University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health Interview Feedback Summary
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 very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
โญ Overall Impressions โผ
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
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
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the areaโs cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
๐ฌ Interview Questions โผ
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, their defining moments leading to this career choice, strengths and weaknesses, experiences with implicit bias, and how they envision their future medical practice. Many responses indicated interviews following the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, possibly involving a nondisclosure agreement, with questions tailored to the applicant's application, personal background, academic interests, and reasons for selecting a specific medical school.
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updates since application submitted
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"Tell me about a time in which you acted with implicit bias."
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tell me about yourself
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What are you looking for in a medical school?
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Why medicine?
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 future aspirations. While some interviews were conversational, others delved into ethical dilemmas, career goals, and personal qualities, with a few unconventional scenarios like reacting to a Taylor Swift-Kanye West incident.
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She asked me how I would handle a difficult patient situation.
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Asked me about a particular activity in my file
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We had a lot in common in regards to education and background, she mentioned something about who they might pair people up like that on purpose- it was really reassuring and good to talk about me experiences with someone similar,
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How do you approach and talk to a patient?
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What do you like to do for fun?
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, career choice motivations, personal accomplishments, and challenges in medical school. While some mentioned non-challenging or conversational questions, others highlighted detailed inquiries about leadership, research, and personal attributes, with a few instances of rigorous questioning related to biochemistry and family connections in extracurricular activities.
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How have I acted with implicit bias?
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When was a time you helped someone? What did you learn about yourself?
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Nothing difficult or overly challenging
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What concerns you about being a medical student/ physician?
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Is there anything else you would like the admissions office to know about you? (You have a choice to update your application with activities and publications)
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Interview Preparation and Impressions โผ
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.
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.
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.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by conducting mock interviews, reviewing their application materials (such as AMCAS and secondary essays), researching the school, practicing with friends, and reading current medical topics. Many also utilized resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) and sought advice from current students to familiarize themselves with potential interview questions and the school's profile.
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mock interviews
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I went over my AMCAS file, and made a list of the most important activities /jobs/etc I've participated in, and what I learned from them. Also went over UW's MSAR profile, and googled common med school interview questions.
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SDN, talked to current students, talked to self on Zoom
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Read website, reviewed AMCAS and secondary essays, talked with students
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SDN, practicing with friends, researched healthcare topics
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students, faculty, and staff at the school. The positive atmosphere, state-of-the-art facilities, focus on public health, student support, and opportunities for engagement and collaboration were highlighted as key factors contributing to the positive impressions shared by applicants.
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The interview was virtual and spanned 3 days. There were two main interviews: one 1-1 with faculty (30 mins) and a group interview with 2 current med students and 5 current applicants (1 hour long). There were many optional workshops that interviewees could attend, including an hour social where interviewees could ask current med students questions in a candid fashion.
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Talking with the current students and hearing about their experiences
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Focus on public health, state-wide campus, student support
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Love the integration with public health. TONS of support through various mentorship programs. Great facilities
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The ample opportunity to converse with current medical students who had no say in my application decision.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the lack of diversity among students, the confusing layout of the affiliated hospital, the school's heavy promotion during the interview day, the cold weather in Madison, limited parking options, and the focus on gunners among the student body. Suggestions included improving diversity, addressing hospital layout issues, toning down promotional efforts, and enhancing the overall interview experience.
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interviewer was a random biotech alum
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Nothing!!
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The only thing I would put as a negative is that I think this is a school that tends to breed some gunners, so just be prepared for that if thatโs not your thing
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Long day, lots of lecture about the school
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Wisconsin is a really cold but that's nobody's fault.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were laid-back and conversational, with little emphasis placed on traditional medical or ethical questions. Additionally, many suggested being prepared for the relaxed atmosphere, wearing comfortable shoes for a long hospital tour, and being aware of the school's emphasis on blending MD education with public health studies.
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To truly just try and relax. Honestly, almost none of the questions that I was asked were on the "most commonly asked questions" websites. For example, I was not asked "tell me about yourself," "why medicine?" or "why this school?".
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Even though they say you can dress business casual on non-interview calls, most people will still wear business formal.
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Don't feel like you have to do the social gathering the night before or the round table, neither plays a part in the interview process, just a chance for you to as questions, It seemed like UW weighs the interview like another letter of rec, so that was really nice.
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There were about 40 people having the interview on the same date and a lot of the kids only applied to the top 10 schools, which made me feel a bit intimidated.
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N/A
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview experience at Wisconsin to be impressive, relaxed, and informative. They appreciated the friendly and transparent admissions staff, engaging interactions with faculty and students, and the opportunity to learn more about the school through presentations and tours. Some mentioned the conversational nature of the interviews, the positive atmosphere, and the enthusiasm of students and faculty for the institution. The day was described as well-structured, with various activities providing valuable insights into the school.
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I was really really impressed with Wisconsin's interview process. I was already sold on them, and my interview experience there sealed the deal!
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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.
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Come with a lot of questions, you will talk to a lot of people and everyone will ask if you have questions,
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This is definitely my top choice!
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Great school, but I'm biased as I'm from Wisconsin.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants for the admissions office are to send out interview invitations earlier to help with travel planning and costs, provide more information on lodging options for travelers, and improve communication about decision timelines. Additionally, applicants appreciated the helpfulness and friendliness of the admissions office staff.
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Keep doing what you're doing! Great job!
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It would make a WORLD of difference to have IIs sent out earlier. I was SO excited to interview here, but buying a plane ticket less than two weeks in advance cost me literally $500. Itโs a huge financial barrier, and I honestly had a moment of tears because I was worried I would have to forgo my interview because I couldnโt afford it.
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My only complaint was parking was $10
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n/a
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None - Everything was great.
๐ On-Site Experience โผ
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.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
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 Madison Airport (MSN)
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Chicago O'Hare
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Dane County
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Dane Regional Airport
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MAD
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MKE
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?
The most commonly mentioned hotel that users stayed in is the "Friedrick Center."
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Americinn Madison West
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Best Western Inntowner
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Country Inn and Suites Madison West
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Doubletree
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Friederick Inn and Convention Center
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 are your comments on where you stayed?
N/A
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I stayed with family and drove into Madison.
All Responses
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