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University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston

Galveston, TX

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 30% 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 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 revolve around the applicant's motivations for pursuing medicine, ethical scenarios, experiences in healthcare, strengths and weaknesses, future career goals, ability to handle stress, and financial plans for medical school. Some respondents experienced the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and potential nondisclosure agreements, while others faced a wide range of questions touching on personal experiences, decision-making, research, family background, and reactions to hypothetical situations.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston discussed a wide array of topics ranging from personal experiences to ethical dilemmas. While the majority of questions were standard, a subset of respondents mentioned MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and behavioral scenarios like role-playing and breaking bad news to patients and families.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston discussed various ethical scenarios, career choices outside medicine, and personal motivations for pursuing a medical career. The interviews may have included an MMI format due to references to nondisclosure agreements, with questions ranging from patient scenarios to healthcare system opinions.
🤝 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.

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?

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 sample questions, practicing with friends or family, reading through their application, and researching the school and current healthcare topics. Many also utilized resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN) and school websites to gather information and advice to help them feel more confident and ready for their interviews.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and supportive atmosphere at UTMB, noting the enthusiasm of both students and faculty, the relaxed and laid-back environment, the emphasis on student well-being, the innovative problem-based learning curriculum, beautiful campus and facilities, high USMLE board scores, and the collaborative and non-competitive culture. Suggestions included highlighting more about the curriculum structure, opportunities for international electives, emphasizing the campus location near the beach, and showcasing the school's supportive and inclusive community.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the location of the school in Galveston, including factors such as the weather, humidity, lack of activities, dated facilities, and small town atmosphere. Additionally, concerns were raised about disorganization during interviews, unimpressive interactions with interviewers, lack of campus engagement, and the emphasis on self-directed learning in the curriculum. Suggestions included improving interview processes, enhancing campus facilities, and addressing concerns about the school's location and learning environment.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the amount of walking required on the large campus, the lack of medically focused interview questions, the humid weather, and the need for comfortable shoes. Suggestions included bringing an umbrella, insect repellent, and extra shoes, as well as not stressing too much about the interviews and taking advantage of the social events.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the UTMB interview experience to be relaxed and enjoyable, with interviewers being friendly and conversational. They appreciated the emphasis on getting to know the applicants as individuals and the positive atmosphere at the school, although some expressed concerns about specific interviewers or aspects of the curriculum.
  • 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.
  • The interview was pretty chill. They do look at your CASPer scores when making decisions. There are required questions from the committee and from the interviewer themselves. Be prepared to explain some weak points in your application, be aware of your weaknesses.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest creating a PDF brochure for interviewees, ensuring interviewers are well-prepared and understanding their role, improving vegetarian food options, and enhancing the quality of tours provided. They also appreciate the helpful and welcoming atmosphere of the admissions office.