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.
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 is a health problem that specifically affects New Mexico?"
You have a lot of different experience. What did you learn from them? How did they influence you going into medicine? How will you use what you learned from these experiences as a physician?
What are the biggest healthcare issues faced in New Mexico and how would you fix them?
* Make sure you know about issues in NM, they will definately ask you*
You say you're stubborn, what happens if you and a patient disagree? Say your patient has a viral infection and requests antibiotics, what would you do?
Greatest needs of our state?
--poverty, lack of access to care, high unemployment rate, HPSA in most of our counties, lack of appropriate infrastructure, teen pregnancy, etc...
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.
How many schools have you applied to, and what is your top choice? (not exactly questions I believe should be asked during an interview)
If you had a patient who received a concussion during football, what would you say to his parents? What are your personal opinions about concussions and football?
I was given two different ethical scenarios. One involved an obese man with sleep apnea, the other a child with a severe case of lupus that had severely damaged her organs.
Would a prisoner deserve a heart transplant over a civilian, and how do you feel about the fact that it would be paid for by the state, when a civilian would have to pay a large deductable...?
If I were a Dictator of the world, what would I do? They also asked questions pertaining to healthcare in our state of New Mexico, Obesity, diet, access to care, etc...
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.
Many questions. Was grilled on health care policy and factors relating to the roles of doctors, insurance agencies, and hospital administrators. The interviewer wanted to know the exact statistics.
I was asked specifically what types of conversations I had with family members of hospice patients concerning end-of-life. It was a little out-of-left-field, and definitely not something I was prepared for.
You have little to no clinical experience with US doctors. 50% of my work is paperwork, not just visiting patients. What makes you think you can handle that?
None of the questions were difficult. The just want to know your personality and how you will use it to give back to New Mexico. I am out of state but was able to apply because of my military status so it was somewhat difficult to explain my ties to New mexico and how I could give back.
I did not get any of the ethical, high stress questions. They really just wanted to know why you were there, and how they can help you get to where you want to be.
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.
re-read my primary and secondary, looked up health issues in NM
Spoke with a current UNM student, read all about UNM, read An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal, prepared outlined answers to 200+ typical interview questions/questions listed on this website that are specific to UNM, found interview clothes that are comfortable and wore them in advance to ensure comfort, practiced my hairstyle in advance, did a mock interview in my interview outfit, practiced interview answers OUT LOUD (it makes a huge difference than just writing them down on paper or computer. Make sure to practice speaking!), etc.
SDN interview questions, NM Department of Health website, read Healthcare Handbook (latest volume available), UNM SOM website (for school specific questions), advice from current students
re-read my AMCAS and secondary applications, used SDN, looked up UNM rankings in fields I was interested in, read about UNM SOM programs I am interested in participating in
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.
They matched me really well with one of my interviewers ie interested in her specialty, went to undergrad at the same place, seemed like they wanted me to interview with someone who would get along with me very well
LOVE the culture of New Mexico and how everything is synced to apple products. Almost everyone just carries around an iPad. Also, ALL lectures are digital.
The students all seem very happy with the school. No "cutthroat" attitude. The area is beautiful (as is all of New Mexico) and the weather is great. (I love high desert)
PBL and early clinical exposure in the curriculum. The maturity of the student body(older group of students). Beautiful new hospital and the campus is being upgraded.
The interviewers were both very friendly. Interviews were laid back, and felt more like a friendly conversation than an interview.
Nice facilites, inculding one new building and plans for 2 more new buildings for the medical school in the next few years.
The staff and faculty are encouraging and friendly and the students that i met were very laid back!
UNM highly advocates patient contact early in the first year. They really focus on making you comfortable with being around people and ensuring that you are an all around great clinician. The problem based learning is also a great tool to learn how to approach case studies- the thing that many students have trouble with. The faculty, staff, and interviewers are very nice and really came across like they were trying to help students get accepted. They have a new student union being built right now so by next year there will be more studying space and dining options right on site. Also, there are so many teaching hospitals in the area so the opportunity to learn in different places is definately there.
A brand-new UNM hospital is opening in April, and there will be a new basic sciences building shortly after that, both of which are going to be great. For anyone who is interested in primary care and health issues particular to NM, the school is perfect. I appreciated that the whole thing was laid back-- I wasn't herded around in a group of other suit-clad applicants as I was at some of the big-name schools.
They heavily recruited me during my interview, and discussed how the school caters to a lot of my interests. ALL new buildings (sub, anatomy lab, lecture hall) will be finished in the spring, just in time for next year!!!
The interaction between the faculty/mentors and the students. It was quite impressive the level of personal attention each student received.
It seemed that every student actually helped each other with their research. I have not seen this in any other program. Those that were good at running confocals helped those good at other aspects, and vice versa. Quite impressive, and this reinforced the image of collaboration both between researchers and students.
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.
My first interviewer asked very biased questions. He also couldn't figure out zoom format and I could barely hear him. UNM seems very disorganized/unprofessional as an institution. This school feels like a last resort for many people. During the med student Q&A someone asked why they chose UNM and every single person said it was the only place they got into.
My second interviewer clearly did not care about the interview, took no notes, arrived 15 minutes late, and only spoke to me for about 15minutes. She asked me about my top choice and then left.
Most of the interview day. It started in a dinky little classroom where we were welcomed by someone who went over some of the highlights of the school. She did not have a presentation. She just sat at the same table as us and talked for a half hour. Next, we had lunch. Not that this matters, but it was by far the worst lunch I had at any interview. We got to ask med students questions at lunch, but they were MS-I's (even though their average age was probably almost 30) and I interviewed in early Sept., so they really didn't know a whole lot about the school. Next, we went on a tour of the school with the MS-I's who already were talking poorly of some of their experiences here after 5 weeks of starting school. They took us to two places for about 15 mins on the tour then decided they really didn't have to take us anywhere else because we would get to see everything if we went there. Then, we were supposed to have a curriculum overview but the person who normally did it couldn't be there so they just didn't have the curriculum overview. They told everyone to find a place to do nothing for an hour until the interviews would start since they weren't gonna even try the curriculum overview. So we did. We just waited for an hour by ourselves in a lobby we found. Oh, did I mention they are starting a new curriculum this year? And they didn't even tell us what it was. Then the interviews started. Both interviewers kept me for longer than they were supposed to. They were pretty nice interviews and not terribly stressful but don't expect it to be a walk in the park like most places. Then that was the end. Thoroughly unimpressed.
Lackadaisical effort by faculty during curriculum presentation. No tour of facilities besides the library and one classroom. Clear bias for reapplicants
Parking on campus looks awful. Also, I was kind of disappointed that UNM graduate and medical schools don't cross talk very much. It's like they're separated by a street and no one communicates across it very well.
The student tour afterwards was just me and two very young first years. (I am a slightly older non-traditional applicant) Although they were nice, they weren't able to answer many of my questions because they had just started.
The student tour was really just a question and answer with one student. The "tour" part wasn't well defined. Not a huge deal really. I loved the school.
They weren't able to schedule a tour for me, and if you like a lot of fanfare on your interview day, you won't get it. I also didn't get to talk to students other than my interviewer, who was an M3.
Didn't really negatively impress me, but after being 15 minutes late, my student interviewer cancelled, and so I was interviwed by the associate dean instead (guess it worked in my favor...)
The program is so young; they have yet to graduate an MD/PhD student.
Also, there were two interview days, with lots of interviewing. All said, you were one-on-one interviewing for about 9 hours over the two days. This could be good or bad, however.
The administrative staff were not even there when I arrived to get my interview schedule and then they had changed the time of my first interview without notifing me so I was late.
The admissions staff were pretty bad. I showed up a few minutes early, and was asked if I could go walk around for a while until they were ready. They were nice, just not very professional.
Also, the facilites were so-so.
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.
That I would have 2 hours of free time between activities. I would have brought a book to read so I didn't look like I was sitting on my phone scrolling through Facebook.
How important clinical experience with a US doctor is. Even if it was five hours, if I had gotten a letter from a US physician, I think there would have been less questions about my lack of qualifications
The collaboration between UNM and the National Labs in the Area (The big ones -- Los Alamos and Sandia).
If you want to customize your biological research program, this might be a very interesting option to do so. The program is young, and they are willing to let you define your work with great flexibility. However, if you are looking for a very structured program, you might want to look elsewhere.
Don't expect the red carpet from the admissions staff. You'll have to find your way around campus to get to your interviews, so be prepared to walk around. Also, park in the hospital's parking garage for visitors. it's close to the SOM, and it's free.
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.
don't apply unless you're a New Mexico resident or interested in primary care. Doesn't seem like they have great opportunities for other specialties beyond primary care
The interviews are basically conversations and they will ask you about your specific experiences and to elaborate on the answers you provide. If you put it in your app be prepared to explain it. Not only why you did something, but why you didn't, so look for what could be missing/ low in your application.
Hopefully they will stop using the second interviewer I had because she did not cast a good light on the school or on the application process, especially since she spoke badly about her students during the interview.
The interviewer wanted very specific answers. Told me it was going to be the hardest interview of the cycle. They made a point to interrupt me throughout the entire interview, cutting off my answer if they were not interested. Wished I would've seen it coming and not been as flustered.
This is a really neat program! I think the culture is what makes UNM stand apart from other schools. I think UNM receives less credit than its due, and anyone would be fortunate to attend here!
Make applicants feel more wanted. This has been my dream school since I can remember, but the treatment of me on interview day soured me. I had already received an acceptance to an out-of-state medical school, and I made my decision to not attend UNM as soon as I walked off campus.
The day is so long, it makes it incredibly hard for people traveling long distance. We do not know the itinerary for the interview day until the day before which makes it difficult for travel. Also directions to the admissions office are very poor-- clearly they are made for current UNM students. It was very frustrating.
Love the school and the culture. Medical students seem very friendly and laid back. They all want to help each other succeed and it's not some big huge cut throat competition. It seems as though the students still have personal lives and can have fun which was comforting.
It was a positive experience. Even if they interviewers start off rough and really throwing lots of questions out, it get's better. I think they just want to test your ability to handle stress at the beginning.
Both of my interviewers were doctors who work in the UNM health system. The interviews were at their respective offices. Both were nice and conversational and asked interesting questions.
The interviewers are in general really nice. Maybe too nice, I don't know. (I might have got a rosier idea of how I did than my actual performance would justify)
The interviewers had access to my AMCAS and my secondary application, but they didn't know my grades or MCAT score. The interviews were both about an hour long, but the stress level was very low; it was very laid back. I was asked about my connections to New Mexico, state healthcare issues, and how I became interested in medicine. I was also asked to mentions my strengths and weaknesses and other character questions along those lines.
My experience at UNM went very well. I was impresesd by the overall objectives of the program and the support they guve to their students. The fact that teamwork is heavily emphasized was great. The interviewers were so laid back and genuwinely wanted to get to know you well so they could convince the committee to accept you. The campus is medium sized but offers anything you may need on site. The students made me feel at home and overall it was a great day. The biggest piece of advice that I'd give is to make sure you can talk about your time in New Mexico and tell them how you feel you can give back to the community, they're really big on that. Just describe how you feel you can fit it.
It was very positive. Everyone was friendly, from the admissions office staff to the interviewers. One of my interviews was with two faculty members, the other with a second year student.
My interview day was very short. Both of my interviews were in the afternoon, so I just drove to Albuquerque, checked in, walked around a bit, interviewed, and left. The interviewers have seen all of your file except your GPA and MCAT score. Talking to my interviewers made me even more excited about NM healthcare and issues.
They seemed to know my application pretty well. They also acknowledged their weak points, and addressed them up front, which I thought was a good move. If you know what the medical school stands for, then you know to research New Mexico healthcare issues beforehand. I guarantee they will ask you about it.
The interviews were relaxed and great, but the facilities and the accomodations were awful. I didn't get a tour, so my student interviewer went and showed me the cadaver lab but that was it. They seem to not have enough foundation in addition to problem based learning as students told me. They definitely don't sell the school through an interview day like the Texas schools do.
Both interviewers were MD's. First interviewer was friendly and seemed genuinely interested in me as a person. He made me feel like a shoe-in. The second interviewer had a way of making me feel like I shouldn't have bothered to apply. Good cop/bad cop experience...definitely.
Wow! They really try to wine and dine you; except I guess a little light on the wine. Limo travel to and from the school and hotel; a very historic hotel in Downtown Albuquerque, scenic trips up to Sandia Peak, and dinner at the director's house. Very nice
The second interviewer was easier to talk to, but also asked some pretty stern questions about the weakest points in my application. So I really don't know how I did!
My first interview was positive. I have heard that New Mexico does the classic good cop bad cop style of interviews. My second interviewer was late and did not seem interested in interviewing me. At one point she stated she was required to do these interviews. If you have the option to go else where, as I did, take it!
The faculty were very nice. Both interviews were fairly relaxed, and both interviewers made me feel right at home. I got there about 10 in the morning, and was done by 3.
All in all, I'd go there if offered. I really liked the emphasis they have been putting on research. The students I met were all pretty cool, and they only had good things to say about the school. I would go here if they accepted me.
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.
Don't send VITA invites to people in MD only. Be consistent with dates- they told me that "if you haven't heard back by Dec assume its a rejection," but i talked to another person and they were told a different timeline
Send out a more thorough interview day schedule. The schedule I received via email did not have certain activities listed that were listed on the schedule I received day-of.