Southern Illinois 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

What are your general comments?

The interview was good. The school is a perfect fit for me. After the interview I received a letter that said my status is "Accept When Place Available". It's taken 3 phone calls to the admissions office at the SIU SOM to understand their complex applicant ranking system and acceptance schedule. Here's what I understand (and I may be wrong): In 2003 SIU SOM will accept 73 students. First, on OCT 26 the admissions committee met to accept any applicant enrolled in SIU's special MedPrep program (where they train up their med students from toddler age to acceptance date), and/or any accepted but deferred students from the previous year (you know, they got accepted, but couldnt go for another year . . . yeah right!). This was a total of 3 people (70 more to go). Then, everybody else goes into 1 of 4 categories: 1. Accept when place available: accepted in batches of 20 in November, January, March. Each AWPA student is ranked within this group and applicants are accepted by rank. 2 & 3. They have two alternate categories below AWPA. I dont get it. Surely I'm wrong. But, the lady at the admissions ofc. said otherwise. 4. The "No Thanks" category is self explanatory.

Interview questions they asked

How will you pay for Med. School . . . will you work?

I was asked this too

What was the most interesting question?

Do you think Doctors should be involved in community, local, or even state government?

I was asked this too

What was the most difficult question?

What are you going to do if you and your wife fight, or get a divorce while in Med. School? Will you be able to find time for a marriage?

I was asked this too

How did you prepare for the interview?

Read online CVs of both my interviewers, since I knew in advance who they'd be. Came to SDN and printed off all the questions in the SIU section: had my wife aske me these questions. Also, I have 2 friends already at SIU SOM, and they've been tremendously informative.

What impressed you positively?

Throughout the process of applying to Med. School, SIU has been the most "human," approachable, courteous, prompt, and professional school I've dealt with, when compared to UIC and IU

What impressed you negatively?

Absolutely nothing. At the end of my visit, Dr. Z said "Well, maybe we'll talk with you later." Obviously, i wanted to hear "See you in August."