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University of Michigan Medical School Interview Feedback Summary

Ann Arbor, MI

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 9% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

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

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the candidate's motivations for pursuing medicine and their specific interest in the school, as well as questions about their experiences, research, career goals, strengths and weaknesses, and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, respondents mentioned encountering questions related to their extracurricular activities, personal statement, and challenges faced during their academic and professional journey, with some interviews being conducted in an MMI format subject to nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Michigan Medical School discussed a wide range of topics, including personal influences for pursuing medicine, ethical dilemmas, favorite extracurricular activities, and opinions on healthcare policies. The interview format appeared to be an MMI with some respondents noting questions directly related to their applications, while others engaged in thought-provoking discussions on various healthcare and personal scenarios.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Michigan Medical School discussed a wide range of topics including life lessons, personal qualities for being a good doctor, handling patient death, challenges in healthcare reform, opinions on controversial issues like abortion, and future career aspirations. The interviews seemed to cover ethical scenarios, motivations for medicine, handling difficult situations in healthcare, and personal reflections, with some respondents mentioning MMI format, while others noted conversational and straightforward questions.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.

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.

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.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, reading the school's website, and practicing answering potential interview questions, often utilizing resources like SDN and mock interviews. Many also researched health care issues and ethics, stayed up to date on current events, and engaged with current students for insights into the school.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness, enthusiasm, and approachability of the students and faculty at the University of Michigan. They appreciated the well-orchestrated interview day, the emphasis on student happiness and work-life balance, the innovative curriculum with flexible learning options, and the advanced technology integration in education. There was a high level of satisfaction with the facilities, the admissions process, the transparency and organization of the school, and the overall positive atmosphere and school pride.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the challenging nature of some MMI stations, outdated facilities, cold weather, lack of diversity in patient population, large class sizes, and the emphasis on school rankings. Suggestions included improving the organization of tours, providing clearer directions, addressing parking issues, and offering more structured schedules.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the format of the interviews, the importance of practicing for MMI-style questions, the relaxed and conversational atmosphere of the interviews, and the need for comfortable shoes due to the amount of walking involved on the U-M campus. Additionally, many applicants mentioned the beauty of the U-M campus and Ann Arbor, as well as the ease of finding transportation options to and from the school.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the University of Michigan interview day to be well-organized and enjoyable, with friendly and conversational interviewers. They appreciated the low-stress environment, the opportunities to interact with current students, and the emphasis on getting to know the applicants. Some noted the extensive nature of the interview process with multiple interviews back-to-back, while others highlighted the impressive facilities and resources of the school.
  • My interview at UM was the most extensive of all of the interviews I've done so far. There were two one-on-one interviews, one 45 minute with a faculty and one 30 minute with a medical student. After that there were six MMI stations. All of the interviewing occurred in the morning, and in the afternoon we got a tour and split into smaller groups to do fun med student activities. I thought the current students were a little lack-luster.
  • The most well orchestrated (and most fun) interview day I've had
  • Overall fun day. Treat the MMI with a game mindset then you'll be fine. The traditional interviews are really laid-back so just be yourself!
  • Love this school.
  • Great interview, great school, very professional and thorough interview experience.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants overwhelmingly praised the admissions office for being communicative, transparent, and welcoming, but suggested that quicker decisions and more comprehensive campus tours would enhance the overall experience.
  • None. Very communicative, welcoming, friendly, transparent admissions process.