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University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

Los Angeles, CA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 24% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ 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 low 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 inquiries about experiences with underserved communities, identifying the biggest healthcare issues, handling failures and ethical dilemmas, discussing teamwork roles, challenges faced on the path to medical school, reasons for pursuing medicine, opinions on healthcare, and personal accomplishments. Some respondents mentioned MMI format or nondisclosure agreements, indicating structured interviews and confidentiality requirements may have been part of the process for some applicants.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, future challenges in healthcare, personal experiences, and views on societal issues like healthcare and fast food preferences. The interview format appears to have been an MMI, with some respondents noting conversational questions tailored to individual discussions, while others mentioned nondisclosure agreements possibly being in place.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine discussed various topics such as the current state of healthcare, challenges facing physicians, ethical dilemmas, and predictions about the future of healthcare. Multiple respondents mentioned being asked about ethical issues, the healthcare system, and specific scenarios, indicating a focus on ethical decision-making and healthcare knowledge. Some responses referenced an MMI format and potential nondisclosure agreements, suggesting a structured interview process with specific question guidelines.
🤝 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 a closed 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 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 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 reading resources such as SDN and the school's website, reviewing their application materials, practicing mock interviews, and researching healthcare-related topics. They also emphasized the importance of relaxing, having personal stories ready to share, and staying knowledgeable about current medical issues.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Keck, particularly highlighting the approachability of the Dean and faculty, the emphasis on early and hands-on clinical experiences, the camaraderie among students, the positive attitudes of both students and faculty, the pass/fail grading system, the resources and facilities available, and the diverse patient population at LA County Hospital. Lunch was also a notable highlight for many applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were consistently concerned about the high cost of attendance, the location of the school in a rough area of LA, the lack of campus facilities and housing, the need for a car due to commuting distances, and the limited financial aid information provided. Suggestions included improving campus facilities, enhancing financial aid transparency, and addressing the safety and appeal of the surrounding neighborhood.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interviews at USC to be low-stress and relaxed, with both faculty and student interviewers showing genuine interest in getting to know the applicants. Many appreciated the emphasis on clinical experience, the friendly atmosphere, and the impressive opportunities provided by LA County Hospital. However, concerns were raised about the high cost of tuition, the school's location, and the disorganization of some aspects of the interview day.
  • I know Keck well and I wasn't surprised that my faculty interview went the way it did. Should have saved my money.
  • Overall really loved the school and would have been my second choice to commit to!
  • This was my dream school and the interview just solidified why. They care about who their students are as people over stats. My MCAT was much lower than their 10th percentile scores and I got an interview still. It seems like they genuinely want all the interviewees to succeed on interview day!
  • RELAX + HAVE FUN. Very laid-back, entertaining interview day.
  • Generally a low-key, low-stress interview. However, this can also be dictated by which faculty member interviews you.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should provide more accurate information on interview timelines, be more organized on interview days, offer more concise and informative sessions, and improve communication methods for decision notifications. Additionally, there were positive comments about friendly and welcoming staff, with some specific mentions of individuals who were helpful and accommodating during the admissions process.