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University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Interview Feedback Summary

Galveston, TX

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 30% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.7
Good

Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.

Based on 842 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional 8–8.9 Very Good 7–7.9 Good 6–6.9 Mixed < 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (79%)
Negatively (11%)
No change (11%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (37%)
Good (46%)
Average (15%)
Poor (2%)
Bad (1%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at UTMB to be relaxed and enjoyable, with conversational interviews that focused on getting to know the applicants personally. The school's curriculum, facilities, and student atmosphere received positive feedback, although there were some concerns about the location and past reputation of the school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • I love this school, they did a great job in making sure you are scored from multiple perspectives. Each MMI station could have given more time. I recommend really drinking a cup of coffee before this, taking a second to relax, and being prepared for a fast paced interview that you will likely really have a lot of fun in. It is very open ended, but please try to pay attention to what type of response your interviewer is trying to steer you to based on the phrasing of their questions AND the follow up questions they ask.
  • A majority of my interviewers were current medical students and only a couple of faculty members.
  • UTMB's interview day was relaxed and enjoyable, and I believe it is a fantastic place to receive a medical education;
  • Very positive feeling, open communication with faculty which is rare
  • My interview was virtual due to Covid-19, but I still felt I was able to connect with the interviewers via Zoom. The interview was thorough but still relaxed. They did ask a lot of questions, but nothing out of the ordinary. Great experience overall.
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
37 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
2.1 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
100% One-on-One
0% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
65% Open-File
35% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person

UTMB-COMP interviews are an average of 37 minutes, with an average of 2.1 interviews. 100% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 35% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around topics such as ethical scenarios, motivations for pursuing medicine, personal experiences influencing career choice, strengths and weaknesses, future goals, handling patient interactions, and research experiences. Many respondents mentioned engaging in Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format, indicating a structured approach with scenarios, and some referenced a nondisclosure agreement, suggesting a standardized and confidential interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said the most interesting question asked at University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston discussed various topics, ranging from societal values for aliens to personal reflections on societal issues. While the interview format was not specifically mentioned, responses varied from routine questions to engaging scenarios, with a mix of personal and ethical inquiries.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for interviews by reviewing SDN questions, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school's website, reading over their application materials, and staying informed about current health care policy and ethical issues. Many also sought advice from current students and alumni, and some engaged in specific preparation for MMI-style questions or practiced answering common interview questions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston discussed a wide range of topics including preventing bias in patient care, fixing healthcare, human rights issues, career choices, and managing burnout. While no specific pattern emerged, the survey responses indicate a diverse array of challenging questions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of medical school interviews.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at UTMB, emphasizing the kindness and enthusiasm of interviewers, the relaxed and laid-back environment, and the collaborative culture among students and faculty. Additionally, the innovative problem-based learning curriculum, beautiful campus and facilities, high USMLE board scores, and opportunities for research and international experiences were highlighted as positive aspects. There were mentions of the school's supportive environment, emphasis on student well-being, and the balance between academics and personal life that students seemed to experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about the lack of time for questions during MMIs, disorganization in interviews, unprepared interviewers, repetitive interview questions, humid weather in Galveston, outdated facilities, and the small-town feel of Galveston. Suggestions included allowing more time for questions, ensuring interviewers are well-prepared, improving facilities, and addressing concerns about the weather and location.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed the wish to have known about the amount of walking involved on campus, the lack of time for questions during interviews, the importance of comfortable shoes, and the relaxed nature of the interviews. They also highlighted the significance of researching the school's programs, being prepared for the weather, and taking advantage of opportunities to interact with current students.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 Campus and Facilities

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?

0 = Low, 10 = High

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.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested creating a PDF brochure for interviewees, ensuring interviewers fully understand the process, finding more appropriate faculty for interviews, and improving vegetarian lunch options. They also recommended enthusiastic tour guides, avoiding hot tour times, showcasing the SIM center, and enhancing the overall tour experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
HOU

43% interviewees used HOU (HOU), with 26% using IAH (IAH) and 4% using Hob (Hob) and 4% using Hobby (Hobby) and 4% using dfw (dfw) and 4% using to AUS (BWI) and 4% using N/A (N/A) and 4% using Houston-Hobby (Houston-Hobby) and 4% using n/a (n/a).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.

✈️
20% Airplane
🚗
73% Automobile
🚆
2% Train or Subway
🚲
5% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the La Quinta (average ranking 3.8/10), with some staying at Wyndham Tremont (average rating 10/10). (Top 3 displayed)

🏨
La Quinta
3.8/10
🏨
Wyndham Tremont
10/10
🏨
Comfort Inn
9/10

What was the cost and time spent traveling?

Cost: Low Cost to High Cost

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are in state students.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (1%)
Other (2%)
Student (97%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (2%)
Enthusiastic (82%)
Neutral (17%)

All Responses

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