University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health Interview Feedback Summary
Madison, WI
Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 15% 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
8.6
Above Average
Higher scores indicate a smoother, more positive interview experience with professional staff, organized logistics, and a supportive environment.
Based on 695 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 low 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 (85%)
Negatively (8%)
No change (7%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (45%)
Good (45%)
Average (8%)
Poor (2%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview experience at Wisconsin to be impressive, relaxed, and informative. They appreciated the friendly and transparent admissions staff, engaging interactions with faculty and students, and the opportunity to learn more about the school through presentations and tours. Some mentioned the conversational nature of the interviews, the positive atmosphere, and the enthusiasm of students and faculty for the institution. The day was described as well-structured, with various activities providing valuable insights into the school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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I was really really impressed with Wisconsin's interview process. I was already sold on them, and my interview experience there sealed the deal!
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The entire admissions staff was incredibly friendly and transparent. My interaction with every single staff member and medical student was wonderful. Most of the day was spent learning more about the school and getting tours.
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Come with a lot of questions, you will talk to a lot of people and everyone will ask if you have questions,
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This is definitely my top choice!
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Great school, but I'm biased as I'm from Wisconsin.
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I did not know much about this school prior to interview. But I fell in love with UW SMPH. It is located in a small city of about 250,000 and offers everything big cities can offer. It has a rich cultural package, where you can visit museums, orchestras, and broadway shows. They give you a lot of opportunities to grow at that school. You have a choice of what to pursue and I was told by current medical students that their clinical rotations are hand-on right away.
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One of the most easy-going interviews you will have as far as other med schools are concerned!
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If the 2 student interviewer/3 interviewee session is weighted equally as the faculty interview, then the interviewers should spend less time talking about the school.
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Very nice experience. I actually enjoyed myself.
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Best interview you will have, nobody in my group really had a negative experience.
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I loved the school and hope to hear good news in 6 weeks.
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The single interviewer has your AMCAS, not your secondary app. 2 med students interview 3 applicants at the same time. They only know your name and no info about your app.
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The school and the connected hospital were amazing. The students there are really down to earth and friendly. My interview was a relaxed and very personal conversation. I felt like I was telling a good friend my life story. Others really got grilled on tort reform, etc., but most felt the same way as I did.
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I was really impressed by the school and how happy the students I met seemed to be with their education.
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One faculty interview that was ~45 min. Had all my extracurricular activities and essays but not GPA/MCAT/grades. One group interview with 4 applicants and 2 med students that was ~ 30 min. All very relaxed and conversational, did an icebreaker in the group interview and just went around the group with questions so each applicant had the opportunity to answer each question, but very laid back.
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The school is amazing! The faculty interviews are typically only 30 minutes but mine started early and ran late. Questions were kept to a minimum and we mainly talked. It appeared as if certain applicants missed the memo of it being relaxed in tone. All of my interviewers were great. The M2s that interviewed the applicants just had an exam and still had prepared unique and fun questions. Both the most interesting and most difficult questions were during the medical student group discussion.
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Great option for a state school. Definitely the most affordable option.
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There are two interviews. One faculty for 30 minutes and a student panel of 2 M2 students and 4 applicants. My faculty interview only lasted 15 minutes because he seemed in a hurry to get going and kept trying to wrap up the interview but other applicants went well over the 30 minutes. This school is truly amazing and they are definitely at the top of my list.
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I think he didn't have my MCAT/GPA but I don't remember. Did have activities and essays. Said we should hear 4-6 weeks after interviewing.
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Two interviews: 1. one-on-one with one faculty- they have everything from AMCAS except GPA, coursework, school information 2. group interview- 2 MS2s interview 4 applicants- they have no information on you
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Interview day was very relaxed. Everyone really seemed to like the school and the faculty really seemed to care for the students and be rooting for them.
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I really liked their presentation of the school- I learned a lot and I really like the school. And contrary to what a few others wrote on this site- I did not feel that they were "selling" the school and being full of themselves. There is also a student interview-2 med students and about 4 interviewees- no big deal, just making sure you are not crazy.
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The interview could not have been more perfect. Madison really wants to impress its interviewees, whether its the fact that you meet with a M1, M2 and a M4, or that they handpick exciting interviewers; they impressed me. Furthermore, my interviewer and our speakers explained to us how the entire process works after interview. Two cool things are that your interviewer writes feedback on you for the committee and plays no other part in the process, and that the Dean of Admissions is not a part of the Admission Committee, so she is there solely to be of service to you.
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Relax, you've made it to the interview.
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After my interview, this school moved to my #1 spot. Relax and be yourself and you'll do fine.
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She actually ended up talking about the economy for 25 min. Very conversational and laid back.
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The interview was extremely not stressful. The one on one interview was easy going and conversational without any direct questions except for ''Is there anything you would like us to add to your file?''. They also fed us a pretty good lunch. Also...fantastic turnaround time! I got my acceptance letter less than two weeks after my interview!
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Very laid back , interviewer just went thorugh my primary with me and asked me some simple questions
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I interviewed with a rather elderly female on the science faculty. Basically the first thing she said was that she didn't even need to ask me why I wanted to be a doctor because she felt that my essays had done a wonderful job of explaining my journey to this point (I'm a non-trad) and she knew exactly where I was at. Things just went up from there. She really didn't ask any questions, we just had a very free-flowing conversation about health care policy and financing (from an ultra-liberal perspective). She repeatedly stated that she thought I was a great candidate and that she would definitely recommend that I be admitted and that she hoped I would choose this school because she thought I would be a great fit. It was basically a dream interview, except that in my wildest dreams I never imagined that it could possibly go this well! I will be stunned if I don't get an acceptance after this experience.
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Very positive. All the interviewees got along well. The medical students treated us like we were part of the school. My interviewer barely asked any questions. We just talked about my personal/childhood life, what I did in college, and my current job. It was basically a conversation, and didn't feel like an interview. The facilities were awesome, especially the children's hospital. It was honestly the best interview experience I've ever had. Everyone at the school really wanted us to feel comfortable. The food was also great.
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Great school, great facilities. My interview was relaxed, almost too relaxed. Besides asking me the necessary questions he kind of didn't know what to ask me or what to talk about. Pretty much the whole interview was dictated by me and I just made sure to talk about the important parts of my application. Wish I actually had more questions asked.
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My best interview experience so far. it was as relaxed and as stress-free as everyone said it would be. both the faculty and students were so warm and friendly, there was absolutely nothing to feel nervous about.
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The interview was amazingly conversational. It varies by interviewer, but the MD who interviewed me asked very few questions. He was extremely enthusiastic, friendly, and seemed like he really enjoyed being part of the interview process.
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Day started around 8am at the medical school, which is right next to the university hospital and children's hospital. Good description of course work and student life. Toured the medical school with current student who was very helpful in answering questions. My interview was extremely relaxed. I basically had a conversation with a MD and talked about my life and how I ''discovered'' medicine. The group interview was ok, though it seemed unnecessary. It was 4 other applicants and two current students. They answered questions and gave a good description of student life.
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Very chill, laid back, conversational.
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The day started at 8 AM and finished around 2:30 PM. It is extremely laid back. You have a few different presentations (about the curriculum, school, hospitals, financial aid, diversity, etc) throughout the day. Two tours: the med school and the hospitals. Two interviews: one-on-one with a faculty member and a group interview with 2 med students and ~4 applicants. The student interview is 45 min long and is also really informal. Come with questions though, as the med students ask very few and mainly want to tell you about their own experience.
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Average interview day length (~6 hrs). Presentations early in the day overview the curriculum, facilities, and the merits of the school. Tour of school and hospital(s) by med students. One on one interview with faculty: 1/2 hour, they have your amcas and secondary minus your grades and MCAT. Group interview with students ~4 pre-meds to 2 M2s. Both want you to ask questions. Bring a lot of questions, since most of your basic ones will be answered by the presentations and tours. Campus, facilities are beautiful: that's a heck of a bonus!
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It was a very long day, get lots of sleep the night before. i was the only californian and the only asian in a group of 20. other applicants were nice people. student interview was with two interviewers and 4 students, the only purpose is to see if you're normal. one interviewer said that everyone always sits across the table when they can sit right next to them, thought it would have been interesting.
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We started the day at 8am. We had an introduction with Dean Wall (she's really nice and friendly. totally awesome b/c at some places i didn't get to meet the dean at very beginning.) Then there was a ppt presentation by Dr. Krauss (sp?). Later, Dr. Getto gave a talk about residencies, the hospital, and the programs at UW. He was a funny guy and I was very impressed by what UW has to offer. Then there was a quick 1/2 hour tour of the med school building (HSLC). There were a couple other speakers and then we had our 1 on 1 faculty interview. My interviewer was a great spokesperson for the school and convinced me that UW madison is one of the top places to go to med school. Afterwards, there was lunch and a talk about financial aid. Then we went to our group interview. There were 2 M2's and 4 interviewees. We just chatted and asked q's about the school, nothing scary about it. Then there was a tour of the hospital (I was soooo impressed). That's pretty much it. One of the best interview experiences I've had.
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Made a very positive impression, was #3 on my list and now is tied at the top.
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The entire day was very laid back. The faculty interview was pretty stress-free except that my interviewer was a little sly and asked me follow up questions that were supposed to throw me off a little. As a whole, he was nice, though, and tried to really understand where I came from and where I was going.
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I was interviewed by a psychiatrist. She was extremely nice and was interested in learning more about me.
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I think i did very well. (fingers crossed). This is my #1 school!
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Overall okay, I really enjoyed my faculty interview, it was very laid back and low-stress. The student interview wasn't much of an interview, mainly a Q&A session so i had no idea how they could have evaluated us
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The interviewer has a partial file on you: your activities, your personal statement, where you went to school and what courses you took (i think). but the interviewer has no quantitative info such as grades or MCAT scores. my interviewer was a kindly physician and we just discussed the different things id done in my life and my path to deciding to apply to med school
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This ''Interview Day'' was casual and personal and felt more like new student orientation than an interview.
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The interview day was relaxed, and the interview with the faculty member was very conversational.
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The day was broken up pretty well, there was some talk about admissions and financial aid, two interviews were mixed in. One of the interviews was one on one, the other small group. Very low stress level. It was a long day with a lot of walking but it was overall a positive experience.
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My visit to Madison was very laid back. My interview was simply a conversation with no truly formal, difficult, or akward questions. I very much enjoyed talking with my faculty interviewer, and the ''group interview'' is actually more of a casual Q&A session with some chilled out medical students. I came away pleasantly surprised by UW. Good people, nice facilities, and a young, active town.
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It's not exactly an interview. and it's partial closed file, since they don't know your score and grades. The interviewer seemed impressed by my ECs and research. So, he's very nice to me... love the school... it's expensive to go as an OOS, that's the only setback.
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It wasn't necessarily bad... it's just that they made a big deal out of not conducting stress interviews at the beginning, then they give you one anyway... the admissions director or whoever said at the beginning of the day that sometimes ''personalities don't mesh'' or that the ''interviewer may be having a bad day'' which can lead to ''unpleasant experiences''... but it's completely ''unintentional'' and that if you feel you were ''treated unfairly'' then you can request another interview... riiight... if they're going to all the trouble of bringing this up at the beginning of the day, it's pretty obvious what you can expect later... I didn't care for the guide's ''rah-rah'' attitude during the tour of the hospital...
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Most likely I'll go here. Got the letter three weeks after the interview :)
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8am meet, hear from dean of students about curric., others about the clinical resources and the admissions process, 10am interview either in the school or at the neighboring hospital with a physician not on the committee, 10:45 tour the school, 11:15 lunch and financial aid talk, 12:00 quasi-interview/personality check with to current students and two or three other applicants (this is informal conversation - ask lots of questions about the school, don't be aggressive, be likeable), 1pm tour the hospital, 2pm recap of electives opportunities (billed as Diversity talk), 2:30 done.
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I got there right on time as the Dean of Students went over a presentation. After that, I went on my 1-on-1 interview with an MD who was amazingly friendly. It was very very conversational. We discussed things that were not necessarily related to medicine, but eventually found its way back. Had lunch, the the group interviews were next. The group interviewers were awesome! It was so chill and laid back. So don't be worried! The purpose is for you to ask them any questions you had and get a perspective from students that attend there.
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Over the course of the day, I met with about 7 faculty, 3 of whom were on the MSTP admissions committee. I had a conversation with each for about 30 minutes. I had to travel to different parts of the campus for each interview, but they provided a student escort for the entire day. VERY NICE!
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Overall I was very impressed with the facilities and people working and going to school there. I would love to attend in the future.
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Interview with faculty was very laid back and conversational. He didn't grill me at all and made me feel comfortable. We talked a lot about healthcare today.
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Prior to arrival at Wisconsin I had ranked it highly in my mind of schools I would like to attend. After the interview day though I plan to withdraw my application. I would rather not go to medical school than end up there.
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Easy. More informative than anything else.
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There was also a group interview with students
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The school sold itself well.
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The woman (a professor emeritus of cytogenetics) brought up that my dad is a doctor, so that got us up and running...after that is was just a normal conversation about healthcare, stupid chemists, bad HMOs and underpaid nurses. The 2nd interview in teh small groups was really not an interview at all, but more of a Q&A session - try to sound curious about volunteer opportunities.
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Facutly interview had a stress portion. I can respect that, but he went below the belt with some of his questioning... He did apologize to me several times after the interview was over, but still... Everything else was allright.
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It went very well. Many speeches, followed by a tour (by an M1) then the interview. Finally, we toured the hospital (M4). I spent the night at a M2's place (offered with interview). This was great because I got an inside scope, and I parked at his place (parking sucks otherwise), and he walked me down there the morning of, so I got there on time.
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It was okay. The interviews don't account for much which made me think afterwards that going to Madison was a waste of time. They interview a lot of people on the same day (20) so my visit didn't feel personalized at all. It was easy to get lost in the crowd, and my attempts to ask students about their perspectives were unsuccessful. Throughout the day they make it a point to ask if you have any questions but I prefer to see what goes on away from what the admissions people want you to see. It definitely felt like the student body was very cliquish and there really wasn't an overwelming group identity at the school.
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I got to Madison a few days early so i could get a feel of the town. I was picked up from the airport by my student host, who coincidentally also happened to be from the San Francisco Bay Area. It was damn cold, but at least there was snow. It was amazing seeing snow for the first time in seven years. I was glad i got the new wool coat. The next day i went to class with my host, and met a bunch of students, one of which just happened to be my MCAT verbal instructor from Princeton Review. I checked out the facilities (brand new, and the whole med school is wireless) found out where the interview would be the next day, and walked around the city. The day of the interview I arrived ten minutes early, 7:50, and was practically the last one in my seat. There were at least 30 people in the room, which was not very encouraging. The competitive pre-med spirit came right back at me. Hate that! But i guess it comes with the territory, or we wouldn’t be here. A few minutes later the admission and financial aid people came in and stared the long introductory presentation. That was great since it gave us all time to relax. I know when i got in there my hands were shaking. After the presentation we were split into two groups, the one that was headed for the faculty interviews and the other for the tour of the med school and the hospital. I went straight to my interviewer. I was supposed to be led to her office, which was pretty close by, but i missed the escort and started running back and forth from the first to second floor trying to figure out where it was. I got there at exactly 10:15, the scheduled time. She opened her door, welcomed me in and told me to take a seat. I was pretty hot, and a bit sweaty from the confusion. I think she noticed and asked if i would like to take my jacket off. During one of my mock interviews (with a second year med student from Stanford) i was specifically told NOT to take my jacket off. So i did. Anyway, she was in academic affairs and began a long introduction, probably about 10 minutes. She told me about her work, family, schooling, hobbies. So, i asked her what kind of music she listens to. After a thorough answer she responded with the first and only question i would be asked "What kind of music do YOU listen to?" I don't know how...but from that i ended up talking about myself for the next 30 minutes. Everything from where i was born, to where i was working, and what kind of medicine i am interested in...to taking pictures of the ducks walking on the newly frozen lake Mendota, and the crazy kids that play hockey on thin ice. I was myself, she was herself...it was awesome! At the end I gave her a big hug. She was so warm and hospitable, with the kind of nurturing bosom one just wants to nestle into. Weird…but so true. I later sent her a thank you note. It was sincere.
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Don't stress this interview. It's not worth it!!! Beleive in yourself and don't let them get you down. They enjoy their power, learn from that.
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The experience was very conversational and relaxed. After the interviewer had asked all the prepared questions he asked me to ask him any questions and add anything else that I would want the admissions committee to know about me.
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The weekend was really fun and low key. The students and faculty spent most of the weekend convincing us that UW is the greatest place to attend Medical School. I loved the school and rate it probably as one of the top schools I have interviewed at (its just so far away!) My interviewer was very nice and sociable.....she was reminded me of my mom!
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I had a wonderful experience at this school. I participated in the "interview weekend," and it was great. The interview itself was really relaxed, I asked more questions then the interviewer did. She had read my AMCAS thoroughly and it was obvious.
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Wonderful. No stress.
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The day was very laid back and comfortable. Everyone seemed very happy and enthusiastic about the school. The first interview is one-on-one with someone associated with the medical school and very conversational. The second interview is really just hanging out with two current medical students and three other interviewees. The students pretty much just talked about their lives for the entire 30 minutes and really made you feel at home. Enjoy your time at the school. Best of luck!
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Definitely conversational, both the one-on-one and the group interview (two MS2's and three applicants). I'm not sure how much information they gather during your group interview though, it seemed so informal.
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Very laid back and everyone was really friendly. There are two interviews, one with a faculty member that can be just about anyone, an MD, PhD, Master's, etc. Each interview is 45 min. each. The second interview is when about 4-5 applicants get into a room with 2 med students, an M2 and M4 most likely. The second interview felt more like a question answer format. There are lots of presentations talking about the school, financial aid, and tours, if you think you might get a little tired (the day is from 8am to 3pm with interviews around 11am and 12pm), you may want to bring a small snack to re-energize you.
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There is an introduction, then a few small presentations on the school and financial aid, then a tour, then interview. This is followed by lunch with students, a discussion with two students, and a tour of the hospital.
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It was a really long day
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I never considered UW as a high pick, even being an in-state resident, but my visit changed that perspective. Really seems like a great school with excellent students and faculty. It also seems (from what I've heard and seen) you are well prepared for residency.
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There are two interviews. One with a professor (PhD or MD) and the other with a group of 2 students. The first interview is the most important, the second is more relaxing. The whole day was very stress free and the campus is beautiful. Just plan your route ahead of time because there is construction on almost every street of Madison.
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A great facility with really friendly students. During the day we were routinely offered encouragement by many of the students at the school. There didn't seem to be the sort of cutthroat competitiveness that plague other schools. Even the fellow interviewers seemed cool; we chatted openly and joked about the application process. The whole day was really relaxing it itself, so don't stress over it at all. Technology is top notch, and their hospital is currently being renovated. All in all, a really great school.
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Entirely conversational. The questions were not particularly good so it was important to take control of the interview when possible.
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Stree free
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Very positive. It seems likea wonderful place.
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A terrific and beautiful school with a unique curriculum. My interview was itself not the best one I've ever had, but my student host and the medical students were very nice and produced an excellent feeling overall about the school.
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The moment I sat down, I was told by the interviewer, "You know this doesn't really count for much, right?" And I was told by other admissions staff that they're thinking of doing away with the one-on-one interview. Basically the interviewer fills out a sheet that goes into your file as a letter of recommendation (of which you already have minimum of 3). Most of the interviewers are in academic medicine, so they tend to push that. On the whole, most people (including myself) come away feeling the interview was pretty laid back. Interestingly, the interviewers get your AMCAS application, but not your secondary essay, letters of rec, or transcripts.
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I came during a diversity weekend, and was impressed about the time and effort the school had invested in us. We attended the reception on Thursday, and of course the interview on Friday. On friday night we went to a holiday reception, and were invited to a med. school party. On sat. we visited one of their free student-run clinics and participated in a community service project. Overall, I had a great time.
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I attended a diversity recruitment interview weekend and encountered a truly diverse group of students: out-of-staters, minorities, parents, non-trad etc. We spent the whole weekend with students who mirrored us exactly. Unfortunately, this group makes up a tiny fraction of the school.
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The interview day was very low key. The student interview is more a chance for you to find out about the school than anything else. This was my first interview, and I'm glad of that because it really was much easier than I'd expected it to be.
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I do not think the interviewer has any input on whether you are accepted or not, as long as you don't go bananas and start swearing or using racial slurs during the interview. the interview was very relaxed and revolved around specific attributes of my application file. the interviewer did not have any designated questions, he just inquired about things as i talked.
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It was totally non-stressful!!! It was more of them trying to sell the school to me. Since it was MD/PhD it mostly consisted of seeing graduate school faculty who mainly wanted to talk about their research which was fascinating to hear about!!!
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Everyone was treated very well. Intro by the dean, presentations by financial aid, info on the selection process, interview, tour, lunch, discussion with 2nd and 4th year students, extensive tour (like an hour).
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She asked me only to describe myself and if I had questions the rest of the time we talked about things unrelated to medicine, very casual
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UW was not my first choice going into this interview, but now I'm very impressed and excited. I had no clue it was this nice. I'd jump on an acceptance from this school in no time at all.
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Everyone talks about how the interviews at Madison are a piece of cake. Well, my interviewer was relentless. We didn't shoot the shit or make any sort of small talk. It was all business. Not that I hadn't thought of answers to his questions, I just didn't think It was going to be that type of interview. People complain about the campus, the weather, or Wisconsin itself, but they couldn't be further from reality. The campus is very nice. It has plenty of green space and is situated on a beautiful lake. And yes, Wisconsin has what you would call 'seasons.' That means sometimes it is cold and sometimes its not, deal with it or go to school in Cali. I really liked it at UW.
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It's a state school so if you're out of state and get an interview they like you. If you're in state, its a token interview. For in state students all they really care about is your grades/MCAT & volunteer activity. They expect your service hours to be in the hundreds. As I say in the negative impressions area, the research faculty have no clue about the way things run. Neither does Beth Menzer or Tena Krummel. If you really want to know things like their residency placement/student satisfaction/statewide medical school ask to speak with Lucy Wall. They base admissions on a point system giving and taking points for Academic Record (GPA/MCAT), Community Service (medical and special populations), LORS~personal qualities, and Diversity (take it as you will).
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My interviewer was not a particularly pleasant person, and seemed to seek out ways to trip me up in my line of reasoning. Just as I'd get rolling on a topic and become excited about it, he would cut me off and send me off in another direction. When I'd begin to put together a cohesive picture of the thought process that I sought to illustrate, he'd deliberately interrupt me and make sure that I could not complete my comment. The tour was disorganized and essentially worthless. Guides did not know which rooms would be open, nor were they particularly knowledgeable, as MS1s, about the school. I don't know when these schools will begin to realize that MS1s do not give good tours when they are 2 months into their first year at the school. Several folks did not show up for our tours, and the day felt like it had been put together 15 minutes before we arrived.
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Very low stress and interview was more conversational than Q&A, new facilities are impressive
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We had info sessions in the morning with a large group. Then a short tour and our individualn one-on-one interview, followed by lunch, then a group question and answer with 2 med students, and finally a tour of the hospital.
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It's my back up and state school
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Overall it was a good experience. The person who interviewed me wasn't real great - she showed up late and kind of made me nervous - everyone else seemed to have much more laid back of interviews than I did. We did get a lot of valuable information and we were kept busy all day. The new facilities are great.
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Overall a very plesent day, extremely laid back. Many of the people interviewing weren't wearing suits/ties. None of the students looked stressed out.
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The interview was very conversational - mostly just a "getting to you know" kind of thing. The enthusiasm of the students was very encouraging. They really seemed to love the school and program. Overall it was a very positive look at the school and a great experience.
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I initially didn't want to go to Madison, because I went here for my undergraduate. Now, Madison is one of my top-three picks. The new building is incredible--especially the lecture halls, which are INCREDIBLE, the faculty are excellent, and the students are really happy. Teamwork is really stressed, there's always activities to do, and as was told to me: "teachers often think of you as colleagues instead of students." I was REALLY impressed.
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Overall a great day, my interview was laid back...but he had to keep to a list of questions, which made it a little stressful...although it didn't really bother me.
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It's my first interview, and I came in knowing a lot about UW Med. Definitely a good school for primary care, but I don't like their method of teaching (lectures, grading scales, etc)
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A truly laid back experience. The interviews were conversational, the interviewers truly wanted to get to know us on a personal level. Low stress. I could clearly tell that the great majority of students were truly happy with their choice to attend Wisconsin. This is my number one choice and I hope i can go there.
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Very canned, as has been stated by others on this forum. the woman simply read the questions from her sheet and offered no responses in return, probably because she had no knowledge about the school! I asked several questions about the school and every single question met with "i'm not sure." even basic questions about schedules and student resources!
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The questions weren't too pressing or unexpected. It seemed that they genuinely wanted to know more about me than was in my application. The student was honest with me; he gave me his opinions on both the good and the bad things about the school. I would up interview with a PA instead of a doctor. I had to meet with her in the middle of the hospital, far away from where all the other students interviewed. Her questions seemed mostly formulaic as she asked my question primarily off of a sheet of paper. Her primary concern seemed to be that I understood the responsibilities and problems that physicians face.
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My interview experience was extremely positive and relaxed. I honestly don't know how anyone could NOT love UW! Every single student I spoke to talked about the great atmoshpere at the school and the fact that everyone works together. I think that student satisfaction is the most important way to evaluate a school and the student here definitely seem happy!
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Over all a good day. Plenty of info to keep my interest. It was nice to talk to the first year students to a flavor to student life at UW.
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I will definately go here if accepted - much better than the other schools that I have interviewed at.
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My faculty interviewer, the dean of admissions, was abrasive and frequently asked the same questions. It was obvious the interview was phony and intentionally stressful. My student interview, an M2, played with her water bottle and was unknowledgable about UW. Also, the interview day was far too long. The med students were callow and very unimpressive. Our tour guide said he “sometimes†goes to class. Furthermore, there was a lack of diversity; it seemed like every student went to UW for undergrad and was a bio or biochem major. I’m a state resident and I was accepted; however, I’m not coming here.
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I had a great day. It was long, but at the end I felt like I knew that I would like UW-Madison.
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Comfortable, very enjoyable. Conversational.
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Overall, the faculty left me with a good impression and Madison seems like a great place to live, maybe more so for someone with a family or husband. The med students were nice, but not as excited/gung ho about Madison as students at other schools have been.
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The interview day is well structured and coordinated. The morning presentation includes a detailed powerpoint review of the curriculum (very helpful). Faculty, students and staff all seem very professional, dedicated and willing to be of assistance to the candidate. The open file interviews are a plus, as the interviewer is able to address specific issues quickly. The interviews ran on time. I was well impressed by the quality of the faculty and students.
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I was extremely disappointed in this school and expected much more. The city is boring and cold, the students seem disinterested, and the overall experience was borderline depressing (I actually saw a rat running around during the tour!) The curriculum also leaves much to be desired as they ship many students off to isolated/desolate parts of northern Wisconsin during 3rd and 4th year rotations. The new building is not exclusive to the med students as it will house nursing and PA programs as well. No parking will be provided for students. Overall, it seems like a depressing place to spend 4 years. I wouldn't wish the place upon my worst enemy.
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Great experience. They were the first school that really showed a lot of respect. They said while they are evaluating us as applicants it was important for us to evaluate them.
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Inteveriew was very low-stress, HIGHLY conversational. I would characterize it as a "get-to-know-you" interview. There is nothign to stress about, just be honest and be yourself. Students are unbelievably friendly and eager to meet you.
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Another great interview weekend in the Midwest -- plenty of time to talk to students/faculty and explore Madison. There are four formal MD/PhD interviews, but they're all pretty lowkey. In fact, the dress for the interviews was casual! Then there are four to six informal interviews with faculty whose research interests you, so it's a pretty long day. For the most part, they were just interested in hearing about my research and future plans.
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Overall, the interview went well. Both interviews were conversational, and they never asked me anything that I was not prepared for. They answered all of my questions about the program and made me feel comfortable throughout. On top of that, both interviewers were extremely kind people with interesting pursuits.
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The student interview in particular changed my mind about UW Madison. She really loved going there and told me how she didn't want to be there until after she interviewed at other places and saw how much better Madison was. Now she is extremely glad she didn't go anywhere else. The faculty interview was also very informative. He compared where he used to work and told me why he liked Madison better. Overall the day flew by, the tour was boring because it will be a new building next year.
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It was a good experience, except for the interviews, a lot of the other interviewers that day complained about their interviewers being nervous, and awkward - as was mine. That was no fun, and surely didn't contribute to success in admission to this school. It seems they need to more carefully choose their interviewers.
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It was my first interview, and I'm glad I had it as such because I do not want to go here.
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The interview experience was very laid-back. There are 2 interviews, an overview of the curriculum and changes, a video of the new building, and a tour.
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I had a great interview experience. Everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was laid back.
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All in all, I had a great time. The interviews were relaxed and the faculty did a great job of selling their school to me.
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Overall it was a very positive experience, I was very impressed with the school and the people in it.
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Overall it was very low-stress and informal experience. They want to talk to you to get to know you. No hard questions or tricks.
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Easy interviews. Spent the for 3 hours in the morning in "lectures" (video tour of new med. school, dean's speech, fin. aid speech, etc). Then interview, then lunch, then short tour of anatomy labs, then second interview. Lots of waiting around.
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The interviews themselves were very laid back. One with a student, and one with faculty. They had a copy of my AMCAS, but the grades and MCAT scores were blacked out. It was really more of a conversation in both cases, beginning with the basic "Tell me about yourself..." If you're coming to Madison to interview, please don't get too stressed, I realize now that I shouldn't have.
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I attended the informal gathering on Thursday night, which wasn't that helpful except that I then knew where to go the next morning. Day started at 8 with intro to school, financial aid meeting. Half the group had their first interview while the other half toured the school. After that, had lunch, followed by your second interview. An optional tour of the hospital followed, which I would recommend doing! The interviews were open file, but they do not have your secondary app or letters of rec. Both interviews were very relaxed and were just a converstaion. It was very easy to lead the discussion to talk about things that you want to.
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I had a GREAT experience, I was really impressed with the dynamic of the day and everyone I worked with.
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Overall, I felt very comfortable throughout the entire day. Because our interview was on a monday (normally the do them on friday) we didn't get to have a presentation form the financial aid people, which interested me. The building is old, but they will have a new one open Jan 2004.
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The day starts by meeting your fellow interviewees and Dean Snow. He talks about the program for about an hour. Then there is a financial aid talk for an hour. Next you have either an interview or tour... then you have the other. Next is a boxed lunch with current students who were very helpful. Then everyone has 1 more interview. Last there is an optional tour of the hospital... I found it helpful.
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The people that interview you (faculty & students) are vrey nice and do their best to put you at ease. They are also very honest about the educational quality and curriculum. They will tell you straight off which classes are not the best and why, but they also talk about what they're doing to improve that. If you interview there, write down the questions that you have in advance and any that you think of during the meeting before the interviews. The people interviewing you really want to help you.
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Very positive.
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This was my first interview, so some of it is a haze and I was probably a little more nervous as a result. The interviewers were very interesting and friendly people. They REALLY talked up the new medical school building, which will be next to the hospital and be completed in Dec. 2003. All in all, it was a good first experience.
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Overall, it was a fun day. The other applicants were interesting to talk to, my interviewers were nice and easy-going, and the tours were helpful.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
🕐
Length:
40 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
1.7 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
98% One-on-One
2% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
89% Open-File
11% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person
UWSMPH-COMP interviews are an average of 40 minutes, with an average of 1.7 interviews. 98% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 11% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools include inquiries about the applicant's motivations for pursuing medicine, their defining moments leading to this career choice, strengths and weaknesses, experiences with implicit bias, and how they envision their future medical practice. Many responses indicated interviews following the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, possibly involving a nondisclosure agreement, with questions tailored to the applicant's application, personal background, academic interests, and reasons for selecting a specific medical school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Updates since application submitted
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"Tell me about a time in which you acted with implicit bias."
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Tell me about yourself
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What are you looking for in a medical school?
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Why medicine?
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What would you consider your defining moment when you decided to pursue medicine?
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What is your greatest strength and weakness?
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"If you could go back in time and change one thing in your life that you did (which does not have to be academic), what would it be?"
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How do you see yourself practicing?
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Top three things you wish to accomplish at this school
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How did living in a multicultural community while growing up gives you an advantage over other medical school applicants?
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Name five adjectives that describe you best.
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Why are you quitting your current job to go pursue medicine?
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Why Wisconsin?
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How will you balance life as a physician.
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Majority of the questions were based off my application, it was mainly a discussion that covered topics such as the rising cost of healthcare and obesity.
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What would someone who knows you well say it is your biggest strength and your biggest weakness?
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What do you want me to know? (it was very open-ended and conversational)
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Why UW?
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Why do you want to go to Madison?
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Why do you want to be a doc?
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Not really any questions, just a relaxing conversation. Talked about my family and my background growing up.
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So was your _____'s health a factor of you going into medicine?
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Tell me about x activity.
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Do you know what field you might want to go into? Why primary care?
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What bought you here to Wisconsin?
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Why doctor?
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Why do you want to purse a career in medicine.
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Is there any updates for your application?
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Tell me about you. What interested you in medicine?
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What would you like to add to your application?
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What was your path to medicine
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Tell me about your path to medicine.
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Why do you think you want to go into medicine?
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Tell me about X activity
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Is there anything you would like us to add to your file?
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Tell me more about your volunteer work.
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Why do you want to come back to Madison (did undergrad there)?
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None
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Weren't any specifics really.. it was more like "tell me about yourself"
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What I've been doing since I graduated.
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So tell me, what brings you to Madison?
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Specific question about my research.
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Tell me about your research.
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Is there anything else you want the admissions committee to know?
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Why do you want to attend Madison?
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If not medicine, if medicine never existed for you, then what would you do?
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So are you planning on sports medicine?
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How was X University (my undergrad)?
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How did Loyola compare to Chicago?
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Tell me about yourself.
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Explain to me your path to medicine.
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Tell me about a challenge you faced and overcame?
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Asked about my research on how we can increase underrepresented minorities in the medical field
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Why not just get a ph.d in your research area? why do you want an MD?
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What specialty are you considering going into?
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What is Jiu Jitsu?
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Is there anything that we should add to your file that may not be on your applications?
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My homeland
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<interviewer peruses my AMCAS list of classes then grabs a pen and notepad> Give me a detailed lecture on (insert name of upper level subject here from your major that you took two years ago)...
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What didd you choose your major? (non-science)
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What are your interests in public health?
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Why Medicine? What schools did you apply to?
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Why MD/PhD?
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Why do you work for a slot machine manufacturer?
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Can you sing your school's fight song?
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Tell me how Anthropology influenced your desire to go into medicine.
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What else would you like the committee to know?
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Did you apply to any Ivies (for undergrad)? Why not? *This was ironic b/c I did my undergrad at Wisconsin. It was like he was saying the school he taught at had an inferior undergrad. Just seemed odd to indirectly bash the school you work at.
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Tell me about yourself...
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Why do you want to be a doctor?
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So I see you have been through a lot to get where you are today....then she waited for me to respond.....
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Why UW Madison?
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What would your friends say about you behind closed doors?
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Why St. Louis (for undergrad)?
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What do you do for fun?
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What do you know so far about your planned career to become a physician?
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Why A Doctor?
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Why not graduate school or teaching?
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Why Madison/medicine?
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If I were a mouse listening to a conversation of your friends, what would they say about you?
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What are you doing now?
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Why do you want to become a doctor?
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Why this med school?
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Why do you want to be a doctor? (She seemed almoste embarassed to ask this, and made a point of telling me it was required).
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Why UW? Why medicine? What field of medicine are you interested in?
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Nothing hard at all. Basically a conversation. I lucked out on my interviewer. Some people had open ended questions like "how did you get here".
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Describe yourself
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What are 2 paid jobs you've had and what are 2 pros and 2 cons of each of those jobs?
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Would you practice medicine in your home town (rural northern WI city)?
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Why do you want to be a doctor? Why Madison?
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You said ___ type of medicine would be "fun." What do you think would be fun about it? What will be difficult about medicine? Do you think you can balance your life while doing all of this stuff? How?
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Tell me about your research (He was a Physics PhD working on MRI stuff)
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"if you didn't get into medical school this year, would you re-apply the next year?" i think questions like this are awful, as they are not rational and merely want students to say they'll re-apply immediately, even if it doesn't make sense with their application strengths/weaknesses. i initially said i would evaluate my application and determine if i should apply next year or the following year. then she stopped me and said "no, just answer if you would re-apply next year or not." it would be easier for them to demand "jump!" and the interviewee respond "how high?"
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All the questions were expected- why medicine, why UW, what are your best and worst traits, etc.
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What are your strengths and weaknesses
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What were your negative controls for this experiment?
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What area of medicine interests you?
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Why Madison?
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Why did you choose anthropology?
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The usual general questions overall, with well thought questions specific to my personal application file (I am an older student).
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If you had a magic wand, what would you change or make go away?
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How long have you known you wanted to go to medical school?
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Please describe your research experiences.
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Tell me about "this" experience?
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What are two good things and two "bad" things about you?
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What are your strengths and weaknesses?
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How do you deal with stress?
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What do you do for fun outside of work?
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Should medicine be considered a business?
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What would you like me to tell the admissions committee on your behalf?
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Describe your favorite classes that you've had at undergraduate college, and what you learned from them...
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What would you like me to tell the admissions committee about you?
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Why are you applying early decision?
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Asked about my research
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What would you do if not medicine?
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Questions about my research
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What to do you do for fun / to relax / deal with stress, etc
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What would you fix with health care? How would you do it?
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What was the most difficult thing/circumstance you needed to overcome in your life?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health discussed a wide range of topics, from handling difficult patient situations to personal interests and future aspirations. While some interviews were conversational, others delved into ethical dilemmas, career goals, and personal qualities, with a few unconventional scenarios like reacting to a Taylor Swift-Kanye West incident.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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She asked me how I would handle a difficult patient situation.
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Asked me about a particular activity in my file
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We had a lot in common in regards to education and background, she mentioned something about who they might pair people up like that on purpose- it was really reassuring and good to talk about me experiences with someone similar,
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How do you approach and talk to a patient?
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What do you like to do for fun?
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Name five adjectives that describe you best.
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What is the biggest issue facing -insert country I volunteered in- ?
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Why didn't you apply to the MD/PhD program?
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What tv doctor do you most identify with?
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Is it ethical to ration healthcare?
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What is something you are anxious about entering medical school?
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What are your eating/sleeping habits?
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What are your passions?
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Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
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It was really just a conversation.
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Asked about my younger brother and his experience in college so far. Also, asked about my mother. Wasn't expecting the interviewer to really care about my family so it was a very pleasant surprise and I felt like it brought a very nice personal touch to the interview.
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If you were Taylor Swift when Kanye West got on stage and said she didn't deserve the award, how would you have reacted?
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Healthcare reform
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What's the most interesting thing you've seen in the ER? He ended up telling me his favorite story and it was a good one lol.
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Why primary care? (I realized I can't really give a concise answer to that)
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What else would you like me to convey to the admissions committee?
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Specifics related to application
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He asked me about teen pregnancy and what I would to improve the situation in Milwaukee.
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Nothing in particular--very conversational
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Ask me a question.
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None
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(Student interview): There is a quote "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase" - how can this apply to something in your life?
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Honestly, I didn't get asked any questions.
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There really weren't questions... he did ask about my parents' jobs.
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Really the only question I was asked was why I wanted to come to Madison out of state and if there was anything I wanted the ADCOM to know. The rest of the interview/conversation was pretty much dictated by me and whatever I wanted to talk about.
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Say you've been practicing medicine for many years and are approaching retirement. what would you like to have accomplished during your career?
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What kind of doctor do you want to be, clinical, research, public health, etc?
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What it was like playing hockey and going to school at the same time.
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None really
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What is one strength you possess that will specifically aid you in your practice as a physician?
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If not medicine, if medicine never existed for you, then what would you do?
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What did you plan to do with your English major?
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Why did you decide to apply to U. Wisconsin?
-
What do you think of the robotic-assist versus laparoscopic surgery debate? (I do surgical ethics research)
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What did you do in your undergraduate career, other than academics, that is of interest?
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What would be some of the hardest challenges you would face as a doctor?
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If you had a magic wand and could cure the human race of one flaw/fault, what would it be?
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How did you go about getting your job at NIH?
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I wasn't asked any specific questions. UW's interview is more of a conversation than anything.
-
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and why do you do it?
-
Why Wisconsin?
-
N/a
-
What do you expect medical school to be like?
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How are you going to balance public health and medicine in your career?
-
Why do you want to go to Wisconsin if you're from California?
-
Not really any interesting or difficult (see next question) questions. Pretty much run-of-the-mill questions like, ''Why MD/PhD?'' and ''Why Madison?''
-
Why do you work for Bally Technologies, a slot machine manufacturer?
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If I (I being the retired physician I was interviewed by) needed a $30,000 heart surgery, should I take it while tax payers pay for it?
-
If you want [insert specialty] why are you applying at a state school? With your background why didn't you apply at [insert top 10 schools]? Note: I did apply and interview there, just felt it would not be wise to divulge that information.
-
How do you think this path will impact your life?
-
Only one question was asked:
-
How my work with habitat for humanity related to my desire to do medical work.
-
Tell me why you won't sell out and work for an HMO that gives you 3 minutes to see a patient.
-
None.
-
If you're so smart why didn't you attend an Ivy?
-
Did you ever consider working abroad (as with doctors with out borders)?
-
What will you do to keep yourself motivated in med school? (from the group interview).
-
What kind of music do YOU listen to, in response to me asking her what she listened to.
-
Why medicine?
-
How is your research applicable to the "real world"?
-
Same as below
-
Are you considering a Masters in Public Health?
-
I was only asked specific questions about my research. The rest of the interview was a laid-back conversation.
-
If you had a magical wand and could wave it once, what would you change in the United States?
-
After having spent time in Nice, France, how do you feel about socialized/universal health care?
-
What do you do for fun?
-
How do you relate to other people or deal with people? In other words, are you the more quite and reserved type, an extrovert, etc.?
-
Nothing, She only asked the basic questions.
-
Very relaxed and conversational...
-
You previously addressed one of your flaws. How would you fix this flaw in medical school?
-
What's your favorite swim event?
-
Nothing really...it was just a conversation
-
We started the interview by talking about where I am currently living and how it is different from Wisconsin. This led to a conversation about diversity.
-
Nothing. My interviewer asked me the Big-3 questions, and that was all.
-
They were all pretty straight forward. Tell me about your research, where do you see yourself in 10 years?, what kind of medicine are you interested in and why?, etc.
-
None really. All were about my application. The interview is very laid back.
-
I didn't get any interesting questions, just the standard: what do you do? where did you go to school? why UW?
-
How do you think you'll adjust to the weather here?
-
How come, coming from a an international educational background, you chose to attend a midwestern state school?
-
How do you expect to practice quality medicine when most doctors tend to see an excessive numbers of patients a day?
-
Where do you envision yourself in 10, 20 years?
-
Nothing especially interesting. We talked about politics to how bad the public school system is in my hometown.
-
Nothing really stands out, nothing really clever
-
"If you were to look into a crystal ball where would you see yourself in 15 years?"
-
Describe yourself in one word
-
Do you think it's a good thing that patients nowadays know so much more about their conditions than they used to?
-
If I could tell the selection committee anything, what would you want me to tell them?
-
My interview was more like a conversation. Started by talking about my background and built the interview around my responses.
-
If you had a magic wand to solve any type of problem, what problem would you solve and why?
-
Nothing really stands out
-
How is your handwriting?
-
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
-
I've got two: Did you bring any Curious George books with you today? (???) You said ___ type of medicine would be "fun." What do you think would be fun about it?
-
Tell me about this professor who was on the Rock and Roll hall of fame.
-
Define Professionalism as it relates to Medicine
-
What is not "cool" about medicine.
-
Nothing - very unremarkable questions
-
I was asked how would I deal with the following situation. I am an M4 doing my surgical rotation. During rounds I'm told by the attending to remove a patient's staples in 7 days. The following day, a resident tells me to remove the staples immediately, and insists that I do it even after I tell him it the attending's instructions.
-
If I was a mouse and lived in one of your best friend's house, what would I hear him/her say about you?
-
If you had a patient that wanted an abortion and you were against it what would you say to that patient.
-
What's wrong with your husband?! (I was asked this by a surgeon who had just heard that my husband's most hated rotation in medical school was surgery)He was joking, of course. Mostly the questions were in regard to discrepancies in my file and my research.
-
How would others describe you? - patients, coworkers, etc.
-
What do you do to de-stress?
-
What was the most difficult part of your life?
-
How would you tell a patient he/she had leukemia or colon cancer?
-
The usual.
-
What do you think about resident work hours? (After I answered, this seemingly simple question was asked again three seperate times)
-
So what bars do you go to in Champaign?
-
Does music run in your family? I think it's genetic. What do you think?
-
What would you like to see written about you in the interview report I'm going to present to the admissions committee?
-
How do you deal with conflict in your life?
-
How do you resolve conflicts within a group and how do you motivate a group of diverse individuals?
-
Do you think you have good interpersonal skills?
-
What type of medicine do you want to practice?
-
How did you come to the decision to attend medical school?
-
Imagine, as a doctor, you are at a cafe, and you see two of your patients across the room. If you could overhear their conversation, and your name came up, what would they be saying about you? What if the they were physicians who worked with you?
-
Where have you traveled, and have you ever been outside of the US?
-
How do you handle/respond to working with people that you feel are not working to their maximum potential? Would you approach a person that you feel is not working as hard as they could, what would you say to them?
-
What would you like me to tell the admissions committee about you?
-
I just put you in charge of solving America's health care problem. What are you going to do?
-
I was supprised that there weren't many interesting our out-of-the-blue questions.
-
Do you think the United States will ever adopt a socialized medicine policy?
-
One interviewer asked me which show I thought was a more realistic portrayal of medicine, "ER" or "Scrubs".
-
If you had a patient that refused to comply to your advice regarding his/her health, what would you do?
-
None stand out particularly -- they were all basic, predictable questions.
-
If you had a magic wand and could change anything in the world, what would you change and why?
-
What exactly do you think is the medical school process like? (She wanted to know I was aware of the time frames and work load)
-
The student interviewer had asked me a lot about the classes that I had took in undergrad. I had two minors and went on foreign term to Asia, so he had a lot of questions.
-
Why do you think that there is such a difference among the personalities of you and your brothers?
-
Not really any interesting or unusual questions. More generally about me and what I did.
-
I was asked about what I thought about the current status of the medical system. I was also asked a lot about the research that I am currently working on (since my interviewer had common research interest)
-
The interview was a "tell me about yourself" interview. It was very laid back and conversational. Basically, it was tell me about yourself and why you think UW is a good match for you.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by conducting mock interviews, reviewing their application materials (such as AMCAS and secondary essays), researching the school, practicing with friends, and reading current medical topics. Many also utilized resources like Student Doctor Network (SDN) and sought advice from current students to familiarize themselves with potential interview questions and the school's profile.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Mock interviews
-
I went over my AMCAS file, and made a list of the most important activities /jobs/etc I've participated in, and what I learned from them. Also went over UW's MSAR profile, and googled common med school interview questions.
-
SDN, talked to current students, talked to self on Zoom
-
Read website, reviewed AMCAS and secondary essays, talked with students
-
SDN, practicing with friends, researched healthcare topics
-
SDN; researching the school
-
Look up the school, ask previous applicants, practice in front of mirror
-
SDN
-
Research the school.
-
Read about health care issues, reviewed AMCAS and secondary application, reviewed school's website.
-
Reviewed my application
-
2 real interviews, one mock interview
-
Reviewed my application, prepared a general answer for the "Why do you want to be a doctor?" and "Tell me about yourself." questions
-
SDN, lots of practice questions, primary and secondary application review, UW website, spoke with current students (very helpful!)
-
Read a bit on SDN. Looked over my AMCAS.
-
I wrote out the answers to possible questions (thats how I learn), practiced with friends, read up on current events, researched the school.
-
I had heard the interview was very casual (and it was), so I didn't do much more than read my app.
-
Mock interviews, SDN, attended other interviews, read up on health care and ethical issues (though these aren't covered in UW's interviews).
-
SDN, school advising, job/MCW/fellow pre-med mock interviews, looking over school's websites, AMCAS, secondary
-
Sdn, read AMCAS app, looked at school's website, talked with a friend who already interviewed there.
-
Looked over common questions, AMCAS, and secondary app.
-
Previous interviews, practiced a few questions, researched/fell in love with Madison, paid attention during the presentations
-
Just went with the experiences of my previous interviews, at this point I am confident in the understanding of my application.
-
Review AMCAS, secondary, school website, practice general interview questions
-
SDN, reading my application info, mock interview
-
I read over my AMCAS, personal statement, practiced for the questions in the email, looked over the schools website and literature and looked at this site.
-
Read over my AMCAS, research the school, peer over possible interview questions
-
Re-read my amcas application, my secondary, and reflected on why i wanted to be a doctor
-
Thought about the questions the email gave us to think about before the interview.
-
Reread my AMCAS, secondaries, resume, looked at UW website
-
SDN, Mock interview, reviewed AMCAS and 2ndary
-
SDN, reread my AMCAS and secondary application
-
School website, SDN
-
Looked over my own application, read up on the school- website
-
SDN, school website, AMCAS application
-
Mock Interview, answering common interview questions, looking over AMCAS, reading school website, and looking over articles/essays of current topics in medicine.
-
Reviewed amcas and secondary, sdn, mock interviews, practiced answers to common interview questions.
-
SDN, read essays, mock interview, interview tips online
-
Reviewed my AMCAS application and relaxed.
-
SDN, preparation by answering common interview questions, mock interview, research about UW
-
Read AMCAS, Secondary, UW Website
-
SDN, Ethics review (turned out to go unused for this interview), AMCAS and UW Secondary reviews.
-
SDN, interview book, practice interviews with my girlfriend.
-
SDN feedback, read website, mock interview with mom
-
Read through prospectus, medical student handbook, university website, and interview question book my friend got me from his school.
-
SDN, mock interview at a career center, reading over secondary
-
Read the school website and browsed the SDN interview feedback database.
-
SDN Interview Feedback, read over secondary and ethics issues.
-
Sdn, read about the school on their website, my AMCAS and Madison's secondary
-
Reviewed activities and personal statement, prepared for basic questions
-
Reviewed my applications; researched the school using their website
-
SDN feedback, Princeton Review Medical Guide book, read AMCAS and secondary applications
-
Went through the school's site to see what was new and interesting on campus.
-
SDN, Reviewed my Applications and research, thought about the ''big questions'' (why medicine?, why madison?, etc).
-
SDN, AMCAS, school website
-
SDN; looked over my application
-
Practiced w/friend, reviewed application
-
SDN, read AMCAS/Wisconsin secondary, arrived a day ahead and talked to students
-
SDN, primary, secondary apps
-
Looked at website, reviewed secondary and AMCAS apps, read materials they sent me in the mail, read SDN
-
Reviewed my AMCAS, secondary application, a health care ethics book, SDN interview feedback forum, and perusing the school's web site.
-
SDN, Reviewed AMCAS, Essays, up to date on ethical issues, etc.
-
Read about the school, conducted practice interviews, re-read publications and AMCAS as well as UW secondary applications.
-
SDN questions, read some ethics and health care books.
-
Read over AMCAS application, UW admissions guide, secondary essays, SDN interview feedback.
-
Madison's website, sdn, other interviews
-
SDN, Mock interview, Review website and AMCAS
-
Read these reviews.
-
Practice w/friends, looked at SDN, went over potential questions, went over application...
-
SDN, AAMC, school's website, spoke to med students
-
Read my apps, read the schools "strategic plan" on-line, went over some common interview questions.
-
Interview feedback, primary and secondary AMCAS
-
I went all out with like 5 mock interviews, read about every issue related to health care, memorized my secondary and AMCASS, read about school, its streangths and what they look for in applicant, stressed needlessly, and bought a new suit, shoes, and warm coat.
-
Read the ethics website, reivewed the mission statement and entire website
-
SDN, mock interview, review of amcas and secondary apps, reveiw of research, and review school's website.
-
Read SDN, School Website, Thought about certain questions on the plane.
-
SDN, mock inteview, review AMCAS, school website.
-
Read about the school, reviewed my research and application.
-
Read SDN, looked at the Wisconsin website, and talked to friends about the school.
-
Reviewing school info online, SDN
-
SDN, re-reading AMCAS/secondary essays
-
Read my AMCAS, browsed AMSA student survey, read my secondary, mock interviews, read student doctor feedback.
-
Read AMCAS, SDN interview feedback
-
Read the SDN interview feedback
-
Not a lot really. Looked over previous SDN interview questions.
-
I didn't prepare and that was too much.
-
This site, amcas, mock interview
-
Read up on UW in various books.
-
Browsed UW-Madison's website, read sd.net, prepared a few questions to ask my interviewer.
-
It was my first one. I'd spent some time looking through med school prep books and answering the lists of potential interview questions to myself, etc.
-
I didn't prepare
-
SDN, went over my AMCAS and SAF. But the whole interview process is so laid back all you need to do is have a vague idea of what you wrote about yourself.
-
SDN, reviewed AMCAS
-
Read AMCAS, UW-Madison secondary
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Student Doctor, AMCAS
-
I read their website, my AMCAS, read faculty profiles!
-
Not much other than getting dressed.
-
Read AMCAS, secondarys, read current issues in healthcare-- some people have written that a suit is not required, but I would highly recommend one, better overdressed than under
-
Didn't really; just listened to the preinterview orientation and looked over the curriculum and whatnot.
-
Read over AMCAS, practiced possible answers from Pfizer guide.
-
Re read apps, SDN feedback, mock interviews.
-
Imagine questions I might get
-
Reviewed AMCAS/Wisc apps
-
SDN, AMCAS
-
AMCAS, Secondary, and SDN
-
School's website, read over my application
-
Re-read AMCAS, papers, 2ndary.
-
Student doctor, books on medical interviewing, reviewing AMCAS app and school website.
-
Mock interview by a student that used to interview for UW. Student Doctor and just thought a lot about the basic questions I figured I would be asked. Also reviewed my research.
-
I didn't really do much
-
HMOs Info, read CNN.com, NYTimes, AMCAS App, Secondary Essays, Mock Interviews
-
Mock interviews, AMCAS review, UW Medical School site....figured out the perks and advantages of UW, SDN interview feedback
-
Reviewed app materials
-
Reading over sample questions and interview at other schools prior. (Did I mention 4 years of college?)
-
Composed answers to "standard questions", spoke with friends who go to medical school at UW.
-
SDN, mock interviews
-
I looked at this website, reread my application and ironed my shirt.
-
Went over my AMCAS and UW's website - the usual things.
-
Practice questions
-
Interview review books, this website, UW's website
-
Read over my app, looked over SDN, looked over the school's website
-
School site, med school applications and essays, reviewd current medical issues.
-
Website, reviewed application
-
Looked over the school's website
-
Read over AMCAS.
-
Read over my application
-
I read the posts on this website, reviewed the school's website, and re-read every essay that I submitted to the school.
-
SDN, read UW-Madison web site
-
Thiw website, the University website, etc.
-
Read the school's website, SDN.
-
Read the website, read my application
-
Familiarized myself with American health care, kept abreast to current events, and made sure I could answer any questions pertaining to submitted application materials.
-
This website, mock interviews @ school, and just practice with another student.
-
Read this web page, read over my AMCAS application, visited campus the day before to know where I was going the next day to avoid unnecessary stress.
-
This website, my application, the school's website.
-
School website / interviewfeedback.com / mock interview
-
Looked over my experiences, planned out questions before hand that I wanted to ask interviewers.
-
Reviewed this website, my application & essays, the med school website, and asked friends/family for suggestions.
-
Practiced answering questions to myself, my parents gave me a mock interview, read this website, reviewed school info
-
Read interview preparation advice on the internet, practice interviews with friends
-
This website, UW's website, looked at examples of general past interview questions, read over my amcas personal statement
-
I checked out the school's website, reviewed my AMCAS application and the supplemental application I sent them, and looked at this website for comments.
-
Answering possible questions out load (in car to work, to wife, etc), website, this website, review my application.
-
Read application, school web-site, read up on hot medical topics, attended Thursday night social to learn more about school.
-
Read through other's feedback here, looked at the website, good night's sleep.
-
Read the school's website, talked to med students, relaxed.
-
Reviewed their website
-
I read my essays and personal statements. I also found websites with questions other pre-meds were asked.
-
Looked over personal statement.
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health discussed a wide range of topics including implicit bias, career choice motivations, personal accomplishments, and challenges in medical school. While some mentioned non-challenging or conversational questions, others highlighted detailed inquiries about leadership, research, and personal attributes, with a few instances of rigorous questioning related to biochemistry and family connections in extracurricular activities.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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How have I acted with implicit bias?
-
When was a time you helped someone? What did you learn about yourself?
-
Nothing difficult or overly challenging
-
What concerns you about being a medical student/ physician?
-
Is there anything else you would like the admissions office to know about you? (You have a choice to update your application with activities and publications)
-
None were really difficulty
-
What has been your most accomplished non-academic activity?
-
At this stage in your life, why choose a career that will take at least seven years of education (I'm in my forties)?
-
How will you balance your time as a physician?
-
What is something you are anxious about entering medical school?
-
Nothing, just a conversation
-
What type of leadership do you have? Give me an example of when you took a leadership role.
-
What will be challenges in medical school?
-
None.
-
There weren't any difficult questions. In the group interview the icebreaker was a little tough to do right on the spot but one of the med students and another applicant also took a while to think of something for it so I know it didn't hurt my chances at all.
-
What will you do to succeed in medical school? How will you transition?
-
None. The interview was extremely casual and relaxed, I really just felt like they wanted to get to know me a little better.
-
None really, I guess the one I had to kind of think about was what are you most proud of?
-
Nothing. Pretty standard questions. Then we got to talking about knitting.
-
None
-
Specifics related to application
-
The same as the most interesting question.
-
What kind of doctor do you want to be?
-
None-- conversational
-
What I did in my free time, lol.
-
Do you think you'll want to continue with X in your career?
-
See above
-
He once said, "You seem like you're a fighter." It seemed like he wanted me to kinda give him evidence or validate that.
-
Nothing difficult just had to explain why I wanted to come there out of a nice and warm state.
-
No difficult questions.
-
Is there anything else you would like to add?
-
Is Wisconsin your first choice?
-
If not medicine, if medicine never existed for you, then what would you do? (I don't know why I wasn't ready for it, but I wasn't)
-
Nothing difficult was asked, don't sweat the interview it's extremely relaxed. the only question they are required to ask is, ''do you have anything else you want the adcom to know?'' and my interviewer said it was fine not to have any.
-
Why didn't you apply MD Phd?
-
Not that it was difficult, but asked about Obama's campaign in Chicago, which was kind of awkward for a second (he used to teach at the UofC's law school)
-
How do you think you will be an asset to this school?
-
None of the questions were particularly difficult.
-
If I was a mouse in the wall, listening to your 6 best friends talk about your qualities and skills, what would they be saying?
-
The interview was very laid back and conversational
-
Describe a challenge that you faced and how you overcame that.
-
N/a
-
Nothing... he's basically selling me the school.
-
He'd ''randomly'' pick a class listed on my AMCAS, then tell me to give him an impromptu lecture on it while he took ''copious'' notes... *He was obviously trying to stress/intimidate me with a ''tough'' attitude, which was annoying since his ''acting'' was so over-the-top; I just decided to play along...
-
Nothing really. It was very conversational.
-
See previous question
-
Nothing.
-
Was asked detailed questions about specifics of my publications as well as general biochemical and molecular biological questions and techniques.
-
Describe yourself holistically as an applicant...
-
Let's discuss the mitochondrial DNA of your baby.
-
The only question I was asked was 'what else do you want the committee to know about you?' The rest was just a half-hour of conversation and the woman complaining about chemists and HMOs.
-
Got grilled on a few biochemistry questions... Was also asked (in a rhetorically condescending manner) if I used my family's connections to get some of my extracurricular activities/positions (ie - like having a priveleged background is something I abuse/utilize to the detriment of others).
-
None really, it was very laid back
-
None. The UW interviewers were very easy and were more about selling the school.
-
Tell me more about yourself.
-
Why medicine?
-
How is your research applicable to the "real world"?
-
Looking at your Personal Statement I can tell that your family is very important to you, How does attending Univeristy of Wisconsin affect this? (I am from California)
-
There are other professions in healthcare with which you can help people. Why a doctor and not one of the others?
-
There really were not any difficult questions, it was more conversational.
-
What are your strengths?
-
Tell me about yourself. (there are so many places you can start)
-
There were none
-
Very relaxed and conversational...
-
Name some things that are not that appealing about becoming a doctor.
-
What do you think is the most difficult problem that doctors face?
-
If you had a magic wand what would you change?
-
If you had a magic wand...(if they ask you this question just give up)
-
Why do you want to come to UW-Madison? I had stayed with a medical student host the night before and had learned a lot of interesting things about the school, but when it came time for the interview, I was so tongue-tied that I couldn't come up with a coherent answer. I think I wound up babbling about the design of the medical school building (which is really impressive, but sadly, a really strange answer).
-
I told by other interviewees during the day that they'd been really grilled on the details of their research. One girl from Las Vegas had been asked why she wanted to come here, and then after she replied the woman responded, "Can't you get that in Las Vegas?" What do you say then?
-
Didnt have any difficult questions.
-
Why do you want to be a doctor?
-
What are some of the difficulties that you might face as a medical student/doctor?
-
What would you do if you could not get into medical school?
-
Why Wisconsin?
-
Nothing difficult. Pretty stress free.
-
My interviewer didn't really ask questions, it was more open-ended, tell me about yourself stuff
-
No question itself was very hard, but he would ask questions that required "3 positives and 3 negatives" about my various experiences...not hard or bad questions, just hard to keep track of if I had given the right number of responses.
-
If I were conducting this interview with your friends, about you, what kind of person would they say you are and what would they say about you?
-
Sometimes I got sort of non-questions... more like statements but then the interviewer wanted me to respond and I wasn't always sure what to say.
-
What do you think about the health care system?
-
If I could tell the selection committee anything what would you want me to tell them?
-
Asked to give a final statement to pass along to the admissions committee, wasn't really expecting it and looking back wished I would have said something else.
-
Above
-
What are three weaknesses and three strengths of yours?
-
All other things being equal, what makes you a better candidate than anyone else?
-
How would you define "professionalism" and "emaphty" in a medical setting?
-
When was DNA discovered? ---see below for explanation.
-
What are your leadership skills?
-
Same as above
-
What is not "cool" about medicine.
-
Not a difficult question, but an awful one. see question 1 below.
-
If I could be any appliance in a kitchen, what would it be and why?
-
Why were your verbal/writing MCAT scores higher than your physical/biological sciences scores?
-
What Can't you do or what do you not like to do.
-
How are you going to handle medical school with children. Luckily, I was prepared for this.
-
Why are Doctors respected?
-
What other weaknesses do you have? I had already told her the weakness I prepared.
-
What bad things would your friends say about you?
-
What would you do if you a 13 year old girl came to you who was pregnant?
-
The usual.
-
What is the biggest problem facing health care today?
-
How do you deal with extreme stress?
-
Which system of scientific investigation will you use during your graduate studies (ie- genetic, biochemical, etc)?
-
What's your definition of professionalism?
-
How do you resolve conflicts within a group and how do you motivate a group of diverse individuals?
-
Why here, and why not X medical school? What would be something about your personality that would make you think that you wouldn't do well in medical school?
-
What are your weaknesses?
-
What other schools have you applied to?
-
How will you handle patients that do not listen to your advice?
-
If you had to examine 5 patients in one hour, but one of them had a problem that you could not quickly get to the bottom of, would you write a quick prescription to keep on schedule, or would you keep working on the patient?
-
As you know, research is an important part of any doctor's career, even if they don't perform it themselves. What type of program would you implement at UW-Madison to expose the students to research so they are better prepared for it in the field?
-
Why did you choose the undergraduate college you are attending...instead of Madison?
-
What qualities about you might limit you from becoming an outstanding physician?
-
Why not dentistry, it utilizes science, and allows you to work with people?
-
What have my greatest difficulties been academically.
-
So, tell me about yourself.
-
One interviewer asked (after noting a not-so-good grade on my transcript) how I dealt with the stress of receiving such a grade. (I didn't really see it as a source of stress, but he apparently did)
-
None at all. Most of the questions were pertaining to my personal statement, background information and experiences.
-
I was asked how I would reconcile the part of me that wants to help everyone on a personal level with the "doctor" part of me that cannot -- it was basically "Do you REALLY know your limits?" asked in a circuitous fashion.
-
No question was terrible tough.
-
How would you deal with family members who have different ideas about keeping a loved one on life support?
-
If you could fix anything in health care, what would it be? How would you do it?
-
Nothing terribly difficult.
-
Nothing comes to mind.
-
Nothing surprised me. I was pretty much prepared for everything that my interviewers asked me.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were overwhelmingly impressed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the students, faculty, and staff at the school. The positive atmosphere, state-of-the-art facilities, focus on public health, student support, and opportunities for engagement and collaboration were highlighted as key factors contributing to the positive impressions shared by applicants.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
The interview was virtual and spanned 3 days. There were two main interviews: one 1-1 with faculty (30 mins) and a group interview with 2 current med students and 5 current applicants (1 hour long). There were many optional workshops that interviewees could attend, including an hour social where interviewees could ask current med students questions in a candid fashion.
-
Talking with the current students and hearing about their experiences
-
Focus on public health, state-wide campus, student support
-
Love the integration with public health. TONS of support through various mentorship programs. Great facilities
-
The ample opportunity to converse with current medical students who had no say in my application decision.
-
The emphasis on public health, lots of clinical experience starting the first years, all the students were very friendly and seemed happy at the school
-
Everything. My two interviewers were among the nicest people I have ever met.
-
The school is integrated in the heart of the hospital and the surrounding health science building.
-
Their overall friendliness and collaboration between the medical students and faculty.
-
How passionate the professors, med students, deans, adcom were of the school.
-
Friendliness of the staff, facilities.
-
The collegial, laid-back atmosphere.
-
The facilities at Madison are amazing, if you get an interview I would suggest sticking around for the hospital tour.
-
Staff was relaxed and welcoming
-
The friendliness of everyone I talked to, the location, the overall strength of the school's program, the amount of volunteer opportunities available... etc.
-
Incredibly friendly campus, positive environment. Madison is awesome. Facilities are great.
-
The faculty, reputation, research, facilities, and friendliness of students and staff.
-
The facilities are amazing and the campus is beautiful. Everyone I came into contact with was super nice and helpful. There is a good mix of lecture, small group, lab and free time. I absolutely loved it.
-
The schools strong emphasis on public health and the integration of the curriculum.
-
Everything. The school has spectacular facilities, both clinical and academic. The faculty and staff are all really nice and helpful. They have a ton of support for their students for anything they might need whether it's advising, tutoring, research, volunteering etc. The students all seemed very friendly and collaborative too, which was awesome. Seemed like everyone was just really happy that they were there.
-
-The extracurricular opportunities are outstanding! -The school and the dean's office are very interested in the students' well-being and opinions regarding the education they receive. -The curriculum seems to change frequently, but is for the better and is done smoothly.
-
Everyone was extremely friendly. I was also impressed with how well everything was set up to make sure that the students succeed: learning professionals, notes for the classes were given in lieu of textbooks (received all notes at the beginning), lectures were taped, access to practice clinic with taping and discussion capabilities.
-
The students, faculty, facilities, and programs are amazing
-
Just about everything. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. They spelled out exactly what the admissions process is.
-
Everything. Even the statewide campus bit.
-
Laid back interview, very conversational
-
Very laid back atmosphere. Interview was very conversational.
-
The facilities, the thoroughness of all the presentations and interviews that they gave us, their honesty, the amount of opportunities that you have as a student there. I would love to go there.
-
The school, the facilities, the students, the interviewer, the hospital, the city!
-
Amazing positive and friendly students. great relationship between faculty and students. i interviewed on halloween and at noon there was a costume context in the main atrium that everyone (including admissions staff) went to!
-
Friendliness of everyone who knew we were interviewing. Facilities
-
Super laid-back, relaxed day. Seemed more like a recruiting event than interview. All students and staff seemed sincerely happy to be there.
-
Awesome facilities. Everything is brand new and bright and shiny.
-
Everybody had a smile on their face and were genuinely welcoming, caring, and happy. Facilities cannot be any better, collaborative learning environment, social life in Madison, school has great reputation
-
Facilities were awesome, state-wide campus, opportunities to go abroad
-
The facilities are great, the students all had positive things to say about the school, seems like there are great resources available to help with studies, finances...etc.
-
Facilities, student interviewer opinions of school.
-
Great facilities, everyone seemed very friendly and enthusiastic, I love Madison
-
Friendly, laid-back environment. The students are very cooperative, very down-to-earth people. It seems like it would be a great learning environment.
-
The level of attention given to us interviewees. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
-
The facilities were second to none, amazing HSLC and more new facilities on the way. Also everyone was so warm and welcoming, they really made you feel relaxed and at home.
-
Amazing facilities, overall friendliness and good vibe from the students. i felt very welcomed and taken care of throughout the weekend.
-
The facilities
-
The school itself is amazing. Brand new, has a lovely atrium area, library, etc. I just had the feeling that it was a good place to go to school.
-
The close knit network # 1 in primary care great facilities
-
The students were really friendly and all smiled/said hi as they passed us. The med school is BEAUTIFUL, and the hospitals are really nice as well (although extremely confusing...). The information sessions throughout the day are probably the most informative of any I have had so far (bring LOTS of questions to ask, because chances are all of your standard ones will be answered in the morning orientation session).
-
Friendly, approachable, knowledgeable faculty. Students are laid back, very open about the school and willing to answer ANY questions you might have. My interviewer, a professor for M1s, M2s, and M4s, was highly regarded by the students. It was very cool to see that, at a larger school like UW, there are still avenues for developing personal relationships with faculty.
-
People are generally very friendly in Madison. I got lost in the building of my interview and asked a nurse for directions. She turned around and took me through a couple of hallways and up not one, but two flights of stairs and straight to the door and wished me luck. wow. The girl directing me to the bus line was also very helpful and friendly. overall, didn't seem to share the views of the cabbie/aspiring grad student (see below).
-
Everything!! The facilities were brand new and state-of-the art. The hospital is appropriately ranked in the top 10. My faculty interviewer was extremely enthusiastic about the school and sold the school really well. The student interviewers were very smart, socially aware, and totally chill. I'd love to attend med school here.
-
The facilities, hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere--everyone I talked to seemed to be genuinely happy.
-
The facilities were beautiful and the students were super nice. I was amazed at how friendly everyone was
-
Most of the students seemed very happy. The new facilities are beautiful with all of Wisconsin's health professions schools grouped together.
-
Nice facilities, opportunities for research
-
Great facilities, nice people
-
The new Health Sciences Learning Center is a great facility. Almost all med classes are held there.
-
Great facilities
-
The stress level of the current students was very low.
-
The facilities really are wonderful, the students and staff were down to earth and friendly.
-
HSLC is awesome, the hospital is so clean and new....
-
The comfortable seats in the conference/waiting room
-
Facilities
-
The students are wholesome and friendly; the facilities are very nice; Madison is a great city; the curriculum is well-integrated; chances to go abroad for electives; emphasis on public health.
-
The hospitality of the students, staff, faculty and the people of Wisconsin. I'm from California and the midwest hospitality and charm sure was apparent.
-
LOTS!! The people were SO nice--the students, the faculty, the MST Program administrators, everyone. The Graduate School program is very strong, and lots of the students get out in 4 years or less. The town is very nice, it's got tons of small local restaurants and lots of things to do. Good environment. OH-and the airport lost my luggage (I got it later that night) and Paul Cook (the administrator of MSTP) told me I could wear what I came in, that it was a very casual interview.
-
The massive building taking place on the med school campus, and for that matter, the entire school. Brand-new facilities, the eagerness exhibited by the faculty, support staff, and students for the medical school, and how nobody seemed too stressed out. Everybody was extremely helpful and cordial.
-
Great facilities and friendly students.
-
The level of activity of the city, they are very fit!
-
The TONS of resources on this campus. I did my undergrad here, and I'm still finding more resources for students.
-
The newly appended
-
The facilities are excellent and the students seem really happy to be there
-
Great facilities. Good vibe from the students. Options for rural rotations.
-
Facilities are all brand-new, beautiful buildings.
-
New facilities...
-
The high spirits of their medical students. They claim to study 4 hours a day (max).
-
There is a lot of new construction going on. Cool improvements to the medical school, including a new children's hospital and research facility.
-
Research, newer building, lots of expansion, good integration with technology.
-
I guess coming from California I did not think that people in such a competitive enviornment could be so warm and hospitable.
-
The admissions staff- NO ONE ELSE!!
-
Everyone was extremely friendly. The people was excited to be at the school and about learning. The staff were proud of their school and the new facilities.
-
I was involved in an interview weekend so everything was very organized and planned. Students and staff/faculty were really friendly. The students even took us out on Friday night.
-
The hospitality was wonderful.
-
The medical school facilities (phenomenal), the range of excellent oppportunities in graduate research, the level of collaboration across the campus, student-faculty interactions.
-
The facilities are great and the school has some awesome programs for students out in the local community. Everyone is extremely welcoming.
-
The new building for all the med school classes is really nice. All of the students were very friendly and encouraging. Also, they are building a brand new Children's Hospital.
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The new building is gorgeous, for sure
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My faculty interviewer is a cardiologist which is a field I am very interested in. He was quite informative about the field.
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It was extremely relaxed, everything was helpful. Maybe it was different for some, but our M1 tour guide was very knowledgeable about the school.
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New facilities
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Commitment to upgrading the Medical school and Hospital system (adding a new children's hospital)
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The new medical school is very impressive and nice looking. They fixed a lot of the problems encountered over the past year.
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Great facilities. Upcoming research complex attached to hospital. Extremely friendly students and staff. A really easygoing day overall!
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Medical student culture. Rotations for third year students.
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The new school, students and fac. attitudes
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The facilities were fantastic (especially compared to Georgetown)
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Regarding the school itself, UW-Madison is unique in that it offers a "state-wide campus"--you can do your rotations at many different sites all over Wisconsin. Also, PDA's are issued to all 3rd-year students, and they become a part of your rotation experience. Students seem very friendly and happy, and they are relaxed enough to have fun, dressing up for Halloween on the day of my interview. They also have a community structure within the student body so that you can socialize with both upper- and lower-classmen in the medical school. Outside of school, Madison and the entire UW-Madison campus is absolutely breathtaking. My student host took me on a tour of the entire campus (undergraduate and other grad school campuses included), and it's good that we drove a car because the area we covered was enormous. The buildings are beautiful and full of historic character, and the maple trees in autumn there look amazing. The medical school itself is newly built, and both its interior and exterior have a very aesthetic design, and it is connected to all(?) the other buildings in the health sciences campus, including the main hospital. Wisconsin is very lively and full of character (and crazy football fans), and Lake Mendota seems like an excellent place to have fun and sightsee. Also, housing there is relatively cheap (like most locations in the Midwest). My student host really seemed to love her school, for good reason.
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The med school buildings are stunning. beautiful library.
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The new medical school is awesome and tops any other school I've seen so far. I'm sure the facilities are now the best in the country. Dr. Hawkins is great advocate for all the students, particularly the minority students. The students are able to run 5 free clinics (MEDIC) in the city!!
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The overall enthusiasm every student possessed towards the school. And Dr. Hawkins! 5 student run clinics. A million and one ways to volunteer in the community. The study abroad opportunities, research opportunities (though my interviewer insinuated I would only be able to do any of these during the summer after first year), the new MPH program focusing on global health (though there is no way to know how the program is ranked, obviously)
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The new medical school is absolutely amazing. There seems to be plenty of support for students.
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The new medical school building is amazing. you wouldn't expect it, but once you look through the medical center and hospital, you would understand why they are a leading transplant surgery center, worldwide.
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The facility, my student host, Madison, people in the city.
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Everything! The school is first-class in every regard: faculty, medical school, research, students!!! The professors were very down-to-Earth and friendly! The MD/PhD students were very fun & friendly & enthusiastic about the program! The town is beautiful & the entire weekend was paid for & we were put up in hotel rooms!!!
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The school is spectacular. Everyone is friendly and seemed very happy, even though I interviewed the week before exam week. New children's hosptial being built and entire hospital being remodeled.
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This school is really laid back, everyone seems to love it at Madison, students are extremely friendly
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New facility is amazing. Students seem very laid back and eager to help; they seem happy here. The proximity to one of the best hospitals in the region is very nice.
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The school is gorgeous.
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New building is nice. Funding available for summer research/clinical fellowships (summer research is a joke ~ you get $2,000 to spend 6 weeks hanging out in a lab and make a poster)
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A lot! The curriculum, the school, the town, the students I met, the new facilities... on and on...
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Very little, other than the beautiful new facilities
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Very (!) impressive new facilities and the overly nice faculty and students
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I really felt that I got a better idea of what it would be like to be a student at the UW. My 2 student interviewers were really informative and had only good things to say about the school. Everyone seems very laid back. The new school is in mint condition.
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New Med School Facilities
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It was a lot more of a personal atmosphere than I expected. The new facilities are very nice, and we received a lot of great information throughout the day. There was not much down time, which I liked.
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New medical school building is amazing. Students seem happy and excited and faculty 'like' to teach.
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The students seemed to really love the school and talked it up constantly, even the ones not giving the tours. The new facilities are incredible and the faculty seems friendly and helpful.
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Just about everything. Great school, great experience. Interview was very conversational.
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New building, the dean did a keg stand, and the overall atmosphere. Not having to take biochem is also a big plus.
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Laid back attitude. Flexibility of the school. attentiveness to student's needs.
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1. Happiness of the students 2. MEDIC free clinic program-a student organization that sets up 5 free clinics throughout Madison. Great chance to practice clinical skills and meet a diverse patient pool, plus you're making a difference. 3. New buliding, the learning facilities are awesome. The library is comfortable with HUGE windows overlooking Lake Mendota. The whole building is wireless equipped for students w/laptops. 4. Students are very prepared technically for residency. 5. Emphasis of the school on rural/community health. 6. Faculty, Attending Physicians, and Residents all treat medical students as future coworkers with a huge degree of respect.
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Very little - i got the impression that students didn't really want to let people know about the competitive nature of the school. students were making jokes about people trying to get certain grades on anatomy quizes during our lunch, but they didn't seem like jokes as much as comments on student attitudes.
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Brand new medical school building opening next year! Hard to top that!
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The overwhelming enthusiams shown by the students about everything- student-faculty realtionships, student-student relationships, the laid-back atmosphere of fun and support, etc. I was also really impressed by the fact that 90% of the first and second year students volunteer at free clinics around the city.
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Friendly staff and students. New medical school for 2004
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The new facility, students and the way that the school takes care of it's students. The UW campus has a lot of programs for parents and married students - even housing and daycare.
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The admissions staff, and not much else
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I really liked everything about the school. The new facilities look awesome
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Love the class mentor program. The new facilities should be amazing.
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The new med school facilities that are going to be finished by this spring, the laid-back attitude of the students, the nice atmosphere of the campus
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This is a very high quality program, with dedicated faculty. Older students are very open and helpful. The new facilities opening next Fall are impressive, and will further enhance the strength of the medical school program. Fellowship with other medical disciplines will be a strong point. The administrative staff is very professional and personable. The ability to pursue clerkships in urban, suburban, inner city and rural settings is a very strong point for a medical student seeking a well rounded clinical experience. This is a good program for a mature and committed medical student.
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Not much....maybe the pen they give you.
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This place is fantastic. They are building a brand new medical school, the people are very conversational and friendly. I was really impressed.
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The genuine satisfaction of the medical students. The wonderful environment, personality, and laid-back attitude of the school. The non-competitive environment. Brand new building being built. Friendliness of staff.
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Madison is a great city; the lab and clinical facilities are amazing; the depth and breadth of work being done there
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Very nice new med school being built
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Everyone I asked really enjoyed studying there. Morever, there was a sense of comraderie and solidarity among 1st year med students, rather than any competitive spirit. All support staff and students were extremely kind and went out of their way to answer my questions.
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The new school that we will be in next year and the great things that everyone said about the faculty. "they are patient and willing to bend over backward to help you succeed"
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Everyone were very nice, and the students were truly happy to be there.
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That the admissions people were prepared to discuss the school's negatives as well as its positives. That the students seemed happy and even said that med school was more fun than college.
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How relaxed the interviewers made me feel.
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The new facilities that will be ready next year, the openness of the faculty and staff to incorporating changes, and the students!
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All students appeared very happy and friendly (faculty, too); there will be an entirely new medical sciences facility next year.
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The attitude of the students and faculty and the emphasis placed on how the faculty is working to improve Madison?
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The attitudes of the admissions staff, interviewers, and students. Very laid back environment!
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Everyone is extra nice, they were very happy to be there, and the new facility which is going to be used by our class looks amazing.
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Attitude and friendliness of the students, staff and teachers.
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The new building. Both interviews were simply conversations. No real "questions".
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It was VERY laid back, and we were able to see a 15-min video of the construction of the brand new facility that will be completed next summer, YAY!
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How nice everyone was, and how happy they were to be there
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How NICE everyone was (interviewers, presenters, tour guides, med students, even fellow interviewee's), everyone is really honest about their experiences and strengths and weaknesses of the program
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How nice everyone was. Both interviewers were so nice. The dean was honest about the medical school. The interviewers wanted to get to know the real you, not to drill you on medical issues and things of the sort. The other interviwees were great also, and there was so much positive energy. There is so much to do at madison! I heard that the warm season is booming with cultural activities, and seems like the quality of life is rich there. There are 3 beaches (pretty good for a midwestern town). Also, as a medical student, you have access to al ot of recreational facilities such as yoga, iceskating, cycling, etc. There are numerous bike paths, especially along the lake. The capitol is near the campus, which is also beautiful. If you want somewhat of a city life, but in a small city, UW is the place to go!
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Everyone was absurdly friendly and welcoming, from the students to my interviewers to admissions staff. That in itself made me want to go there. Plus, a new facility is being built that will be really cool. And there were barns with cows between the medical school and the hospital. How crazy is that???
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Friendliness of everyone there, from faculty to facilities personal.
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Everyone was VERY friendly and helpful!
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This isn't the first time I interviewed here. (wait-listed last year) I still love how outgoing and laid back people at UW are. It's totally not an up-tight, overly-competitive environment.
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That the dean listed the weaknesses of certain courses and aspects of the school.
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People were generally very friendly and the campus is in a very lively part of town. Also, the presentation on the school by the dean of admissions was pretty honest, summarizing course strengths and weaknesses.
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How friendly everyone was.
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Teaching staff are amazing (according to the students) and the new medical school that is being built.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed negative impressions about the lack of diversity among students, the confusing layout of the affiliated hospital, the school's heavy promotion during the interview day, the cold weather in Madison, limited parking options, and the focus on gunners among the student body. Suggestions included improving diversity, addressing hospital layout issues, toning down promotional efforts, and enhancing the overall interview experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Interviewer was a random biotech alum
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Nothing!!
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The only thing I would put as a negative is that I think this is a school that tends to breed some gunners, so just be prepared for that if that’s not your thing
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Long day, lots of lecture about the school
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Wisconsin is a really cold but that's nobody's fault.
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Certain classes are off campus (e.g. for anatomy you have to bus downtown to the old medical school)
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There are about 5 towers that release smog into the air.
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Some of the other students interviewing.
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End-of-the-day talk about why Wisconsin is a "Top-10" school. The dean made an awkward compilation of different rankings that put Wisconsin in the top-10, which was obviously contrived. We don't need an arbitrary ranking to know that UW is a good school.
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The hard sell presentation at the end of the day.
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Nothing really
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Nothing, it was amazing.
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The cold!
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A bit cold.
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Every single person asks you if you have any questions. It's nice at first but gets old halfway through the day.
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Madison is much smaller than the big city I live in and therefore does not offer the "big city" things that I am used to. Probably a good thing, actually... for both my finances and study habits.
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I'm not sure if this is bad or good, but the interview is supposedly only worth another letter of recommendation.
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Just that they review applicants in random order post-interview. That seemed like an odd way to do it, but that's what they told us on interview day.
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Nothing. I guess I expected the other health care professional schools to have some integration with the med students, but the only real interaction is them all being in the HSLC.
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The fact that I had to leave my house at 5am to be there on time. Everything else was great.
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Nothing really, I guess if I had to choose it would be that I had pay $10 for parking? lol
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I really really wish we could have seen the hospitals, but we couldn't because of H1N1. Driving in Madison is a little crazy with all the undergrad pedestrians.
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Very little about the school made a negative impression.
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N/a
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Since interview was so laid back, not much chance to manage myself up. Also, interview does not factor that much into final decision.
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I did not like my 4th year med student tour-he was disinterested in giving it. Apparently the school also has bad cell phone reception-nothing really bad.
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Some of the students I was interviewing against. It did not leave a bad taste in my mouth, but I just felt some of them were underprepared compared to other students I had come across.
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You dont have a whole lot of control over where you go for your 3rd year rotations
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Some students and their hierarchy-ness. The confusing hospital.
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Hospital is a little like a maze, but very nice.
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Lack of diversity in patient population and student population (almost everybody is from Wisc) The hospital is a MAZE
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Not much, hospital was very poorly laid out
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The school sells itself a lot. And I'm not sure I'm a fan of traveling all over the state for third and fourth year rotations
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Parking is an issue, but what else is new??
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Nothing.
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I don't know if it could be considered negative but all the students pretty much didn't say a negative word about the school and or program. Also the snow and freezing temperatures.
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Nothing except for the weather. it snowed the night i arrived, and coming from california, i wasn't used to the freezing cold =(.
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Everyone that talked to us tried to convince us that Wisconsin was the greatest medical school ever
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Having to travel to complete your rotations.
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The interview is a small part of the application process
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Not one student I talked to claimed to have anything they disliked about the school. It's great that they're happy, but I don't buy that there isn't ONE thing they don't like about their school.
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Nothing
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Diversity needs work, but looks like they're trying harder.
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The main hospital is worse than the labyrinth in ''The Shining'' and one of the interviewees had to walk us through it cause the M3's and M4's were in lectures.
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A large portion of the day was PR (administrators coming and telling me why the school is amazing)
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The affiliated hospital is poorly designed. However, there is a large amount of new construction occurring, which is exciting.
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The students are all the same breed: white and from rural wisconsin. there is very little diversity at UW.
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The location, lack of diversity, how stressed out the student interviewers seemed
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No one denies that the UW hospital is poorly designed and has a very confusing layout.
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The student who was supposed to give the hospital tour did not show up, so we had an on the fly tour by an M2, who wasn't that familiar with the hospital.
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The ''sales pitch'' about the school.
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The pre-interview ''social'' with medical students wound up being twelve applicants hanging out in a small conference with no more notice than a note taped to the table indicating that the medical students may not show up because classes were not in session. I had fun chatting with the other appicants, but come on Madison, how about a little courtesy?
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Can't get a host, stayed at a dorm.
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Lack of diversity (everyone's from either Madison or rural, northern Wisconsin); school's unwarranted pompous attitude (it's a ''good'' school, but I wouldn't call it elite); obvious preference for conducting stress interviews (if someone tells you he doesn't do stress interviews... odds are, you're in the middle of one, or will be very shortly) *<rolls eyes>
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Didn't really like the group ''interview'' w/two med students
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More than 80 percent of the students are from Wisconsin and many seem a little sheltered (never left Wisconsin).
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THE WEATHER!!! Even though I'm from Minnesota, so I should be used to it...but the rain and the cold, not a good combination. Also, when we toured the hospital it was eerily quiet. Like there was no one there. But it was 11am on a Saturday...
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Nothing really comes to mind.
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Have to go across campus to anatomy lab.
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Hostility of faculty and condescending attitude regarding applicants. Also, the school has next to no diversity with respect to its student body, faculty, or patients. Furthermore, there is little professional school housing and no on campus parking.
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Many of the people that give the presentations were at a conference, so there was a lot of improv and down-time.
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The cramped hospital, how rural WI is, how much like Ann Arbor Madison appears to be . . . A very rude admissions office worker (who was very much the exception - everyone else was lovely).
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Students seemed discouraged that they could only do half of the disections. also, there isn't any parking at the medical school for students!
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The schools gives grades. The winter.
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The hospital is poorly designed. Its like a maze.
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Lack of diversity, location (I grew up in Chicago, so I strongly prefer large cities)
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Most students accepted are from UW-Madison undergrad programs (about 50%)
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The curriculum and grading system looked like it needed a little work. Everything at the school looks good on the outside, but could be better on the inside. For instance, the "houses" thing they are doing isn't working (all of the students I talked to recognized this) and nobody can figure it out. The hospital is small. The emergency department doesn't get that many interesting patients (my tour guide told me this). Based on my interactions with some of the students, this felt like is a school where a lot of very smart people end up because they didn't get in anywhere else and they are bitter about it. I had cold interactions with some of the students including one who coldly and intentionally ignored me when I reached out to shake her hand to say thanks for having me at her party and a tour guide who responded with a "no" when I asked him a detailed question about his research experience (I know, WTF). Everyone else was very nice, but those two interactions were enough to influence my decision not to attend. In addition, the COLD weather and lack of diversity make it hard to consider this a place I want to be for the next four years. Plus GPP should be once a week, not once a month!
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Absolutely nothing.
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The interviewers were completely canned. They were not listening to me, they were more interested in posing the next, rehearsed question. Not very friedly either. The facilities are old and run down. Parking is a nightmare. I definitely got the sense that there was no way in hell that I was getting in after the interview. If the staff truly does read this, here is a review for you (we're always getting evaluated, but you need to be as well!)- treat us with respect. You should adopt the attitude that your working for us (the interviewee); not vic-versa. You've establish one hell of a terrible reputation for interviews and my experience confirmed this.
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No lasting negative impressions except the reality of out of state tuition.
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Nothing much, I would say location, but if I was from WI this would not be the case.
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The location.
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Nothing at all.
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There is not a one-on-one student mentor or faculty advisor program; 3rd and 4th year preceptorships are required to take place outside of Madison.
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The UW Hospital is pretty jumbled together, even for those who should know it. Most hospitals I've been in are nicer. You also have to spend at least 16 weeks of your rotations outside of Madison. In general, Madison is a bit small for me, although State St. definitely has an active nightlife.
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Students giving the tours seemed a bit in a hurry while giving the tour or unsure of what to say about some of the facilities. But I'd understand, they are probably very busy too.
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I thought they could have done without the student groupd "interview". It definetly didn't feel like an interview, and I felt like when I left the room that I hadn't said enough.
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The student panel interview (given in addition to one-on-one)
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The hospital, although very highly ranked, is very confusing to walk around. Even the M4 students still didn't know their way around.
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Not a whole lot. The M1 that gave a tour couldn't really tell us a whole lot about the school considering she had only started a few weeks ago.
-
Gross lab is in old building
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While the faculty seemed caring and involved there wasnt that spark I was hoping to see.
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My interviewer didn't really seem focused on the interview. He didn't show any evidence that he had looked over my application, and he followed up on my answers to the questions he had posed by answering the questions again himself.
-
With a class of ~207 I feel like you don't know your class as well. Everyone was sort of off in their own little corners studying by themselves.
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Students have to do rotations all over WI during their 3rd and 4th year. The presentation made it appear as if students had the option to go all over the state, but in reality there really is no choice. Parking is an issue on campus, but most people live close and walk.
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Virtually no electives offered; Lack of forthrightness, e.g. no mention of being sent all over the state during your third year (admin made it sound like it was a choice). Also there was a shortage of third and fourth year students to talk to, but an abundance of first years (no offense, but how much can I learn about med school from a first year?).
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Many of the students literally grew up in Madison and think it's the best place in the world even though they've never been any where else.
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The airport--connecting flights to Chicago are often canceled or delayed. The students felt that the curriculum was a little dated and should be more intergrated.
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Nothing!!!
-
The interview is only worth a letter of recommendation. Not much diversity. I say about 90% white, and majority in-state and from UW-madison.
-
Long day, aside from the 45 min interview its mostly sitting around or touring
-
Parking might be an issue, but I'm willing to put up with that.
-
The tours really were a waste of time.
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Arogance of students/faculty. Administration doesn't care about students. Research faculty knows little about medical school operations so don't bother asking questions during the "Do you have any questions?" portion of your interview if you get a Ph.D. Anatomy is at old medical science building in a dungeon like lab. Campus near State St is really ugly. Major roads/train tracks run through campus. Housing is expensive, school has no parking, and the city doesn't provide adaquete public transportation to offset costs.
-
The interviewer, the student tour guides, the overall feeling that the day had been put toegther haphazardly.
-
Not much, but there isn't much diversity on campus
-
Our tour of the medical school was really too short.
-
Students are unimpressive, unmotivated, and boring!
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My interviewer was late, so I ended up being the very last person done interviewing. Our student tour guide was a first year and it was her first tour, so the tour could have been a bit better.
-
Not much information on match available, nor about research.
-
Parking and driving in Madison is a nightmare.
-
The anatomy lab is taught half-half. That is, your four person group switches off with another in terms of cutting cadavers, etc. The group that didn't do the cutting is taught and shown the relevant anatomy by the other group. Could be good or bad- less cutting time, etc, but you get teaching experience and learn the stuff anyway.
-
My student interviewers were dorks, and there wasn't coffee at 8 am.
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Lack of ethnic diversity in the class, faculty, and staff. The student tour guide was unimpressive, non-enthusiastic.
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1. Parking. Always an issue at Madison, I knew this coming in. 2. Gross Anatomy will be held at the old medical science center until the new Health research complex is built.
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Very little diversity. it seemed that 90% of the students are from UW and half the students went to the same high school in Madison (certain interviewees kept noticing med students they new in high school.) i got the distinct feeling that it's the Madison-area medical school.
-
We were never given a tour because of a miscommunication between the M2's and the admissions office about the timing.
-
Well everyone (including current students) says that parking is such a huge issue, but I'm from a big city so I didn't think it was so bad.
-
Next years students will have to travel to the old med school for gross lab.
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Dean Skocalak (sp?) - the woman is NOT a good representative of the school. I've heard her speak several times and she always rubs me wrong. She claimed that ten percent of people who fail the boards do so because they didn't do their work for the first two years but rather went golfing. She just generally failed to take responsibility for the school's shortcomings and didn't seem to care about the students.
-
My interviewers were awful!
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Social aspects: No one lives on campus. No med student dining hall. Student population is not too diverse.
-
The letter-grade system, the school starts in the middle of August, there's not much to do in the city, the students seem much more domestic/older than me, it's a small city
-
The school is unable to provide adequate parking for students, at least not until 2008. This a major drawback for anyone in need of commuting, and an unfortunate issue for this very fine medical school.
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Alot. The interviewers were both late and the faculty interviewer seemed intent on asking irrelevant psychoanalytical questions. Madison is a extremely cold and dull city. No student parking will be provided at the new med school they are building so be prepared to take the bus!
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The fact that not too many out of state people are accepted to the school.
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Old current building. Many students lost the tour. The tour was uncessary because the medical school will no longer be in that building next year.
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The (relatively) high cost of living in Madison
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The facilities were old and cramped. Fortunately, there will be a brand new facility next year. Also, the med school is becoming more and more segregated geographically from the rest of campus--it is moving out towards the hospital. That will limit interaction with undergraduates and other grad students. Finally, parking is a nightmare!
-
There is a lot of class time, but none of the students seemed to mind. They actually enjoyed it.
-
The interviewers, one could barely speak English, and the other didn't know which hole in his head to pick next. I was surprised at some of the low people skills of some of the students admitted to the school. It shows that the admissions process is truly a random entity.
-
That the day seemed impersonal. I did not like that the final two years occurred at various places around the state, some rural, etc. The day was way too long, and started way too early. We had a waste-of-time tour during which we were shown the old facilities -- we will use the new building next year. Also, I felt like I was wasting some of the interviewer's valuable time.
-
The lack of organization at the beginning of the mroning presentations.
-
The electives that are offered seem a little scarce (but they are changing that).
-
Traditional curriculum (lots of lecture hours)--but they are working to change this.
-
The old facilities, but it doesn't matter because next year's class will be in a BRAND NEW medical school!
-
Just how old the school was, and how crappy the parking situation was...otherwise everything was impressive.
-
One of my interviewers was trying really hard to get me go into research.
-
Lack of adequate parking areas.
-
Lots of waiting around (for next interview, for lunch, etc)
-
The tour was pretty boring, especially because it was of the old facility which none of us will be using when we start.
-
The school is pretty old and the lecture halls are claustrophobic, but a new one's on the way....
-
I really had a postive experience
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How cramped the school was (they are constantly building!!!), the lack of parking (but they have a good bus and shuttle system), the numerous one-way streets and the weather (it was quite cold).
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Madison itself. Bear in mind that I come from a farm and cringe at city life.
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Parking and old building (but new one is on the way)
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The facilities, but new school is coming!!
-
Yup - med sciences building still ancient. BUT - new building open next winter.
-
The tour of the med school was poorly given (not a major complaint)
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Medical school is separate from hospital, so getting to your clerkships seems like it might be a pain.
-
The physical state of the medical science center -- it looked like the whole building could topple at any time.
-
The current medical school is very, very, very old. The curriculum is traditional and not very intergraded in the first year.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time that the interviews were laid-back and conversational, with little emphasis placed on traditional medical or ethical questions. Additionally, many suggested being prepared for the relaxed atmosphere, wearing comfortable shoes for a long hospital tour, and being aware of the school's emphasis on blending MD education with public health studies.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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To truly just try and relax. Honestly, almost none of the questions that I was asked were on the "most commonly asked questions" websites. For example, I was not asked "tell me about yourself," "why medicine?" or "why this school?".
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Even though they say you can dress business casual on non-interview calls, most people will still wear business formal.
-
Don't feel like you have to do the social gathering the night before or the round table, neither plays a part in the interview process, just a chance for you to as questions, It seemed like UW weighs the interview like another letter of rec, so that was really nice.
-
There were about 40 people having the interview on the same date and a lot of the kids only applied to the top 10 schools, which made me feel a bit intimidated.
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N/A
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Not much, I had researched the school pretty extensively. The day is really casual and fun!
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Nothing.
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How relaxed the day was.
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What parking ramp to park in (it is the one directly in front of the main hospital.
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That there is a group interview with medical students as interviewers
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That the interview really truly is laid-back and conversational.
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Nothing... I was pretty well prepared. I'm ok for hours in heels, but there is a lot of walking so others regretted wearing them.
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That the interviewers don't ask health care or ethics questions.
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-Bring your own coffee mug so coffee doesn't spill all over your overcoat hahaha. -Add 2-3 hours on to your estimated time of arrival to account for weather and traffic. -Prepare more questions than you believe satisfactory, since everyone you meet will ask you if you have any questions. At the same time, a lot of the people you will meet will not have a say in the selection process.
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That the mapquest directions were not correct.
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How informal the interviews were. They really just try to see your personality and see if you can connect with them. The student panel was rough because if you have a gunner with you (as I did) they shadow over the other applicants.
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The interview counts about as much as a LOR. Not a huge deal, I guess--could be good or bad.
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To get cheesecurds at the state capitol. Apparently that's the #1 place to get them.
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How laid back the whole experience would be.
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The tour is kinda long- a lot of the girls regretted wearing high heels.
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How laid back the interview was.
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That the social event the night before is really a roundtable Q and A.
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The one on one interview counts for next to nothing. My interviewer said that the letter she writes is about or less important than another letter of recommendation.
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I really didn't discover anything I hadn't already known.
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Nothing- It was a great experience. There was no need for jitters.
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That most of the streets in downtown Madison are one-way and I got lost using directions from mapquest. A printable map to the Friedrick center would have helped.
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Nothing
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Nothing really.
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Nothing, I go to school at Wisconsin and have a few friends at the medical school
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That the interview was not as important in this school as I thought
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Madison is really committed to blending your MD education with public health studies (thus both being part of one school), and is hoping within a few years ~25% of the med students will also pursue an MPH.
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They are doing a lot of new construction. By 2008, the facilities will have completely turned over (into all new buildings built after 2003 [except the hospital, which is still state of the art])
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That my student host would not have an extra towel, i'm hoping i have a rich roomie because so far my student hosts (at another host as i type) live in spartan conditions-most noticeably the absence of furniture-he gave me his bed (and only pillow) and slept on the floor-he was pretty awesome like that.
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It's really hard for OOS to get in (I'm from CA).
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That it was so laid back, nothing to stress about at all.
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The third year clinical rotations are all throughout the state of Wisconsin (mandatory to go away from Madison)
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That the interview means so little in the eyes of the admissions committee.
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---
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Nothing, it was what I expected.
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The parking is a problem
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From what I've seen... the school wants to churn out physicians that will serve the state of Wisconsin's underserved populations... hence the existence of its rather homogeneous (ie - mostly Caucasians from a rural area) student body...
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The location of the office we were supposed to meet. The amount of down time. The files are open in that they know your extra curriculars and essays, but that's it.
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The purposes of the interview are (1) to sell the school to you, (2) to learn what motivates you to do medicine, and (3) to give you a chance to add things to your application -- updates, new ideas, whatever. Your interviewer will submit a letter to the committee with whatever you say you want them to know. Also, there is a real emphasis on selecting students who are comfortable in the setting and modest. Arrogance and trotting out your CV will get you nowhere.
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That Madison is pretty cool!
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WEAR BOOTS!!!! and bring waterproof shoes if you expect the weather to be bad.
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That the interview would be so incredibly laid-back.
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That the masters in public health component is now being established.
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That the new building would make the school so pompous.
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Here is the way that they make a decision on your application: your file including the interviewers feedback is read by five members of the admissions committee. at the meeting, the person most enthusiastic about you is asked to speak on your behalf, then the person with the most reservations about your file tells their concerns, then the other three tell how enthusiatic about you they are, and the committee votes...
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The second interview is a group interview and essentially useless.
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That EVERYONE wears dark suits...try to switch it up.
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How laid back it was...it would have saved me the stress beforehand.
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How low stress the interview actually was. You really should not worry about this interview.
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This school itself is going towards the research-end of things. They really don't have that diverse a patient-population to draw from so they send you away for some of your clinical rotations. Not cool, since, with the exception of Milwaukee, the rest of the state isn't as diverse as Madison. They are more about diverse medical delivery environments and not about serving diverse communities.
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Not to trip out!
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That UW is not worth the stress. The interviewers are totally canned and phoney. Good luck to them...I'll be ten times the doctor they are...
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I wish I thought of more questions to ask my interviewer.
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That we would be going out on Friday Night....only brought business attire.
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That they were going to be so hospitable, I wouldn't have worried so much.
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What a great place Madison is for graduate students in particular (both for research, education and life).
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I had never heard of their DOC program (going out to local schools and teaching elementary/middle school/high school students about their health, and the great international programs that they offer.
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I should not have worn a black suit. Nearly everyone came in wearing a black suit that looked almost identical to each other's. One of the faculty members exclaimed, "This must be dark suit day!".
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Go there the night before. There is construction EVERYWHERE.
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Massive renovations and little or no competition (no curved scale except for Heme module)
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Research is highly regarded.
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They have a yearly "Dean's Cup" competition against the students at the Law School. Sounds like fun.
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A lot of walking.
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The new campus is very far away from the downtown area
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If the school you're interviewing at offers a host program, do seriously consider taking it. My student host was exceptionally nice and informative, and she took me on a tour of the UW-Madison campus that took made me appreciate UW-Madison not just for its medical school, but for the entire university and the city around it. From my interview here, I realized just how great the student host program can be.
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You take a tour of the UW Hospital, which is gigantic. Make sure you wear shoes you can walk for an hour in.
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The interview counts the same as a LOR.
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The genuine concern faculty have for students; the high pass rate of USMLE step 1; the camaraderie between students; how picturesque the school is; how dependent med students are on undergrads to provide entertainment on the weekends
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Absolutely low-stess interview. Mostly we just talked and laughed, hardly any questions that didn't flow naturally from the converstation. Don't stress at all, it's cake.
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That I should have flown into Detroit instead of Chicago for my connecting flight. That the interview was not TOO heavily weighted. I wish I had more time to look around Madison.
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That I would have my own hotel room!!! I brought towels bc I thought we were staying in dorms!!!
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I went to undergrad here and was pretty determined that this was not the school for me, but after the interview it is at the top of my list. A lot of my friends feel the same way.
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Don't park in the lot in front of the school, I got a thirty dollar parking ticket, park in the ramp directly behind the med school
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No surprises; all very fun.
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I wish i would have been better prepared to sell myself to the interviewer.
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Suit/tie not required. I also wish they had better explained where to go.
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This interview is totally relaxed and the dean of admissions who came to talk to our group told us they don't give it quite so much weight as other schools do, so there is no need to stress.
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That the interview is not weighed as heavily as it is at other schools -- it's considered equivalent to another letter of recommendation.
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Interview is viewed as another letter of recommendation in your file, doesn't appear that too much weight is placed on interview
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No coffee or water was served, only juice. Wear comfortable shoes the hospital tour is long. No need to stress, VERY VERY VERY low key.
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The lack of student diversity (it's 90% white!)
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How informal it all was.
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See negative impression above.
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Nada
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The short amount of time that we would have for our faculty interview. also that the student interviews were in groups, with other applicants and different medical students.
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The self-absorbed nature of the school. in general, UW thinks it's just a wonderful place and all those people that think otherwise are simply ignorant of its greatness. the tour of the hospital was basically a pr woman giving pep-rally-like statements about the hospital, very lacking in substance. couple that with the very homogenous student body and you have a school i'd rather avoid. nobody really informed me about the quality of classes or their feelings on the school's atmosphere. I also wished i knew ahead of time that i would NOT be interviewing with a professor but with an administrator that knew nothing about the school!
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I was assuming that we would be able to take a tour of the new facilities, but we only got a "virtual tour".
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Low stress interviews
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No one from the admissions committee is present during the day - if I had known that, I might have felt more relaxed during the orientation and talks.
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The parking is bad, to say the least
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The students are sharing cadavers with eight students this year.
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How bad this school actually is. It fulfills any and all stereotypes you may have about Wisconsin.
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Nothin really
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That Madison is located on an isthmus between two gorgeous lakes.
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Madison is a bigger/busier city than I expected.
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I knew parking was a bitch, but I didn't know how bad it really was.
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How casual Madison is.
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Nothing--I did my undergrad work here in Madison, too.
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It's really as relaxed as everyone claims!
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No need to stress out AT ALL!!
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They say the interviews are laid back, which is true, but the way the interview goes depends on whether you get a good interviewer or not - don't freak out if you're not sharing life stories...some of the interviewers are just in 'robot' mode.
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Allow plenty of time to find parking and walk to your interview site.
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You are graded on 7 subject areas (motivation, knowledge of career, people skills, knoledge of american health care, etc.) and the interviewers rate you on a scale of 1-7 for each subject area. So make sure you hit all the subject areas! (both of my interviewers showed me the sheet beforehand)
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Not too much, I've been in Madison for the past 3 years, so I realize its shortcomings (PARKING) and its strengths (THE PEOPLE)
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I had heard the interviews were very low stress, but I was not prepared for just how comfortable the whole situation was.
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I wish I knew that some of the 3rd and 4th yr rotations required you to leave madison for a few weeks to other parts of the state. That's not a bad thing, I just wish you had the option.
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How cramped Madison is...
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Parking is terrible. I stayed the night before at the student, so trying to find a space was not as difficult.
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There was honestly nothing to be worried about, the day was a great experience.
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Nothing I can think of.
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How laid back every one was -- if I had known that, maybe I would not have been nearly as stressed out as I was.
🤝 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?
The most common feedback and suggestions shared by applicants for the admissions office are to send out interview invitations earlier to help with travel planning and costs, provide more information on lodging options for travelers, and improve communication about decision timelines. Additionally, applicants appreciated the helpfulness and friendliness of the admissions office staff.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Keep doing what you're doing! Great job!
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It would make a WORLD of difference to have IIs sent out earlier. I was SO excited to interview here, but buying a plane ticket less than two weeks in advance cost me literally $500. It’s a huge financial barrier, and I honestly had a moment of tears because I was worried I would have to forgo my interview because I couldn’t afford it.
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My only complaint was parking was $10
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N/a
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None - Everything was great.
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None - they were exceptionally nice and helpful.
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For those traveling, maybe explain options for lodging in the invitation email.
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The "hard sell" at the end of the day turned me off. It was too much. Everything before then was very positive.
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None the process is amazing
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Review interviewees by their date of interview instead of picking 15-20 applicants randomly for revi
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Keep doing what you are doing.
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They're amazing! i have a big typo in my secondary, and when i called to tell them- they let me get
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Well, it definitely is not eco-friendly. More info on the city would be nice.
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Either make the interview more important or maybe not make it a requirement for long distance travel
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Give a better indication of when decisions will be made and applicants notified.
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None.
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
✈️
MSN
39% interviewees used MSN (MSN), with 18% using MKE (MKE) and 11% using msn (msn) and 7% using Madison (Madison) and 4% using MAD (MAD) and 4% using Dane County (Dane County) and 4% using Madison airport (Madison airport) and 4% using Milwaukee (I currently go to school out of state) (Milwaukee (I currently go to school out of state)) and 4% using Dane Regional Airport (Dane Regional Airport) and 4% using ORD (ORD) and 4% using Chicago O'Hare (Chicago O'Hare).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by automobile to the interview.
✈️
34% Airplane
🚗
52% Automobile
🚆
8% Train or Subway
🚲
6% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Country Inn and Suites Madison West (average ranking 8.5/10), with some staying at Doubletree (average rating 10/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Country Inn and Suites Madison West
8.5/10
🏨
Doubletree
10/10
🏨
Friedrick center
10/10
What was the cost and time spent traveling?
Cost: Low Cost to High Cost
What is your in-state status?
Most respondents are in state students.
Where did you stay?
Most respondents stayed either Friends or family or with friends or family.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Admissions staff (5%)
Faculty member (3%)
Other (1%)
Student (92%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (1%)
Enthusiastic (87%)
Neutral (12%)
All Responses
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| Application Cycle ▿ | Impression | Performance | Interview Location |
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