Indianapolis, IN
Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit
Application Cycle: 2009-10
⭐ Overall Impressions
How do you rank the facilities?
8 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?
7 out of 10
0 = Below, 10 = Above
How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?
8 out of 10
0 = Below, 10 = Above
What is your ranking of this school's location?
5 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
5 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
💬 Interview Questions
What was the most interesting question?
I voiced an interest in pursuing a joint M.D./M.P.H. with a professional focus on public health and community-based prevention. My interviewer asked me the other schools I applied to, which included several bigger name private medical schools. She asked if I would go to a private school over a public school, given that my interests were in public health. I missed the boat with this question... I thought she was asking me whether I needed a private university for the sake of a prestigious name (which is not of concern to me), when she really wanted to impress upon me that it might be better to pursue a public health focus in a public institution (although I don't understand why that has to be the case).
What was the most difficult question?
My interviewer pointed out that I was lacking in recent, long-term volunteer experience. It was hard to explain my reasoning for that without sounding like I was making lame excuses.
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions
How long was the interview?
60+ minutes
How did the interview impress you?
Positively 🙂
How many people interviewed you?
1
What was the stress level of the interview?
2 out of 10
0 = Low Stress, 10 = High Stress
How you think you did?
8 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What was the style of the interview?
One-on-one
What type of interview was it?
Open file
Where did the interview take place?
At the school
How did you prepare for the interview?
IU Med School website was very helpful. I read lots of other StudentDoctor.net reviews, but I was not asked ONE SINGLE QUESTION that was listed on this website. (So don't be fooled... be prepared for anything...). I also read "Health Care Meltdown" by Rober LeBow before the interview... this book was IMMENSELY helpful in putting some current challenges of the U.S. Health Care system into context.
What impressed you positively?
Every student I spoke with was VERY positive about the school. The interview was with a physician, in a casual atmosphere. There is a large focus on expanding IU's research capability, which should increase the prestige of the institution in the near future.
What impressed you negatively?
I'm from Los Angeles, so the culture shock of living in Indianapolis would take some adjustment. I stayed an extra night so I could explore the city, but it was pretty deserted once it got dark. The idea of spending my first two years at an even smaller satelite campus is not appealing.
What are your general comments?
My interviewer was a child psychiatrist, which was good and bad. She had a very calming demeanor, that quickly eased my anxiety over the interview (this was my first medical school interview). I have a complicated background because I withdrew from a school due to an illness, took several years off and worked in another profession, then transferred to another school. My interviewer seemed VERY interested in understanding every aspect of my chronology, so she could place all of my accomplishments into context. I felt relaxed with her, and I was able to let my personality show. We even laughed at times during the interview. We ended up speaking for over 90 minutes, with her taking EXTENSIVE notes, and when I left I felt that she had really invested in getting to know me as a candidate. I was impressed by this. I am glad this was my first interview, because it was very low stress and some of her questions highlighted areas where I need to make stronger arguments in future interviews.
📍 On-Site Experience
Who was the tour given by?
Student
How did the tour guide seem?
Enthusiastic
What is your in-state status?
Out of state
What were your total hours spent traveling?
4-6 hours
What was your primary mode of travel?
Airplane
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?
$501+
What airport did you fly into?
IND
Where did you stay?
Hotel
What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?
Days Inn Downtown
How would you rate the hotel?
5 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
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