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Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Kalamazoo, MI

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 average 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?

Most commonly, interviewees were asked about their motivation for pursuing a medical career, non-clinical volunteer experience, academic journey (especially notable improvements), reasons for choosing that specific medical school, their commitment to medicine, and financial planning. Additionally, responses suggest that some interviews were conducted in an MMI format with potential nondisclosure agreements in place.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine discussed applicants' decision-making processes between pursuing an MD or PhD degree based on their research background.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine discussed academic challenges, such as describing a significant GPA improvement during college.
🤝 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 3 people.

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 airplane to the interview.

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

Most respondents spent between $301 and $400.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

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 average.
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 studying and practicing generic interview questions, focusing on medical school-specific topics. A common suggestion was to conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors to gain confidence and refine responses.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the supportive and welcoming atmosphere of the medical community at WMed, as well as the students' genuine happiness. Additionally, the presence of a simulation center on campus and the use of MMI were highlighted as positive aspects by applicants.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants were frequently overwhelmed by the excessive use of buzzwords and acronyms in WMed's curriculum descriptions, making it challenging to understand the student experience. Additionally, many applicants expressed a desire to see more of the campus facilities during their visit.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly express a desire for more information and guidance on what to expect during group interview sessions to better prepare for the experience.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally expressed positive impressions of the interview day and the school, but some preferred older, more established institutions. However, they indicated that they would still be willing to attend this program if accepted, highlighting the importance of a well-structured interview day in shaping their perceptions.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants overwhelmingly praised the admissions office, expressing their satisfaction with the process and the staff, particularly highlighting Jean's excellent work. The general consensus is to maintain the current high standards and quality of service provided by the admissions office.