very welcomed, and it was an overall great day.
-
Everything was relaxed and laid back, the other interviewees were nice; everything was good.
-
Completely laid back--I think they mainly want to see whether you're a down-to-earth candidate who will fit in with the school's atmosphere.
-
It was great. Even though I am familar with the U of MN campus and student life somewhat, I found myself still very impressed by the facilities, student and faculty.
-
The interview covered my application file and allowed me to add any new information to the file.
-
The interview itself was pleasantly relaxed. The interviewer had copies of my AMCAS PS and Experiences, but nothing else (as far as I could tell). Having the interview over before 9:30 AM made the rest of the day more enjoyable.
-
Of the 5 I've done so far -- U of M Duluth, U Chicago, Georgetown, George Washington -- this one impressed me the most.
-
Overall, the day was very pleasant. Our interviews were scheduled first thing in the morning so that we could enjoy the rest of the day. The formal presentation by the admissions department included several members of the administration who both seemed very eager to help us out any way they could. Two second-year students gave us a thorough tour and offered their candid opinions (largely positive) on a variety of subjects. Unless you have a good reason to do so, don't stress out about this interview.
-
The interview was laid-back and conversational. No surprise questions. The interviewer only had my personal essay and secondary application essays to go off of, so we mostly stuck to discussing things I had mentioned in them.
-
We were taken for a tour of the clinical skills practice area by the director of admissions, whch was special. She seems very down-to-earth and was very open about how the admissions process works at UMN. We had a rather lengthy tour of the campus with two medical students that were happy to be at the school. Lunch was great, the second best I've had on my interview tour. My interviewer was quite nice though I don't feel we adequately discussed my application, interests, strengths and intentions. He strayed a deal into sports (an unfamiliar terrain) and when I told him that I had an issue on my application I wanted to highlight in case it came up in the Admisions Committee's deliberations, he told me that wasn't necessary because he had taken a close look at my application. Considering that it was the only interview I got, I thought the response was unusual. Other than that, I think the University of Minnesota is a great school if you look past the out-of-state figures.
-
I was totally unimpressed and disappointed by the majority of the admissions staff. They are unfriendly and would prefer to not talk to you or answer questions if they could. The school seems ok but the lecture halls are all underground and they look uncomfortable. Overall, I'm sure it is a fine institution but the school is a reflection of its northern climate, cold.
-
Overall it was a good, conversational interview and the whole day around it was great. the students really like the school and were laid back. i was impressed by the facilites and all of the resources they have available for the students. we were also able to sit in on a lecture which was nice. we were given a lot of information and the day was very worthwhile I thought.
-
Very relaxed; i actually had a good time. my interviewer was really cool and it was conversational.
-
This was by all means that one-in-a-hundred unforgettable hellish interview. My beliefs were attacked at every step of the way, from the college I attended to my political stance. I realized the interviewer wanted to see how I could think and how I could defend myself, but I was really turned off by the interviewer's seemingly arrogrant attitude.
After nearly two hours of arguing, I left the room feeling pretty awful and angry, and it was even worse to hear how every other student interview was really laid back and conversational. But don't worry, I got accepted even though I thought I really messed things up.
-
The professors you meet are doing very interesting research and they'll be happy to answer questions on what they do and even invite you into the lab to show you so those parts are fine, the interviewers are kind, but it feels like you're make to jump through hoops
-
I had a great interviewer, so it was really low stress and easy. I liked that they told me the name of my interviewer ahead of time so I could look him up and know a little about him. The admissions office seemed a little disorganized in that I didn't receive my itinerary until the day before my interview, and they told me the wrong place to wait for the shuttle to the other campus to find my interviewer...
-
The school is great. The staff was helpful and friendly, and the students here like to have fun. The facilities are nice and newly renovated in some parts, and others need to be worked up a bit. My interviewer was supposed to be conversational, but ended up as him asking me one question after another, more like a grilling session. Some of the questions were very tough. Overall, my experience was +ve and I would not mind attending here in the least.
-
My interviewer was a PhD so she drilled me on my research projects. At first, it was not very laid-back, mainly just question and then answer, but then toward the end when I asked her about her own research, we got a bit more conversational.
-
The program was a little unorganized but made up for it with outstanding resources and an obvious committment to education. The students were really accessible and my interview was casual and comfortable.
-
I really had a great day. The school has a great program and the people there are always willing to help the students. The facilities for pre-clinical work are pretty cool also.
-
Interviews are supposed to be 30 mins. My interviewer was pretty cool so we "chatted" a lot as she was conversational. I spent about 15 mins talking about her own research so my interview was over an hour.
Great institution! They feed me really well. Everything was organized and professional but they still communicated the fact that they want you to be comfortable. Some of the special things at the U includes:
Emphasis on International medicine
Emphasis on research
Numerous hospitals around for rotations
Early clinical exposure
Flexibility in classes during the 3rd and 4th year
Massive emphasis on physican and medical student well being.
-
Overall, I really liked it. The students seemed non-competitive and laid-back, and they genuinely liked the school. The physician I interviewed had many positive things to say about UM graduates as residents.
-
It was a fabulous day (except for how early it started)! There are three steering committee interviews, which were really interesting. They were all very different, and yet still probing in their own ways. Then there is a student interview, which is pretty lowkey. Finally, there are three informal interviews with faculty at the school to introduce you to some of the research going on there. There is also a tour and a nice lunch at a restaurant at the top of the memorial union.
-
The interview was open file except for GPA and MCAT scores. It was very friendly and relaxed.
-
My interview was very laid back. He started off by asking me where I was from, what I liked to do and why I wanted to be an MD. From there, he told me some interesting anecdotes and a detailed description of how the admissions process would proceed. He emphasized how hard they try to make the process fair but luck sometimes played a role. He then asked me if I had any questions. I asked several and then he sent me on my way.
-
I got there early, and my interviewer was already there so we started early! It was extremely laid back, and I suggest being honest. My interviewer asked my what books I read and I honestly told him I didn't really read books. He laughed, and I got accepted, so don't worry... you don't have to be a perfect candidate! Just be yourself!
-
I chose a morning interview, which was great so I could relax the rest of the day. Had about an hour program at the school from 11-12, where we learned about the cirriculum, financial aid, admissions. Then a current student took us on a tour of the school and to lunch. Pretty short day!
-
Overall, interview is supposed to be unstressed unless you get stuck with a griller like mine.
-
It was overall a positive experience and I would recommend anyone who has an interview at the "U" to attend. Please try to take advantage of their student hosting program as it really helped me.
-
The interviewer had my secondary application and my personal statement but didn't have grades or MCAT scores. He pretty much just asked me to elaborate on things I wrote about that he found interesting or important. He spent about a quarter of the time getting off topic and telling stories. It was more of a conversation than an interview.
-
The interview was very laid-back and informal. The questions were all personal and related to my essays and experiences, nothing ethical or hypothetical. My interviewer was very encouraging and genuinely seemed interested in me. He had worked at a number of other institutions and said that the U was his favorite. Overall I felt that the interviewer really got to know me (as much as someone can in 45 min.)and what I had to offer.
-
The day overall was enjoyable, the fellow interviewees in my group were nice and the interview went well. The lady checking in folks at the admissions office was a little surly, but hell, I would be too if I had to deal with snooty pre-meds all day everyday.
-
Overall, a good experience. The U of M med school seems very laid-back with little competition (gunners may consider going elsewhere). Be prepared to find your interviewer's office in the maze of buildings--you get no escort.
-
My visit was enjoyable. I had my interview in the morning (you can request this- do so!) so during the rest of the day I wasn't nervous like the students who interviewed in the afternoon. I'm from out of state, so my interview seemed to be mostly about whether I would stay in MN after graduation- he perked up though once he knew how much family I had in the area/state. The students they've selected for interviews seem to be very relaxed and interesting people, and the whole health building seems to be actively growing.
-
The interviewer had all my information except for test scores and GPAs. Many of the questions he asked were about my academic experience and experiences. The school seemed to try to make sure the interviewers did not ask inappropriate questions.
-
Very, VERY informal, more of a conversation than an interview. It ran longer than the alotted hour. My interviewer was congenial and made me feel very comfortable, as well as really listening to what I had to say. We talked about books, our organic chemistry experiences, and how death is treated in the medical profession. An excellent experience.
-
I was impressed by the students and the facilities. It is very easy to get lost, be careful. Allow lots of time for traffic!
-
Although most interviewers said their interviews were casual and conversational, mine was not. The interviewer did try to be casual and informal, but it mostly ended up being question, answer.
-
My interview was very relaxed and enjoyable. He just asked questions about my background (not difficult questions, just "get to know you" types of stuff). We went an hour and a half, although it it didn't feel like it. Just be relaxed, be yourself, have some fun, and you'll do fine.
-
Everything seemed quite informal, from the presentation to the interview. Everyone interviews at different times, but all convene for an informational presentation, tour, and lunch. The disjointed schedule made for a very independent, relaxed atmosphere. The interview itself was nonconfrontational and conversational. I guess one should know why Minnesota (esp. if you are out of state).
-
The interview was very laid-back and conversational. He was familiar with my application, and made a few general comments about my personal statement and a a few of my experiences. The interview concluded with "I'm going to give you my most outstanding rating. I think you're exactly the kind of person we want here. I hope you come here, and look me up if you come because I think you have the perfect personality to be a great surgeon." Yikes.
-
My interview was early and went quickly. Interviews at the U of MN are notorius for being very laid-back and my interviewer told me right away that he would not ask any "trick" questions. Once the interviews were done, the 30 or so of us interviewing that day were given a short presentation about the curriculum and what the school has to offer in general, and then given a quick tour before lunch. The most beneficial aspect of the whole day was how they put all of us together in a waiting room...it seemed restrictive at first, but we were soon all talking and venting our nervousness. Although I didn't really click with my interviewer, it was a positive experience overall. I should also mention that interviewers were given by students (on the adcom), current MDs, doctorate level researchers, and even a retired MD.
-
The interview was very laid back and my interviewer was very friendly. There was a information session, tour and lunch program from 11-1:30. Interviews were held before or after the program. It was nice to have the interview before so I could relax the rest of the day.
-
This was my first interview. i was pretty nervous, but the interview was mainly converstaional. all of the students are really happy to be at the u of m, which really made me want to go there.