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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 Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Positively

What was the stress level of the interview?

0 out of 10

How you think you did?

9 out of 10

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

10 out of 10

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

10 out of 10
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

Explain your research.
Have you read Mountains beyond Mountains (by Tracy Kidder)? in regard to my Global Health research and five-months living in Africa. (answer definitely!--this is a seminal non-fiction very inspiring book! and I spoke about it and Tracy Kidder's new book, What Strength Remains)
You've applied only to the two DO programs in california. Why? ..and...What will you do *if* you don't get into either school this year? (re-apply!)

What was the most interesting question?

Why did I go to prep school for high school? They were very interested in the details of my life and my path. I wasn't expecting it to go back this far, but they were genuinely interested because it is a unique aspect of my life path. Focus on these points in your interview.

What was the most difficult question?

None. This is a low-stress interview where they are just trying to get to know you. Do a lot of self-reflection on your personal journey and prepare to discuss it articulately and passionately with them (and you should be fine!).
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

25 minutes

How many people interviewed you?

2

What was the style of the interview?

One-on-one

What type of interview was it?

Open file

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

No responses

Where did the interview take place?

At the school
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Admissions staff

How did the tour guide seem?

Enthusiastic

How do you rank the facilities?

10 out of 10

What is your in-state status?

In state

What were your total hours spent traveling?

2-3 hours

What was your primary mode of travel?

Automobile

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

$201-$300

What airport did you fly into?

No responses

Where did you stay?

Hotel

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

Holiday Inn Express

How would you rate the hotel?

10 out of 10

Would you recommend the hotel?

yes

What is your ranking of this school's location?

1 out of 10

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

4 out of 10

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

10 out of 10

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

9 out of 10

How did you prepare for the interview?

SDN, Med School Interview book/Pfizer med school manual book both very helpful, re-read all of my old work including papers, abstracts, my curriculum vitae, and my applications. Went through a catalog of questions from websites and the books writing out the answers. Attended a practice session at my university and spoke with friends for tips.

What impressed you positively?

How happy everyone seemed at the school. It's a small campus and they describe themselves as a "family." I felt that to be true from my impressions. The school has very humble origins and I felt that too but in a very positive way.

What impressed you negatively?

This school is located in one of the bad parts of town. The campus is heavily guarded by security officers.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

I wish I knew that medical, dental, and podiatry students all have the same lectures together. I would have made sure to sit in on a class to see what this is about.

What are your general comments?

Amazing little school! The OMM and anatomy seems very very strong here and the basic sciences are more clinically focused (the research is very weak in comparison to a university). It is a very clinically focused school so if you want to be a clinician this is your place.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Very, very friendly and warm. Please don't change!