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University of Washington School of Medicine

Seattle, WA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 10% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ 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 high 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 motivations for pursuing medicine, views on healthcare system improvements, strategies to address burnout, comparisons between medical professions, and ethical scenarios like patient care and physician decision-making. Additionally, questions about personal experiences, future career aspirations, rural medicine interest, strengths/weaknesses, and book recommendations were also prevalent. Some interviews delved into complex ethical dilemmas, healthcare policy, and personal challenges faced by applicants.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of Washington School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including underserved populations, healthcare systems, ethical dilemmas, hypothetical scenarios, and personal motivations for pursuing medicine. The interviews encompassed ethical role-playing, patient scenarios, healthcare funding decisions, and future healthcare predictions, with a focus on critical thinking and ethical reasoning.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at University of Washington School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, health policy, role-play scenarios, and personal reflections. Many responses indicated a focus on ethical scenarios, health care reform solutions, and challenges in patient care, with some facing unexpected questions about specific policies or hypothetical situations.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 30 - 40 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 3 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a in a group 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 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

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?

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?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reading the UW bioethics website, studying healthcare policy, practicing with mock interviews, and staying updated on current events and healthcare issues. Many also reviewed their applications, read books on relevant topics, and engaged in discussions with healthcare professionals and peers.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and accommodating interviewers, staff, and students at UW. They appreciated the relaxed and conversational interview atmosphere, as well as the school's emphasis on community service, variety of clinical opportunities, and the supportive environment for students.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the stress-inducing panel interview style, lack of organization during interview day, outdated facilities, dispassionate student tour guides, and insufficient information provided about the school's unique aspects and opportunities. Suggestions included improving the interview structure, enhancing the tour experience, emphasizing school strengths more effectively, and updating facilities to match the school's reputation.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known that the interview process at UW was more relaxed and less stressful than anticipated, with a focus on being transparent and informative. They also noted the importance of preparing for questions on health policy, bringing a book for potential waiting times, and being aware of the impact of the interview on the admissions decision.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the UW interview experience to be challenging but fair, with some feeling more stressed than others. The panel interview format varied in intensity, with interviewers being perceived as friendly, stoic, or challenging, and the overall experience left applicants uncertain about their performance. The school's emphasis on health policy and ethics questions, along with a focus on clinical experience and cultural competency, stood out as key aspects of the interview process.
  • n/a
  • I have no idea how this program is ranked as a "Top 10" school. Maybe the Washington program is different, but you could not pay me enough to attend one of the regional sites.
  • Overall positive experience interviewing for UW, which is still my #1 choice.
  • As long as you practice your responses to the commonly asked questions, and stay relaxed for the other questions, you'll be fine.
  • I know this is supposed to be a great school, but my interview day was so short and I did;t get a full idea of the school's culture and vibe.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office should improve the interview experience by providing more in-depth information about the program, making efforts to impress and inform students, and ensuring a quicker response to interview decisions. They also recommended offering structured presentations, improving communication and directions, and possibly transitioning to 1-on-1 interviews for a more personalized interaction with applicants.