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Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine

Bethesda, MD

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% 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 revolve around reasons for pursuing medicine and military medicine, leadership experiences, adaptability to military lifestyle, strengths and weaknesses, ethical scenarios, commitment to the military, and personal reflections on challenges and accomplishments. The interviews often focus on understanding applicants' motivations, qualities, and preparedness for a career in military medicine, with some applicants potentially experiencing an MMI format and being asked about nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine discussed various topics including favorite microbes, career aspirations in the military, ethical dilemmas, and envisioning future career paths. The interview format may have been an MMI, with some respondents mentioning nondisclosure agreements, while other common themes revolved around military service, personal motivations for joining military medicine, and handling challenging scenarios.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics from ethical dilemmas like prioritizing patients in a combat scenario to personal motivations for choosing military medicine. Many responses indicated a focus on leadership experiences, future goals in medicine, and unique challenges in military healthcare, with a prevalent mention of the MMI format and potential nondisclosure agreements regarding specific questions.
🤝 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 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 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent more than $500.

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 military medicine and USUHS values, practicing articulating their reasons for pursuing military medicine, conducting mock interviews, and compiling lists of questions to ask. Many utilized resources such as SDN forums, Dr. Ryan Gray's materials, and feedback from current students, while also familiarizing themselves with the school's curriculum and values through the website and school catalog.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and supportive atmosphere at USUHS, with many highlighting the camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff. They appreciated the positive attitude, pride in the school, and sense of community demonstrated by everyone they interacted with, as well as the excellent facilities and opportunities available at the institution. Suggestions were made to visit the simulation center and to take advantage of the hosting program to get a comprehensive understanding of the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about the long military commitment required after attending USUHS, the lack of diversity among students, the outdated or unimpressive facilities, the high cost of living in Bethesda, the lengthy and sometimes disorganized interview day schedule, and the limited food options during the visit. Suggestions included improving communication about the military commitment, enhancing diversity among students, updating facilities, providing more diverse food options, and streamlining the interview day schedule to provide a more efficient and informative experience for applicants.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known to relax, be themselves, and not stress about the interview process. Many also mentioned the importance of preparing paperwork ahead of time, wearing comfortable shoes, and being aware of the extensive briefing at the beginning of the day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally had a positive experience during the interview day at USUHS. They appreciated the welcoming and informative environment, the open-door policy of the faculty and students, and the emphasis on being transparent about the commitment and expectations of military medicine. The relaxed interview atmosphere, the friendly interviewers, and the opportunity to learn more about the school's program and community were highlighted as positive aspects of the experience.
  • Great interview. I wish all interviews were like this.
  • Overall seems like a great program. Commitment is long, but should not be an issue for those with a desire to serve.
  • Just relax! The entire day is very informative and everyone is very kind and helpful.
  • Great school. It would be an honor to get accepted here. It honestly blew away my expectations.
  • Great school and interview day!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested modernizing the student portals, warning students about paperwork, and transitioning to electronic secondary applications to streamline the process and reduce redundancy. Additionally, they requested clearer communication about following up after interviews and more responsiveness to emails, while praising the friendly staff and well-organized interview days.