Hamilton, ON
Allopathic Medical Schools | Public Non-Profit
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Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 22% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview very impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.9
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 102 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 average 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 (84%)
Negatively (4%)
No change (12%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (33%)
Good (39%)
Average (22%)
Poor (6%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally found the interview day to be enjoyable and less stressful than anticipated, with positive interactions with staff and fellow interviewees. Suggestions included being prepared for the MMI format, researching the school beforehand, and staying true to oneself during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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The interview day solidified my desire to attend the school
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It was an interesting day, interesting experience. I didn't get asked any ethical questions or any current events, just stuff about me. Meeting all the other premeds relieved a lot of built up stress!! I was given time at the end to ask questions and tell them something I didn't get a chance to.
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Good.
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Really fun. The students put you at ease, there are some interesting questions put forth.. overall a nice day with a nice lunch.
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Surprisingly, had a lot of fun during the interview process.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
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Length:
54 Minutes Average
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Number:
5.1 Interviews Average
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Interview Type (Interaction):
84% One-on-One
16% Group Interview
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File Type:
36% Open-File
64% Closed-File
McMaster-COMP interviews are an average of 54 minutes, with an average of 5.1 interviews. 84% of interviews are one-on-one, and 64% are closed-file.
What is one of the specific questions they asked you?
The most commonly asked interview questions at medical schools based on user responses include exploring the pros and cons of self-directed and problem-based learning, preparation for these learning methods, ethical scenarios, role models, motivation for pursuing medicine, and financial considerations. Several respondents mentioned being under a nondisclosure agreement, hinting at a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format where specific questions are kept confidential.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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I signed a confidentiality agreement stipulating that I would not disclose any questions.
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Pros and Cons of self-directed learning and problem-based learning How have you prepared yourself for this type of learning (PBL and SDL)?
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- some medical quotes
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Sorry, can't disclose! Prepare like you would for any other interview. Practice ethical questions, or situational (what would you do if...) type of questions, looking at both sides (all possible points), and come to a conclusion at the end. If you run out of ideas, they will ask follow-up questions to help you along.
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Cannot disclose. However, know yourself well and have a familiarity with difficult ethical issues. Always address both sides, but in the end, make a decision and stick with it.
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine discussed the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, where respondents may have been subject to a nondisclosure agreement. Common themes included ethical dilemmas, communication scenarios, teamwork, patient interactions, personal values, and social issues related to healthcare.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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None
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I signed a confidentiality agreement stipulating that I would not disclose any questions.
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MMI questions cannot be disclosed. Some interesting team work games which are popular at the ontario science centre ...
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Can't disclose the questions.
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Cannot disclose. The questions are all very different. Nothing unfair.
How did you prepare for the interview?
Most applicants prepared for the interview by reading about medical ethics, practicing mock interviews, reviewing ethical scenarios, and staying updated on current events. They emphasized the importance of introspection, reflecting on personal experiences, and being genuine about motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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Reading up on medical ethics; soul-searching about what I wanted from life, career goals, motives.
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Mock interviews, talked to medical student, read up on current events
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Read 'Doing Right' and practiced with friends.
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Read about MMI. Practised sample questions (available online). Read ethics book. Kept up with current events.
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Had several prior. Honestly, I was not interested in Mac which just put me more at ease which is absolutely key.
What was the most difficult question?
Students said the most difficult question asked at McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine discussed a variety of topics, including ethical dilemmas, conflict resolution scenarios, health care system implications, and personal reflections on role models. Some respondents mentioned signing a nondisclosure agreement, indicating that the interview may have been in an MMI format with questions that are not disclosed.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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None
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I signed a confidentiality agreement stipulating that I would not disclose any questions.
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Not to disclose to much, but my thoughts on a medically related quote
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Something along the lines of 'self-evaluation'.
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Social, Legal, medical implications of a needle-exchange program. Also asked to come up with some viable alternatives.
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were consistently impressed by the friendly and supportive atmosphere created by students and faculty, as well as the well-organized and efficient interview process. They highlighted the positive interactions with interviewers and student hosts, the engaging MMI format, and the beautiful facilities as standout elements that contributed to their positive experience. Suggestions included continuing to prioritize creating a welcoming environment and maintaining the high level of organization during the interview process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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The efforts by students and faculty to create a positive atmosphere. The objectivity of the interview (MMI format, many interviewers & averaging of responses)
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How friendly and supportive all the medical students were and how fast the process went. I got there at 6:45am and left at 9:30am!!!
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They made sure you weren't hungry.
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Students were nice. Interviewers were friendly.
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The new MDCL building is very nice. very nice.
What impressed you negatively?
Applicants commonly expressed dissatisfaction with the long and exhaustive interview process, lack of breaks or school tours, disorganized scheduling, apathetic staff/interviewers, and negative attitudes from some interviewers. Suggestions included shorter interview days with breaks, more organized scheduling, enthusiastic staff, and engaging interviewers for a better overall experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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The length of the day.
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Not being able to tour the hospital
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Allowing the friends of some interviewers to stick around after interviews were over (i.e. during lunch).
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The schools curriculum
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Nothing.
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known ahead of time the duration of the day, the importance of being themselves, not to be nervous, and to relax. They also mentioned the unpredictability of interview times and the significance of understanding the video portion.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
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What time the day would finish.
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Nothing really...
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It is really impossible to prepare for the MMI.
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Nothing.
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The entire day lasted ~7hrs.
🤝 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?
No responses
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Sheraton (average ranking 9/10), with some staying at Admiral Inn (average rating 8/10). (Top 3 displayed)
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Sheraton
9/10
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Admiral Inn
8/10
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Marriott
8/10
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 Hotel or at a hotel.
Who was the tour given by?
Tours were most commonly given by a Student
Other (10%)
Student (90%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (8%)
Enthusiastic (92%)
All Responses
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