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West Virginia University Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

Morgantown, WV

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 31% 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 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 include inquiries about reasons for pursuing medicine, motivations for choosing a specific school, experiences with clinical work, research, volunteerism, and hobbies, as well as personal reflections on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and challenges faced. Some respondents mentioned being asked about their MCAT scores and preparation methods, while others highlighted questions related to nondisclosure agreements, indicating an MMI format with restrictions on disclosing specific interview questions.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at West Virginia University Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including favorite body parts, ideal medical practice locations, and personal experiences that led to a desire to treat patients. While some responses indicated standard questions, others mentioned unique inquiries about hobbies, non-medical research, and extracurricular activities.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at West Virginia University Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center School of Medicine discussed various topics including institutional actions, personal attributes not on applications, academic weaknesses, future healthcare implications, and ethical traits gained in college. The interview format may have been an MMI as respondents mentioned non-disclosure agreements, with questions ranging from specific academic challenges to broader inquiries about healthcare and personal experiences.
🤝 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 2 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 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 Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

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 primary and secondary applications, practicing with mock interviews, researching the school's website, and reading resources such as Dr. Gray's Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Interview. They also utilized platforms like Student Doctor Network (SDN) for interview feedback and common questions. Many emphasized the importance of familiarizing themselves with their application materials and being ready to discuss their experiences and motivations for pursuing medicine.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the school, including the kind staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive interviewers. They also appreciated the modern facilities, opportunities for collaboration, and the emphasis on student success and well-being. Many applicants highlighted the positive interactions during their interviews, the school's resources, and the community's supportive nature as key factors that positively impressed them.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative feedback about rushed and interrogative interviews, lack of organization and enthusiasm, a homogenous patient population, rural location, outdated facilities, lack of financial aid information, unenthusiastic tour guides, and limited diversity among students. Suggestions included improving interview structure, increasing cultural diversity, enhancing facilities, and providing more detailed information on financial aid and the student body.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly wished they had known more about the multiple campuses and the need to rank their preferences during the interview day. They also emphasized the importance of being prepared, staying relaxed, and being familiar with the application details to alleviate stress during the process.

What are your general comments?

The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants include concerns about the brevity of the interview, feeling rushed or not conversational during the process, variations in interview length, the lack of an overview of the curriculum or financial aid information, and the welcoming atmosphere of the school and its community. Many applicants appreciated the laid-back and conversational nature of the interviews, the friendliness of the interviewers and staff, and the positive overall experience at the school.
  • Too short of an interview to get to know me truly. Half the time was spent reviewing negatives on my application (MCAT and institutional action from my freshman year of college). Felt like I was rushed and did not feel conversational. Great school and program though!
  • WVU is great and qualified students attend every year. Their GPAs and MCATs are on par with a lot of other MD schools
  • Interviews were too short and our discussions were cut short due to lack of time.
  • The whole day just did not feel welcoming. The students didn't really know where to take us half the time, we didn't get to speak with any faculty until the interview, and no one working there seemed like they were taking us very seriously.
  • As expected

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest the admissions office to consider extending the interview duration or increasing the number of interviews conducted and providing more detailed information on research opportunities, programs, and financial aid during the interview process. Additionally, they highlight the importance of clear communication, better organization during campus tours, and providing amenities like water and coffee during waiting periods.