Read Penn website, read SDN feedback, had lunch with a friend who is a second-year the day before
What impressed you positively?
The faculty interviewer was really cool and down-to-earth. The students were extremely friendly, helpful, and generally nice throughout the day. We got to see the anatomy lab during the tour, which was cool.
What impressed you negatively?
The compressed curriculum seems to make the first 1.5 years pretty hellish. I met very few students who had time to do anything outside of studying.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
The interview day is super-long. They make you go on long tours and listen to lots of info sessions. Also, there is no coffee at lunch.
What are your general comments?
I liked Penn a lot while I was there, but the more I thought about it afterwards, the more stressed-out the students seemed. The interviews themselves were not a big deal- very conversational and relaxed.