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University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Tampa, FL

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 26% of interviews, indicating it is moderately 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 revolve around motivations for pursuing medicine, research experiences, ethical dilemmas, challenges in healthcare, clinical experiences, and reasons for choosing a particular school. Many respondents mentioned questions related to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) format, with some indicating nondisclosure agreements may have been in place for these interviews.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine discussed various topics including community service, time travel for health outcomes, personal qualities, impactful shadowing experiences, advice for family members, specialty choices, and dealing with ethical dilemmas. The interviews encompassed a range of thought-provoking questions, with some respondents mentioning a focus on research, cultural background, and ethical scenarios, while also including standard inquiries about motivations for pursuing medicine.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including medical ethics, personal qualities, and future aspirations in medicine. While some respondents mentioned specific ethical scenarios and challenges, the majority of questions focused on motivations for pursuing medicine, personal attributes, and views on healthcare reform, with various interview styles reported, including laid-back conversational interviews and scenario-based inquiries.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 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 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 Hotel or at a hotel.

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 friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reviewing their application materials, including primary and secondary essays, reading the school's website, practicing common interview questions, and seeking feedback from online resources like SDN. Many also engaged in mock interviews, researched healthcare issues, and spoke with current medical students to gain insights and perspectives.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed with the friendliness, enthusiasm, and supportiveness of the faculty, staff, and students at USF School of Medicine. They appreciated the emphasis on early clinical exposure, the collaborative and welcoming campus culture, and the school's efforts to personalize the interview experience. Many applicants highlighted the excellent facilities, the opportunities for research and clinical training, as well as the transparency and efficiency of the admissions process, ultimately making USF a top choice for many.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback related to disorganization during interview day, lack of professionalism from interviewers, outdated facilities, unimpressive campus aesthetics, and comparisons to other medical schools. Suggestions included improving organization, enhancing interviewer training, updating facilities, enhancing campus appeal, and focusing on the school's strengths rather than comparing to other institutions.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interview process was more relaxed than expected, involving standard questions and open-file format. They also highlighted the importance of wearing comfortable shoes for the extensive walking involved in the interview day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the USF interview day to be positive and relaxed, with the interviews being the highlight of the experience. Most comments highlighted the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the conversational nature of the interviews, and the emphasis on getting to know the applicants. Some feedback mentioned the long day, the closed-file interview format, and occasional disorganization in the interview process. Suggestions included being prepared to discuss experiences and asking questions during the interviews.
  • The interviews made up for the lackluster student tour and Q&A.
  • Got kind of a weird vibe from the place / the other applicants. The actual interviews were the best part of the day
  • I was impressed with USF on a prior visit because of their positive energy and great campus. Definitely did not feel the same way on this interview day--what a shame.
  • Loved the interview day and the overall atmosphere of the school. The Allentown campus was impressive
  • Seems like a great school with some great students.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Many applicants suggested having more time for student Q&A sessions during tours, conducting interviews in the morning, providing umbrellas for interviewees, and improving communication through email updates on application status. They also recommended involving senior medical students in tours, making the tour more structured and engaging, and starting the day later for a more relaxed experience.