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University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Albuquerque, NM

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 38% 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 cover a wide range of topics, including inquiries about specific health issues in New Mexico, motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences with diversity, clinical experiences, healthcare challenges, strengths and weaknesses, and potential solutions for healthcare problems at both state and national levels. The interviews may have been conducted in an MMI format, with some respondents possibly being subject to a nondisclosure agreement due to the nature of the questions asked.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of New Mexico School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including patient scenarios, ethical dilemmas, healthcare system challenges, personal attributes, and future goals. Some responses suggested that the interview format may have been an MMI with tailored questions specific to the school, while others mentioned open-ended questions related to healthcare issues in New Mexico and beyond, showcasing a holistic approach to evaluating applicants.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of New Mexico School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including health care policy, end-of-life conversations, alternative career paths, advancements in medicine, clinical experience, handling paperwork, healthcare legislation, technology's impact on rural areas, personal regrets, and dealing with rising obesity and diabetes rates. Some responses indicated an MMI format with a focus on personality and ties to New Mexico, while others mentioned nondisclosure of specific questions and emphasized the importance of preparing for healthcare-related inquiries.
🤝 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.

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 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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, reading up on healthcare issues in New Mexico, conducting mock interviews, practicing answers out loud, utilizing resources like SDN and school websites, and seeking advice from current students or healthcare professionals. Suggestions include researching the specific programs and curriculum of the institution, discussing public health issues with others, and ensuring comfort and confidence through mock interviews and practicing speaking responses out loud.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendliness of staff, faculty, and students, the school's culture, facilities, early clinical exposure, problem-based learning, personalized attention, and the emphasis on collaboration and community outreach. Many also appreciated the new buildings and upgrades to the campus, the focus on patient contact, and the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere during interviews.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about disorganized and unprofessional interview experiences, lack of enthusiasm from interviewers, insufficient facilities and tours, and a perception of the school being a last resort for students. Suggestions included improving communication, enhancing interview experiences, providing more engaging tours, and addressing issues with facilities.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known about potential free time between activities to bring a book, the importance of clinical experience with a US doctor, and to wear comfortable shoes for walking around campus. They also expressed a desire to know their interviewers in advance and suggested bringing money for lunch due to limited options with the provided voucher.

What are your general comments?

Applicants commonly mentioned the emphasis on primary care and New Mexico residency, as well as the conversational and laid-back nature of the interviews. Suggestions included improving directions for out-of-state applicants, providing clearer itineraries, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all interviewees.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest that the admissions office should improve communication consistency regarding timelines and updates, provide more detailed and accurate information for interview schedules, and consider enhancing the overall applicant experience by ensuring buildings are accessible and staff are supported.