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University of Utah School of Medicine

Salt Lake City, UT

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 28% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate 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 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 ethical scenarios, personal weaknesses and strengths, reasons for pursuing medicine and choosing a specific school, views on healthcare reform, leadership experiences, research projects, and how applicants handle stress and challenges. Many respondents mentioned being asked detailed questions about their application, research, extracurricular activities, and volunteer experiences, indicating a comprehensive assessment process typical of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) where participants may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Utah School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, coping with failure, healthcare challenges, and leadership scenarios. While some responses hinted at the interview being an MMI format with non-disclosure agreements, the questions predominantly focused on personal experiences, ethical decision-making, healthcare issues, and leadership qualities.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Utah School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including reasons for choosing medicine over other healthcare professions, perspectives on healthcare policies like Obamacare, future of healthcare, personal strengths and weaknesses, ethical dilemmas such as handling conflicting data or patient care scenarios, and leadership experiences. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with mentions of nondisclosure or non-disclosure agreements, hinting at a structured and confidential assessment process.
🤝 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.

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 Admissions staff personnel

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.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

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?

✅ 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?

Many applicants prepared for the interview by practicing MMI scenarios, mock interviews, reviewing their application thoroughly, reading school websites, and staying updated on current health issues and ethics. They also used resources like SDN, sought advice from MDs and current medical students, and practiced answering common interview questions aloud to feel more confident and prepared.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were consistently impressed by the new and state-of-the-art facilities at the school, the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students and faculty, the beautiful location next to the mountains, and the emphasis on student support and well-being. Suggestions included offering more clinical exposure earlier in the curriculum and highlighting opportunities for research and abroad.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed concerns about negative interview experiences, limited diversity among students, outdated facilities, lack of organized activities, and slow admissions decision-making processes. Suggestions included improving interviewer attitudes, increasing diversity, updating facilities, providing more engaging activities, and expediting admissions decisions to enhance the overall applicant experience.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed interview style, the focus on health care crisis questions, and the need to have current requirements within the last four years. They also mentioned the lack of breakfast options, the long admissions process until April, and the diversity in the student body and faculty.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at the school to be positive, with a friendly and low-stress atmosphere. Many appreciated the conversational nature of the interviews and the opportunity to showcase their experiences beyond grades and scores, while also highlighting the school's facilities and supportive staff.
  • It was a great day and everyone was so nice.
  • Fantastic school. I was really impressed by the current students and the laid-back atmosphere of the whole interview.
  • The call it holistic, I call it micromanagement (which seems to continue into the school requirements).
  • If you can get your 6 letters of recommendation together, this place is worth applying to! People are kind and happy, and the living costs are pretty cheap!
  • None. It is a great school and easily my top choice.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants are to provide prompt rejections to applicants who are not being considered, improve transparency and communication throughout the admissions process, streamline the interview scheduling process, and enhance the interview day experience by reducing waiting times and increasing engagement with current students or faculty.