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Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Interview Feedback Summary

Des Moines, IA

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions
SDN Interview Experience Score
8.5
Above Average

Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.

Based on 1,571 responses
Score Reference:
9–10 Exceptional 8–8.9 Very Good 7–7.9 Good 6–6.9 Mixed < 6 Needs Improvement
The SDN Interview Experience Score (SIES) is a composite metric that represents applicants overall impressions of their interview experience, based on multiple factors such as professionalism, facilities, responsiveness, and stress levels.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.
Positively (84%)
Negatively (8%)
No change (8%)

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (39%)
Good (44%)
Average (16%)
Poor (1%)

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at Des Moines University (DMU) to be positive and welcoming. The school was praised for its facilities, supportive atmosphere, enthusiastic students, and friendly faculty. Some applicants appreciated the conversational and low-stress nature of the interviews, while others highlighted the comprehensive overview of the school provided throughout the day. Overall, many applicants expressed a strong interest in attending DMU if accepted.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
  • The questions were very generic (reminded me of PREview or Casper), asynchronous interview format feels super impersonal
  • If you couldn't tell by now I didn't like the format
  • Calm, well structured, adcoms seem kind
  • DMU seems like a great school that caters to its students' needs. I would love to go here.
  • Loved my interview here. The food was great. The students were awesome and supportive. Admissions staff and the Dean seemed like great people.
💬 Interview Process

Length, number, and type of interviews

🕐
Length:
35 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
3 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
47% One-on-One
53% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
96% Open-File
4% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person

DMU-COM-COMP interviews are an average of 35 minutes, with an average of 3 interviews. 47% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 4% are closed-file.

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools revolve around motivations for pursuing medicine, handling challenging situations with empathy, teamwork experiences, personal strengths and weaknesses, reasons for choosing osteopathic medicine, and reflections on healthcare issues. Additionally, respondents mentioned facing an MMI format with questions specific to their applications and a focus on non-disclosure agreements related to interview content.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including personal experiences, ethical dilemmas, future aspirations, and unique attributes. The interview format may have been an MMI based on mentions of specific questions tailored to individual applications and the presence of nondisclosure agreements.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

How did you prepare for the interview?

Most applicants prepared for the interview by reviewing SDN feedback, practicing common interview questions, and researching the school's website. Many also engaged in mock interviews, read medical books, and discussed healthcare issues to ensure they were well-prepared.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What was the most difficult question?

Students said most difficult question asked at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine discussed a wide range of topics, including ethical dilemmas, personal challenges, and motivations for pursuing medicine. While some found the questions straightforward and conversational, others mentioned queries about specific grades, ethical decision-making, and future contributions to healthcare. It is noteworthy that several responses indicated a focus on personal attributes, community involvement, and the ability to handle challenging situations.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere at the school, with students, faculty, and staff being highlighted for their positive attitudes. The top-notch facilities, technology integration, and focus on student well-being and support were also commonly praised. Overall, the sense of community, collaborative environment, and dedication to student success were key factors that left a positive impression on applicants.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What impressed you negatively?

Many applicants were negatively impressed by the asynchronous and impersonal interview format, lack of conversational engagement, and the absence of tailored questions. Suggestions included incorporating more human interaction, personalized questions, and a less rigid interview structure to improve the overall experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Many applicants wished they had known ahead of time how relaxed and stress-free the interview process would be at Des Moines University, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and being well-prepared with specific questions about medicine and the school. Additionally, applicants highlighted the friendly and welcoming nature of the faculty, staff, and students, as well as the importance of understanding the school's emphasis on OMM and being aware of potential challenges such as long wait times and off-site rotations in later years.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
🤝 Campus and Facilities

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

How would you rate the Location and Cultural Life?

0 = Low, 10 = High

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was friendly.

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Most respondents said the admissions office was responsive.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggested discontinuing the use of asynchronous interviews such as Kira, opting for in-person or virtual interviews instead. They also highlighted the importance of providing more personalized and engaging experiences during tours and interviews, emphasizing the need for clear communication and enthusiastic staff interactions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
📍 Travel and Logistics

Airports Used

✈️
DSM

50% interviewees used DSM (DSM), with 16% using Des Moines (Des Moines) and 4% using dsm (dsm) and 3% using Des Moines International (Des Moines International) and 3% using Des Moines Airport (Des Moines Airport) and 3% using Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines International Airport) and 2% using DMS (DMS) and 1% using pdx (pdx) and 1% using DMA (DMA) and 1% using OMA (OMA) and 1% using N/A (N/A) and 1% using Omaha, NE (Omaha, NE) and 1% using n/a (n/a) and 1% using Chicago - Des Moines (Chicago - Des Moines) and 1% using des moines (des moines) and 1% using Des Moines Int'l (Des Moines Int'l) and 1% using to DSM (SNA) and 1% using Des Moines Internaitonal Airport (Des Moines Internaitonal Airport) and 1% using Boise, ID (Boise, ID) and 1% using Des Moines Intl (Des Moines Intl) and 1% using Des Moines International airport (Des Moines International airport) and 1% using Des Moines international airport (Des Moines international airport) and 1% using Westchester County, NY (Westchester County, NY) and 1% using Des Moines International Airport with a layover at Chicago O'Hare (Des Moines International Airport with a layover at Chicago O'Hare) and 1% using Des Moine International Airport (Des Moine International Airport).

What was your primary mode of transportation?

Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.

✈️
48% Airplane
🚗
51% Automobile
🚆
0% Train or Subway
🚲
1% Other

Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees

Most interviewees stayed at the Heartland Inn (average ranking 6.5/10), with some staying at Holiday Inn (average rating 9.4/10). (Top 3 displayed)

🏨
Heartland Inn
6.5/10
🏨
Holiday Inn
9.4/10
🏨
Hampton Inn - Airport
7.8/10

What was the cost and time spent traveling?

Cost: Low Cost to High Cost

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents are out of state students.

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Hotel or at a hotel.

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (4%)
Faculty member (3%)
Other (2%)
Student (91%)

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (0%)
Enthusiastic (89%)
Neutral (11%)

All Responses

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