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Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center School of Medicine

Richmond, VA

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 28% 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 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 traditional questions, MMI scenarios, challenges faced and overcome, ethical dilemmas, past experiences in healthcare, reasons for pursuing medicine, specific volunteer activities, teamwork scenarios, and questions about personal qualities and strengths. Some respondents mentioned being asked about the MMI format, indicating a structured interview style, and there were references to nondisclosure agreements, suggesting a requirement for confidentiality during the interview process.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including MMI scenarios, ethical dilemmas, personal experiences, and future healthcare challenges. The interview format may have been MMI, with respondents possibly under a nondisclosure agreement, while questions varied from hypothetical group project scenarios to personal reflections on failure, teamwork, high school experiences, and healthcare system reforms.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center School of Medicine discussed a mix of behavioral questions, ethical dilemmas, and hypothetical scenarios. Some respondents mentioned Multiple Mini Interview scenarios, indicating a structured format with potential nondisclosure agreements due to the nature of the questions.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of more than 50 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 7+ 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?

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 reviewing their AMCAS and secondary applications, practicing with mock interviews, reading interview feedback on SDN, researching the school's website, studying medical ethics and healthcare issues, and engaging in practice questions. They also utilized resources like this website, YouTube, and books on interview preparation.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, the relaxed and conversational interview format, the state-of-the-art facilities, the emphasis on student well-being, the transparency in the admissions process, the high-quality curriculum, the support provided by faculty and staff, the happiness and enthusiasm of current students, and the urban location of the campus. Common suggestions included enhancing the integration of clinical experience with theory, maintaining the non-competitive environment, and continuing to provide personalized support and resources for students preparing for board exams.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about aspects such as rude interviewers, long periods of sitting during virtual interviews, outdated facilities, lack of organization during interview day, large class sizes, surrounding neighborhood safety concerns, and limited diversity in the patient and student populations. Suggestions included improving interviewer training, updating facilities, providing more engaging interview experiences, and addressing safety concerns in the surrounding areas.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the relaxed and conversational nature of the interviews, the need for comfortable shoes due to extensive walking on the tour, the closed-file interview process, and the potential for traffic or parking challenges. They also highlighted the friendliness of the staff and the importance of being prepared for behavioral questions and healthcare-related topics.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at VCU to be positive and relaxed, with interviewers focusing on getting to know applicants through conversational questions rather than high-stress scenarios. The facilities and resources of the school were well-received, with students and staff being friendly and supportive, leaving many applicants with a favorable impression and considering VCU as a strong option for their medical education.
  • Everyone was super nice!!
  • Interview wasn't as intense as I had imagined. Maintaining eye-contact while speaking to the interviewer is emphasized.
  • This school's MMI format impressed me more than other schools that used MMIs and was more enjoyable.
  • loved this school so much
  • Solid school that really supports and cares about its students

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Overall, applicants had positive experiences with the admissions office but suggested implementing virtual interviews, addressing technical issues, providing interview day schedules in advance, improving communication and response times, and potentially offering interview packets or more information about the interviewers. They appreciated the transparency and friendliness of the admissions staff but highlighted areas for enhancement.