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Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Pomona, CA

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a moderate 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?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about motivations for pursuing medicine, interest in osteopathic medicine, ethical dilemmas, experiences with conflict, suitability for the profession, and reasons for selecting a specific school. Some respondents mentioned questions about research, clinical experiences, leadership roles, strengths and weaknesses, future goals, handling stress, and awareness of healthcare challenges. The interview format may have included MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) sessions where respondents might have been subject to nondisclosure agreements.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific discussed a wide range of topics such as empathy, ethical dilemmas, social media's role in medicine, and personal strengths and weaknesses. While some interviews were more conversational, others involved Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format questions with scenarios on team dynamics, ethical issues in healthcare, and decision-making scenarios, potentially subject to a nondisclosure agreement.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific discussed a wide range of topics, including conflicts, ethical dilemmas, career motivations, and decision-making scenarios, with a notable emphasis on personal reflections and ethical considerations. Many responses highlighted a variety of ethical questions, potentially indicating an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) format where respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement regarding specific questions asked.
🤝 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 0-1 hour 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 less than $100.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either at a hotel or with friends or family.

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 average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

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 engaging in mock interviews, utilizing resources like SDN (Student Doctor Network), reviewing their applications, researching the school's website, and practicing answering common questions. Many applicants also sought feedback from peers, family, and advisors, and focused on being themselves and staying relaxed during the interview process.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, with students, faculty, and staff all being described as warm and helpful. They appreciated the state-of-the-art facilities, the strong curriculum, the focus on student success, the high board pass rates, the emphasis on student well-being and community, and the opportunities provided for clinical rotations and international experiences.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions regarding the school's location in a run-down part of town, the unattractive appearance of the campus exterior, disorganization during the interview day, lack of transparency regarding board pass rates and residency placements, and a perceived lack of student engagement and enthusiasm during tours and interviews. Suggestions included improving campus aesthetics, enhancing organization during interview days, providing more transparency and support services for applicants, and fostering a more positive and engaging atmosphere for prospective students.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly expressed a wish to have known more about the standard interview questions and the number of other applicants present. They also mentioned a variety of logistical details such as the timing of the day, the stress level of the MMI, and the need for comfortable walking shoes.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally shared feedback about their interview experiences and impressions of the school. Many found the interviews to be relaxed and conversational, with faculty and staff being welcoming and informative. Some mentioned concerns about the location of the school, while others praised the curriculum, facilities, and student community. The quick notification of acceptance was appreciated, but some felt that more enthusiasm from the interviewers could have made a stronger impression.
  • It you can get past the bad Inland Empire location, smog and undesirable neighborhood/campus you can likely learn medicine here. Faculty seemed average for a DO program, not the worse I've seen, not the best. Yes you can live in nicer neighborhoods nearby and commute to school (Claremont) but Claremont is basically an island surrounded by undesirable areas.
  • It was a very short and easy to manage interview day. The staff and faculty were very welcoming and spent a lot of time talking about the school and their personal experiences. It was nice to be able to watch the admissions presentations ahead of time.
  • It was pretty chill and laid back, there weren't any curveballs or questions that I wouldn't expect.
  • Great school, very friendly interviews, genuine want to get to know you!
  • This school has a long history of producing excellent board scores and residency matches. It's an amazing school.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest improving the efficiency of the admissions process by moving to an online system, sending decisions via email, and providing more concise and timely communication. Some also recommend streamlining the interview day schedule, enhancing the secondary process, and ensuring a more engaging curriculum overview.