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Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Nashville, TN

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 14% 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 encompass a wide range of topics including personal experiences, decision-making scenarios, motivations for medicine, ethical dilemmas, and future aspirations. While some interviews followed the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with nondisclosure agreements, the majority focused on applicants' backgrounds, extracurricular activities, research experiences, and their fit for the medical school and field of medicine.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including experiences with authority, perspectives, hobbies, healthcare systems, and personal reflection. The interview format varied from conversational to detailed file review, with some respondents experiencing Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) and nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including specific behavioral scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and future healthcare challenges. While some interviewees faced detailed inquiries about their research, others navigated through conversational questions about personal experiences and motivations for pursuing medicine.
🤝 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 4-6 hours traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by airplane to the interview.

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

Most respondents spent between $201 and $300.

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?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing their AMCAS application, reading SDN interview feedback, researching the school, and practicing common interview questions. Suggestions include practicing with friends, conducting mock interviews, researching the interviewer, and familiarizing oneself with the school's curriculum and website.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness of the faculty, staff, and students, the supportive and collaborative environment, the top-notch facilities including the new Children's Hospital, the focus on student wellness and satisfaction, the emphasis on research opportunities and flexibility in the curriculum, and the overall positive atmosphere at Vanderbilt Medical School. Suggestions included more diversity efforts and a greater emphasis on ethnic diversity, as well as highlighting the unique experiences and opportunities available at the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were generally unimpressed by the lack of personal connection during interviews, feeling rushed or unappreciated by interviewers. They also expressed concerns about the lack of diversity, long class hours, limited campus tours, and downtime during the interview day. Suggestions include more conversational interviews, increased faculty engagement, better campus tours, and addressing diversity issues.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time about the laid-back and friendly nature of the interviews at Vanderbilt, the emphasis on personal attributes in the closed-file interview, the abundance of free time during the day, the necessity of comfortable shoes due to extensive walking, and the opportunity to explore the campus or sit in on classes during downtime. They also recommended familiarizing oneself with the Emphasis program, being prepared for behavioral questions in the closed-file interview, and engaging with the interviewers in conversational discussions.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at Vanderbilt to be relaxed, conversational, and low-stress, with interviewers focusing on getting to know the applicants. The school and facilities were highly praised, with students, faculty, and staff being friendly and supportive. Some applicants noted the lack of structured activities during the day and the emphasis on selling the school during the interviews.
  • Loved the school, it's now my #1 choice.
  • It was a great interview day! They were very kind.
  • Don't sweat it.
  • Really loved the school, the curriculum is awesome, students seem happy, Nashville would be a great place to live
  • Overall a really fun day!

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest providing better organization and structure for interview days, reducing downtime, offering more interactive activities, and improving communication with timely notifications and updates. They also appreciate friendly and helpful staff members, and suggest quicker decision-making post-interview.