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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Medical School

Dallas, TX

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 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 inquiries about the applicant's motivations for pursuing medicine, future career goals, challenges faced, strengths and weaknesses, views on healthcare issues, and ethical dilemmas. Some respondents mentioned specific questions related to personal background, research experiences, interest in specific specialties, and scenarios involving ethical decision-making. The diversity of questions indicates a comprehensive evaluation process, with some respondents referencing an MMI format and the possibility of being subject to a nondisclosure agreement during interviews.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Medical School discussed a wide range of topics, including self-description, ethical dilemmas, personal motivations for medicine, and hypothetical scenarios involving influential figures. While some responses varied, there were no clear trends towards a specific type of question, suggesting a diverse range of topics covered in interviews at this institution.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Medical School discussed various topics such as cultural competency, healthcare challenges, ethical dilemmas, and personal reflections. Several respondents mentioned MMI format, with questions on controversial medical topics, ethical dilemmas, and hypothetical scenarios possibly subject to nondisclosure agreements.
🤝 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 automobile to the interview.

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

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their applications, researching the school and common interview questions, practicing responses, and seeking feedback from current students or online resources like Student Doctor Network. Some also engaged in mock interviews, reviewed healthcare topics, and stayed updated on current events in medicine to be well-prepared.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students and faculty, as well as the outstanding facilities and clinical opportunities offered at the school, particularly at Parkland and Children's hospitals. Many highlighted the organized interview process, the engaging student panels, and the emphasis on work-life balance, dispelling rumors of cutthroat competition and portraying a supportive learning environment with ample research opportunities. Suggestions included further improving the integration of the curriculum and providing more preparation for the clinical experiences at Parkland Hospital.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions related to the competitive and cutthroat environment, traditional curriculum with limited clinical exposure in the early years, a sense of arrogance or pretentiousness among some students, and concerns about the grading system fostering undue stress and unhealthy competition. Suggestions included improving the campus facilities, promoting a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and providing more opportunities for early patient interaction and diverse clinical experiences.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they knew ahead of time that the interviews would be more casual and conversational, that the day would be relaxed, and to come prepared with questions for students. Suggestions included wearing comfortable shoes, being ready for unconventional questions, and being aware of the weather in Dallas.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at UTSW to be welcoming and conversational, with a focus on personal qualities and fit for the school rather than just academic statistics. Many appreciated the emphasis on clinical training, the friendly atmosphere, the opportunities to interact with current students, and the well-organized interview day. Some noted variations in interview styles and preferences for more engaging activities during the day.
  • It was a very comfortable conversation with a PhD and an MD. They didn't ask me anything about my "stats" but focused more on what made me who I was and if I would be a good fit for the school. I was super nervous going into it, but relaxed a lot when my interviewers really just wanted to have a conversation with me.
  • I am impressed by the school and felt welcome by the people there.
  • Great school
  • UTSW is a great school in a beautiful city with faculty who are really passionate about its students.
  • Great interview day and great school. They really go out of their way to "sell you the school" which I really appreciate. You also have the opportunity to do rounds (I did not do this), have an extra information session the day before, and the actual interview day. The students made themselves very available to answer questions.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly appreciated the organization and friendliness of the admissions office but suggested reducing repetitive information sessions, limiting the use of PowerPoint presentations, and improving the efficiency of student-run activities during the admissions process.