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Interview Feedback

All Questions & Responses

  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
  • Allopathic Medical School
  • El Paso, TX
Individual Feedback 2 42 Responses
Overall Experience

How did the interview impress you?

Response # Responders
Positively 38
Negatively 3
No change 1

What was the stress level of the interview?

Response Avg # Responders
2.93 41

0 = low, 10 = high

How you think you did?

Response Avg # Responders
7.90 42

0 = low, 10 = high

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Response Avg # Responders
7.00 41

0 = low, 10 = high

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Response # Responders
In Person 0
Virtual 2

Questions

How long was the interview?

Response # Responders
5 minutes 0
10 minutes 0
15 minutes 0
20 minutes 0
25 minutes 2
30 minutes 29
35 minutes 3
40 minutes 2
45 minutes 0
50 minutes 0
55 minutes 1
60+ minutes 3

Where did the interview take place?

Response # Responders
At the school 36
At a regional location 0
At another location 2

What was the style of the interview?

Response # Responders
One-on-one 39
In a group 0

What type of interview was it?

Response # Responders
Open file 38
Closed file 1

How many people interviewed you?

Response Average # Responders
2.08 39

What is one of the specific questions they asked you (question 1)?

"What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in healthcare today?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why medicine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"why this school" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why medicine? Why El Paso?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"(Regarding my scribing experience): What was the most difficult patient encounter you've experienced while scribing? What made it difficult?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"I've interviewed a lot of people from your university. Why is that place so special? (in a nice way)." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about your research experience." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was the last book you read?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you feel about the ACA?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think of law suits? Why do people sue doctors?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why do you want to be a doctor?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about your leadership experiences." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"So your father is a doctor. How did he affect your decision to go into medicine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Where in healthcare do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you see healthcare going in that time as well?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about healthcare reform?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Describe your research experience?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Just general questions from my application. What are you reading right now for pleasure?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about healthcare today/problems with healthcare?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know about HPV vaccine" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1 was an MD cardiologist- I see that you like art and played the violin, tell me about this, and why do you think many scientists are into the arts? Then he asked me about my SAT... Which I thought was weird since I have been out of high school for almost 10 years... Interviewer 2 was a PhD in physiology- I see that you got your masters degree, tell me about your research. Both asked about why medicine and why Tech El Paso..." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"First interview very conversational; second one he basically asked me any question you can think of. What do you know about alternative medicine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about yourself? opening question." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know about El Paso" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is your favorite book?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about the city?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Nothing specific, very conversational." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If you were in charge of fixing the health care system, what specifically would you do? Both interviewers were looking for specifics" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1 & 2: Healthcare questions (especially the current bill)." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer A: Why Medicine? Interviewer B: Tell me about yourself (My life history, not school/activities related)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"You are a small town doc and a patient comes in pregnant and confesses she still takes cocaine and drinks. What do you do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about a difficult decision you've made." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me everything you know about HIV " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about yourself." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What is one of the specific questions they asked you (question 2)?

"how do you feel about the homeless camp ban in Austin?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you like to do for fun?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How should I explain your low GPA (3.6x) to the admissions board?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"if I was familiar with El Paso" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Who is your best friend? What are qualities that your best friend would say about you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If a 20-year-old patient no longer wanted treatment, but his family continued to push for it, what would you do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is your favorite band right now?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you feel about El-Paso." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Would you report a medical mistake made and subsequently corrected by a resident or attending that did not adversely affect the patient in the long run if he asked you to keep quiet?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me what you believe the five greatest discoveries in medicine are." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you know of healthcare?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are some activities you do for fun?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If there was one thing you wanted me to tell the admissions committee about you, what would it be?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is your GPA and MCAT? (Not sure why I was asked though, was told they already had these)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"An ethical question about confidentiality and privacy. What would you do if the family of a patient told you not to tell the patient about a problem." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What did you learn from becoming an EMT?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you deal with stress? and then followed with: Do you think you will be able to survive without your family close by?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What would you do if all of your patients (and patients' parents) refused to have the HPV vaccine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1 was an MD cardiologist- How do you know you can handle medical school? Interviewer 2 was a PhD in physiology- How do you handle failure." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about Medical Ethics" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"It you saw a classmate cheat on test, how would you respond?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you watch the news? What has been going on? How would that affect a physician?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"As a physician, there will be some situations where no matter what you do, your patient will end up dying. How will you deal with that?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1: Do you think a Physician should concentrate on policy or the individual? /Interviewer 2: Why medicine/El paso?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer A: specifics about my research, service project, work, etc(Also, about my grades and MCAT and What was my most difficult course in College and how did I manage) Interviewer B: specifics about work, activities, and application (Also MCAT and Grades questions)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Same as above, except you know she has 2 other kids as well." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Who has been an inspiration to you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why medicine" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you do a medical mission trip?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What is one of the specific questions they asked you (question 3)?

"Tell me about yourself?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Is research important? Why don't you have any? Describe the importance of research using 3 terms." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you feel ready for the rigors of medical school?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why do you want to become a doctor?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why are you pursuing an MBA along with an MD degree?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Who is the third party candidate in the presidential election?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think of the school so far." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about the Affordable Care Act?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did you not apply sooner after graduating?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What does healthcare mean to you? (I gave him a weird look and he asked if it was a privilege or a right)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What should I tell the admissions committee about you?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about an interesting book you've read." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What was the last book you read? Then, speaking of books, what would say is your absolute favorite movie of all time?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What kind of international experience do you have? Odd question because I have never really done anything international besides visiting family overseas." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How would you rank this school among the ones you've applied to and why?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you want to do/specialize in?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1 was an MD cardiologist- What specialty will you go into? Interviewer 2 was a PhD in physiology- He didnt ask me many questions... He basically asked me a few and then moved on to telling me about how amazing the school was. It was nice." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about your research" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are your weaknesses?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about a situation where you were in way over your head." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1: How do you see yourself 10 years from now?/ Interviewer 2: Controversial ethical questions (Jehovah's witness,abortion, etc.)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer A: Health care questions ( see difficult question box) Interviewer B: Tell me yours strengths and weaknesses" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about healthcare reform" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you know Dr. So-and-so" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"why this school" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What can I tell you about El Paso?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most interesting question?

"What do you think about Medicare for all?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What is the difference between mass and weight?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"I was asked about my thoughts on El Paso and the school. They really try to make sure you are enthusiastic about living in the city, or are able to stand it." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Would you report a medical mistake made and subsequently corrected by a resident or attending that did not adversely affect the patient in the long run if he asked you to keep quiet?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Your patient has a malignancy and if you tell her something bad could happen. Would you tell her?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"my interviews were very conversational." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are your thoughts on alternative medicine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about end of life situations (such as euthanasia) and the physician's role in those situations?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Which would feel more comfortable with- taking a class with a very detailed, explanatory syllabus with detailed goals for the end, or a class with broader, less-defined goals, where you trust the professors to get you where you need to get, even though the road might not be a straight one?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are some of the experiences that brought you to be here today?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about getting your Eagle Scout..." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Say the parents of a sick child are against a treatment (she used the example of vaccines and the public's fear of it's connection to autism) what would you do, considering they are legally allowed to say no, even though you firmly believe this to be the best course of action?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"If you were a doctor with a patient who won't quit smoking, what would you do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1 was an MD cardiologist- What do you think about technology in the classroom, and why is it bad. He then told me about how he hated his students bringing their laptops to class... Interviewer 2 was a PhD in physiology- Where do you think the future of medicine is heading, and how will you be a part of it? Not as hard as it sounded at first since I have done a lot of medical research so I was able to give him a direct answer based in my field..." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Patient living on Machine and his family wants him alive, but no one can pay for him. What would you do?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"It you saw a classmate cheat on test, how would you respond?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What will you do to prevent failing out of med school." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Diabetes is on the rise, people know certain foods/lifestyle choices are bad for them, yet they continue to partake in such activities. Why do you think this is?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Who has influenced you from a medical standpoint?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"The ethical questions were interesting even if they were a bit challenging... " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Why did I take this language class in college if I already knew it? ( Cant read or write and wanted to learn more history about it)" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"the first one" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Would you consider giving a placebo to a patient?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"everything about HIV" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Mission trip stuff" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most difficult question?

"How should I explain your low GPA (3.6x) to the admissions board?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Who invented the big bang theory?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"I was asked by my second interviewer about the different roles of the doctor and doctor-patient relationship." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"An inane and irrelevant ethical question besides the one mentioned in response to specific question 2." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How do you feel about the possibility that the protocol your researching could produce negative results, showing that it was actually detrimental to the patient's outcome or even harmful?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"How will my Christian faith interact with my medical practice?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What are your thoughts on alternative medicine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you see yourself becoming a clinician or hospitalist? (This was the only one that required more than a little thought, everything else was extremely laid-back and relaxed)." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about healthcare reform." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What did you do to improve your application?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Where do you see healthcare going with all of this reform going on?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Nothing really... they were not trying to grill me and from what I've heard from many interviewees, nobody had that kind of interview session/impression either." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"A question asking me about a specific phrase that the interviewer didn't agree with in my personal statement." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Interviewer 1 was an MD cardiologist- Nothing hard really, he was really nice and told me about his life and how he became a cardiologist. He was a year from his third time trying to retire, so he had a lot of wisdom for me. Interviewer 2 was a PhD in physiology- What will you do when one of your patients dies and you have to tell their family? How will you deal with them being mad at you for not being able to save their family member? Luckily, I work in trauma right now, so I had a good answer I think." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Tell me about a time where you were criticized by someone. how did you deal with it" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"It you saw a classmate cheat on test, how would you respond?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"What do you think about the HPV vaccine?" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Read any books lately? I hadn't Asked me to explain my 8 on VR since I was a native English speaker " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Do you think a Physician should concentrate on policy or the individual? (I found it hard as it was worded wierd) " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Health Care questions based on what I answered to his (Biggest health care problem, is it a privilege of right, etc). Was trying to play devils advocate, but not very intimidating." More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"healthcare reform" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"Nothing really difficult, we talked about philosophy of where "we" are going with medical and technological advances, but it was really light and conversational. " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"The placebo one" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"the same as above " More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

"None" More from this Member | Report Response | I was asked this question too

How did you prepare for the interview?

"Mock interview" More from this Member | Report Response

"Reviewing my application. Reading the school's MSAR page. Reading the school's website. Reading prior SDN threads." More from this Member | Report Response

"a lot of online research, medical school headquarters, and sdn" More from this Member | Report Response

"Read my application, essays, and common interview questions." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, school website, talking to people who had previously interviewed, and paying attention to the presentations the day of prior to my interview." More from this Member | Report Response

"Read my application and read about the school." More from this Member | Report Response

"sdn interview feedback, mock interviews" More from this Member | Report Response

"TTEP background, motto, future goals, etc." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN Interview Feedback, Application Review" More from this Member | Report Response

"Went over school website, read "The Health Care Handbook" (med student authored book summarizing the ACA), reviewed my application the night before, relaxed and got a good night's sleep." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN" More from this Member | Report Response

"Thought about possible questions. Had a relaxing night before the interview." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN interview feedback, SDN forums, reviewed my file. Did a practice interview with the prehealth advising department at my undergrad." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, PLFSOM website, healthcare articles" More from this Member | Report Response

"Read the school's catalog online." More from this Member | Report Response

"Reviewed my application to find talking points." More from this Member | Report Response

"Bathed" More from this Member | Report Response

"Reflected mostly on myself - trying to memorize answers would only make me come off insincere even though it would be truthful." More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, foster website, wikipedia, news" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN interview feedback!" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, read about current issues" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, previous interview experience." More from this Member | Report Response

"mock interview, SDN" More from this Member | Report Response

"Reviewed school's particular emphases, what they wanted in a student. Matched these characteristics to parts of my application. Reviewed my PS." More from this Member | Report Response

"read over my application, listened to the speakers throughout the day" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, reviewed my application" More from this Member | Report Response

"looked on the school's website" More from this Member | Report Response

"This forum, online questions, and talking to my friends." More from this Member | Report Response

"sdn, mock interviews, read up on health care reform stuff, reviewed application" More from this Member | Report Response

"nothing special. read up on current events" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, school's website" More from this Member | Report Response

"SDN, MSAR, PLFSOM website" More from this Member | Report Response

"didn't really prepare" More from this Member | Report Response

"Looked at the website" More from this Member | Report Response

What impressed you positively?

"The city of El Paso. The simulation and standardized patient clinic." More from this Member | Report Response

"the smaller class size, the students begin grouped in house, the facilities, and the location of the school" More from this Member | Report Response

"The curriculum, how personable the students were, both of my interviewers" More from this Member | Report Response

"The tour, the staff and faculty's dedication to the students, and El Paso in general." More from this Member | Report Response

"The atmosphere was extremely positive." More from this Member | Report Response

"new campus" More from this Member | Report Response

"Facilities were extremely new and nice" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nice facilities and certain faculty members left a great impression. The newest self-reported STEP I average is quite high compared to what I expected @ 235 though take I would take that with a grain of salt." More from this Member | Report Response

"The students are very close with eachother and with the faculty. The curriculum is fantastic! Opportunity to immerse myself in a spanish-speaking environment." More from this Member | Report Response

"the school is small with small class sizes (it would be 80 for the class entering) and everything is shiny and new." More from this Member | Report Response

"The curriculum is very different and interesting." More from this Member | Report Response

"The admissions staff and faculty were all very friendly. The students were divided into 4 houses (like Hogwarts!) and often have friendly competitions, which looked like a lot of fun. They even have 2 faculty, one MD and one PhD as their "house masters"." More from this Member | Report Response

"The curriculum! Also, the clinical exposure students get. The opportunity to do "third-world medicine" in a first-world country. The beauty of the El Paso area!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Brand new, impressive facilities, very proud and helpful faculty, professors spend 80% of their time teaching, their curriculum teaches you to think like a doctor right from the beginning, El Paso would be a great place to learn Spanish" More from this Member | Report Response

"Facilities were fantastic. Students seemed to like the school and curriculum. Curriculum seemed very fluid and was subject to changes if the students so desired." More from this Member | Report Response

"Brand new campus with beautiful buildings inside and out." More from this Member | Report Response

"EVERYTHING. I just felt good there and couldn't stop thinking about it when I left El Paso. I'm from out of state too. Every other interview I had, I seemed to just compare it to the program at El Paso and hands down they couldn't compete with the quality." More from this Member | Report Response

"Friendliness of staff and students. Facilities are so new and the building is well structured. Love the smaller class size = more attention payed to students and a tighter/closer group of students!" More from this Member | Report Response

"The new facilities" More from this Member | Report Response

"The campus is small, but really nice. Its new and very high tech." More from this Member | Report Response

"The school, everyone's passion about El Paso" More from this Member | Report Response

"clinical Presentation style curriculum,Teaching centered faculty, AWESOME sim center & basic research lab, Clinicals in underserved, 3rd world scenarios & possibility of full scholarship." More from this Member | Report Response

"Everything!!" More from this Member | Report Response

"SIM center (endoscopic, laparoscopic), student body, faculty kindness/involvement, Catholic church nearby, and--most of all--CURRICULUM." More from this Member | Report Response

"friendliness of faculty" More from this Member | Report Response

"Admissions staff, school, curriculum" More from this Member | Report Response

"new facilities, students seemed enthusiastic" More from this Member | Report Response

"The Spanish immersion program and the clinical presentation-based curriculum." More from this Member | Report Response

"The facilities are state of the art and everything is brand new. (simulation center!!!). The people are friendly in the city and the school." More from this Member | Report Response

"small class, brand new facilities, exciting new curriculum, great clinical chances" More from this Member | Report Response

"Focus of the faculty on teaching, simulation center. " More from this Member | Report Response

"The facilities, simulators, enthusiasm of first years. Small class size is great, curriculum is very integrated, which would serve me well (I think). The college system seems really cool." More from this Member | Report Response

"facilities, brand new buildings, small class size" More from this Member | Report Response

"FACILITIES!!!!!!" More from this Member | Report Response

What impressed you negatively?

"Admin was very rude when problems were brought up with them" More from this Member | Report Response

"The lack of hospital tour. The small student lounge area. The unprofessionalism of one of my interviewers." More from this Member | Report Response

"How uninterested the admission staff and IT/tech staff looked during campus tours" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing really." More from this Member | Report Response

"El Paso." More from this Member | Report Response

"Students seemed very disinterested as did many of the admissions staff and faculty members. The staff member who led the tour acted as if he could not care less. Many MS1 and MS2 students did not seem to know each other which is concerning for such a school with such small class sizes. Where is the community and the camaraderie? Student panel was very negative about more practical aspects of the curriculum like the Master's Colloquium and about the faculty members and administration going so far to name names. Yikes! Many students did not seem to have any sort of proficiency in Spanish despite mandatory classes and the school's emphasis on serving the large Hispanic population in El Paso." More from this Member | Report Response

"The school is quite small." More from this Member | Report Response

"Parts of El Paso look a little shady, and there's not any good, affordable housing near the school." More from this Member | Report Response

"The newness of the school was somewhat of a negative." More from this Member | Report Response

"There's no student housing very close to campus. Most students live on the west side, which is a 15-20 minute drive; not a big deal." More from this Member | Report Response

"Not much. I'm not sure I fit in with the students there." More from this Member | Report Response

"School was very quiet on our interview day, very small too. Personally I don't mind this but some might" More from this Member | Report Response

"El Paso is right next to Juarez, Mexico which is super dangerous. Everything exists in one building which is where all medical students do their studies." More from this Member | Report Response

"My interview was scheduled during the student panel, and 1 1/2 hour after my first interview, but I don't believe I missed too much." More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing." More from this Member | Report Response

"No step 1 scores yet (however, I interviewed later and at the student panel they were talking about how they recently took their first practice Step 1 and did pretty well as a class!)... Other than that, nothing really!" More from this Member | Report Response

"the distance" More from this Member | Report Response

"The area of El Paso is not that nice and looks kind of old. The laptops they give you are old and bulky looking. Also, you pay for them and have to give them back when you finish school!" More from this Member | Report Response

"School is in the middle of nowhere" More from this Member | Report Response

"El Paso is #2 safest, but never cross the border. No USMLE or residency match lists yet." More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing" More from this Member | Report Response

"very new school, one interviewer admitted they were still having problems getting everything sorted out" More from this Member | Report Response

"We didn't see the gross lab. We were also not given info about housing, food, scholarships, etc. " More from this Member | Report Response

"The location isn't the greatest. Also, the interviewer picked up the phone couple times during the interview." More from this Member | Report Response

"location. el paso is 10 hours from where i live" More from this Member | Report Response

"New school seemed at times they are trying to be different just to be different. Required research project. " More from this Member | Report Response

"The cost of living in El Paso is higher than I thought it would be." More from this Member | Report Response

"location, the food" More from this Member | Report Response

"Served bad food." More from this Member | Report Response

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

"That my interviewer was going to grill me and not let me talk." More from this Member | Report Response

"How laid back and relatively conversational the interviews were. I would have saved myself from a lot of anxiety and worry!" More from this Member | Report Response

"N/A" More from this Member | Report Response

"City is terrible, try to stay with a student, even the hotels are terrible." More from this Member | Report Response

"eat breakfast! they only had cookies" More from this Member | Report Response

"That I would have a chance to talk to current medical students. I wasn't prepared with any good questions for them." More from this Member | Report Response

"No breakfast!" More from this Member | Report Response

"That you will spend most of your time as a student there in 1 building, until 3rd year at least" More from this Member | Report Response

"In spite of it being close to the border I felt safe and secure near the school. The fears I had about El Paso itself are unjustified." More from this Member | Report Response

"They provide a ride to the airport after." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interview schedule is broken up into 4 different time slots - 2 of which are scheduled with interviewers and two for break (ideally you want to have an interview, a break, then the other interview. Some did not get that, like me, so I had back to back interviews). There are 40 minutes for each time slots and, how it's supposed to go, is you get up to 30 minutes of interviewing, then the interviewer has 10 minutes to write their evaluation before having the next interviewee. I think (key word being THINK) I may have done well since both my interviews went the full 40 minutes and the faculty were knocking on the doors to tell us we needed to stop. Then again I really don't know if that's good or bad - it seemed to go well!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing, I was still impressed by the school." More from this Member | Report Response

"Renting a car is a waste, shuttles are available & easy to get around on. Only around 25 interviewees were there, so it was great. Make sure to get to airport little early when departing el paso, because the screening line can be long." More from this Member | Report Response

"That medical school interviews are not usually like job interviews." More from this Member | Report Response

"They want you to come there." More from this Member | Report Response

"That the interviews would be laid back and not as tough as some people make it seem (few exceptions)" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing really" More from this Member | Report Response

"That El Paso is a very commutable city. Obviously it's hard to get input from students about this school, since the charter class just started. I should have made a rental car reservation sooner...had to make a pretty expensive one at the last minute. " More from this Member | Report Response

"airport is close to school" More from this Member | Report Response

"nothing" More from this Member | Report Response

What are your general comments?

"I was overall impressed by PLFSOM. Their curriculum is unique, the students are kind, and the faculty is very invested in the success of their students." More from this Member | Report Response

"This school wasn't too high on my list before my interview, but I really enjoyed my time at the school. It is much higher now!" More from this Member | Report Response

"better school than expected" More from this Member | Report Response

"Great school, superb faculty, really took the best of each TX school's curriculum. So TTEP probably has the best curriculum in TX, but unfortunately one of the worst locations." More from this Member | Report Response

"I went to this interview with very high expectations based on past feedback, comments by other interviewees at other school interviews, and commentary on SDN threads. I found myself extremely disappointed in this school due to the extremely negative and disinterested vibe I got from the students, some of the admissions staff, and a few of the faculty. That being said a couple of faculty members were upbeat and left excellent impressions. Unfortunately the bad impressions significantly outweighed the good. It is really a shame, because I wanted to love this school. Unlike other interview experiences almost none of the students I interacted with seemed to love this school. That is a very bad sign. Maybe there is some truth to the negative comments posted in past application threads on SDN. It is very apparent the school is eager to shed its status as a back-up/last resort school, but until the faculty, staff, and students are able to work together to develop a sense of community and a positive atmosphere this school will not be able to improve its status in most applicants' rank lists. I hope they are able to get it together, because this school has the potential to be much better. However, currently I would not attend this school even with the offer of a 15k/yr merit scholarship." More from this Member | Report Response

"The interviews were very relaxed and conversational. No one is trying to trick you or give you a hard time. I had a great experience at this school!" More from this Member | Report Response

"I am really impressed with this school. It is so new, that they listen to the students advice on how to improve the curriculum and learning environment." More from this Member | Report Response

"The school is really great! The people are nice and the curriculum is definitely worthy." More from this Member | Report Response

"This school is amazing. I wish it weren't so far away... but being on the border gives you some awesome opportunities in medicine." More from this Member | Report Response

"Faculty is extremely help and kind, facilities are brand spanking new, El Paso has everything you need in a city, interviews are very laid-back. Students really loved being in El Paso" More from this Member | Report Response

"The admissions staff kept repeating that they had a 97% first time Step 1 pass rate. That is great. However, they also kept repeating that El Paso is the safest city in the United States with a population over 500,000. I cannot believe that fact because Juarez, Mexico is right across the fence and is really dangerous. All in all the interview was good." More from this Member | Report Response

"My best interview experience!" More from this Member | Report Response

"I'll be going there this year!" More from this Member | Report Response

"This program seems like it's going to be amazing and it really does make sense. As for the city, if you're looking for more outdoor living (I'm personally sick of considering "going out" to be spending money at a restaurant) then this is probably one of the best places in Texas for that - mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and just a few hours north are skiing resorts for winter time!" More from this Member | Report Response

"None. It was a great interview day!" More from this Member | Report Response

"Awesome students and Faculty, amazing CURRICULUM, nice facilities" More from this Member | Report Response

"Relax. The interviewers want to know you better and want to let you know about the school. So, don't be afraid to ask questions." More from this Member | Report Response

"Great school at a great location" More from this Member | Report Response

"AWESOME." More from this Member | Report Response

"I was really impressed by the school overall. Both interviewers had read through my app but didn't ask me any questions relevant to it besides a question about my MCAT. Didn't feel like I rocked my interviews but still got a pre match offer a few days later. My best advice for the interviews would be to answer the questions directly and have an opinion, don't try and dance around." More from this Member | Report Response

"I just wish it wasn't so far from my hometown. I still don't understand the housing or food thing... " More from this Member | Report Response

"Great school if you want to work with the underserved. I certainly can see myself here while making some sacrifices." More from this Member | Report Response

"Great school, great interview, would consider attending for sure. " More from this Member | Report Response

"I was very impressed with the facilities here. The faculty seems very concerned with making PLFSOM a great place to get an education. The curriculum is very modern, and the dean of the curriculum has experience starting another med school from scratch--so he knows what he's doing. The current first years seem to be a quality bunch--very enthusiastic and down-to-earth. They are quite diverse in terms of background/age." More from this Member | Report Response

"their questions are standard, nothing was too difficult" More from this Member | Report Response

"AMAZING!!!! You may see me here some day. " More from this Member | Report Response

Tour and Travel

Who was the tour given by?

Response # Responders
Student 3
Faculty member 11
Admissions staff 19
Other 0

How did the tourguide seem?

Response # Responders
Enthusiastic 25
Neutral 6
Discouraging 2

How do you rank the facilities?

Response Avg # Responders
8.91 33

0 = low, 10 = high

What is your in-state status?

Response # Responders
In state 32
Out of state 2

What was your total time spent traveling?

Response # Responders
0-1 hour 3
2-3 hours 9
4-6 hours 9
7+ hours 13

What was your primary mode of travel?

Response # Responders
Airplane 28
Automobile 5
Train or subway 0
Other 0

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

Response # Responders
< $100 1
$101-$200 5
$201-$300 10
$301-$400 9
$401-$500 4
$501+ 4

What airport did you use?

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport

AUS

El Paso International Airport

El Paso

El paso airport

El paso airport... ELP

El Paso Inernational

dfw, elp

there's only one in el paso

El Paso/Hobby

El Paso International

El Paso/ Hobby

There is only one

ELP

Where did you stay?

Response # Responders
At school facility 0
With students at the school 9
Friends or family 2
Hotel 20
Home 0
Other 1

Comments on where you stayed

No responses

General Info

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

Response Avg # Responders
7.46 39

0 = low, 10 = high

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Response Avg # Responders
5.38 39

0 = low, 10 = high

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

Response Avg # Responders
7.03 39

0 = low, 10 = high

How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?

Response Avg # Responders
8.03 39

0 = low, 10 = high

How is the friendliness of the admissions office?

Response Avg # Responders
8.56 39

0 = low, 10 = high

How eco-friendly are the school's application materials and interview process?

Response Avg # Responders
6.86 37

0 = low, 10 = high

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

"Contact your waitlisted applicants after Match Day to keep us updated instead of keeping us in limbo." More from this Member | Report Response

"Be much more enthusiastic when giving a tour! Every other place is selling their medical school hard and are highly energetic. You're doing your institution a disservice when you are yawning and monotone the entire time and responding to questions with a bare minimum answer. I will say that my interviewers and students I met were much more helpful" More from this Member | Report Response

"Merlin application website is terrible" More from this Member | Report Response

"See general comments." More from this Member | Report Response

"Wish the hospital was included in the tour." More from this Member | Report Response

"n/a" More from this Member | Report Response

"It would have been nice to see the hospital on the tour." More from this Member | Report Response

"Be a little bit more organized. Try to solidify the student panel prior to the interview so we are not left guessing when it is or whether it will happen." More from this Member | Report Response

"You guys are amazing. See you this year." More from this Member | Report Response

"A tour of the hospitals/HSC" More from this Member | Report Response

"Nothing really, they were amazing." More from this Member | Report Response

"If you could include el paso community hospital in the tour, it would be awesome." More from this Member | Report Response

"Presentation on financial aid by admissions lacked enthusiasm." More from this Member | Report Response

"Amazing facilities!!!! Overall, the best facilities in Texas!" More from this Member | Report Response

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