SDN Logo
 
 

University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine

Calgary, AB

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 30% 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 include scenarios assessing ethical dilemmas, questions about personal qualities and strengths, inquiries about research experience, discussions on healthcare system improvements, and inquiries about career goals and unique experiences in medicine. Some responses suggest the interviews may have been in an MMI format with nondisclosure agreements due to the frequent mention of scenarios and ethical questions without specific details provided.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine discussed scenarios in an MMI format, covering patient confidentiality, autonomy, personal values, and ethical dilemmas. Some respondents mentioned being asked unexpected personal questions, while others were presented with hypothetical scenarios or ethical inquiries, such as views on alternative medicine, career regrets, and practicing medicine in different settings.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult questions asked at University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, decision-making scenarios, and healthcare issues. Many responses indicated a scenario-based format, possibly an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview), with some mentioning nondisclosure agreements, making preparation challenging due to the varied nature of the questions.
🤝 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 2-3 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 between $201 and $300.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

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 unfriendly.
No responses

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was unresponsive.
No responses

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reading about bioethics, current events, healthcare policy, and reports such as Romanow and Kirby, while also practicing potential questions and answers. Many also sought advice from physicians, friends, and family, and tried to relax before the interview to perform their best.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and enthusiastic students and faculty, as well as the welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere at the school. Many applicants also appreciated the facilities, the interview format, and the accommodating admissions staff.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the interview process, such as the MMI format, lack of information provided beforehand, and challenging essay requirements. They also mentioned concerns about the facility's construction and negative comments made by faculty members during presentations. Suggestions include improving communication about the interview format, providing clearer instructions for essays, and ensuring a positive environment during facility tours and presentations.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the lack of faculty members at the interview, the unique format of the MMI, the casual nature of the interview, and the option to change into formal attire at the location. They also highlighted the importance of staying calm and relaxed during the interview process.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format quick and nerve-wracking but appreciated the friendly interviewers and the opportunity to showcase their skills in a unique way. Some expressed uncertainty about their performance due to the format's limitations in fully assessing their abilities, while others highlighted the conversational and low-stress nature of the interviews.
  • The MMIs happened very quick! I was nervous, but relaxed a bit as they went on. I was pleasantly surprised that the interviewers were friendly and gave good feedback such as nodding, smiling and commenting. I wasn't expecting that!
  • Good, but different...
  • I had a good time. I loved the interview. I found that I liked the school a lot more than I expected. After the first couple of MMI stations, I started to enjoy myself rather than being stressed out.
  • My feelings on this interview are mixed. The MMI format does not allow the interviewers to get to know you at all. Someone with no social skills would have soared through this interview! Unless they have discovered some secret way to truly analyze what should be analyzed in a med interview then I would say that it doesn't give them any indication of how you will behave as a physician. All you need to do is read the scenario and talk about every aspect you can think of - all common sense. I'm almost sure that every single person would have given the same response to these questions. The only difference would be word choice and the sequence they come out in.
  • Overall, very positive; but it is difficult to assess your performance in an MMI.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

No responses