How do you think you will fair coming from a small private school with a larger body of more competitive students from many top universities? Answer: Very well. My success academically speaking is not dependent on my classmates, but on my determination and personal commitment to achieving my goals.
Reviewed my research literature, westernu.edu, SDN, mock interviews at my university. Took beta-blockers (propranolol) before my interview (highly recommended!!!)
What was the most difficult question?
What enzyme converts succinate to fumarate? Answer: Succinate Dehydrogenase, but please don't ask me to draw it, it's an enzyme for crying out loud. (By the way, humor really seemed to ease the tension in my interviews, especially after answering tougher questions. And from what others have told me, my questions were abnormally challenging)
Everything. The school's facilities are much better than many say. The area of Pomona is nowhere near as bad as it's made out to be. The curriculum is now systems based and there is a new interprofessional emphasis in training that utilizes team care (DO, PA, Nurse, Podiatrist, Pharmacist, etc) with the DO as lead care provider. This model is really cool because it helps the student develop their skills in leadership and differential diagnosis.
What impressed you negatively?
Some people mentioned the lack of restaurants on campus but I found that the Shoppes at Chino Hills have a ton of restaurants including: Yardhouse, CPK, a sushi place, lots of fast food places, etc. and it's less than ten minutes away.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I went thinking that I would not take an acceptance at this school just because of the location (and because I was already accepted at a couple of great out-of-state schools) and decided on going here after the interview.
🤝 Campus and Facilities
How do you rank the facilities?
8 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this school's location?
8 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
10 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?
10 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
10 out of 10
0 = Bad, 10 = Great
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
Everybody in the administration has been so helpful. Keep up the good work!
📍 Travel and Logistics
Who was the tour given by?
Admissions staff
How did the tour guide seem?
Enthusiastic
What is your in-state status?
In state
What were your total hours spent traveling?
0-1 hour
What was your primary mode of travel?
Automobile
About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?