How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
No responses
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
No responses
How did you prepare for the interview?
Lots of thought; read the ethics website; read studentdoctor.net; read about health care delivery systems in other countries to gain a broader perspective; reviewed my publication; reviewed cases I have worked on; reviewed diver physiology and decompression sickness.
-- Most of what I did was a waste of time. I WOULD keep current on current events, understand the health care system in the US, read postings on studentdoctor.net, and be able to articulate why you wish to go into medicine. Beyond that, engage in some fun, relaxing activites before the interview.
What impressed you positively?
The admissions staff does not hide anything about the process and they happily answer any questions about the process. Similarly, the students are very open and helpful.
What impressed you negatively?
I left the interview feeling as though I wasn't able to accurately portray who I am. Part of it was that I wasn't relaxed enough to go back and clarify answers. Although it would be impossible due to time constraints, I wish that applicants in the "competitive pool" had an opportunity to interview again prior to the final decision.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Nothing.
What are your general comments?
This interview was more stressful, perhaps, than it would otherwise have been because I only applied to one school. The reason for this is that UW is where I want to be. The faculty and student body are outstanding, the training opportunities are incredible, and it is in the perfect location. I will give it a couple of tries and, if unsuccessful, then apply "everywhere else." It seemed that interviewees either thought that the interview was very stressful or not at all stressful. The sense of how things went was highly correlated to which of the two committees the person was assigned.
The admissions staff was very friendly. The panel members were all very gracious and they get to the heart of what they wish to know. The interview will go far better if you can relax a bit -- a difficult task. I believe that it is key to doing your best. I walked out feeling as if I had left so many things unsaid and unfinished, which I thought made things look disjointed and inconsistent. I was frustrated because I did not clarify some things that I should have. I concentrated too much on what I know about health care. My advice is that you keep track of what you wish you could have finished and take the opportunity that you will likely be given at the conclusion of the interview to finish the thoughts that are important to you.
The lunch meeting with students, staff, and Dr. Hunt is highly informative. The students, particularly, were engaging, enthusiastic, and helpful. I was surprised that no one else wanted to sit in on a class, but that was a lot of fun and I would recommend it.
Not many people are accepted at the first Admissions Committee meeting following the interview because of the rolling admissions. The toughest part about applying to UW is the waiting/agonizing. Most interviewees are placed into the "competitive pool," and do not get a definitive answer until April, so be prepared to wait unless you are lucky enough to get an immediate acceptance.
Good luck and be certain to eat a cookie!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
No responses
