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University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health

Madison, WI

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 15% 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 include inquiries about personal experiences demonstrating implicit bias, handling mistakes, defining moments in pursuing medicine, incorporating public health, strengths and weaknesses, overcoming challenges, and specific application updates. While some interviews were open-ended and conversational, others were structured around topics like healthcare costs, obesity, and multicultural experiences. Additionally, respondents may have encountered Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format and nondisclosure agreements during their interviews.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health discussed a wide range of topics, from handling difficult patient situations to personal interests and career goals. While some interviews were more conversational, others delved into healthcare ethics, personal attributes, and future aspirations, with a few unexpected questions like identifying with a TV doctor or handling a hypothetical Kanye West scenario.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health discussed a wide range of topics, including implicit bias, personal accomplishments, career motivations, and challenges in medical school. While some mentioned a conversational style, others highlighted detailed questions on research, leadership, and family dynamics, with a few instances of stress-testing questions and medical ethics scenarios.
🤝 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 1 person.

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 Friends or family or with friends or family.

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?

✅ 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 application materials, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school's website, reading about healthcare topics, and discussing with current students on SDN. They also focused on answering common medical school interview questions and reflecting on why they want to pursue a career in medicine.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and positivity of the students, faculty, and staff at the school. The state-of-the-art facilities, emphasis on public health, collaborative atmosphere, and ample support resources available for students were commonly highlighted as major strengths of the program. Many applicants also appreciated the relaxed interview environment and the opportunities to engage with current medical students.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of diversity in the student population, the poorly designed hospital, the cold weather, the emphasis on rankings and sales pitch during presentations, the challenges with parking, and the long and sometimes disorganized interview day. Suggestions included improving diversity, updating facilities, providing clearer information about rotations, and streamlining the interview process.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known that the interviews were laid-back, conversational, and not heavily weighted in the admissions process. Additionally, they suggested being prepared for the casual nature of the interviews, wearing comfortable shoes for the hospital tour, and considering the school's emphasis on public health and serving Wisconsin's underserved populations.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview process at Wisconsin to be impressive and welcoming, with a focus on transparency and friendliness from both the admissions staff and current students. The day was typically described as relaxed and conversational, with a mix of one-on-one and group interviews, presentations, tours, and opportunities to learn more about the school. The positive experiences and interactions with faculty and students left a strong impression on many applicants, with Wisconsin often becoming a top choice for them.
  • I was really really impressed with Wisconsin's interview process. I was already sold on them, and my interview experience there sealed the deal!
  • The entire admissions staff was incredibly friendly and transparent. My interaction with every single staff member and medical student was wonderful. Most of the day was spent learning more about the school and getting tours.
  • Come with a lot of questions, you will talk to a lot of people and everyone will ask if you have questions,
  • This is definitely my top choice!
  • Great school, but I'm biased as I'm from Wisconsin.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested earlier interview invitations to help with travel costs, more information on lodging options, and clearer communication on decisions timelines. Some also mentioned the need for reducing financial barriers and providing more eco-friendly information.