Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine Interview Feedback Summary
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 generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
How do you rank the facilities?
Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.
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
What is your ranking of this school's location?
Most respondents rate the school location as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.
💬 Interview Questions ▼
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the candidate's motivation for pursuing podiatry, experiences in healthcare settings like working as a CNA, handling academic challenges, decision-making skills, conflict resolution, and ability to persuade or influence others. Some respondents mentioned questions related to dealing with difficult people, giving constructive criticism, and using persuasion to convince others, which may indicate an MMI format with possible nondisclosure agreements.
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Why podiatry
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Why podiatry?
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Tell me about yourself
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If you were to struggle in academics, what steps would you take to improve?
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What was your experience like working as a CNA? and How did this lead into Podiatry?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said the most interesting questions asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine discussed various scenarios such as handling ethical dilemmas with patients and peers, describing accomplishments, sharing experiences diffusing difficult situations, and explaining personal qualities distinguishing them in the field. It appears that the interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the diverse situational questions, although responses suggest a relaxed atmosphere with interviewers unaware of applicants' backgrounds due to a nondisclosure agreement.
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Where else have you applied?
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What was the most interesting thing you saw while shadowing?
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If I was a patient that was stressed, what would you say to them and how would you approach them?
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What would you do if a fellow student had broken a rule (i.e. honor code)
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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 the most difficult question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine discussed a variety of topics, including handling patient scenarios, self-reflection on past experiences, and demonstrating personal qualities. Some respondents mentioned behavioral questions, while others highlighted scenarios involving patient care and professional ethics.
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There was a question in regards to my transcript in comparison to a letter of recommendation.
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What is something you would do back and do differently ?
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What makes you a strong candidate for WesternU?
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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?
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What else do you want the admissions committee to know about you?
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions ▼
How long was the interview?
Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.
How did the interview impress you?
Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
How many people interviewed you?
Most respondents were interviewed by 1 person.
What was the stress level of the interview?
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
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.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by utilizing resources such as Student Doctor Network (SDN) for feedback, mock interviews, and sample questions. They also focused on reviewing their applications, formulating answers to behavioral questions, and researching the program/school to be well-prepared.
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SDN and mock interview
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SDN questions
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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.
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I reviewed the post's that others had shared on Student Doctor Network
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SDN
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were impressed by the organization of Western's virtual interview process, the friendliness and passion of the staff and students, the emphasis on problem-solving and hands-on learning in the curriculum, the professionalism and sincerity of the faculty, and the close-knit community. They appreciated the opportunities to interact directly with the Dean, the focus on preparing students for the future of podiatry, and the collaborative approach with other health professions. Suggestions included more emphasis on the new building facilities, continued support for residencies, and further integration of innovative technologies into the curriculum.
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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.
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How personable and sincere my interviewer was. It hardly felt like an interview at all. Was very comfortable the whole time.
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Everyone at the school was very nice, and made me feel welcome, and wanted!
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Professionalism and honesty of the students
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The staff and students were all very friendly.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants expressed concerns about the long-winded and comparative nature of presentations, limited or vague information on housing and facilities during tours, lack of transparency regarding academic performance statistics, the campus location in an impoverished area, and the surrounding neighborhood of Pomona. Suggestions include providing more focused and engaging presentations, offering comprehensive facility tours, addressing academic performance concerns openly, and improving communication about the campus location and living options.
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Dr. Estes aint it
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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.
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Student panel could have been a little better but not a big deal.
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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.
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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 wished they had known ahead of time to relax and not be overly stressed during the interview process. Additionally, they wanted more information about the interview format, such as the types of questions asked and the expectations for supplemental forms, to better prepare themselves.
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The dean may not show up
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Don’t be so stressed.
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Clearer directions on where to park and where the HEC building was.
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I wish someone would have tole me to relax, and not be so stressed out over it. To just be myself and have fun!
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Nothing.
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally provided positive feedback about the interview process at WesternU, mentioning that it was well-organized, with friendly staff, faculty, and students. They appreciated the emphasis on training as a physician first before focusing on podiatry, though some expressed concerns about the curriculum alignment with board exams. Suggestions included more out-of-state student representation and the need for current data on residency placements.
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Unprepared efforts by westernU
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 improving the curriculum presentation by using a stronger speaker and providing more access to resources, particularly the library. They also recommended allocating more time for the campus tour to avoid a rushed experience.
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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.
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Wish we should have seen the classrooms and library.
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I wish I got to see more of the library.
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only suggestion is that the tour felt a little rushed. maybe allocate more time for lunch/campus tour. Otherwise it was a great day!
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overall good
📍 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.
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are out of state students.
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)
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LAX
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ONT
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Ontario
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Ontario International Airport
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n/a
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
The most commonly mentioned hotel that users stayed in is **Comfort Inn**.
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Comfort Inn
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Comfort Inn near Fairplex
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Fairfield by Marriot
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Hilton
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Pomona
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 are your comments on where you stayed?
No responses
All Responses
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