How did the interview impress you?

Positively

What was the stress level of the interview?

2 out of 10

How long was the interview?

60+ minutes

Where did the interview take place?

At the school

How many people interviewed you?

2

What was the style of the interview?

One-on-one

What type of interview was it?

Closed file

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

"How do you think the Admissions Committee evaluates applicants? What do you think they base their decisions on?" Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"Tell me about the last patient you remember seeing at ___ clinical experience. Why do you remember this patient so much?" Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"Do you think healthcare is a right or a privilege?" Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most interesting question?

"Which of your parents do you emulate the most and why?" Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most difficult question?

"There were honestly no difficult questions. The interview was very conversational and laid back. I didn't even get ethical questions or questions about healthcare systems." Report Response | I was asked this question too

How did you prepare for the interview?

"Made a list of typical questions and practiced my answers on friends, read SDN, had mock interviews with doctors, talked with med students about their interview experiences, and read the NYT Health section." Report Response

What impressed you positively?

"I really liked the campus! We got a tour of all the lecture halls, the anatomy lab, study rooms, PBLs, and a couple of the hospitals. The students who gave us the tour were great. The Office of Admissions pays for interviewees to have lunch in the faculty lounge, which is much nicer than the cafeteria! The Admissions staff were all very friendly and helpful. " Report Response

What impressed you negatively?

"I knew that USC isn't exactly in the greatest area of LA, but being there made me wonder how safe the campus is. The students I talked to said that there are never problems though, and that you can live about five minutes away in a safer area." Report Response

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

"Basically just how laid back the entire day was. I had my faculty interview from 8am to about 9:30, then my student interview at 10. Then I went on a tour and had lunch with some of the med students and that was the day!" Report Response

What are your general comments?

"Both of my interviews were very relaxed. USC does blind interviews, so there was no mention of GPA or MCAT. Both interviewers seemed like they just wanted to get to know me as a person and understand my interests both inside and outside of medicine. Be prepared to answer the "why USC" question. My faculty interviewer emphasized the fact that about 1/2 of interviewees are accepted, and he seemed impressed that I knew a lot about the school and had an interest in it. Also, be ready to answer questions about where you applied, where you've interviewed, and and where you've been accepted. I got this question at almost every interview I've been to." Report Response

Who was the tour given by?

Student

On what date did the interview take place?

12/03/2003