Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

🙂

How did the interview impress you?

Positively 🙂

What was the stress level of the interview?

7 / 10

0 = Low Stress, 10 = High Stress

How you think you did?

5 / 10

0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your general comments?

My interviewer gave long stories about things that happened at the school over the years... that resulted in my interview lasting twice as long as it was supposed to. I felt kind of stupid during my interview; he asked me if I had questions for him before I had been on the tour and then told me my MCATs were a little low. Between stories, I got a lot of questions about aspects of my research that I didn't know (I did in vitro, he was asking in vivo) and I didn't get to focus on my strengths. Might have gone better than I thought, but after talking to other folks, I think some of his questions were inappropriate. Other interviewees seemed to have much friendlier interviewers. I just couldn't read this guy. I really liked the rest of the day: We got breakfast and lunch, the students and deans were really cool, the facilities were refurbished or new... Great day, apart from the interview I think I stunk at.

Interview questions they asked

Why Case? Is this the only school you applied to that is not on the east or west coast?

I was asked this too

What was the most interesting question?

How do you calm a patient who thinks that the medicine you're giving him is a poison?

I was asked this too

What was the most difficult question?

From what plant genus can you obtain the drug you worked with in your lab?

I was asked this too

How did you prepare for the interview?

Re-read my statements. Should have spent much more time reviewing my research.

What impressed you positively?

Grading in the first two years is P/F. Students have "open" (not necessarily free) time in the afternoon. Lectures are video-recorded and can be downloaded to your laptop. Very wired program. Students were well-spoken and welcoming. School gave you personal space in the medical building (your own desk). Very friendly staff.

What impressed you negatively?

I found my interview stressful. I got questions "wrong" and didn't get to focus on my strengths. Campus was covered in slush at the time, but it wasn't THAT cold.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Grading system. New thesis requirement.