Pomona, CA
Podiatry Schools | Private Non-Profit
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 27% 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?
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 reasons for choosing podiatry, addressing academic challenges like low MCAT scores, discussing personal accomplishments, handling stress, explaining career transitions, managing conflicts, making difficult decisions, and providing examples of dealing with various interpersonal situations. Some respondents mentioned a non-disclosure agreement or an MMI format, suggesting a structured interview process with behavioral questions and potential scenarios.
-
Why podiatry
-
Can you explain your low MCAT score and what changed when you retook it?
-
Why podiatry?
-
Tell me about yourself
-
What are you most proud of
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine discussed various scenarios such as handling patient requests for unnecessary procedures, addressing rule-breaking by fellow students, and explaining the need for amputation to a patient. While some responses mentioned a nondisclosure agreement or an MMI format, other common questions focused on accomplishments, handling difficult situations, and sharing experiences that led to an interest in podiatric medicine.
-
Where else have you applied?
-
What was the most interesting thing you saw while shadowing?
-
If I was a patient that was stressed, what would you say to them and how would you approach them?
-
What would you do if a fellow student had broken a rule (i.e. honor code)
-
What would you do if a patient wanted you to perform a certain procedure that you thought was unnecessary, but the patient insists you to do it?
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine discussed scenarios like handling patient misdiagnosis reactions, reflecting on personal failures, strengths as a candidate, and facing ethical dilemmas. The interview format may have been MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) with potential nondisclosure agreements in place based on responses mentioning non-disclosure or familiarity with common behavioral questions.
-
There was a question in regards to my transcript in comparison to a letter of recommendation.
-
What is something you would do back and do differently ?
-
What makes you a strong candidate for WesternU?
-
What would you do if your assistant gave your patient a wrong diagnosis and then you told the patient the the right diagnosis and the patient started causing a scene in the office?
-
What else do you want the admissions committee to know about you?
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 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 a closed 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 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 Ontario International Airport (ONT)
-
n/a
-
Ontario International Airport
-
Ontario
-
ONT
-
LAX
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
-
n/a
-
Sheraton
-
Ramada
-
Radisson Ontario Airport. They do not offer a WU discount, but the concierge mentioned that the Holiday Inn in Ontario does.
-
Quality Inn Ontario
How would you rate the hotel?
Most respondents rated their hotel as average
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 interviews by utilizing resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN), reviewing behavioral-based questions, practicing mock interviews, and researching the school and its curriculum. Suggestions include formulating answers to common questions, preparing experience stories using the STAR format, and reviewing personal applications for discussion points.
-
SDN and mock interview
-
SDN questions
-
Looked up questions on SDN and formulated my own questions, then answered them all in a word document. Wrote 7-8 pages of questions and answers.
-
I reviewed the post's that others had shared on Student Doctor Network
-
SDN
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were impressed by the organization of the virtual interview process, the friendliness and passion of faculty and students, the personable nature of the interviewers, the emphasis on hands-on learning, the involvement of the Dean in the interview process, the new buildings and technology on campus, and the alignment of the curriculum with current trends in podiatry and healthcare education. Suggestions included maintaining the positive atmosphere, further integrating inter-professional studies, and emphasizing the school's commitment to preparing students for the changing field of podiatry.
-
All of my interviews were virtual due to COVID. Westerns virtual interview process was by far the most organized and was the only interview process I attended in which there was time given to speak directly to the dean of the school and hear from her and just ask questions.
-
How personable and sincere my interviewer was. It hardly felt like an interview at all. Was very comfortable the whole time.
-
Everyone at the school was very nice, and made me feel welcome, and wanted!
-
Professionalism and honesty of the students
-
The staff and students were all very friendly.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants were commonly unimpressed by the lack of depth in certain presentations, comparisons to other schools, limited campus facilities access during interviews, lack of clarity on certain topics like grading systems, and concerns about the surrounding area of Pomona. Suggestions include focusing on strengths rather than comparisons, providing more detailed information, ensuring access to all facilities during tours, and addressing concerns about the neighborhood and campus facilities.
-
Dr. Estes aint it
-
The presenter for the curriculum had a very long-winded and stale presentation which made it difficult to pay attention. They kept getting side tract on some of the information which also made it difficult to follow. I also wish they'd gone more in depth on the housing because LA County is very expensive in terms of housing and COL. Additionally, they compared their program a lot to others and claimed they were the best podiatry school. Sure, a lot of schools will do that but I wish they had focused more on their strengths and why students enjoy their school rather than making comparisons to other schools.
-
Student panel could have been a little better but not a big deal.
-
Vague housing options during post-interview tour. Seemed limited to just recommending the Daumier as a housing option. Did not tour the library or classrooms. No meal plan available.
-
I had a very positive experience during my interview and through out the rest of the interview process.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wish they had known to relax and not be overly stressed during the interview process, to be themselves, and to have fun. They also desired more information on the interview format, parking directions, and the reputation of the faculty and dean.
-
The dean may not show up
-
Don’t be so stressed.
-
Clearer directions on where to park and where the HEC building was.
-
I wish someone would have tole me to relax, and not be so stressed out over it. To just be myself and have fun!
-
Nothing.
What are your general comments?
Applicants provided feedback on various aspects such as interview experiences, the focus on training as a physician first before a podiatrist, the welcoming environment, the school's potential for growth, and concerns about board pass rates and curriculum alignment. Overall, they appreciated the organized interview process, the friendly staff and students, and the school's emphasis on providing a comprehensive medical education.
-
Unprepared efforts by westernU
-
I didn't quite enjoy my interview at Western. My interviewer tried to tell me that a high CARS score on the MCAT correlates to better success in medical school. I've tried to look this up and can't find any valid studies that support their claims. I know they were just trying to look out for me but it gave me the ick. I also wish they'd put more out-of-state student ambassadors on the panel. California in general is an expensive state to live in and it's important to me to understand why an out-of-state student would chose Western over other options, especially if those options are comparable/better than Western in terms of board passing rates, technological advancements, and curriculum.
-
The interview process was great. I felt like they wanted me there. Everything was planned and scheduled out well. Wish we were able to tour the library & classrooms but other than that, I had a great time.
-
I was very well impressed with the interview process, the day was very well organized and I had plenty of time to ask questions and meet faculty and students.
-
I really liked the school. Pomona has a lot of culture and cool shops. The program is getting stronger.
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Applicants suggested improvements such as using a stronger speaker during presentations, providing more access to resources like email addresses and links, giving more time for campus tours, and showcasing classrooms and libraries during visits. Overall, the admissions office was commended for being friendly, accommodating, and responsive.
-
Use a stronger speaker during the curriculum presentation, include email addresses and links in a follow up email for easier access, more student ambassadors on the panel.
-
Wish we should have seen the classrooms and library.
-
I wish I got to see more of the library.
-
only suggestion is that the tour felt a little rushed. maybe allocate more time for lunch/campus tour. Otherwise it was a great day!
-
overall good
Success!
School has been added to your favorites.