How did the interview impress you?

Positively

What was the stress level of the interview?

7 out of 10

How long was the interview?

60+ minutes

Where did the interview take place?

At the school

How many people interviewed you?

4

What was the style of the interview?

In a group

What type of interview was it?

Open file

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

"Hard work, determination, and tenacity are three qualities you feel you possess that helped you to get to where you are today. These are “get there” words. What qualities do you think will help you succeed in medical school and the medical profession? I said the same qualities would work…" Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"You said you learned patience from “meals on wheels.” Explain what this means and how it taught you patience." Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"That was basically it, only four questions. There were four interviewers and four interviewees (there was another group of three and three). You sit at a table and they sit across from you and ask you questions. All I can say is don't worry about it--it isn't as bad you think it is going to be—JUST RELAX if you can. If you have any other questions, you can e-mail me at [email protected], since I know I wish I would have had someone to ask a few more questions to." Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most interesting question?

"Since I am from a small town, the student interviewer asked if I was on a panel to figure out how to get doctors to practice in small towns and large cities, what programs would I implement to encourage this." Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most difficult question?

"Explain the research you participated in and how you believe it applies to your future medical career." Report Response | I was asked this question too

How did you prepare for the interview?

"Read through my application (both the secondary and AACOM). They like to ask questions directly (verbatim) from your application. Also read the feedback on SDN." Report Response

What impressed you positively?

"Dr. Haight was great and made you feel at ease. When you meet him in the morning before the interview (GO TO THE HOTEL FOR THE BREAKFAST) ask him lots of questions about the interview. He will tell if you ask--but only if you ask. Don't be shy. The campus was okay, but the anatomy lab was pretty impressive (no smell whatsoever)." Report Response

What impressed you negatively?

"The library left a lot to be desired. The school is fairly new and in the construction phase. The school is the ONLY thing on the island, so you must leave to do anything. Also, the students didn't seem to have any desire to do anything but study--there was a severe lack of things to do OTHER than study (I am not sure how they would vent after tests or a hard week)." Report Response

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

"Rent a car if you can. Vallejo has very little to do, especially in walking distance and there isn't very much public transportation. I didn't know the school was ranked so high among other schools. Also, 4000 people get applications, 400 get interviews, and about 187 get accepted (pretty good odds—about 50/50)." Report Response

What are your general comments?

"The interview experience was pretty good overall. This was my first interview so I was pretty nervous going into it, especially since it was a panel interview. However, it wasn't bad at all. They don't try to make you look bad in front of anyone or put you on the spot—it’s pretty laid back and relaxed. All the questions were from my personal statement on my secondary or AACOM. They mostly focused on activities and words / qualities that I used in it. Be sure to know what you said and why you said it. The campus and school are new and it is hard to see what it will be like when things get rolling. All-in-all it was a good experience and a lot less stressful than I had anticipated. I cannot stress enough to ask Dr. Haight all the questions you have about the interview, because he is very good at telling it like it is and being honest about it. I was a bit curious about how Jewish the school would be—but it isn’t a big part of it—just an affiliation." Report Response

Who was the tour given by?

Student

On what date did the interview take place?

10/16/2002