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Washington University-St. Louis School of Medicine

St. Louis, MO

Allopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 10% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
⭐ 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 cover a wide range of topics, including inquiries about unique hobbies, specialties of interest, ethical dilemmas, personal qualities beyond medicine, research experiences, academic background, challenges foreseen in medical school, motivations for pursuing medicine, and preferences for future practice. Some respondents mentioned questions specifically related to their research, family background, interests outside of medicine, views on healthcare reform, and reasons for choosing a particular medical school, such as Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, the responses indicate that Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) format may have been used, potentially involving non-disclosure agreements due to the varied and personalized nature of the questions asked.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Washington University-St. Louis School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including personal motivations for medicine, cultural perspectives, ethical dilemmas, and reflections on life experiences. The interviews appeared conversational with a focus on the applicants' backgrounds, research experiences, and their views on various social and healthcare issues.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Washington University-St. Louis School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including leadership experiences, reasons for career choices, challenges in healthcare, personal attributes, and ethical scenarios. Many responses mentioned a conversational tone, but some indicated more structured questions about research, personal background, and future goals. Notably, several respondents referenced an MMI format, suggesting a nondisclosure agreement could have been in place during their interviews.
🤝 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 At school facility or at the school facility.

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?

Many applicants prepared for their interviews by reviewing their AMCAS application, secondary essays, and the school's website. Mock interviews, practicing with friends or family, and reading interview feedback on Student Doctor Network were also common strategies employed to prepare effectively.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the supportive and welcoming environment at the school, with students, faculty, and staff being described as friendly and approachable. The top-notch facilities, including hospitals, research opportunities, and student amenities, were also highlighted as major positives, along with the emphasis on student well-being and the sense of community fostered at the school.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions related to the inconvenience of the interview scheduling, lack of diversity, subpar living conditions in Olin Hall, concerns about safety in St. Louis, a perceived lack of social atmosphere among students, and a focus on research over clinical experience. Suggestions included improving the organization of info sessions, addressing diversity issues, enhancing campus facilities, fostering a more vibrant student community, and providing more exposure to clinical practice early in the curriculum.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known to practice more for closed-file interviews, the relaxed nature of the interview day, the availability of resources and amenities provided by the school, the importance of comfortable shoes for the long tour, and the convenience of using the MetroLink for transportation. It was also suggested to relax, interact with current students, and be prepared for potential downtime during the day.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at Washington University to be welcoming, relaxed, and conversational. They appreciated the friendly atmosphere, supportive staff, impressive facilities, and the opportunity to interact with current students. Some applicants mentioned concerns about the location of the school or had mixed opinions about certain aspects, but overall, they had positive impressions of the institution.
  • Enjoyed my interview very much there and was grateful to meet so many interesting students and the welcoming atmosphere at the school. They have fantastic facilities and students can get support very easily from the school. Highly recommend it. And I hope I can get in.
  • THERE WAS ONE OPEN FILE AND ONE CLOSED FILE INTERVIEW.
  • Very conversational, stress-free and friendly
  • Great school
  • The interview definitely changed my view of this school for the better, however, I am not sure if I can see myself living in St. Louis.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants generally provided positive feedback about the admissions office, with some suggesting improvements in communication regarding document submission procedures and a preference for digital information over mailed brochures. Additionally, applicants appreciated a warm and organized check-in process and suggested offering a vegetarian lunch option during visits.