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University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Columbia, SC

Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions

How did the interview impress you?

Most respondents felt positively about their interview.

What was the stress level of the interview?

Most respondents rated their interview as average stress.

How you think you did?

Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

Most respondents rank this school above all other schools.

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

Most respondents rank this school above other schools they applied to.
0 = Below, 10 = Above
💬 Interview Questions

What is one of the specific questions they asked you?

The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools cover a wide range of topics, including personal motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences that influenced the decision to become a doctor, views on healthcare ethics, handling stress, and future career aspirations. Some respondents mentioned questions related to the MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, and scenarios involving ethical dilemmas, such as prioritizing patients or addressing healthcare rights versus privileges.

What was the most interesting question?

Students said most interesting question asked at University of South Carolina School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including handling patient family requests, personal fears, ethical dilemmas in ER scenarios, and personal growth challenges. While some responses highlighted specific questions from personal statements or focused on qualities of a good doctor, the variety of questions indicated a comprehensive assessment of applicants' values, experiences, and critical thinking skills.

What was the most difficult question?

Students said the most difficult question asked at University of South Carolina School of Medicine discussed a wide range of topics including personal reflections, ethical dilemmas, academic performance explanations, healthcare challenges, and career motivations. Many mentioned the MMI format, suggesting a conversational approach with questions on life changes, patient encounters, and personal qualities, while some responses hinted at potential nondisclosure agreements due to the nature of the questions asked.
🤝 Interview Format and Logistics

How long was the interview?

Most respondents had an interview of 20 - 30 minutes.

How many people interviewed you?

Most respondents were interviewed by 2 people.

What was the style of the interview?

Most respondents had a one-on-one interview.

What type of interview was it?

Most respondents had an open file interview.

Was this interview in-person or virtual?

Most respondents had a virtual interview.
Data includes both pre- and post-COVID interviews.

Where did the interview take place?

Most respondents were interviewed at the school.
📍 On-Site Experience

Who was the tour given by?

Tours were most commonly given by a Student

How did the tour guide seem?

Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.

How do you rank the facilities?

Most respondents rank the facilities as above average.

What is your in-state status?

Most respondents rank the facilities as below average.

What were your total hours spent traveling?

Most respondents spent 0-1 hour traveling to the interview.

What was your primary mode of travel?

Most respondents traveled by automobile to the interview.

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

Most respondents spent less than $100.

What airport did you fly into?

Respondents who flew to the interview generally used Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Where did you stay?

Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.

How would you rate the hotel?

Most respondents rated their hotel as good.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

Would you recommend the hotel?

Most respondents would recommend their hotel.

What is your ranking of this school's location?

Most respondents rate the school location as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

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

Most respondents rate the area’s cultural life as average.
0 = Bad, 10 = Great

What are your comments on where you stayed?

No responses
✅ Interview Preparation and Impressions

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.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by reviewing past questions on platforms like SDN, practicing mock interviews, and researching common interview questions. They also focused on understanding themselves, being honest, and gaining confidence in their responses, rather than memorizing answers.

What impressed you positively?

Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the welcoming and friendly atmosphere at the schools they visited, emphasizing the strong sense of community and camaraderie among current students and staff. They appreciated the laid-back, conversational nature of the interviews, and highlighted the impressive facilities, particularly the ultrasound programs and the use of technology, at the institutions.

What impressed you negatively?

Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with the short amount of time available during the welcome session to learn about the school, outdated facilities, concerns about the city of Columbia, and awkward interactions during the 'Cookie Time' with the admissions committee. Suggestions included providing more time for meaningful interactions during the welcome session and improving facilities and the overall experience during social events.

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

Applicants commonly mentioned they wished they had known ahead of time how relaxed and laid-back the interview process would be, emphasizing the importance of being themselves and engaging in conversations rather than stressing. Additionally, many suggested being well-prepared to ask questions, knowing interesting facts about themselves, and being aware of the importance of the social gathering to make a positive impression on all committee members.

What are your general comments?

Applicants generally found the interview experience at USC-SOM to be laid-back, welcoming, and conversational, with a positive and friendly atmosphere. The day typically includes lunch with students, two 30-minute interviews, and a mingle session with the admissions committee, providing opportunities to engage with various members and showcase personal qualities beyond paper qualifications.
  • Very laid-back and conversational. Most questions were very generic and nothing really stood out.
  • This is a very laid back interview, everyone is super nice and welcoming, they are not out to get you, know details about your application and you will be fine
  • Wonderful school if you want to go into primary care or internal medicine.
  • Amazing school. It is going to be a major contender in the near future.
  • Great school.

What are your suggestions for the admissions office?

Applicants commonly suggest transitioning to online secondary applications and payments to streamline the process. Many also recommend providing more online resources and demonstrations to improve the overall admissions experience.