Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Interview Feedback Summary
Pomona, CA
Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit
AI Advisor
Ask questions about this school. Answers use aggregated data and are subject to error.
👋
Hi there! How can I help?
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 32% of interviews, indicating it is moderately regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did well.
⭐ Overall Impressions ▼
SDN Interview Experience Score
7.4
Good
Generally favorable experience overall, applicants reported positive interactions with some minor issues noted.
Based on 1,451 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 (70%)
Negatively (11%)
No change (20%)
How you think you did?
Most respondents thought they performed well at the interview.
Great (32%)
Good (50%)
Average (16%)
Poor (2%)
Bad (1%)
What are your general comments?
Applicants generally shared mixed feedback about their interview experiences at the school. Some found the interviews to be laid-back and informative, with friendly interviewers and a welcoming atmosphere. Others expressed concerns about the location, the surrounding area, the interview process, and the level of enthusiasm displayed by staff and faculty.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
It you can get past the bad Inland Empire location, smog and undesirable neighborhood/campus you can likely learn medicine here. Faculty seemed average for a DO program, not the worse I've seen, not the best. Yes you can live in nicer neighborhoods nearby and commute to school (Claremont) but Claremont is basically an island surrounded by undesirable areas.
-
It was a very short and easy to manage interview day. The staff and faculty were very welcoming and spent a lot of time talking about the school and their personal experiences. It was nice to be able to watch the admissions presentations ahead of time.
-
It was pretty chill and laid back, there weren't any curveballs or questions that I wouldn't expect.
-
Great school, very friendly interviews, genuine want to get to know you!
-
This school has a long history of producing excellent board scores and residency matches. It's an amazing school.
-
Pomona isn't the most interesting town, but the downtown looks cute and is right next to the school. I would highly recommend attending the dinner with students the night before the interview- I learned a lot from that session!
-
The people is what makes the school and ultimately why I chose it.
-
Great school, strong curriculum, excellent professors, best state to study medicine
-
I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. I'm hoping for that acceptance in 2 weeks.
-
Overall, a great institution to learn Osteopathic Medicine. IMO I believe WesternU/COMP is one of the DO schools in the country, if not the best. Excellent clinical rotations throughout the SoCal metropolitan area.
-
There is really NO way to prepare for the MMI so just stay calm and be yourself!
-
I liked the school. I'm not sure I want to live in this part of CA.
-
Excellent school! Relaxed interview.
-
Wish this wasnt a DO school lol
-
The campus is nice but the town is sketchy.
-
The campus is nice and the interview day as a whole was very informative and helpful. The staff and students were all friendly and willing to answer questions. The presentation on osteopathy at the end was very interesting.
-
This is an amazing school. I want to go here!
-
I'm in love with this school and I know you'll be too!
-
Amazing little school! The OMM and anatomy seems very very strong here and the basic sciences are more clinically focused (the research is very weak in comparison to a university). It is a very clinically focused school so if you want to be a clinician this is your place.
-
School seems solid, just locate in a sketchy area.
-
I really was impressed by the school. I definately would consider going if offered admission. The school was really cute-I am a fan of adobe-style architecture. As a HPSP student hoping to become career military physician, I was really impressed by the fact they have military clinical rotations available. The staff and faculty seem to be real helpful. They have nice facilities, and laptop plugins at every seat. Only downside--SMOG! I am a big enviromentalist.
-
I think this school provides an excellent education, and the curriculum looks very solid.
-
Aside from the hotel stay, all was well. I really fell in love with the school and I should find out today if I got in... Another thing to be prepared for- about 50 students interviewed with me. It was cool to talk to so many premeds but I had no idea that's how interviews went at Western. And there are three diff interview panels. And in the morning you are assigned a panel and a time. I interviewed with an immunology doc and a PhD from Japan. (I was able to understand her well, but I talked to a guy after the interviews and he said he had a really hard time answering her questions).
-
Stay in the Fariplex Suites under the Western Rate if you can afford it ($119/ night), the regular rate is $269 and the room is like a small aparment with a great bar and great food. I slept well and watched TV on one of two flat screens in my room.
-
Overall seems like a great school. the students i talked to all seem really happy with the education they are getting.
-
Overall, i really didn't think the interview was that bad. I was really nervous and was hyperventilating right before my interview, but calmed down as i talked about myself in the interview. I think the interviewers were really nice people. If you look at the questions below, it looks like they were grilling me. But from the vibe that I got, i felt like they were playing devils advocate on me rather than grilling on me just to see where I stood on my positions and if i could think critically on my feet. So my advice would be just to relax and be yourself (i know easier said than done.) They really aren't there to get you and pick on your flaws. The interview goes by really fast and before you know it you're done.
-
I had the highest opinion of the school already going into the interview, so no change in my view. FYI, I had a relatively laid back interview.. conversational, but others had really abrasive interviewers and tough ethics questions.... luck of the draw.
-
It was a good experience, they offer a lot of information about the curriculum, tuition etc. I was impressed until the point of the interview where the interviewers were very stand-off-ish, and others who interviewed with the same 3 that I did had the same response. It was not encouraging at all, and made me change my feeling about the school.
-
Overall this is my number one school in CA! [Fiance is established here so I want to stay in state] They have the best facilities/curriculum and are #1 in the Comlex 2's I believe!
-
Interesting that a non-refundable $1000 tuition deposit is due december 1st, so essentially i need to have decided between all schools by then. ughh
-
This was my first interview. If all of my interviews are this awesome, though, I'm going to have a hard time making choices.
-
If your coming from out of state the Shilo is an awesome option. The pick you up at the airport, take you to western, and from western to the airport. Its a way nice hotel and saves renting a car
-
Schools felt the best among the 4 that i interviewed at (RVU, ATSU-SOMA, and lecome-bradenton), but purely personal opinion. The result comes pretty fast, mail arrive within 2 weeks after interview. If you have acceptance elsewhere, can fax over acceptance letter and request result within 1 week. Actual notification of interview post-2nd took a month though. Time line: 2nd submit by mid Feb, interview notice receive by mid March, April 9th interview, April 14th acquired accepted result, April 22 received mail. Whole trip was quite expensive for me since I lived in Toronto. I would recommend the Ontario airport (tho smaller and less flight), it is very close to school compare to LAX.
-
I really like this school, I think its going to be a great fit for both my wife and myself. I would definitely attend here. Plus the new medical building will be opening in the fall, which is really nice. *Note about travel cost* My expense was high because my wife came with me and we stayed a couple days because we have friends that live in the area.
-
Really great school, great students, and the area immediately surrounding the school is not as gnar as everyone makes it out to be.
-
The interview was the least conversational of all my interviews which got me nervous.
-
Overall impression of the school was positive.
-
Kinda of a long day with lots of down time, but very informative.
-
This is my top choice, and I am from California, so I am probably biased. I can forgive the area. If you think downtown Pomona is bad, try downtown Oakland or Richmond. Trust me, there are far worse areas in California. The campus layout itself is nice - it's very linear with the nice courtyard in the middle. The admissions folk weren't as informative as they were at other schools, but that's fine.
-
*Call or email admissions office beforehand to see if they have any questions about your file or transcripts. It will save you a bit of anxiety come orientation. Otherwise I had a great day and I am looking forward to hearing back.
-
I hope I get in!
-
I did like the school, but I am not 100% sold on it. Tuition alone is about $45k for the first 2 years and then increases by about 20% for your final 2 years. During the various presentations it became apparent that most DOs do not use OMM regularly. The faculty and staff were very friendly and helpful.
-
Either I did really really well or really really bad on this interview because they didn't ask me a lot of question. They only asked the basic questions that I listed below. I didn't get any ethical questions or weakness, strength, how to deal with interpersonal conflict or any of that. I think I talked a lot during the interview. I basically explained everything in great details about what I did as an undergraduate, so I guess they didn't have to ask. Honestly, the interview atmosphere is not as intimidate as I had anticipated. Be prepared, though, since you need to know what you are talking about. I don't know if it really works, (I read this tips from an interview book) but you can point your toes upward when u get nervous and shaky. This will help relax your body muscle and calm you down.
-
It's a better school than people give it credit for. When the new buildings are finished in 2010 it'll be even better and have a patient care center and even more facilities.
-
The admissions counselors were amazing, the campus is bigger and nicer than i excepted. Would probably have considered it my first choice if the interview wasn't so uncomfortable.
-
Interview was quick and to the point. Mostly clarifications on what was on my secondary. Then afterwards more conversational, more about what time was my flight and some other interesting questions about family background etc.
-
My group (20 interviewed this day) was so serious and you could tell ultra competitive.
-
Hilarious note: Definitely accidentally mentioned the WRONG school name when asking questions at the end of the interview-- woops!! But even with this massive and embarrassing error, I was accepted! Two other interviewees I know felt very uncomfortable about their interviews here and were accepted as well, so I think the main idea is that they try to pick at your weaknesses and see how well you handle pressure.
-
Other students with the same interviewers got the usual ethical/political questions..For some reason they didn't bring anything like that up for me. Still my top choice. Wait and see...
-
This school is awsome!
-
Great school, great people, they really care about your success
-
Western is a nice school. It's not too big so you don't have to walk too much to get to places. The buildings are quite nice, with plenty of daylight. Students seem happy and the faculty and staff seem truly wonderful. I may end up going there!
-
I hope they send us a survey about the interview day. This school was one of my top choices before the interview, but now I feel less inclined to go here. I know they are still strong academically and I would be happy there, but they really could have done a better job selling the school I think.
-
Awesome school. My top choice.
-
I was pleasantly surprised with western, I went in expecting to not like it, but it seems like a really great school and I could see myself there.
-
Its a good school. The admistration cares about its students. It produces good doctors. I just don't like L.A. in general and pomona specifically. But I would make the best of it and enjoy my education.
-
The campus was friendly and you get a sense that everyone there, even faculty and staff, like Western U.
-
Look at the other interviews....the one prior is probably better said than I ever could!
-
My feedback is below....i really dont have anything negative to say about the school. Very excited students and faculty, and they let you know that they love their school. Read the rest of my feedback below.... One thing i've read on here a few times is that people were turned away by the fact that there is a train station right behind campus.... so I asked "have there been problems with the noise of the train coming through during exams or studying or anything like that" and she said that they went through this legal process and their schools is considered a "quiet zone" so trains can't honk or make any unnecessary noise while they drive through. A train came through while we were walking outside and it seriously wasnt even that loud. No way you'd be able to hear it from an inside building during an exam or class. So yea, dont let the train tracks scare you away, it appears they ahve done their best to minimize the disturbance. One thing one of the speakers mentioned was the surrounding area of the school. A lot of people on SDN complain about how "the area is bad" or "its not very pretty" or something to the effect that the area aroudn the school is "poor." The presenter made a very good point....their school is in the PERFECT place for their mission. Its right in the middle of an underserved and underrepresented community. Its not friken beverly hills people (my own words). So, get over the fact that the surrounding area isn't mansions and pool houses and realize the school is serving a community that is in need of quality health care.
-
Dean Adams is great. I'm really impressed with the school, with the students, and am very happy to be starting here this August.
-
I had a lovely experience at Western and I hope to start school this August.
-
I wasn't happy that they accused me of things that were clearly not in my record. They seemed very bored and uninterested in interviewing me. The students were not enthusiastic at all. Many do not attend class because they said the lecturers are poor at teaching and gaining student enthusiasm. If I were to do it all over again, I would have been more daring and assertive in calling them on their games/disinterest. Since it was my first interview, I was really nervous. I chose another school. They also had us sit in a very dim, large room for a couple of hours in the afternoon while we waited to interview. Here, chairs were side-by-side, so it was hard to talk to fellow interviewees. It seems they want in-state students.
-
The interview was pleasant. It was very conversational and not argumentative or probing. They were suppose to be group interviews (panel), but they evidently didn't have enough staff, so they were one on one. The campus doesn't really have a school "campus" feel and it is also not in the best area.
-
It was sterile. Both lacked humor and were not personable. One person was asking questions while the other looked like he'd rather be anywhere but there. He took off his shoe and stretched/yawned in the middle, looking absolutely bored. I tried to be friendly, but they responded with more droning. I had to take initiative on my own to tell them about myself, they did not ask many probing questions.
-
Great
-
I wish I hadn't gone. The interviewers spent less than 30 mins with me and one of them, a faculty, was really condescending.
-
Up until the actual interviews it was pretty good. (However it was unfortunate that they didn't have keys to open up and show us the OMM lab.) Everyone was very friendly. Current students told me that I was shortchanged getting the interviewers that I had - they were definitely not representative of the osteopathic faculty.
-
Overall, good conversational interview. They really seemed interested in what I had to say.
-
I came with a positive attitude and had a great time meeting my potential classmates. The faculty made me feel like they actually wanted me to attend their school and that was something that I have not experienced during this process :)
-
I really wanted to give Western a chance due to its proximity to Orange County. I was accepted to Western but don't think I will be attending. It's not the worst experience I have ever had but I didn't make me want to attend.
-
Overall I had a great time. The staff all were really nice and enthusiastic, our tour guide was very informative. We were given the opportunity to sit in a class, which I wish I had done. It was nerve racking waiting for my interview but not too uncommon to make you wait.
-
I wish they had students give the tour of the campus. I think that my interview day didn't quite impress me about Western. The staff seemed dull and not so enthusiastic. It's not just the school interviewing me, but it's also an opportunity for the school to show me what's so great about them to make me want to choose their program. They certainly did not do a good job of impressing me.
-
The Dean was horrible. A girl asked if Western tries to help students get DO & MD residency spots and his response was, ''I do not care....pause..I hope you stay DO.'' I'm not sure if that is the attitude with the rest of the staff there but its def his opinion. The financial aid lady was the softest spoken-shy lady I've every met. Almost fell asleep. Everything about the school turned me off except for my interviewer (awesome guy)
-
I liked that the interview was after lunch and after you are given the chance to see what the school has to offer. I was much better prepared to answer the 'Why Western' question I was given. Also, read the interview questions that our peers posted on here carefully, I was virtually not asked any questions that I had not previously read here (besides my file-specific questions). This is a great resource!
-
It was fun chatting with people and trying to relax. the two groups had a tour and at the end we interviewed. man we wait a long time for the interviews. and Yes the tour guide was very beautiful.
-
Students were divided into 2 groups and went on tour at the same time. Then went back to a lecture hall to watch the American Health Journal video (~30 mins long). Financial aid lady went over financial aid stuff. Assistant dean went over new organ system based curriculum. Then the dean did a pep talk, followed by med students q&a session. We interviewed after lunch.
-
Its a very okay school. Like everyone else says... pick a school on what you feel is important to you. To me, this was one of the worst schools I interviewed at. It's a very mediocre program. Nothing outstanding...except that the clinicals are better...but other than that...its nothing to brag about.
-
Interview was good people are extremely friendly, its just that after seeing the place I probably dont want to go there.
-
Two interviewers. One was very friendly and one seemed convinced I wanted to go to an MD school, but I made my best effort to explain that I wanted to go to Western.
-
This is my top choice. The area of the school isn't that great, but the school grounds are safe and farily comfortable. The staff/faculty is top-notch, and the curriculum is outstanding.
-
Morning tour, 2 hour orientation, lunch with students, Q&A with students (2nd year i think), wait around for interviews.
-
Was really awesome, I was nervous walking into the interview, but the moment I got in I relaxed and acted like myself. At the end of it we were all laughing and just talking like peers. They asked me how I plan on staying sane in medical school and how id cope with the stressors etc.. etc.. the questions werent too taxing and so was really low key.
-
It was very relaxed. Just the usual tour and talking with people. The students seemed excited that gave the interview however I later ran into two others who were a little bit less excited. I guess it all depends. Just be polite, honest, and seriously...RELAX!! It is just talking to other people, not a test. Remember that they interview about 600 but offer 400+ acceptances. If you have an interview they obviously want you so just relax and you will be accepted.
-
I had a really great time at the interview. It started off with a campus tour and I had a half hour afterwards to poke around before the orientation started. I spoke to some med students, who spoke to me about the professors and their course-load. The orientation part is really boring--sitting around for two hours without a break is tough. Lunch was nice; this is a great opportunity to ask med students about the university. My group was pretty quiet, we were all nervous I guess. The interviews are afterwards. I went in first, but bring reading material just in case. All my questions were standard--no surprises. They really encourage sitting in classes after the interview, the admissions staff will even show you which classroom to go in to.
-
It was good overall, I felt comfortable and relaxed.
-
It was ok, like I said before, there was a long wait. But overall, the interviewer was nice, I messed up and when he asked me about my mcat score and if i was happy, i said no, then he asked, well if you think you can do better, why not retake it again. I think he really looks at the score which kinda sucks. other than that he was friendly and understanding. He made it like a conversation besides his notetaking.
-
Very relaxed. The interviewer was not ''out to get'' me or trying to trip me up. Very straightforward.
-
Don't wear a black suit, they don't care. They want you to be yourself and I was able to do that here. I Loved it and will definitely attend if they give me the opportunity.
-
Overall the interview was not too difficult and interviewers were friendly, but I get a feeling that they know they're getting good students so they aren't trying to impress/recruit me. I feel like other DO schools I've interviewed at know that I have good numbers on paper and they were nicer to me I guess hoping that I'd go to their schools.
-
Pomona is a dirty place but it is getting better. The school is in Pomona, but you don't have to live there. Good place to go to school.
-
The day went well, they gave a good overview of the curriculum and student benefits, as well as financial considerations. The interview itself was not high-pressure, but waiting 1.5 hours was a little brutal.
-
Like most places, it didn't seem like they read my application more than glanced at it moments before. But, the interview was fairly low stress, more like a conversation.
-
Morning session was very informative. I happened to be interviewed by two pharmacology professors, a 2-on-1.
-
One of the interviewers were extremeley nice, the other one asked many ethical questions that were not related to medicine in the United States.
-
Wonderful
-
Good experience. Good first interview. Prepare for a lot of ethical questions (I was thankful I did)--I literally was asked at least five. Definitely know your application well and be prepared to answer lots of detailed questions about it.
-
Good. a little bit of a stress interview but nothing too bad. I like the idea of being in southern california and think it will be a great experience at a great school
-
I was personally offended by one of the interviewers. He was out of control. The other guy came to my defense and asked fair questions.
-
I really enjoyed it. I was very relaxed, partly because of my own disposition, but mostly because they promoted a relaxed atmosphere. They were open with all aspects of their school, and the administration was unbelievably friendly and outgoing.
-
Laid back. The other interviewer did not show, I guess it's supposed to be 2-on-1. Pretty cut and dry questions. Everyone gets the same basic questions with a few related directly to your app. Know what OMM is!
-
Overall a smooth and worthwhile experience. I was suprised that the dean of the school came down to talk to us. He was a charming guy.
-
I was laid-back and fun
-
The students were enthusiastic about their school, they felt they had a real voice on campus. I was surprised by how run-down the surrounding community was. 1/3 of the storefronts from the freeway to the school were out of business. You could tell that there is gentrification in progress, and it's not the worst area I've ever been in by any means but it's not nice either. I got to the school early, and the security guards checked me out to make sure I wasn't a random person on campus. I saw them kick two (homeless?) people off the campus. There's not fence around the school, so people wander in all the time. One of the student guides said that that most people didn't live in Pomona, that they lived in Clairemont and commuted. She also said that she's friendly with the security guards so that they will walk her to her car every day, saying that the area's not that safe. Another guide said that the lived in a regular apartment complex near the school his first year, and he said that it didn't really work out (noise, too many families) but he lives in the helix (which fills up fast) and he liked it. When the Dean spoke he kept stressing that they've accepting a higher caliber student now, and that the school is growing (pharmD, dental school, I think another one). This kind of worried me because that means large tuition increases and less $$/attention for the DO program. Also, I just got the feeling that they were more interested in getting students with impressive stats rather than focusing on the overall strength of the applicant. Major turnoff. Given the feedback from the majority of the interviewers, I was expecting a relatively friendly interview, but I was totally wrong! I was also under the weather, which they knew, so I wasn't at my ''A game'' and sort of rambled a bit. Still, my interview was definitely a stress interview!! One of my interviewers was a new professor (anatomy I think), and I had a lot of trouble understanding his English. I had to have him clarify one question a few times (''What is the one thing that a patient wants to hear''), and when I didn't give him the answer he wanted he asked again 3-4 times. He did the same thing on another question (''What advice have your M.D. parents given you about being a clinician''), and seemed to be looking for a very specific answers to two very broad questions. He made me uncomfortable and jumpy, because I had trouble understanding what he was saying and I couldn't figure out what he wanted to hear. The other interviewer then grilled me about my first semester ochem grade. I was totally surprised, and that really threw me off guard, particularly given my overall good gpa, good second semester ochem grade & MCAT.
-
I had already been accepted elsewhere and had a big trip planned the following day, so I wasn't as enthusiastic as I probably should have been going to the interview. However, I really did like what I saw especially during the morning presentations. You get the feeling that the school is really well-established in the area and they've got a good program. I'm not terribly excited by the inland empire (hot, dry weather or air-quality) but you figure it's close enough to a lot of other, more interesting things. My interview itself was, as I've seen described here before, a stress interview. I can't actually remember all of the questions, because they kind of came at me rapid fire. My interviewers (who were described as a ''tough crowd'' by the tour guides I saw afterward) weren't very ''nice'' listeners. I didn't get many encouraging nods or even the idea that they were satisfied by my answers. I do understand that it's an interview and they're not there to mollycoddle you, but I didn't feel they were ''just trying to get to know me''. I'd say, be prepared to get the difficult questions you read about on here, because another interviewee I saw got asked the ''would you turn your addicted colleague'' question so they seem to recycle the same questions. I wondered if they thought I had been lying on my applications as they asked me a lot of questions that were directly on my application (such as motivations for pursuing DO...it's one of the essays for god sakes!). Also I'd say don't be afraid to ask for clarification, because even though they seemed to expect me to be spot-on with my answers and explanations, my interviewers could be a bit rambling in their questions, so that by the end of the soliloquy I wasn't quite sure how many questions they'd asked. Overall, very UN-fun. But I do like the school...
-
The traffic in the morning was crap-tastic... However, the day was pleasant, overall, once you got there. The info sessions in the morning were helpful, the tour was nice, and the people were great... the admissions staff actually chatted with me near the end of the day for a good 20 minutes. The afternoon session was long because I was the last one of the whole group to interview... I don't think I interviewed until 4pm and we got done with our tour at 1pm! My advice: bring a book, just in case... and of course, don't schedule your flight out until much later than that because, again, traffic was crap-tastic.
-
I ended up liking the school much more than I thought it would. It is a growing school as they are adding vet and podiatry schools (I think). I was told that by 2009 the DOs will have a whole new building the the pharms will take over the whole building they ccurrently share with the DOs. I think it is pretty cool that you have PTs, vets, pharms, DOs, nurses, and other fields all in the same area...I think this is an up and coming school even though it has been around for a while.
-
Friendly and personal. They were interested in my honest opinions and they were honest with me about the school, for better or worse. (For example, I asked them about the negative aspects of the school, and they told me).
-
They were very nice, they laughed at even a small/bad jokes, combed through every number/fact on my application, but they definitely grilled me with a few ethical questions and they weren't afraid to challenge my answers or further extend the complexity of the ethical questions (but they did it in a very nice way), and they genuinely seemed to care about answering my questions
-
It was a wonderful experience, and I felt well prepared, and did pretty well on the interview. In the morning, I walked in kinda nervous, but I feel better and better and more and more confident in myself as the morning pass by. And by the afternoon, I walked in, into the interview, relaxed and confident.
-
First off, I was among the first few to reach the school on the day of the interview. There were no signs or information about the interviews at the building till about 15 minutes after the check in time. The interview itself was very conversational. And I met some really awesome people (other students coming to interview at the school).
-
This was my first interview so I admit this is a comparison to my expectations and not to another experience. Overall I was most disappointed in the “doctor factory†feeling I got from the school, simply turning out as many doctors as they can for a profit. I did not sense any real dedication to the community. On the contrary it seemed to try to separate itself as much as possible from the surrounding area. I was also disappointed by the interview process in general. I felt like this was my time to really show how I was a strong, unique candidate. It provided me with little opportunity to demonstrate this and seemed like everyone was just going through the motions. This was most likely due to my own failure to find the most appropriate way to accomplish this, and I realize that everyone is a strong unique applicant otherwise they would not be interviewing. Ultimately I realized this was all a formality and that I had made a bigger deal of it in my mind. They get back to you really quickly and in my case, as with most I assume, with great news.
-
Overall it was uneventful. The hotel was good, shuttle was fine but I would recommend you call the morning of to confirm the pickup (they forgot to write it down and I only by chance caught the driver!). Also, BE ON TIME!! The shuttle is hotel-run so it will not wait for you. It left one interviewee who was not there (she called about 20 minutes later trying to figure out where the shuttle was).
-
Overall it was a great experience. It was my first interview so I was extremely nervous, but I really didn't need to be. The interviewer was very cordial, and seemed to be impressed with my application. I highly suggest coming out to SoCal and giving this school a shot. The dean was very friendly, intelligent, and wanted to make sure that we found a school that fit us.
-
The interview was pretty lay back. I felt that the interviewer just wanted to get to know me as oppose to trying to stump with with difficult questions. The campus itself, looks ugly from the outside, but inside looks nice. The Pomona area is kind of ghetto, but most students live outside of the area and commute in.
-
By far my worst inverview experience. However, the results of such a horrible experience greately enhanced my ability to interview. As a result I've arranged a bunch of mock interviews and prepared answers to all types of questions. I've also learned a bit about dealing with interviewers who lack personality.
-
I had a positive experience, although I felt as if they were trying to sell themselves big-time to us.
-
Overall a relaxed day, We got there at 10:30 and had time to chat with the other applicants before the orentation. There was a walk around and lunch. It's a small campus so it didn't take long. Then we had interviews in the afternoon. This was my first interview so I was a little nervous. My interviewer was hard to get a read on. Neither of the two interviews were DO's they were both PhD's. There was plenty of time to walk around and talk with students or sit in on classes.
-
The school seemed like an ok place to go if you have healthy lungs, although you may not by the time you finish. The interview was very low-stress.
-
My experience was amazing, except for the hotel I stayed at. I stayed at the Sheraton Fairplex and that place was overpriced, understaffed, and extremely inconvenient. The staff members are rude and inconsiderate. I would recommend staying at the Shilo Suites.
-
I got to the school a few minutes early, checked in and chatted with some of the prospectives. We then had presenters talk about finances, curriculum and student life (~2 hrs). We then had lunch and had a tour of the campus. We saw the main things, OMM lab, dissection, gift shop/bookstore, etc. Afterwards, we were brought to the staging area which is right in front of the freshman lecture hall. I mamnaged to sneak in and sit on part of a lecture before my interview. Great experience. The interview itself started 20 minutes late but was relatively easy. I was told be the med students that this is probably the most laid back interview you will encounter. Despite was previous people have posted, I didn't think the area was that ghetto. The campus itself is relatively small and has the appearance of warehouses on the outside, but I don't think people wlll go to a school specifically on appearance.
-
Interview was very relaxed, students were very helpful in being honest and answering questions, the school's location is S%$# but if you are serious about going here make sure to drive to the claremont area which is about a 15 minute drive. Aside from the classroom this is where many students reside
-
Everybody was really nice but the day was a little boring...the interviewers were very nice and had a great sense of humor.
-
The whole experience was excruciatingly boring. I wish we could have done the interview in the morning and leave so that I could get back to work. Everything that I read about the school was rehashed during the introduction part of the interview day.
-
It was relaxing and comfortable. The interviewer seemed like he was more like my agent who was just trying to get the real scoop on me to pass on to the committee.
-
2 interviews: 1 professor and 1 assistant dean; open file and laid back, very conversational, no ethical Q's
-
Personally, I rocked the interview. But I've come with the conclusion that the interview doesn't matter as much at COMP. They are looking to increase their statistics and want people with amazing MCAT scores and tons of educational experience, from what I gather, beyond the B.S. or B.A. degree, especially if have some damage to your gpa during your undergrad.
-
Overall, not bad. this is not meant to be a stress interview. had to wait around all day to be interviewed though so it makes for a loooong day. bring something to do/read.
-
Overall the experience was good. I like how they have a detailed information session explaining the curriculum, financial aid, etc., as well as the campus tour before the interview. This gives the opportunity to gain more knowledge and form an opinion about the school before having to explain your interest in the school during the interview. I was not too thrilled with how much I had to wait around. They told us to arrive by 9:15 am, so I got there about 9:00 to be on the safe side. Then when I checked in they told me that they would begin the day at 10:00. Why don't they just tell us to get there at 10:00? Then after the tour I had to wait around for 2 hours before my interview. It made for a long day.
-
They have you arrive about an hour early which is nice because we got to sit in on a class and see the campus on our own. There is an orientation in the morning followed by lunch and a tour then the interviews.
-
It was kind of weird to sit around and wait for your turn to interview, it made me kind of nervous. I would've done better if I had interviewed right away, but I was still accepted, so I guess it went well!
-
It seemed disorganized, but it was raining outside and the pharm students were in the hallway and were very noisy (understandably). Then we were told that we can go explore the school. After that orientation started. And then we watched a movie in a 13inch TV. Then the dean talked to us about the school. For some reason I thought he was too defensive of osteopathy, instead of being proud of it. Then a few more people talked to us. Then the students gave us a little tour of the campus. Then we went to our interview.
-
The interview was intense--they asked like 6 ethical questions. I felt like they still didn't know me well by the end of the interview.
-
I think the students are very helpful in answering my questions and their ways of intereacting between each other.
-
The interview was strange. I liked the doctor, he was pretty cool. He even put down his clipboard when I was talking; I guess he just wanted to listen to me. The research guy was weird. He wasn't even dressed appropriately - he had no suit, light blue jeans, a dark blue shirt, really long hair, and sunglasses. What is it with sunglasses here? I am from LA and no one wears sunglasses around here. The research guy asked me a retarded question about column chromatography. I don't know if he was trying to see if I had actually done my research, even though I submitted a letter of rec from my PI. He also didn't like my long, complicated answer - he wanted a very simple answer about purification.
-
Overall the experience was good. This was the first osteopathic school I interviewed at so I was anxious about the difficult question I listed above. But it was a relaxed environment. I interviewed with the director of admissions (elevated stress levels) but the interview itself was extremely conversational. Good Luck!
-
Nice presentations, relaxing tour, and laid back interview. It was a great experience.
-
The overall experience was fantastic. I originally had very low expectations for this school and was very surprised upon entering the buildings. the lecture halls are pretty state-of-the-art, the students are much more academic and serious than i had expected and the faculty are quite dedicated to the profession and to the improvement of osteopathic medicine.
-
Low stress, positive, great experience!
-
After going to the interview, I left with a very good impression of the school. The curriculum had been revised and seemed to be more condusive to learning both science and clinical skills
-
The school is working hard to become the premere osteopathic medical school, they have a new curriculum, are working to expand the research they as an institution are doing and have new dorms. They were careful to dismiss rumors about low board passing rates. The location is urban and not terribly sheltered from the surrounding neighborhoods, but the facilities are gorgeous. Everyone was enthusiastic and engaging.
-
My stats 24M and 3.4 Science. I had a great time. The tour was awsome and the presentations by Susan Hanson, Ed Fletcher, etc. were clear. I got a sense of the schools atmosphere and that the school is striving to imrpove.
-
Stone-faced killers. I thought the interview went terribly because they looked like they were not having it. Everyone says it, but its true--be relaxed, because if youre not, you'll say a lot of "ums" "yeahs" and sound nervous like youre hiding something.
-
Generally laid back and informative.
-
Pretty casual and conversational.
-
I was interviewed by a basic sciences professor, who was very nice and polite. We engaged in a friendly conversation, and basically, he wanted to know the highlights of my volunteer, research experiences. Be prepared to ask questions during orientation and during the interview!
-
It was a great first interview. I was extremely nervous, but I didn't need to be. All the other interviewees were nice, and the students were nice. Everyone interviewed in the morning and got the stressful part over with. One student did say to us that the first year is highly competitive and he didn't feel that students shared materials or helped each other out, but none of the other students seemed to agree. I liked the school, just not the location, so I don't think I'll attend Western.
-
The interview started off well and then they brought out the ethical questions. They hit my pretty hard but didn't ask anyone before me about ethics. The new curriculum sounds great but the low pass rate on boards makes me wonder whats going on with students.
-
Very laid back. The interviewer asked quite a few questions and scribled down my answers as I spoke. While he didn't seem to be genuinly interested in my response, he defineately paid attention and was somewhat encouraging in his replies.
-
In short, good cop, bad cop routine.
-
The interview was the best part of my day, I felt very relaxed, and really injoyed talking to my interviewer.
-
The interview was one-on-one with the director of admissions. it was open file and extremely laid back. it seems like a school where they want to know that you're committed to osteopathic medicine.
-
Reading the reviews on this website, I had mixed feelings about what to expect from the school. The Dean is pushing to make the school even stronger than it already is and he is trying to establish COMP as a strong OMM research school. I believe the school has a good curriculum with early clinical training and great clinical affiliations in the LA area. After visiting and hearing what the staff and students had to say, I am confident that COMP trains the best osteopathic physicians. There are MANY student organizations that bring a sense of community to the school. The students are also very involved in the community and work with underserved patients. The school also makes a decision within a week.
-
I was really unprepaired for the amount of attention they gave to discussing my G.P.A. (4.0)
-
I got there and everyone was so warm and welcoming. The interviewer was the NICEST lady that I could have ever asked for (she was also the director of admissions). She had specific questions, but they were all very relevent and asked in a relaxed manner. I had a great experience with Western. The campus is nice, I don't know why some people have said it's ugly. Stony Brook in NY is ugly... this place has palm trees! I like how we get to know our status in no more than 2 weeks because the committee meets every Wed.
-
The interview was very laid-back. The interviewer is known, according to students, as being stone-faced. However, at one point he said "good answer", which was encouraging. At the start the interviewer said it would be 20-30 minutes but it ran about 40 minutes.
-
My interview experience as a whole was great. I felt very prepared and my interviewer was very friendly and easy to talk to.
-
It was good not to bad
-
If I hadn't known more about the school from previous visits I would have completely withdrawn from consideration after my interview day experience. My interviewer had not been at the school long and didn't bother telling me this until I asked at the 29th minute and I had no chance to follow up on why he/she chose to come to COMP, etc. Thirty minutes proved to be way too short with only one interviewer who was trying to ask questions AND write down notes all the while holding a conversation with you. I'm not confident that the interviewer got to see who I am.
-
I enjoyed it except the one student who wasted way to much time asking irrelevant questions. The Dean is amazing and has really changed the school for the better. He has a lot instore for the future and I would love to be apart of it.
-
Very basic questions with only one or two questions that went beyond information in my application.
-
To be quite honest, when I first walked around the campus, I was truly disappointed. But after talking to the students and the dean about the school, I realized that WesternU is an amazing school. It is definitely one of my top choices. Good luck!!
-
Everyone was really welcoming, from the staff to my fellow interviewees. The interview itself was definitely not as stressful as I thought it was going to be.
-
I was extremely fortunate to have a friendly, relaxed interviewer (who is one of the school's instructors.) He seemed interested in finding out more about me, and was very engaging (lots of eye contact and active listening.) I checked this site before going to my interview, and prepared for the worst. However, the school is an excellent example of redevelopment, the location is not as bad as many have made it out to be, and don't let the façade of the facilities fool you. The interiors of the buildings are wonderful, the classrooms are area seating with internet connections, and the cadaver lab is outstanding. I did get to talk with one current student (who I happened to run into in the lobby), and she was extremely friendly, and was very happy with her choice to attend this school. Oh, and the armed security guards? The hospital I work at has armed guards, and is in a much rougher area of my city (and we are actually happy to have them to escort us when it gets dark.) The guards at COMP were very friendly and helpful – and personally, I’m always happy to see a school that considers the safety of its students. I was thrilled to find out I was accepted here, and plan on attending.
-
The interview itself was great, I felt like the interviewer was very laid back and just wanted to get to know me as a person. He never asked tricky questions, was just straight forward. He also had a lot to say about osteopathic medicine and how its used today, and the perks of the school. Over all very helpful to get a feel for the school.
-
I had read negative feedback about the school from sdn logs, but kept an open mind. The facilities are not top notch (no wireless, not best system for downloading lectures) but still adequate. Students I talked to were friendly and seemed satifisied with the opportunities presented to them to become a doctor. However the my sneaker-clad, introverted interviewer, (I found out his name and that he was a D.O. after my interview by asking admissions staff) only made eye contact with me at the end of the interview when I asked him questions, which were partially answered. During the interview he made no eye contact, gave me no indication of whether or not he was listening to my answers and seemed to rush my answer to the next question while constantly flipping through my file which he HAD NOT SPENT MORE THAN TWO MINUTES READING. eg. Did you do any research? Oh, you didn't catch my year-long thesis that has been published. Thanks for your time.
-
I only had one interviewer, and I was supposed to have 3, so I was afraid this might be bad. But I got in, so I guess it was fine. :-) Overall I enjoyed my time there. They let you get snacks and drinks in the bookstore, and everyone is very nice and helpful.
-
The interview made me a little more nervous than I thought I would feel, so I chattered on a little too much. However, I feel that I got my personality and points across fairly well, so my interviewers could accurately judge me.
-
I was accepted at this school, but the impact was so negative that I decided that it would be better to NOT go to medical school if this was the only place I was accepted. I want to go to school very badly, but realized that it's not worth it if it means I have to be miserable for 4 years to do it.
-
I arrived for the interview joining one other friendly individual. We were greeted and sat in front of a video by ourselves. After watching we had to find the admissions staff downstairs to ask what we were going to be doing next. The interview was completed by a clinician and professor. It was short and I did not feel they really wanted to know about me or that they had read my file by the type of questions they asked. Post interview I struggled to find two classes to sit in on. No one to guide me or help me find the bldg. or room. Sudents in the class when asked about their experience did not appear to be dedicated to the DO principles. "If I had gotten into an MD program I would be there." Other responded, "We teach ourselves so much independently. Lecture is not what we expected." The new curriculum is slated to require more independent study for students. Keep that in mind!! Later we meet to discuss the new curriculum yrs 1&2, rotations yrs 3&4, financial aid, student organiziations, and what to expect for post interview notificaiton. Very informative session.
-
Good interview, very basic questions, the interview was attentive and nice...there were no students available to give us a campus tour..i woulda liked a student perspective on the school
-
Interviewers were nice. Chatted at first and then got into the questions. Had a long session with all candidates on the school, curriculum and financial aide. Lunch with the students where questions were answered. There was a tour but I missed it because I had to get to the airport.
-
I was the last interviewee of the day and had to wait about half an hour after my scheduled time. i had two interviewers: one was always smiling and the other seemed more quiet and reserved. by the end of the interview, however, both interviewers were smiling. i even got the quiet/more reserved one to laugh when i was answering one of his questions (the question about describing a humiliating experience)
-
Pleasant, relatively stress free. The two students who gave the tour were very happy with their choice to go to school here and were able to answer questions well. All of the administrators and faculty were very helpful and friendly.
-
My interview experience was great, especially because i felt prepared. they dont do much to make you want to go to their school. they basically just let you decide for yourself.
-
The interview was very monotonuous, and although the interviewer was to be on our side in defending our case for acceptance. But the interviewer was more interested in telling his story than discovering ours.
-
Overall, laid back and typical interview questions. And the expected "ethical" question that appears to show up on all these feedbacks. I interviewed in the morning. Met at Student Services Center at 8:30 ( I was 15 minutes late, but okay). Then we (only 3) were shown to the waiting area for interviews. One of us go interviewed first, and the rest of us got to chat a little. Then I interviewed. When I came out, about 10:00, the afternoon interviewers had arrived. Then we got presentations about curriculum, fin aid, & other logistical stuff. Then lunch, then tour with current med students. Ended about 1:25 PM. I drove home at 2 PM. Overall,
-
I flew in from Philly and the staff was very accomodating and nice. The program didn't impress much at all though. 3/4th yr rotation sites are being changed and seemed disorganized. They are however super quick in their decision. Interviewed 2/1 accepted 2/3.
-
The worst part of the interview was the people who interviewed me. They were not at all nice. There wasn't much student interaction but the student who gave campus tour answered all our questions.
-
Overall i ended up liking the school much more than i thought i would based on other people's SDN experiences.
-
The interview was okay, i mean, it was easy but i don't think that much of who i really am came out during the interview (but i think i still did really well);
-
Overall, my visit to Western was positive, but the interview itself totally turned me off. See for yourself, it's a judgement call. I hope you don't have the same guy I did.
-
Overall the interviewers were really nice. I didn't feel nervous at all and they made it like it wasn't even an interview, just simple chat.
-
Not very organized...didnt give us a schedule. Interviewers were very nice, as were students and fellow interviewees. I had been there many times before and my opinion didnt really change. I could go there, but the first semester is absolute hell. They also have the largest fail rate and lowest board scores...so thats definatly not a good thing (and they wont tell you that in the interview). It was the only interview that has had water for me to drink though (actually during the interview), and I appreciate that.
-
My stress level was insanely high just because of the missing letters of rec. I was so preoccupied with calling the committee staff back at my school to get them to fax it in asap, I didn't have much time to relax and talk to other applicants. But once it was taken care of I had a great time and I felt I had a great interview. It was only suppose to be 30 minutes, but we talked overboard to 40 mins. The interviewer was really interested in some of the stuff I was involved in and we hit it off quite well.
-
We all meet in the morning, get the low down on the school. They brought us Subway sandwiches and two MS II's came and talked about their lives. Afterwards, we toured the facilities and inteviewed with two professors (PhD's NOT DO's)
-
Overall, i had a good interview experience at COMP. I can see some people being quite happy here, however i don't see myself fitting in
-
I've been to COMP before during their Osteopathic Awareness Conference. The inside speaks louder than the outside. I was escourted from my car to the student center by security. I questioned my safety but the guards said that all schools have security guards (um, ok). I bumped into a couple of old faces from my undergrad years so I felt more at ease there. The interview was not bad. Lots of ethical questions as I expected. Know your issues and be confident in what you say.
-
OK. This was my first choice until my interview. I was not impressed by their lack of enthusiasm. Not only should I be trying to get accepted, but they should be trying to get me to come there. After all...am I not spending thousands of dollars to come to your university?
-
The experience overall confirmed that it was a good school where I would be happy, in spite of it being in Pomona
-
The interview itself was very laid back and conversational. Since I was the last to be interviewed in the afternoon, I got to ask plenty of questions and also have a conversation with the interviewer.
-
Despite what other interviewees had told me, this interview has been the hardest one I've been to yet. The interview lasted 30 minutes, but the first 15 minutes were all ethical questions, ranging from stem cell research, euthanasia, dealing with death, dealing with patients who refuse treatment, etc. Both interviewers aggressively asked numerous ethical questions and also asked me what schools I had applies to (MD and DO), how many interviews I had been on, what schools I had heard from, and which schools I got into. There were only a couple questions they asked that had to do with my file, personal statement, etc. My advice: know your issues, esp stem cell research since California passed Prop 71, allowing stem cell research in CA, and be firm in your stances. I've listed a couple questions they asked but there were much more than the ones below. (btw...I had NOT written about any ethical issues in any of my documents so these questions were asked at the discretion of the interviewers).
-
After reading all the stuff that people post about COMP on SDN, I was a little suspicious of the school. But after I stayed with some students and saw everything the school had to offer, the location (which some people think it's bad but seriously, you are in the suburbs of L.A.! I think it's a plus for people that want to get a real diverse med school experience) was not a big deal at all. Their rotation opportunities are awesome. Overall, I would go there in a heartbeat.
-
The overall experience was pretty good. I found out a week later that I got in so its nice that they let you know so fast.
-
I thought I did my research, reading SDN for interview feedback, brain storming ethical responses to the aids/cancer question, and then coming up with the why DO answer. But it just didn't end up how I pictured it. This was my first interview so I thought I would be fine for it but I was nervous, I said umm a lot and my interviewer was good at asking me questions that caught me off guard. But after working some answers off the bat, it got better because I felt I was just being myself and telling him how I felt about the classes I took, the Chicago Cubs, Sammy Sosa and Western (which I've visited twice). I thought the format was well thought out, presentation first, then tour then interview. This was afternoon interview. Best advice- Read Gevitz's book and go into the interview, with perhaps less caffeine and confidence. I thought it was nerve wracking only cuz it was my first but now in hindsight, my interviewer was just trying to have me open up.
-
I had read that this school was very ghetto. I'm glad I came to look for myself. I've lived in South Central L.A. and I can tell you this school is NOT in a ghetto area. It also doesn't look like it's a renovated strip mall... rather, a renovated shopping village... kinda quaint. And the inside is impressive. Like one student told me, hey--you're not going to spend most of your time standing on the outside. You'll be inside and you'll be too busy to care what the outside looks like. All in all, a VERY friendly and cooperative spirit on campus. I think I would be very happy here.
-
Overall a good experience. Was last to interview so I had only a 20 min interview while others had 30-35 min. Was nervous about this but received an acceptance letter 13 days later. Overall a good school and strong DO program.
-
While I unfortunately got lost in Claremont and arrived a little late *gasp*, I think that I did well overall. I interviewed with the Director of Admissions, who was very nice and conversational. She really made me feel comfortable. I heard that it was highly unusual to interview with only one person and let alone the Director. Most candidates were set up with two faculty members. Either way, the interviews were conversational and very laidback. The students that led us on the tour were very helpful and answered any and all questions. In general, the students were happy and upbeat, they went out of their way to greet you and were very pleasant to talk to. It really made the school feel like it welcomed prospective students, a nice feeling.
-
To sum up my feelings about Western, I would have to say that as a medical school, it is sufficient and acceptable; but not much more. Nothing really impressed me about the school or its curriculum except that the rotations in the third and fourth years are numerous (150+) and of high quality (all across the nation and some international ones as well). However, I must admit that I don't know much about the rotations at other schools and this could very well be something one could find at any school. Although Western is sufficient and acceptable (in terms of being an accredited medical school that trains people to be physicians) I feel that it is pushing the limits of what is sufficient and acceptable. I would go here, but it would be because of the fact that the shortcomings of the school would be compensated by other things such as the SoCal atmoshpere and the presence of my fiance who would be in grad school at another school in the area. If it weren't for those things I would not go to Western.
-
I liked the school a lot. Everyone is used to different things. Southern California is great for a lot of people, but not for me. All of the comments about how the school is a dump and looks like a strip mall are inaccurate in my opinion. The campus is great. The facilities are great. The anatomy lab and classrooms are incredible. If you like Southern California, this is a great school to attend.
-
The school is kind of ghetto, students were nice and the ciriculum was good but they need better facilities.
-
The interview day was well planned and I was done by about 100 pm. I had the first interview at 9 am which was very relaxed and conversational. During the other interviews I sat in on a biochem class where I talked with many students and really got a good perspective of the program. The financial aid and cirriculum presentations were informative and the campus tour was brief but hit all of the hotspots. When they showed us the OMT lab, we walked in on about 20 students with their shirts off. That was hilarious. Overall I liked Western but I am not yet sure if I want to live in Southern California. Plus, I have nothing to compare it to. Once I interview at a few more schools, I'll have a better feeling about whether I would attend Western or not. The bottom line is that this school will give you a great medical education with almost limitless residency opportunities. It just depends on whether you are willing to commute to a school located in a shady part of town. Also make sure you want to live in Southern California...it's not for everybody.
-
My day started at 10:30 am with admission, financial, circulum, and rotation workshops. Then we had lunch and campus tour. The interview started at 1:30 pm.
-
The campous tour was nice. The guide was energetic and pleasant. Although I do appreciate his honesty regarding good and bad aspects of campus life, overall it tended to paint a negative picture for me.
-
Arrive there at 10:30, had my interview at 3pm. a DO interviewed me, he was very nice and relax. I feel comfortable about the school.
-
Besides that one negative comment, everyone was really friendly and helpful. I sat in on a lecture and the DO giving the lecture was great.
-
As I stated above, the interview itself was fine, not too stressful because I knew I didn't really want to go there! They apparently really do have a world-famous OMM prof so if you like that, go for it. I loved the LA area but not this school. They should have people better representative or more enthused about the school show you around, really. I met some nice people though most of them were from Cali.
-
Overall easy interview but i mean the campus and lifestyle in cali is TOTALLY not for me,, i need to live in a more 'realistic' setting, not in an environment where everyones main concern is celebrity gossip and looking fit,,, the weather is ok,,not much to convince me to go there though
-
I was the most nervous at the beginning of my interview but relaxed as time went on. Most of the questions were not difficult at all so there was no reason to be nervous. I was expecting at more difficult questions. The interviewer just wanted me to elaborate on my application and get a sense of who I am.
-
All in all, I had a great interview, terrific tour guides and a wonderful time!
-
I stayed with a friend (from undergrad) who is a student and she was enthusiastic. She introduced me to some of her friends and they were really friendly, etc. The interview was relaxed and I actually really liked the school. I might just go...
-
If I am admitted It would take some serious consideration before I accepted. The school does not seem worth the tuition & no one (including staff & students) seemed enthusiastic about the program.
-
It was pretty easy. I felt very comfortable all day long. Even though I had to wait all day for my interview it went by fast.
-
Excellent!
-
It was a good experience. we had a large group that day but it turned out positively-got to meet diff ppl
-
Pretty much as written above. Not as ghetto as people said, campus is clean, buildings are attractive. People seem friendly. Internet access in the classrooms - but restricted access during class!?!??! Why not just institute mandatory attendance and a dress code while you're at it? Sheesh!
-
It was the great experience for my first interview. I excpected to see "getto", but they even have Starbucks two bloks away from school. Maybe at night it is not a safe place to walk around , but during the day it looked normal.
-
Intimidating and uncomfortable.
-
All in all it was a good experience. the interviewers were very laid back and easy to talk to. the whole day is set up to be a non-stress day. none of the questions were hard and they didn't try to put me on the spot. i would go there given the opportunity.
-
It was great. There were two interviewers in the room with me the whole time, one mostly asked the questions, the other took notes and interjected only a few times. It was 30 minutes and it FLEW by. I felt like i was not asked anything b/c it went so fast and also b/c nothing was too difficult. There were no hypothetical or ethical questions. There was no trivia type stuff trying to grill you and see if you know the school well enough. There were no questions like why not MD (but that was probably b/c I addressed that in another question, so it was clear to them already. They did not ask about MCAT scores, GPA, if i have had any other interviews, or about the other schools to which I applied. Again, these are all fair game, but a lot of that info spoke for itself on the application. I suppose if something stood out, they would ask. All the questions were about you and were stemming from/inspired by their desire for you to expand on your supplemetary application. They intro it with saying this will be very laid back ... do you want a glass of water. It is laid back, take the water b/c your mouth will dry up as you speak at such length about yourself. Also, for all you afternoon interviewees, it it not a bad situation at all. I got there 40 minutes before i was supposed to be there so i walked around with my dad for a bit and that made me feel very comfortable and positive about wanting to go there. Then all the information sessions, the lunch with students and meeting other interviewees further eased any anticipatory anxiety. I felt that I had the whole morning to get comfortable in my env't and by the time the interview came along, i felt at home and not very nervous at all. Know this: there is nothing to be nervous about, everyone in so nice including the interviewers and it is very laid back. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
-
My dad is a MD in SoCal and he has many friends that graduated from COMP. I learned from my dad and his COMP alum friends just how much COMP graudates are respected in SoCal. COMP has strongly established its presence that no other DO school in the western states could compare. The solid alum network and the reputation that precedes it will carry you a long way into your medical career. Basically one's medical career is gauranteed to be a success once graduated from COMP. I was sold already based on what my dad and his friends told me. After visiting COMP and discovering its diverse student body and techie classrooms, I am even more sure that COMP is the place for me. Good luck to all the applicants!
-
The whole experience was excellent. I really liked the school. The interview went great. The people were very nice and willing to answer questions.
-
This was a great experience for me. The interviewers were not trying to make me nervous. They just wanted to know who I am.
-
Overall, the experience was very fun. The faculty are all nice and positive. The students seemed all happy. The environment was energized and positive. The interviewers were very nice people who just try to make you feel at ease.If you know yourself well, this interview should be very low stress.
-
Dr. Redding really made me feel at ease and he seemed genuinely interested in my answers
-
I felt the interviewer was genuinely trying to test my qualifications beyond the numbers and achievements-critical thinking ability, maturity level and overall personality; much of his questioning was aimed at my awareness of culture, history, peoples' needs and, generally, to test the level at which I view the world.
-
Do not stress over this interview- it is extremely relaxed and if you are truley passionate about osteopathic medicine and you have full knowledge of what you are getting into you have nothing to worry about.
-
It was awesome. the interviewer was extremely nice. you will receive a letter in about 1.5 weeks
-
I was very impressed with the whole day. I was interviewed by 2 DOs in a rather comfortable setting. I like that it was more personal which helped me to relax. I appreciated how promt Western was with the whole process, I received an exceptance letter a week and a half later.
-
It was pretty kick back but the ethical questions threw me off. It was a D.O. and a PhD that interviewed me.
-
Pretty easy overall
-
I had a nice dr. that interviewed me. he was cool. If i get accepted here, i'm going.
-
The school is a stip mall, but the facilty inside isn't too bad....pretty nice actually. internet connection in the lecture hall so you can surf the web if you get bored.
-
Pretty long day...they have presentations, lunch with current students, tour of the facilities. the thirty minutes goes by really fast, but the interviewers seem genuinely interested in you and your activities.
-
It seemed casual, but the interviewers definitely challenged me with some questions. With the AIDS question, they basically debated the other side of my answer, I thought a bit extensively (it was my first interview though, and I was nervous).
-
Overall, I think I would go to this school if I didn't get into my number one choice. COMP is a great school and one's success is almost guaranteed once you get accepted. The city of Pomona is not nearly as nice as I had hoped it would be. Although, you would only be there your first two years and you'll be studying most of that time anyways. In addition, the students seem very relaxed and friendly. I think I will go if I don't get into my number one choice school. As for the interview, I felt that they wanted to assess two things in particular: (1) whether you have the ability to succeed in medical school, and (2) whether you have the personaity and emotional stability to do well as a physician. I received a low score on my MCAT, but I was willing to explain and argue that I felt my GPA and other factors compensated for the low score. So, be prepared to explain any of your weaknesses and have a tool to support your application despite that weakness. Then you'll be fine.
-
Informative, friendly interviewer. I would love to attend Western U!
-
Overall the interview went allright, the people were friendly and the school seemed good too. The crime, traffic, smog of the city was too much for me though....
-
I had my interview in the afternoon. We started out with the introduction to the school, a tour, and then the interview. There were 2 interviewers and the interview lasted about 30 minutes. The interviewers were mostly interested in knowing if I have the potential of becoming a D.O. They mostly wanted me to clarify my applications and explain strengths and weaknesses. I got the acceptance letter 2 weeks later. I am so glad they are very quick.
-
I was one of the afternoon interviewees so I had to be there at 10:30 and go through all the orientation stuff, and tour with a student, but then i had to wait from 1 to 3:30 because i was the last interviewee. The room was comfortable but the interviewers sat so far away, it felt a little bit uncomfortable. They spent the whole time jotting down notes on a clipboard and hardley ever looked up at me.
-
The interview was more challenging than I thought it would be, but not necessarily in a bad way. It's always tough having tag team style question throw at you. Plus, the weren't really softball getting to know you questions. It seemed like they really wanted to make sure that I would be academically prepared to do well in medical school and they were giving me the oppurtunity to do that. Be prepared to define your academic record.
-
The interivew was very low key.. My interview started with one interviewer, but a second interview join half way through the interview, which threw me off a little. Many of the questions that I was asked could have been answered by my primary and secondary application, but I didn't mind (maybe I just enjoy talking about myslef) I got to spend a lot of time with the other applicants, the Dean of Admissions, and student tour guide. I interviewed in the morning, which was very nice... the afternoon interviewers had to have lunch and take the student before their interviews, and i think this setup may not allow the afternoon interviewees to be as relaxed as the morning interviewees..
-
Very positive experience at this school. At first, my 2 interviewers (one was a Ph.D. and the other was a D.O.) were a little abrasive, but they warmed up and by the end it felt comfortable. They basically asked the standard questions.... I guess I did ok, because I was accepted!
-
Very informal. I was asked a lot about my thesis work and my job. My volunteer work is lacking so I had to discuss that in some length which I wasn't totally prepared for. Other than that it was a pleasant expereince.
-
The interview is usually not one-on-one so be prepared for four-on-one, which it usually is. Also, if your numbers are "questionable", be prepare to answer why they are what they are.
-
Good experience, I was accepted. The questions were all about me, so it was easy to be honest and relaxed.
-
It was a positive experience. The interviewers were not very dymanic to speak with, but they showed interest in me and made me feel very comfortable. I was asked one ethical question and it was very easy to answer.
-
There was a mix of standard and personal questions asked of everyone. Mostly 'tell me about a stressful period, a example of conflict." I was also asked about my MCAT scores. The tour was cool, the student was really nice, I was a little worried about places to live in the area, but I was told that there are decent places within driving distance. When we entered the lecture hall, all the students hanging out said hi and waved - that did more for me than pretty much any other part of the tour. IMHO, you need the support of your class. Whatever you do, DO NOT stay at the Econolodge in Ontario. It was a dump.
-
Informative
-
Time went by really fast when you are chatting with the interviewers. It felt like a conversation. I enjoy the students and faculty. I really like COMP
-
It is a great school.
-
When I first arrived at the school I wasn't really impressed with the surrounding area or the appearance of the school, but I realized that was just the outside. The classrooms and labs look really new. The med student who gave us a tour was really cool and answered a lot of questions. The students seem to be really happy there, and the faculty seem to be proud of the school. The interview itself wasn't too bad. The interviewers I had were really nice, and didn't really asked a lot of ethical questions, which I was expecting.They asked mostly basic questions to get to know me, questions mostly off my application.
-
It was cool, the interview went well... just relax and be humble, I think one of the interviewers reviewed my files and wanted to tackle me with some hard questions because of my credentials. If that's the case, just be yourself and be humble...
-
GOOD TIMES
-
My interview was definitely out of the ordinary for this particular school. Usually the interviews are group interviews and open file. But for some reason only one out of the four people showed up. Plus, my interviewer didn't have my file and basically I had to tell him my whole life history. It was strange and unexpected. I have no idea how I did on the interview but will find out soon.
-
The interview was pretty stressful as I had ethical question after ethical question to answer in machine gun style. However, the questions were thought provoking and weren't hard. I guess it didn't hurt me because I got in two weeks later.
-
Good experience
-
I was there with 4 other interviewing students. We all had a positive experience -- I'd heard the school was in a bad area, but it's actually pretty nice. Lots of new facilities and a clean campus.
-
It's a group interview. There were two faculty and two physicians. The students interviewed us seperately, but they did apparently have some input in the process.
💬 Interview Process ▼
Length, number, and type of interviews
🕐
Length:
33 Minutes Average
🔄
Number:
1.9 Interviews Average
👥
Interview Type (Interaction):
78% One-on-One
22% Group Interview
📁
File Type:
94% Open-File
6% Closed-File
💻
Interview Modality:
100% Virtual
0% In-Person
WesternU-COMP-COMP interviews are an average of 33 minutes, with an average of 1.9 interviews. 78% of interviews are one-on-one, 0% are in-person, and 6% 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 reasons for pursuing medicine, osteopathic medicine, and specific schools, as well as experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and conflict resolution scenarios. Responses also indicate a prevalence of questions related to how applicants handle stress, ethical dilemmas, leadership, and research experiences. Additionally, the mention of MMI format, nondisclosure agreements, or multiple mini-interviews was not prevalent among the responses.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Why DO? Why Western COMP CA v OR (since I applied to both)?
-
Why do you want to be an osteopathic doctor? What is your experience of working with a DO? How will you OMT in your practice? How will you contribute to COMP? What do you believe are strengths and weaknesses in your application? What was a time that you failed? When is.a time that you had conflict with a supervisor and how did you work things out? How do you handle situations like this?
-
Why do you want to be an osteopathic doctor?
-
Why Western?
-
Questions about my application and suitability for medicine.
-
Why medicine? Why osteopathic medicine? Have you shadowed or observed a DO physician while at your clinics?
-
Tell them about yourself, particularly the experiences that made you want to do medicine
-
What do you look for in a medical school?
-
Tell me about your hospital volunteer experience.
-
Why Western over all of the other schools you applied to
-
Name the Osteopathic tenets.
-
What is an osteopathic physicians role in the future of medicine
-
Where have you been accepted/where did you apply/did you apply MD as well
-
What factors did you consider when deciding which schools to apply to? Did you apply to MD and DO? Regionally?
-
When did you fail?
-
Where else have you applied? MD/DO? Interviewed? Accepted? If you are accepted into both an MD school and here, where would you go?
-
Tell me about yourself.
-
Why medicine? Why DO? Why Western?
-
Define diversity.
-
Why WesternU and Osteopathic medicine?
-
Why Medicine? Why DO? Why COMP?
-
How many schools did you apply to? How many DO? How many accepted, interviewed?
-
What do you think you regret about not doing something in your life?
-
Why are you interested in medicine and specifically osteopathic medicine?
-
Why D.O.?
-
What makes a good leader?
-
Explain your journey to osteopathic medicine and what attracted you to WesternU
-
Talk about any leadership roles.
-
Where do you stand in the current political debate on health care?
-
Had to read a paragraph and answer a multiple choice question. Critical thinking/MCAT type but very easy
-
What is one bad decision you've made recently, and what did you learn from it?
-
How did you come to osteopathic medicine from being an English major?
-
Why physician, do, and western?
-
Why medicine, and why DO?
-
What was your favorite pre-med course? Why?
-
Tell me about how you came to wanting to be an osteopathic physician.
-
Tell us what has brought you to want to practice medicine. Why osteopathic medicine? Why Western? All at once.
-
What events brought you to this point in your life?
-
Why medicine, why DO, why Western?
-
Why medicine, why DO, why Western? (all in one question)
-
Explain your research.
-
Tell me about yourself
-
What would you do for healthcare with $100 million?
-
Why Medicine? Why Osteopahtic medicine? and Why Western?
-
See above
-
What would I do to improve health care with 100 million dollars?
-
Why med, why DO, why Western
-
How did your life experiences lead you to applying for medical school?
-
How did you arrive to wanting to practice medicine?
-
The big 3 that you should all be able to answer. Why medicine? Why DO? Why Western?
-
Why medicine, why western, why DO?
-
Why DO, Why Western
-
Why DO, Why Western.
-
How did you hear about Osteopathic Medical School?
-
How did you arrive to a career in medicine? What have you done to confirm your interest in medicine? Why DO?
-
Why Doctor, why DO, why Western.
-
Why go into (osteopathic) medicine? Do you know what field you want to go into?
-
Have you shadowed a DO? (No) Then explain your exposure/experience/knowledge of osteopathic medicine.
-
The big 3. Why medicine, Why DO, why WesternU. (in exact order)
-
What experiences made you interested in medicine?
-
1st: Tell us about yourself. Why medicine, why osteopathic medicine. Why Western. Why should we take you.
-
Tell me about your research? Do you want to do research while you are a student? Do you think it is important for physicians to be involved in research? How important is it to you that the future school you go to has research opportunities? A lot of stuff on research.
-
Asked about my opinions regarding about health care reform
-
Why Medicine? Why DO in particular? Why COMP in particular?
-
Did you do research, did you have publications?
-
How did you choose medicine? DO?
-
What are your strengths/weaknesses? and then at the end, what skills will you bring to our school? YEAH basically the same question, plus it didnt help that the interviewer had an accent that was difficult to understand...ugh
-
What inspired me to embark on a career in medicine? Why DO? Why Western?
-
Why Medicine, why DO, why Western, What schools I have applied to and where I've gotten an acceptance from.
-
Path to medicine: osteopathy: Western U
-
Tell us about yourself, what lead to you medicine? Why DO? Why Western? Everyone should know these 3 questions!!! It's a guarantee.
-
Tell me about your self. Why medicine? Why DO?
-
Talk about yourself, your journey toward medicine and osteopathic medicine in particular. <--practice that one.
-
Tell us about yourself, specifically how you ended up in medicine/osteopathic medicine/westernu.
-
Why medicine, how you found out about osteopathic medicine, and westernu?
-
Why medicine, why DO, & why Western. This is the basic, everyone gets asked this!
-
If you were accepted to both DO and MD schools, which would you choose?
-
Why Medicine? DO? Western? Handle Conflict in a group?
-
Tell me more about your volunteering experinces. What science volunteering have you done? (weird because I have been working in research for 3 years)
-
If the government gave you money for research, what would you choose Cancer or AIDS?
-
Tell me about yourself, why do you want to be a doctor, why DO?
-
Why medicine, why osteopathic medicine?
-
How are you? How has your day been? Why do you like it here?
-
Why DO? Why medicine? nothing special
-
Why Western, Why DO, Why medicine?
-
A student from my undergrad's rival school comes in to the ER with a gun shot wound, what would you do?
-
Why did you choose medicine, why osteopathic Medicine, Why Western? What do you know about our curriculum. What are your strengths and weaknesses.
-
Interview was scheduled for 30 minutes, but we went 45 minutes...so there was no strict time limit.
-
Why doctor, why do, why western
-
Why medicine? Why DO?
-
How will you handle so much Bio classes at once? (because I'm a math major)
-
Faculty member: Why medicine? Why DO? Why WesternU? What was your first experience with osteopathic medicine? Doctor/Faculty member: Tell me about your research. What is your job?/What do you do? Doctor/Faculty member: Tell me about your research. What do you do/what is your job? Doctor:
-
Expect these three wherever you interview: 1) Why this school, 2) Why medicine 3) Why Osteopathic medicine
-
Why DO?
-
Why do you want to be a physician. Why a DO, and why Western?
-
Why did you take the MCAT so many times? (I only took it once.)
-
Conversational
-
Why medicine?
-
Tell us about volunteer experiences
-
How did you learn about DOs and Western?
-
Why a DO and why Western?
-
Why medicine, DO, Western?
-
The one about residency.
-
Explain your jr. year grades (they were lower than other years)
-
Why medicine, why osteopathic medicine, and why Western COMP?
-
Why Western & Why DO (one question) ?
-
Explain your leadership experience and how it relates your choice to apply for medical school.
-
Why medicine? why DO? why PCOM?
-
Why med? why DO? why PCOM?
-
Why Western? Why DO?
-
How did you prepare for this interview?
-
Why do? why western? tell us about yourself.
-
Name 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses.
-
Tell us about yourself
-
See above...
-
Why do you like organic chemistry?
-
Why medicine? Why DO? Why Western? (all at once!)
-
Tell me about yourself, why do you want to be an osteopathic physician, and what about osteopathic medicine do you like? (one question). This took the bulk of my interview.
-
Why doctor/why D.O.? Describe leadership experience...
-
Were you applied math? How does being in applied math apply in the real world and in the medicinal world? Did you actually do any research with this type of math? Tell us about your school and if you enjoyed the education there.
-
Have you done any shadowing, and what was the most interesting thing you saw?
-
Explain Grades.
-
Why DO? Why Western?
-
What do you think is a makor problem in healthcare today?
-
Tell me about yourself, why you want to be a physician and why are you interested in osteopathic medicine? (all at once)
-
What do you know about osteopathic medicine?
-
Why do you want to become a doctor?
-
Why should we even bother with helping third world nations if they will be afflicted by factors other than medicine?
-
If I got accepted to Harvard, would I choose that over an osteopathic program?
-
Specifics in reference to my personal statement (questions about my car accident, air evac, and living in a nursing home), my high gpa, and my average mcat score.
-
Describe your background and how you came to osteopathic medicine.
-
So what brings you here?
-
Why Medicine, why Western? How do you deal with conflict? Strengths and Weaknesses?
-
Why osteo?
-
Why medicine? Why osteopathic medicine?
-
Why medicine? Why DO? Why not PT? What were you favorite college courses? How do I know you're responsible? When have you been responsible amongst your family? (yeah...really)
-
General stuff, why med, why osteo, tell me about your research, any leadership experience?.. why ... from my file... et.c..
-
The med mary-jane question
-
Why medicine, why osteo?
-
Why doc? why osteopath?
-
Why medical? Why Osteopathic?
-
Why do you want to be a doctor? Why osteo?
-
Tell us about yourself.
-
Why osteopathy?
-
Why medicine, why osteopathic, why Western? All one question
-
What is one negative factor about medicine? and why do you still pursue medicine knowing this?
-
Why did you only get an xx on your MCAT?
-
Tell me about yourself, how you learned about osteopathic medicine, why you have chosen to study it, and why you would like to attend Western.
-
If I ask your best friend to describe you. What three adjectives would they use to describe your good points?
-
Tell me about yourself and how you came to medicine and specifically osteopathic.
-
Why did you choose Western U?
-
What are your weaknesses?
-
Assisted suicide question.
-
What brought you here to Western?
-
Why medicine/why DO?
-
Tell me about yourself and incorporate how you decided to pursue osteopathic medicine.
-
Tell me about yourself?
-
Tell us about yourself. Why medicine? Why DO? Why Western?
-
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
-
Tell me something about yourself.
-
You have a kidney for transplant. How do you pick between a 24yo and a 60yo with lots of family? What criteria do you use and who would you pick?
-
Why Osteopathic Medicine?
-
How does quality of life increase with better health?
-
What do you do to deal with stress?
-
You have worked with both m.d.'s and d.o.'s - why did you choose osteopathy? what's the difference?
-
They asked many questions about my experiences...work and educational
-
What things about being a doctor make you apprehensive?
-
Tell me about yourself, why medicine, why D.O., why COMP?
-
Tell me about your research? Strengths and weaknesses? What was the saddest part of medicine that you observed while volunteering?
-
Tell me about yourself, why medicine, why do, why comp?
-
Why Western?
-
What are you doing now?
-
The three positive and negative attributes question...yuck!
-
Tell me something about your health-related volunteer experiences.
-
Why do you want to be a doctor, and what made you choose DO? He noticed I had applied to a lot of schools, both DO and MD, and asked if I could go to any medical school I wanted to, what would it be and why? (this question made me nervous, since Western is not my first choice, but I answered honestly and it couldn't have mattered too much because I was accepted).
-
Tell me about your research.
-
What's OMT?
-
Specific application questions.
-
A question about my personal statement concerning why medicine
-
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
-
You are administering a grant. Where would you send the money? AIDS or cancer.
-
Tell me about yourself and what led you to Osteo Med.
-
What would you do if you weren't accepted this year?
-
Difficult event, how dealt with it?
-
Why do you want to be a Doctor?
-
Tell me about your self
-
How is your experience working at ____?
-
Tell me about how you found your interest in medicine?
-
Why DO over MD?
-
Tell me about yourself.
-
Why western, what organizations have you been part of and why, how did they help you get to this point. What has been the most difficult situation you have faced with these organizations and how did you solve them?
-
How did you end up choosing osteopathic medicine? Why do you want to come to Western? Did you apply to MD schools as well? Explain your research and volunteer activities.
-
Explain your line of reasoning from medicine, to osteopathic medicine, to this school
-
Summarize the events that led up to you deciding to apply to osteopathic school.
-
What was your favorite science course and why?
-
Tell us how your experiences as a bioethicist have helped you develop as a person.
-
What do you do for work now? How long have you done it? Do you work there full time? Do you work with DOs? What do you do with pts?
-
Strengths and weaknesses of app
-
Gives a scenario where there are 2 patients that need an organ transplant, which one would I pick and why.
-
AIDS or cancer: which one would i fund as a researcher and why?
-
See interesting question above
-
Why western, and would you choose DO over MD? what schools did u apply to?
-
Why did you choose your undergraduate degree? (BA-Communications0
-
Tell me about yourself/your background
-
Why DO
-
Ethics, about me, about my views on medicine etc
-
What do you think about stem-cell research?
-
Why osteopathy, and what do your parents think of you becoming a DO? (they are MD's)
-
Why Osteo, why medicine, why Western U, what other schools are you applying to, what interviews have you had/will have, and where would you most likely go?
-
Why did you choose the profession you are in? If you caught a fellow student doing drugs, what would you do? If you caught a fellow student with a hangover, what would you do?
-
Explain (one of my community service)
-
Tell us about your decision to pursue medicine
-
How do you feel about your MCAT?
-
What are your opinions on stem cell research and why? If you had a terminally ill patient that was adamantly against stem cell research and stem cells were a viable treatment option, would you offer it to him? Why or why not?
-
Explain you bad MCAT verbal score. Explain all low grades.
-
What was the best Philosophy course you've taken?
-
Tell us about your life to this point. Why Osteopathy and how did you learn about it.
-
"Tell me about yourself" Make sure to decide ahead of time how you wish to direct the discussion.
-
Why osteopathy
-
The interview was very relaxed and the interviewer just wanted to get to know me. One interesting thing, however, was that when he got to my MCAT scores and grades, he did something weird. He told me that my MCAT scores were only average for the school, when I know they are WAY above average (in the 30's). That struck me as being odd. Then he went on to say that he would have a hard time explaining to the admissions committee that my course work was acceptable because I hadn't taken prerequisites for almost a decade. I graduated from CU in 1996. But within the last two years, while working as a full-time hospital attorney, a part-time professor, and a part-time military magistarte, I completed 30 semester hours of prerequisites (a year each of chem, o chem, graduate-level biochem; and a semester of physiology and physics) with a gpa of 3.95. Then he told me that my MCAT scores were higher than his. Who cares? Like I said, it was weird...
-
Do you feel osteopathic medicine is more a science or a philosophy?
-
Why medicine
-
How did you get involved in medicine? Why DO?
-
Why doctor? Why DO? Why Western?
-
Your 2 strengths and weaknesses
-
Why medicine, DO specifcally
-
Describe a person who is very different from you but has influenced you in some way.
-
Strengths/Weaknesses
-
Good conversation
-
What do you do for fun?
-
Tell me about yourself i.e. what do you do for fun?
-
Why this school?
-
Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in osteopathy and in COMP.
-
Why med and why do?
-
Why DO? Why COMP?
-
Tell about yourself.
-
How did you deal with a situation in which someone disagreed with you.
-
A player comes to you asking for a "fix" before a big game...what do you do?
-
Tell us about how you first started helping people and why?
-
Tell me about your background. - Very broad question. I asked the interviewers, where should I begin. They said tell us a synopsis of your life.
-
How would your friends describe you?
-
What classes did you take in undergrad. to prepare you for medical school.
-
Why did you choose your undergraduate college?
-
Tell us an over view of what you have done in your life?
-
Have you ever dealt with conflict?
-
Why DO? Why Western? What are the strengths and weakness of you application? Tell me about yourself? What volunteer work have you done? What did you learn from shadowing a physician?
-
Describe your personality
-
What other medical schools did you applied to? Why osteopathic medicine? Name your strengths/weaknesses.
-
Why have you chosen Osteopathic medicine? Why Western over Touro?
-
Why DO? What have u been doing since you graduated?
-
Why do you want to be a doctor
-
Why do you want to become a D.O.
-
Why do you want to be a DO?
-
When and why did you decide to practice medicine? and when did you decide to be a DO? (followed up with questions on OMM)
-
Tell me about yourself. Name three positive personality traits.
-
Why do you want to be a physician--give us a story of when/how you decided to become a DO?
-
What specialty are you interested in right now?
-
My religious convictions- I think this line of questioning is inappropriate (you want a doctor with moral fiber and good sense of ethics right?). However, the underlying concern is that you will take advantage of others in compromising situations- so I spoke to that concern, and how I respect those of other backgrounds, beliefs etc. If you have strong religious convictions be prepared to answer this concern/question of how you deal with those of other faiths/backgrounds- 5 of the 7 interviews I did at various schools asked me about this
-
Why Western
-
Tell me the strenghts and weaknesses in your application and explain the weakness.
-
Tell us about yourself, who you are, what have you done and why do you want to be a D.O. at western?
-
Tell me about yourself, why Western and why DO?
-
Tell me about yourself, specifically why and when did you decide to pursue medicine, osteopathy, and Western.
-
Why do? why western?
-
Weaknesses? Strengths?
-
What have you been doing for the last two years?
-
Why COMP?
-
What was your favourite non-science class?
-
Why Medicine? Why Osteopathic medicine? Why Western?
-
Why do you want to be a doctor, stuff you would expect.. no ethical questions..
-
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing medicine today?
-
How did you hear about Osteopathic medicine?
-
How did you learn about osteopathic medicine?
-
"If you couldn't be a doctor, what would you be?"
-
Why do you want to become a doctor, specifically a DO?
-
Strengths and weaknesses
-
Why do you want to go to Western
-
You scored well on the MCAT. How did you study?
What was the most interesting question?
Students said most interesting question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific discussed a wide range of topics including ethical dilemmas, social media impact on medicine, personal strengths and weaknesses, regional language proficiency, and patient scenarios. Additionally, respondents mentioned Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) questions which required them to maintain nondisclosure due to the format of the interview.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
How do you make a good first impression? Follow up: How do you treat people who make a bad first impression?
-
Tell me what empathy means to you and how you demonstrate it
-
Biggest strength?
-
Your best friend is diagnosed with a serious illness during finals. What would you do?
-
The ethical dilemma questions
-
How do you feel social media plays a role in your job as a physician?
-
Does the region you are from speak this language?
-
What are the 3 things you want your patients to leave your clinic feeling?
-
The questions were not interesting or unique
-
What is one thing you would you change about yourself and why?
-
What is a time you experienced failure and what did you do?
-
How do you think physicians learn to be compassionate?
-
Why do you think you can handle medical school
-
Name a time when you had a difference with someone. The difference could be about anything.
-
MMI questions-- sworn to secrecy!
-
How do you approach a situation where people on your team are falling behind on their obligations?
-
Recall and elaborate on a situation in which your role as a leader came into play.
-
Application specific questions
-
Why would you choose Western over [other school i had an interview scheduled for]?
-
Where do you stand in the current political debate on health care?
-
Act out this scenario...
-
Role playing: One interviewer is a student in a group project that is worth 25% of your grade. He hasn't done any work and the project is due in 5 days. Act out how you would handle this situation.
-
Scenario: Roger has terminal cancer and had a surgery but feels weaker and is in more pain. His friend thinks the surgery was a mistake, but you and Roger think it was the right move. How do you address Roger's friend's concerns?
-
Role playing about freidn pissing you off bc doesnt do work and you have to confront them.
-
They have a multiple choice question about a man who had surgery and has more pain after the surgery and you have to decide on an answer
-
I was asked to read a paragraph out loud and then answer a question from a list of options and then explain my answer.
-
Role playing.
-
They gave us a multiple choice question regarding a patient's friend's reaction to a surgical complication and how we would address the concern.
-
A question about team work.
-
2 million dollars to fund hiv or cancer, which one?
-
None
-
Why did I go to prep school for high school? They were very interested in the details of my life and my path. I wasn't expecting it to go back this far, but they were genuinely interested because it is a unique aspect of my life path. Focus on these points in your interview.
-
$100 million one
-
How many tennis ball is equivalent to the volume of a blue whale?
-
How do you view your religion (I'm Christian non-denom) both helping you as a physcian and causing difficulty?
-
What was a topic in a science class that really excited me?
-
Give us an example of a recent conflict you've had with a boss. How did you handle it?- I explained my super senses and how I avoid conflicts by sensing these them before they begin. Its true.
-
As a member of an ethics committee, what criteria would you use to validate revoking a doctor's license to practice?
-
As a student-athlete, did you have to deal with teammates using illegal substances?
-
The ama thinks its unethical for physicians to inject lethal injections to prisoners and to use psychiatrists in interrogations of criminals. What do you think? (i disagreed) He followed up with, so you basically think the ama is full of bs? (i didn't know what to say lol)
-
The introvert one
-
Is a microRNA chemically different than any other RNA? (I do research involving miRNA)
-
If you had a million dollars and were to donate it to HIV/Cancer research, how would you decide how much to give each?
-
You come upon a car accident. There is a mother and her 2 y.o. son. They are both going to die. You can only save one of them. Who do you save and why?
-
None really
-
What would you do if being a doctor wasn't an option? I said I would try again next year. I would do everything possible to make myself more competitive. The interviewer then asked what if becoming a doctor is not possible WHATSOEVER... GEEEEEEEEZ
-
Why are people more friendly in England than in the US? (i mentioned studying abroad there and such)
-
You're at the gym and you see an elderly gentleman fall down the stairs. He is unconscious. What do you do?
-
How many tennis balls would be a good representation of a blue whale's body volume?
-
The AMA has just publicly spoken out against the use of doctors in the administration of lethal injection and psychiatrists in interrogation. What are your thought?
-
If you were in charge of a clinic and given a large donation how would spend it?
-
What can be done to reform the health care system?
-
Nothing really.
-
What is an ethical issue that you have heard about that is facing medicine today
-
What is the most exciting thing you've ever done in your life?
-
Asked about my volunteer experiences
-
What about you (potential weakness) could possibly create a medical liability for yourself or your patients?
-
The mass spectrometry discussion....getting an interviewer on a tangent really made me feel that they were interested in what I was saying.
-
Specific to my background
-
I didn't really have any interesting question.
-
You are walking along the street when your 9-year-old niece runs into traffic and is hit. She is knocked unconscious and is lying in the street, a pool of blood forming around her upper thigh. Detail what you do, step by step. (no joke, weirdest question ever. <nerd alert> i approached it like a d&d scenario)
-
Tell us about a failure in your life.
-
Tell me about the most interesting community service project that you have been appart of.
-
The problem I had was that everytime I was trying to answer a question, one of the interviewee kept on cutting me off 1/2 way thru my answer and I never was able to finish answering his questions. Very frustrating because I did have answers to all his questions.
-
Where are Hmong people from? (I volunteer with this population of people and the interviewer had never heard of this background before)
-
None.
-
Maybe the car mechanic one
-
What non-science class did you most enjoy as an undergraduate?
-
About my research. They asked a lot of people about research
-
Nothing especially interesting or difficult. Very conversational.
-
Is healthcare a right, privilege, or responsibility (from the latest presidential debate!)?
-
If you found out a colleague was doing drugs, what would you do?
-
Have you ever been placed in charge of a group of a people? How do you deal with problems when supervising these groups?
-
If a caucasion and an african american came into your practice with the same illness how would you treat them? (its more complicated than "the same, I'm not racist)
-
Questions about health care reform including universalizing.
-
Doctor: Are you happy with your MCAT score? What other schools are you applying to? Are you applying to MD schools as well? - i just didn't think they would actually ask these questions.
-
Some general research methods questions about my evolutionary biology research (the interviewer was a biochemist, so the questions were pretty basic)
-
What do you think are the major problems with our health care system and tell me which presidential candidate you think has the best plan to fix these problems.
-
How do you think you will fair coming from a small private school with a larger body of more competitive students from many top universities? Answer: Very well. My success academically speaking is not dependent on my classmates, but on my determination and personal commitment to achieving my goals.
-
If you were given 300 million dollars how would you spend it?
-
Why doctor, why DO, why Western? You can expect this question to be asked in every interview. Describe your role in your community service activity?
-
No interesting or hard questions. The thing that was nice about this interview was that they really are just trying to get to know you as a person. At a previous interview, they were a bit more probing.
-
I noticed you have an MD program listed in your application, how do you reconcile that with the fact that you are applying to DO school?
-
Do you feel like being a liberal arts major makes you less competitive than someone who majored in biology?
-
How does the show Survivor influence children?
-
What do you think about drug companies advertising on television?
-
How were you able to improve your college grades so well?
-
If I were in a residency with a fellow doctor and I noticed that he made an error regarding the patient's condition/chart, what would I do?
-
Regarding cognition skills of chimps vs. humans
-
If you were given $100 million, how would you use it towards healthcare?
-
What leadership experiences do you have?
-
Your a physician in a clinic- a 15 year girl comes to you asking for an abortion and/or a reference for an abortion. What do you do and why? Explain in detail your rationale.
-
If you had 10 million dollars would you use that money to help cure AIDS or Cancer
-
Have you ever demonstrated leadership? If so when/where?
-
What do you think about the healthcare system?
-
How did you prepare for this interview?
-
If you were given 100 million dollars to spend on healthcare, where would you spend it?
-
Have you ever missed a deadline?
-
Have you ever met anyone like yourself?
-
Greatest weakness? hobbies? tell me about ___ experience/research? view of DO philosophy?
-
What exactly is ultimate frisbee? (im on the school frisbee team)
-
Unfortuanately none really...they just sort of asked me about myself and activities they saw on my application.
-
What do you think about underserved areas due to the decline of hospitals in that region? How would you solve it.
-
The questions were pretty standard. Nothing really interesting.
-
Why did I choose my major if I knew I was interested in medicine?
-
How does being a major in applied math apply in life and medicine?
-
What is wrong with health care today and what can you do to fix it?
-
Explain why there is a large discrepency in your grades from freshman year through senior year.
-
How would you describe DNA to a pre-school kid?
-
Should Medical Marijuana be legal?
-
Since you mentioned stem cells (I had, but in the context of adult stem cell transplants, not a controversial topic), what do you think about stem cell research?
-
How would you explain to someone what a DO is?
-
How comfortable would you feel prescribing medical marijuana in the state of California?
-
Why should we even bother with helping third world nations if they will be afflicted by factors other than medicine?
-
Whether or not I would feel comfortable prescribing medicinal marijuana to a cancer patient in great pain
-
Why not Midwestern? (location) Lots of ethical questions.
-
Nothing very interesting was asked
-
Nothing.
-
So if you want to be a pathologist, why are you studying psychology [as an undergrad]?
-
How do you deal with conflict? What was the most important thing you learned during your volunteer experiences? What are your strengths & weaknesses?
-
What is the major issue facing health care today?
-
You were accepted to other schools, why do you want to come to COMP?
-
What are your opinions on pharmaceutical companies' drug advertisements geared toward the general public?
-
If you had to choose between funding HIV and Cancer Research, how would you make that decision?
-
A question asking why the allopaths do not subscribe to a more similar philosophy if the osteo philosophy makes so much sense.
-
The state of CA allows the use of medical mary-jane, however, the feds dont. If a suffering cancer patient asked for a Rx for mary-jane, would you give it to her or would you worry about the feds knocking on your door?
-
What would you do if a fellow physician/med student became addicted to drugs?
-
What do you think about pharmaceutical companies spending money on advertising?
-
Would I report a colleague for using illegal drugs
-
What would my father (a M.D.) say about me applying to a D.O. School?
-
What would you do if you discovered a physician friend of yours was forging patient information?
-
Questions about my previous profession. I enjoy talking about it and it seems to be universally interesting to others.
-
Honestly, there were no interesting questions. The interviewer seemed bored (nice guy, just very "standard" and not interested in me personally).
-
Name and discuss and issue in health care today?
-
Was there a time in your life where you had to make a decision and would you change your decision now that you look back?
-
None. This was a stress interview.
-
Describe a specific situation in which you were pressed for time and had a lot to accomplish. Describe how you handled it and what you learned from it.
-
You are a physician. A 12 years-old girl came to see you seeking an abortion. The father of the baby is her stepfather. What do you do?
-
To give an example of conflict-resolution.
-
How do you feel about your major given your MCAT score?
-
Knowing that you could potentially loose your license if you prescribed lethal doses of medication, would you do it if your patient requested it under your assisted suicide law?
-
Discuss an area in ethics that you closely follow and what your views are towards that issue
-
Tell me about your family.
-
What would your peers say set you apart from them?
-
Nothing unusual
-
Does your family support you in your decision?
-
When do you think you were the most responsible?
-
What are your thoughts on bioengineered organs?
-
An ethics question about who to give a kidney to, a older person or a younger person
-
No interesting questions. Sounds bad, but it's true.
-
Do you believe that illegal immigrants deserve health care even at the high cost to society? Do you feel it is society's responsibility to provide health care/food/housing to those that can't afford it?
-
Just talking about my research, it was like giving a mini-presentation
-
Nothing.No interesting question. The interviewer just wanted to find out more about me. Basically, he was asking more about me and my experiences and did not ask me any ethical questions.
-
Why do people have different tolerances for pain?
-
How does column chromatography work?
-
If you were accepted to Touro and Western, which school would you go?
-
How does quality of life increase with better health?
-
Let's say you get accepted to this school as well as such and such school. How will you base your decision in determing which school to attend?
-
How do you feel about assisted suicide? They recently legalized it in Oregon, and I'm curious how you feel about it. He went on to give an example of a patient with 3 months to live, afraid of pain, and asking for death.
-
W/ all the problems w/ health care...how does a young person still want to go into the field?
-
Considering the nature of your job while in college, were there any situations that were significant to you and how did they affect your decision to become a doctor? (I worked for a blood bank supplying blood products to hospitals)
-
Who was someone that is an opposite of yourself and how have they impacted you?
-
A 56 year old man with two children and a 24 year old man need a liver transplant. Both are eligible for the transplant, etc. . . Who would you choose and why?
-
What do you like to do for fun?
-
What other schools do you have interviews for?
-
Ethical question on stem cells and genetic testing
-
What I would do if I was accepted to every school I applied to, and what I would do if I was not accepted to any schools I applied to.
-
Why did you choose your particular major?
-
Three people need a liver. One is a 27 year old doctor, another is a 37 year old alcoholic and the third is a 57 year old doctor. Who do you choose and why?
-
What is your opinion of physician assisted suicide?
-
Would I give a 14 year old girl contraceptives.
-
If you were on a panel that decided who received organ transplants what criteria would you take into consideration and why?
-
Do i think it's more important for a physician to be highly technically skilled or to have great interpersonal skills?
-
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
-
What have you done in your life that would indicate you know what true responsibility is?
-
What is your most memorable clinical experience?
-
If your roomate was an animal rights activist what would you do if he/she was threatening a research facility on campus?
-
All kind of standard boring
-
Unfortunately, it was "tell me about a stressful time or obstacle and how you dealt with it"
-
Two patients need a liver transplant. One is 54, has children, and insurance, and the other is 24, no children, and no insurance. Both were alcoholics. Who gets the liver and why?
-
Tell me about your self
-
Why osteopathic medicine?
-
If I was in charge of a research found and had to decide which research to support, who would you give the funds to, Cancer research or AIDS research? Easy Cancer. AIDS is easily curable. (it is called abstinence). He also asked me why I would consider myself as having more responsibility than any other 24 year old. (I didn't consider myself as havingmore responsibility but I guess I do having a wife and Child on the way).
-
What kind of support do you have at home?
-
If two people needed a liver transplant-- your best friend (age 23) and a potential nobel prize winner (age 60)--who would you give the liver to? (I brought this question up with my interviewer, and then he decided to ask me my opinion)
-
If you could spend half of Bill Gates' money in any health-affirming way, what would you choose to spend it on?
-
6 adjectives that a friend would use to describe me, 4 good, 2 bad
-
To explain my lackluster collegiate performance in the early 1990s.
-
Nothing too interesting, I prepared alot so I was expecting ethical questions, but they were all straightforward questions- like why western, why do, etc.
-
All the questions were pretty basic. Why DO, why Western, what are your strengths and weaknesses.
-
None were interesting
-
How is your experience in the military going to make you a better physician?
-
If you're friend was abusing drugs and you knew about it, what would you do/say to your friend? What current ethical issue have you been following and why is it an interesting one?
-
Tell us how your experiences as a bioethicist have helped you develop as a person.
-
"Twin babies are born weighing ~6oz. They leave the hospital months later at 5lb. Millions of dollars were spent. How do you feel about that?" I stated I was for giving the babies a chance at life if that's what their parents wanted. Their response,"That money could have been used for vaccinations for thousands of children. Are you still ok with your decision?"
-
How did you come to know about osteo med?
-
Ethical questions
-
Name experiences when i have felt excited, afraid, and humiliated
-
How would you advertise yourself and your practice in comparison to an allopathic physician?
-
Would you prescribe medicinal marijuana knowing the feds might come after you?
-
All the questions were very typical. Nothing out of the ordinary.
-
What is the CA law on contraception and teenagers with regard to informing parents?
-
Describe an instance where you were faced with a difficult decision. What did you decide and any regrets?
-
Why DO and why medicine
-
Having worked in so many different fields, why would we be convinced that you wouldn't drop medical school for another option?
-
What do you think about stem cell research?
-
Would you prescribe birth control pills to a 14 years old girl?
-
We wound up talking about my brother for a bit, who is in canada studying music...go figure.
-
How do you feel about stem-cell research?
-
What's an ethical issue that you've been studying? (I said Stem Cell research, gave my opinion. I got a long soliloquy from my interviewer who was an embryologist and staunch supporter of embryonic research)
-
2 ethical questions (1) A prisoner is on death row. You,a doctor, are told to cure him by making him sane again. If he is becomes sane, he will be executed. What do you do? (2) A health man in his 20s and and an alcoholic man in his 50s. Both need a new liver. You are given the authority to decide who gets the new liver. Who do you give it too? and why?
-
Do you think your parents practice holistic medicine?
-
What do you think of the Supreme Court wanting to overturn the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes?
-
How did I feel about medical marijuana?
-
If you had a part of Bill Gates's money, how would you use it to fix healthcare?
-
What would your friends say about you? 1 good thing, 1 bad thing
-
Stem cells: What do you think about the gov't funding this research?
-
Should we do animal research? Why or why not?
-
What do you think of Sammy Sosa? (this was in the context that I told him I was from Chicago and I wrote about professional sports)
-
Since you are so intimately involved with medicaid and it's policy, tell us how you believe we should resolve issues stemming from over-use of our health care system by illegal immigrants who cross the border just to get health care?
-
Being from Las Vegas, had I toured the new TUCOM-NV campus and what had I heard about it.
-
"Given that you have had an interest in computers, how do you manage to remain personable at the same time?"
-
What would you do if a 14 year-old patient of yours came to asking for birth control.
-
Same question someone posted about last week-if you had $1million to give away to HIV or cancer which would you choose and why?
-
Same as most difficult. There really wasn't too much to this interview.
-
Name a person who is opposite you but has had a positive impact on your life.
-
If you were the head of the NIH and had $10 million at your disposal would put the money towards HIV/AIDS research or diabetes research? (money could only go towards one or the other)
-
Clinical exp
-
They presented with a story, and than asked what would I do? For example, they gave me a story of a schizophrenic guy who was taking his meds on a regular basis, but one day he forgot to, and ran over a bunch of junior high students. The jury later found him guilty and gave him the death penalty. However, they could not execute him because he had turned insane due to lack of meds. Hence they bring you in as the prison pscychologist and ask you to fix him up so that they can execute him......What would you do?
-
What would you do if a husband contracts AIDS but does not want to tell his wife?
-
If a child needed a blood transfusion and his parents didn't believe in medical intervention, what would you do?
-
The hardest science class is?
-
"If I had never heard of osteopathic medicine, how would you explain it to me."
-
Explain your grades..
-
Who is a person who has a personality opposite of yours who has a great impact on you? (I knew this was one they asked but it still stumped me a little!)
-
Ethical question about a psychiatric patient who wanted to harm antoher person, wat would you do with the information
-
Describe a person who is very different from you but has influenced you in some way.
-
Tell me about your research. What did you find?
-
Use of marijuamna
-
What was your favorite science class? Tell me something interesting you learned in it?
-
A year or two ago President Bush made an announcement about what should be done with the embryos created for stem cell research. What are your thoughts on that?
-
Why did you choose Economics as your major?
-
If you had a patient who tested positive for HIV and you knew he/she was sexually active and that patient refused to divulge that info to partners and practice safe sex, what would you do?
-
How would respond to X ethical dilemna?
-
Tell about a person who influenced your life
-
Nothing really, just stuff off of my application
-
Quesion #3 below.
-
What is your position on the federal government legislating the use of medical marijuana?
-
No interesting questions
-
How did you first get involved with helping people?
-
What is it SPECIFICALLY about osteopathic medicine that really makes you want to be a DO?
-
Related to my volunteer work
-
What are some of the problems that your home-town faces?
-
Will your family move here with you? ( I am married with 3 children)
-
What was your favorit class and what was the most not favorit one!
-
Have you ever dealt with conflict?
-
What are the most important issues in public health
-
What was so significant about the Rape of Nanking? (the interviewer and I had a common interest in history)
-
How do you feel about women being in the Army?
-
If we were to ask your family and friends what your weaknesses are, what would they tell us?
-
If you caught the man that started the California Fires what would you do to him?
-
Where would you live if you got in to western?
-
Some hpyo-type questions...exactly like the ones posted by others...medical marijuana use and another one about the dearth penalty in arizona.
-
In relation to one of my shadowing experiences...was there anything that you learned not to do as a physician?
-
An ethics/morality question: Do you support the idea that california is toying with to institute mandatory AIDS/HIV testing and publicize the results? They then backed that up (according to the answer I think- I said no) with- Then do you support the current practice of posting child molester convictions?
-
How do you feel about stem cell research?
-
What patient population are you most interested in serving right now?
-
All questions were straight forward.
-
About my Alzheimers research and what are the strenghs and weeknesses of my aplication.
-
"A 50 year old male presents with low back pain. As a personal trainer what do you do?"
-
What is a current problem facing medicince today?
-
Nothing---standard questions
-
Very standard - nothing that interesting.
-
I was asked an ethical question about who I would choose, between three candidates, to recieve a kidney transplant if there was only one kidney available.
-
Regarding a specific paper I wrote in undergrad.
-
None of the questions were particularly interesting. They were common interview questions.
-
How would you integrate nutrition into osteopathic medicine?
-
No hard questions.. Just stuff off my applications
-
In relation to my volunteer work: Do you feel that medical students should be required to do a rotation at a hospice?
-
If you had a patient suffering from some cancer treatment and needs marijuana, what would you do knowing that it is illegal to possess them, but not prescribing...
-
In relation to my present job enrolling patients in cancer research trials: "Do you feel there is ever a conflict between asking a patient to be involved in research and the best treatment for the patient?"
-
"Why do you need a support system in med school?" (i.e. support of friends and family) Well, duh!
-
It depends on which ethical situation you think is the most difficult. I was drilled with ethical questions one after the other.
-
Tell me some of the differences of asian music?
-
Name three qualities about yourself that make you a good candidate
How did you prepare for the interview?
Applicants commonly prepared for the interview by conducting mock interviews, studying feedback on Student Doctor Network (SDN), researching the school's website, and reviewing their application materials. Suggestions included practicing with family and friends, studying ethical questions, and reflecting on personal experiences to prepare for potential interview questions.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Mock interviews, SDN, talking out loud
-
Mock interviews, SDN, speaking to current students
-
SDN Interview feedback page, writing out bullets for common questions, practicing with myself in the mirror, and practicing with my family.
-
I did mock interviews with some friends and family, researched the schools, and looked at possible questions online and made bullet points that I could remember.
-
Looking at SDN
-
SDN reviews, practice questions
-
Reviewed my secondary, reviewed my "why Western"
-
Memorized Osteopathic tenets, reviewed school website, mock interview with advisor, practice ethical questions, read about MMI
-
Mock interviews
-
Went over my application
-
Typical interview prep , MMI scenario prep
-
SDN
-
Went through the school's website, looked at SDN forums, and looked at YouTube videos on MMI and answering ethical dilemma questions.
-
Read primary, secondary, interview feedback, practiced questions and answers
-
School website, SDN interview survey, practice MMIs online
-
SDN, school website, looking over my primary application and supplemental
-
SDN interview feedback
-
Using interview feedback
-
SDN. Pretty much all of my questions were from it!
-
Read SDN interview feedback, prayed.
-
Researched the school on the website, SDN Interview Feedback, Reviewed my app and secondaries, Read articles on current healthcare issues, Got 8 hours of sleep
-
Read up about WesternU on the school's website and SDN's interview feedback.
-
SDN forums, mock interview
-
Reading the school's website, reviewing my aacomas app and secondary, researching important topics in healthcare right now.
-
Reviewed sdn questions from past years. Reviewd my application. Reviewed their website. Tried to be rested and relaxed the day of.
-
SDN, spoke with peers that had interviewed there previously, reviewed application materials, and looked at the school's website.
-
Thought of all possible questions and answers. SDN.
-
SDN and online
-
Used this forum
-
Sdn, other interviews, research
-
Read SDN interview feedback, read over my application both primary and secondary, researched the school on the website, asked my parents for input about my responses to sample questions, etc.
-
Reviewed all application essays, SDN, good food, and plenty of sleep.
-
Interview practice with friend, read sdn interview forums, reviewed application.
-
SDN, Med School Interview book/Pfizer med school manual book both very helpful, re-read all of my old work including papers, abstracts, my curriculum vitae, and my applications. Went through a catalog of questions from websites and the books writing out the answers. Attended a practice session at my university and spoke with friends for tips.
-
Review my application.
-
Looked on SDN feedback, read the school's website, practiced with family, read up on current issues
-
Studied SDN interview feedback questions intensively, mock interview with friends and families, read through CIB and western website.
-
SDN, knew my file. Previous interviews
-
Read interview feedback and school info, read my application and supplemental.
-
SDN, read over Western website, ironed my shirt twice...ordered room service at the worst hotel in Pomona...immediately regretted this and went to sleep without brushing my teeth (I forgot to bring toothpaste)
-
SDN, skimmed catalog, thoroughly looked over website, talked with the students on interview day.
-
Reviewed my app, spent a lot of time on westerns website, reflected on my experiences that got me here
-
-sdn feedback -mock interviews with friends and family, -The medical school interview by Jeremiah Fleenor (i totally recommend this book) -The DO's: Osteopathic medicine in America by Norman Gevitz (fascinating book, but not sure if its necessary for the interview. however, i think the interviewers are impressed if you read the book.) -read up on my app, ethics (u of washington website. I highly recommend this site), and my research
-
Sdn, western alums, cib, and school's website
-
SDN, school website, interview info from my school
-
Read their website, sdn, and CIB.
-
SDN, school website, review application, practice with fiance
-
Sdn, western's website
-
SDN, mock interviews with family/friends, studied like it was a midterm
-
Read SDN, checked out their website/CIB page, spent a lot of time reflecting.
-
Print/Read/Practice with SDN interview feedback, Read through school missions and website, have friends do group and one-on-one practice interview and not hold back the criticism :P
-
Studied bioethics, reviewed SDN, mock interview at undergrad school, lots of question practice with my wife, researched US health care policies and reform, watched "Sicko" for fun, good night's sleep.
-
Rehearsed answers to Qs that I knew they would ask. Ran these answers by the physician I shadow who helped me iron out the kinks. Oh... and deep knee bends in the bathroom right before interview time...
-
SDN, Mock Interviews, read over primary and secondary, talk to students at the school
-
SDN, mock interviews
-
SDN interview feedback, sleep well, look over application.
-
SDN, normal stuff
-
Read SDN boards, read up info on the school, mock interview
-
SDN, prayer
-
Prior interviews helped me to answer similar questions. I reviewed information about Western online and went over the informational packet I received during orientation before my interview.
-
Read Western's website, my application, and SDN
-
Read up about the school online and SDN interview feedback
-
1. Studentdoctor.net 2. Sat in my car and rehearse my answer. 3. Mock Interviews w/ friends. The mock interview w/ my friends were more nerve-wrecking than the real interview.
-
SDN, mock interviews, practiced in front of mirror
-
SDN, read my file.
-
SDN, website, review my file
-
Lots of online reading.
-
Sdn, looked over primary and secondary application, studied about DO from websites.
-
SDN, practice interviews with friends, advice from friend who interviewed here last year.
-
SDN. Western Site. Interview Database
-
Sdn, school website
-
SDN, practice interviewing, reviewing application and school information
-
Reviewed my file
-
School website, sdn, review my application
-
Coffee and breakfast burrito
-
Looked over my application materials and read about the history of osteopathic medicine
-
SDN, school website, mock interview
-
SDN, meeting with faculty previously.
-
Sdn interview feedback, reviewed my applications, practice answering.
-
Reviewed application and essays. Had practice from previous interviews.
-
Mock interview, this website, link from UCSD, a good breakfast and some meditation
-
Be confident. The day is very relaxed so the interview was the same way. Make sure you have answers for "Why Doctor? Why Western? Why DO?" and that you can just go on about yourself for 30 minutes if all they say is why.
-
SDN, mock interview, read AACOMAS and Western U applications. Western U website, AOA website - for osteopathy.
-
SDN, application review, talking with students at the school
-
SDN feedback forum...very helpful!
-
Reviewed my research literature, westernu.edu, SDN, mock interviews at my university. Took beta-blockers (propranolol) before my interview (highly recommended!!!)
-
SDN, went to westernu.edu and read about the school, and talked to some COMP students and alumni.
-
Enjoyed beautiful California. Although Pomona is a poor area, you can at the beaches, LA or the mountains within 30-45 minutes.
-
SDN, reviewed my application, read my primary and secondary essays.
-
Looked over apps, school website
-
Website, mock-interview with undergrad
-
Talked to current Western COMP students and osteopathic medical students from other colleges. Looked over my apps and the school's website.
-
SDN website and school's website
-
Gained some confidence and utilized SDN for potential questions
-
SDN website, reviewed prior interview questions,studied internet articles on osteopathic medicine.
-
Went over my application + SDN
-
Went over interview questions from previous interviews I've been through. Spent about 1 hr reviewing. Didn't want to prepare much b/c I just wanted to be myself.
-
SDN/School Website
-
SDN, read over the website, read over my file.
-
SDN a great book
-
SDN, school's website.
-
Typical stuff.
-
Thats exactly what they asked me!
-
Attended OMAC, read website, SDN feedback
-
SDN, school's website
-
School website, mock interviews, review app, sdn
-
Went over application and practiced sdn interview questions on the plane
-
SDN, school web-site
-
Go over primary and secondary app
-
Read secondary, learned about the school and curriculum, read SDN, and did a mock interview.
-
I didn't really, I just wanted to be myself.
-
Read my aacomas and western university secondary apps, student doctor net
-
SDN, mock interviews, reviewed application, read school website
-
Friends who are current students SDN
-
SDN, Schools Web site, and 2ndary app
-
SDN, The Medical School Interview book, review AMCAS and secondary, go over questions
-
SDN; practiced interviewing; interviewed at different schools; read the book ''The DOs.''
-
Re-read my application and essays.
-
SDN, review apps
-
Read some books with example questions
-
SDN, practiced ethical questions with family and friends, SDN forums
-
Website, reviewed app
-
SDN. And school website
-
Reviewed my application and resume, looked around the website for potential questions to ask the interviewer(s), thought about what in my application would *I* ask about were I the interviewer and come up with an honest response. I was hosted by three med students so I harassed them AND their friends the night before for more information.
-
Read application, SDN interview feedback
-
SDN feedback, reviewed application
-
Re-read app
-
Mock interviews, SDN interview feedback, discussed possible interview questions/answers with family
-
SDN, read the school's website
-
SDN - mock interviews, reviewed my application, and bought a short ethics manual geared towards medical interviews... as it turned out the article that I read from the latest Scientific American on the plane helped as well.
-
Read over application, SDN, talked with student host, read about the school
-
SDN, looked over my stuff, got no sleep
-
Went over questions on SDN, mock interview--I was over-prepared for questions that they barely asked me
-
SDN, review my file, read every word on WCOMP's website
-
Mock Interviews. Lots and lots of mock interviews. My best tip for anyone who wants to do well on the interview is: Do at least one mock interviews with a doctor you've come to know well, and let them judge your performance after you finish. If you did well, congrats, you'll probably do well on the real ones too. If you didn't, or if there was a moment during the mock interview you stumbled, make sure you work on it and improve.
-
SDN, school's website, reviewed my secondary & personal statement, Mock interviews with family
-
Reread my application material, SDN, tried to relax.
-
Read through SDN, the school's website, read my applications
-
SDN, School Web site, Mock interviews, practice questions
-
SDN and review application
-
Studied this site and the schools website along with reviewing my application
-
SDN interview feedback and reviewed and prepared answers for all questions listed on the school's website for interview tips.
-
Re-read through my application and essays, SDN interview, have fun the day beforehand
-
Read schools website, this site, and spoke to alumni
-
I re-read all statements for all schools applied to. They had a set of sample questions posted on their website, so I prepared my answers to them.
-
Interview Feedback, Healthcare issues, school website
-
Read SDN, school's website and literature, read "The D.O.'s" by Grevitz
-
SDN, Western's website, mock interviews
-
I visited this site, studied the school's catalog, researched the city on the internet, read the section on interviewing in the Pfizer guide to med school admissions, read some editorials and articles on the NEJM site.
-
Read SDN and school website, mock interview, read applications
-
SDN, read schools website and my secondary materials.
-
Read SDN Feedback; Thoroughly read over my file; Relaxed...
-
SDN, WesternU website, AACOMAS application and PS, looked over ethical issues; read 2 books on osteopathy
-
I just went in as myself. I glanced at my secondary application and my prior research.
-
SDN (of course), school's website, other interviews.
-
SDN, Mock Interview, Researched the school
-
Read my application, read up on ethical issues raised in my biomedical ethics class
-
Sdn, website of school, journals
-
Read over ethical issues. SDN. Read over school website. Studied history of Osteopathy. Talk with 4th year DO student who attends this school.
-
Read my file, went over the interview feedback, that was basically it.
-
Sdn, school website, other DO students
-
SDN feedbacks, school website, visits to school's pre-med office for last minute tips, mock interviews
-
Meditated and performed my yoga routine the night before. Nah, just went over this site's interview questions.
-
Mock interview, recording and listening to myself answer, reviewing questions of all sorts.
-
This website, theirs, spoke to students
-
Sdn, reviewed all my application materials, pre-drafted answers to frequent questions
-
Looked over SDN, Primary, Secondary, schools website, and attended their Awareness conference (Aug and Oct).
-
Sdn, review app, read up on current events in the health field
-
Sdn, mock interviews, research about the school
-
SDN, website
-
Just relaxed. As long as you're confident, relaxed, and honest, there should be no problems.
-
SDN Inteview feedback, interview presentations at my college
-
Read over my primary and secondary apps, read Western U website, SDN
-
Researched ethical questions, schools website, sdn
-
SDN, reviewed application
-
I didn't, really. I looked over this website.
-
Read SDN, school's website, some ethical stuff.
-
Read the school's website, researched it at sdn.
-
Reviewed AACOMAS, supplemental app, school website, SDN, mock interview
-
SDN, read the school's website.
-
Talked to Do's and MD's, talked to DO students, read this web site
-
Sdn, school website, made sure to allow enough time to drive to the school!
-
Slept a lot
-
Read SDN, application, school website.
-
Read this site, studied ethical situations, prepared and practiced responses, and did a practice interview.
-
I practice a lot
-
Reviewed my essays, student doctor network.
-
Read over my application. Looked at the school's website. Surfed the morining before the interview.
-
SDN, school web site, application
-
Read website, looked at practice questions, and just relaxed
-
Read my application, got a massage, meditated, found a good place to get coffee the morning of the interview.
-
Read through COMP website, reviewed SDN Q's and prepared answers to common Q's
-
Prepared for ethics questions, but mostly just went in as myself.
-
SDN, western website, reviewed 2ndary, reviewed practice interview questions with friends, looked over D.O.'s by Gevitz
-
Mock interview, read SDN website, read Western website.
-
This website, read over my application and tried to rest.
-
SDN, went over secondary, practiced with my parents and friends
-
SDN, school website, self reflection
-
SDN, mock interview, websites, alumni
-
Western website, SDN, Western sample interview questions
-
Read my file, schools website, and this website
-
Sdn, western's website, read up on current events/medical and ethical issues
-
Reviewed my file, sdn
-
Read sdn questions which really helped a lot bc the questions were exactly the same. and read my secondary
-
SDN website, School website, mock interview, previous interviews.
-
Sdn, app. material, ethics commentary
-
Read SDN and application
-
Secondary/primary review, SDN, school website
-
I was just myself
-
Practice with another person. Re-read application and essays.
-
Just looked over my supplement app.
-
SDN, read my app, read up on stem cell research
-
Review my application and practice questions
-
SDN, application, news
-
Sdn, read over app
-
SDN, read applications, mock interviews in my head
-
Mock interview, SDN, read over file.
-
SDN, COMP website
-
SDN and school website
-
Primary and secondary applications & SDN
-
Read SDN, application, school website
-
This website, read over app, etc
-
I didn't really. Other than looking over my application file and reading the DO's by Norman Gevitz.
-
SDN, read the school's website, talked to other SDNers.
-
SDN, Job Interviews for dummies, Job interview web sites, reading over my apps and osteopathic materials
-
I read posts on this site as well as threads in the forum, spoke with students and alumni, read the website and books on med schools and interviewing, and I spent the day before the interview at Western attending class and lab with the OMS1s
-
This website, school's website.
-
Website, sdn, read over secondary app
-
I have decided that I don't do as well if I prepare possible answers, so I just read my application a couple of times.
-
Schools website, my application, SDN
-
SDN site,Gevitz the DO's,read over AACOMAS and secondary app, and most importantly went in with a good attitude.
-
Go over the primary and secondary applications, do on-line research about the campus, do mock interview with a career counselor and read SDN
-
I know this advice has been given over and over again..but the best thing you can do is to be yourself......other than that, just have an answer for any dings in your application and know your own personal statement really well.
-
This website, application, and Western's website
-
School website, sdn
-
Review my application & this website
-
SDN, school's website, talked to people who had interviewed there before
-
Sdn, personal profile, school website
-
Go over my application; peruse through this website; visit WesternU website
-
Student doctor.net, read over my Western app
-
Sdn, read my application
-
Looked over secondary & AACOMAS application, visited the school website, and studied current health/medical ethic issues (although unnecessary b/c they didn't ask any hypothetical/ethical questions).
-
Read this site and talked to other people who had interviews this year.
-
Read over the brochure and read up on previous posts on this interview feedback
-
Sdn, reviewed app, school's website
-
Read SDN, my secondary and any information about osteopathic medicine
-
Mock interviews, online feedback, videotaping myself, meeting with a doc who had been on an admissions committee.
-
SDN, read the news
-
Internet, This website, Mock-interviews
-
Read feedback, went over my app, talked with western students, asked people lots of questions
-
Thoroughly researched the school's website. Read every single SDN feedback on the school. Practiced tricky questions with my boyfriend. The night before, just relaxed had a nice dinner, worked out and went to bed.
-
Slept well and ate well
-
Kaplan's Guide to Admissions book, reading over personal statement, reading over both the school's and osteopathic's history and information.
-
Their website, this website, went over first and second application
-
The school web site and read over my application material
-
By rereading my file
-
Sdn, web site.
-
Read the interview feedback questions from this website; asked family members who had been through the process before; video recorded myself
-
Read through their website
-
Reading over my applications, visiting school websites, reading various text on Osteopathic concepts, this website
-
SDN, talked to alumni and current COMP students, alot of web research
-
Sdn, interview feedback
-
Reading this website
-
This site
-
Sdn, read my application, wrote out some answers to common questions
-
Undergrd campus mock interviews, typing out answers to typical interview questions and questions from this site.
-
SDN, school's website, and relaxed the night before by wathcing the LA game.
-
SDN, mock interview, read application, researched the school
-
Read SDN, talked to students, read the website and materials given
-
Read over my files, SDN, mock interviews, researched school
-
This website and the school's website. Read over application many times.
-
This site, schools site, visiting the campus, talking to the mirror and my boyfriend, breathing excersises.
-
Interview feedback, talking to other interviewees, other interviews
-
SDN, Western Website, reviewes my applications, meetings with current students and alumni
-
SDN, read over my applications and essays...and background on Western
-
SDN, school website, secondary app.
-
SDN, review school web site, Osteopathic Awareness Conference notes.
-
Prepared myself to answer questions about my application and read the school's website.
-
Read about the school, looked over my entire application.
-
I went through the questions posted on this website for COMP and made a list of them to think about etc... Most of the question were verbatim from this site.
-
The SDN, read my application, read up on the school
-
Mock interviews with friends. outline what you want to get across to the interviewers.
-
Studentdoctor, read about the school, read my application
-
None, just relaxed, prayed and played video games.
-
Reviewed my application, their website, and my prior research. Got a good nights sleep.
-
This site, school website
-
This site. Had previous interviews which helped calm the nerves.
-
Read about the school, read my essays, read different feedbacks
-
Read about the school
What was the most difficult question?
Students said most difficult question asked at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific discussed various topics such as empathy, conflict resolution, future career choices, ethical dilemmas, and personal weaknesses. The interview format may have been an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) based on the wide range of questions asked, including a multiple choice scenario and ethical considerations, potentially involving a nondisclosure agreement as some responses suggested a diverse and challenging set of inquiries.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
They give you 5 minutes to ask questions at the end of the interview so have a couple of good questions prepared
-
What does empathy and describe a time you were empathetic.
-
Tell me about a time you learned from someone with a different background than yourself.
-
Tell me about a time of conflict.
-
None were too difficult.
-
None of them stood out in particular. Probably a question about my failures/weaknesses
-
Will you stay in the U.S. after you graduate from medical school? Why?
-
There are a lot of great schools that you'll be accepted to, so why Western over all of those schools.
-
Why are you a good fit
-
How do you see the advancement of technology affecting doctors' professionalism?
-
I wouldn't describe any of the questions as difficult.
-
I see you took the MCAT twice. Are you satisfied with your score?
-
None really. Stick to SDN questions and you will be golden. It is open file but they don't tend to ask about grades or extracurriculars... at least in my case.
-
If you got into all the schools you applied to, how would you choose?
-
What does accountability mean to you?
-
What does it mean to practice patient-minded medicine? (something like that, not sure the exact wording)
-
Recall and elaborate on a situation in which your role as a leader came into play.
-
Regarding your MCAT score [somewhat low], what happened? (The way my interviewer said it was quite rude)
-
What was the last book you read for fun?
-
Why do you want to be a doctor?
-
Your partner and you have a project that is worth 25% of your grade, but your partner isn't doing the work. Your partner is your interviewer. Have a conversation.
-
A multiple choice question about surgery complications and having to deal with the patient's friend/family.
-
When were you an advocate for someone
-
What was your favorite Organic Chemistry reaction? Explain it. How do you make a carbon-carbon bond?
-
The multiple choice question. it was difficult to focus while someone stared at you.
-
None were all that difficult.
-
A question about a Pt and friends reaction to quality of care received.
-
If you had 200 billion dollars to give to either HIV and Cancer research, given what you know about the two, which would you pick and why?
-
None. This is a low-stress interview where they are just trying to get to know you. Do a lot of self-reflection on your personal journey and prepare to discuss it articulately and passionately with them (and you should be fine!).
-
Explaining the discrepancy between gpa and mcat
-
No difficult, most are within prep material
-
Definitely the 100 million dollars question. The researcher kept pressing me with my allocation of the funds, how much would be required for what, etc. If he was trying to demonstrate my inability to compute large numbers in my head while under stress, he succeeded!
-
The conflict Q. I'll be honest, this was the only question that caught me off guard. Everything else was very straight forward and super relaxed. Although, they really fired a lot of questions off. My panel was full of fast-talkers
-
As a member of an ethics committee, what criteria would you use to validate revoking a doctor's license to practice?
-
None were really difficult
-
Ama and the health care reform questions
-
None
-
No question was really difficult, but all were different than I expected them to be.
-
If you had a million dollars and were to donate it to HIV/Cancer research, how would you decide how much to give each?
-
You come upon a car accident. There is a mother and her 2 y.o. son. They are both going to die. You can only save one of them. Who do you save and why?
-
None really
-
What is Alzheimer's Disease? WHICH protein aggregates? (somewhat related to the research i mentioned)
-
We want to know how you handle conflict. Can you tell us about a personal conflict you were involved in and how you resolved it?
-
Pretty standard, the blue whale question did startled me a bit. But they just want to see how you handle situation on the spot, no right/wrong.
-
Same question, mostly because I wasn't aware of this, so I had to think on the fly about it.
-
Tell us about a failure in your life.
-
If you were in charge of a clinic and given a large donation how would spend it?
-
Why would you rather attend an osteopathic program over an allopathic program?
-
The question concerning my major, especially since I had taken that class 5 years ago. It really threw me back and I ended up answering honestly "I don't remember."
-
Nothing too difficult
-
What is the most exciting thing you've ever done in your life?
-
Answering the same question twice...see question 1
-
What about you (potential weakness) could possibly create a medical liability for yourself or your patients?
-
The questions about other schools....had to tread carefully because I have another acceptance but I prefer Western.
-
None were very difficult
-
Do you have any question for us? Fortunately, I did. Because my questions had stirred up a good discussion. That really ease up the atmosphere.
-
Talk about one of your fears.
-
If a child needs a liver transplant, and a 50 y/o man with 4 kids needs a liver transplant, but you can only save one- who do you choose and why?
-
Tell me your strengths and weaknesses?
-
Have you ever faced difficulty before and how did you overcome it?
-
What is holistic care exactly?
-
None.
-
What speialty do you want to do (difficult because I was torn between really saying what I wanted and just saying primary care)
-
The AIDS vs. Cancer research....
-
Your biggest weakness or something like that
-
If you found out a colleague was doing drugs, what would you do?
-
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Where do you see yourself in 14 years? Okay, the government has just given you a $2 million grant, make a list and prioritize what you will do with the money.
-
Describe how you resolve conflicts
-
What schools have you applied to? (I applied to both DO and MD) If you got into a DO and an MD school which would you attend?
-
What is my biggest worry/ can I handle the volume of material?
-
Nothing was really difficult. The SDN website helped alot in preparing for questions. Just have something to say, but its ok to take a few seconds to think or compose ur thoughts.
-
Nothing really, it was really laid back...easy, discussion based questions
-
Not really any difficult questions. Everyone be ware of political type questions....election is just around the corner!
-
What enzyme converts succinate to fumarate? Answer: Succinate Dehydrogenase, but please don't ask me to draw it, it's an enzyme for crying out loud. (By the way, humor really seemed to ease the tension in my interviews, especially after answering tougher questions. And from what others have told me, my questions were abnormally challenging)
-
What are your strengths and what are your weaknesses?
-
My interest in DO stems from the fact that my scores are lower than average for MD and the more I researched DO the more I felt it matched my personal philosophy/ideology of what medicine should be.
-
Nothing
-
If you had a $100,000,000 would you spend it on curing one disease or education?
-
There were no ''difficult'' questions.
-
Tell us about your research
-
The one about the error (I had try to explain that I would do something about it but not go over his head or act like his boss)
-
Where else did you apply/why would happen if you got into X school
-
Why do you think you were not asked for an interview when you applied to med. schools last year given your good stats? What have you done to correct this? (JUST a reference: 30Q MCAT, 3.9 science, 3.7 overall GPA)
-
What was your hardest class and why
-
Nothing was difficult.
-
Tell me about your life, including why medicine, Osteopathic medicine and Western specifically.
-
What is an action potential? (after i explained my research in neurobio)
-
Would you go here or [insert popular southern california M.D. school]?
-
Give us one example of an instance in which some performed a great act of compassion on your behalf.
-
All pretty straight forward questions, nothing too unexpected if youre prepared.
-
Name 4 strengths and 5 weaknesses... (the numbers were weird)
-
What makes you more qualified then the other cadidates? (Not really that difficult though if you have done any prep what so ever)
-
What do you think about underserved areas due to the decline of hospitals in that region? How would you solve it.
-
The questions weren't difficult, but I only had a minute at the end to discuss my research.
-
Give 3 adjectives for my weaknesses.
-
If you had to put $100,000,000 into a healthcare problem, what area would you put it in?
-
Same as above.
-
What MD schools did you apply to and why should we choose you?
-
Your numbers are great, what are your weaknesses?
-
Same
-
Give us an adjective that other people use to describe you, that you do not agree with.
-
How would you explain to someone what a DO is?
-
How would you define a primary care provider?
-
Why should we even bother with helping third world nations if they will be afflicted by factors other than medicine?
-
Nothing was too difficult
-
Why not Midwestern? (Midwestern and COMP were both at the top of my list. There's alumni from both schools at both schools. This question made me uncomfortable.)
-
He said something weird about why would i study abroad in ecuador. he said he heard it was dirty. i didnt know what to say. i just said no it wasnt really.
-
One of the interviewers attacked my religious identity.
-
Probably ''If you were accepted to all three of your top schools, how or which would you choose?'' It was difficult because I had to be honest and admit that I would choose another school over Western. But remember: honesty's the best policy.
-
Why do you feel your MCAT writing score is so low?
-
What was the most difficult time you had as a Volunteer in the ER.
-
Same as above
-
Looking at the rest of your grades, why did you get a C in the first semester of Organic Chemistry? Why do you think medical schools require Organic Chemistry?
-
See above
-
The state of CA allows the use of medical mary-jane, however, the feds dont. If a suffering cancer patient asked for a Rx for mary-jane, would you give it to her or would you worry about the feds knocking on your door?
-
What are some examples of me demonstrating leadership that would be applicable to succeeding as a medical student?
-
1) What would you say to an animal rights activist about your animal research?
-
Motivation to go to medical school, what made you change your direction from where you were going, and how did u prepare for it?
-
None. I felt well prepared. I didn't get any ethical question.
-
None really.
-
A question about a grade I had received in a math class. The question was not difficult I just did not answer it well. I used it as an opportunity to comment on my academic record in general instead of just pointing out that I had done much better in more advanced math classes. I felt like I was rambling on without having a real point.
-
Tell me about yourself. Everyone hates open questions... making the answer concise is tough.
-
Name and discuss a health care issue today?
-
Nothing really
-
How come you only got an xx on your MCAT
-
Describe 3 of your bad qualities.
-
You are a physician. A 12 years-old girl came to see you seeking an abortion. The father of the baby is her stepfather. What do you do?
-
Tell me about someone in your life who is different from you who you learned something from.
-
None seemed difficult to me.
-
What would you say one of you weaknesses?
-
What is one characteristic that would make you a good physician.
-
Do you have any questions...I had already asked so many to the students and found my answers
-
None really...
-
Nothing difficult
-
Describe something from one of your premedical classes that really impressed you. (Wasn't prepared for this question) He wanted a specific example like the electron transport chain.
-
When do you think you were the most responsible?
-
Tell me about the research you did...4 years ago.
-
None, really...although when the conversation lagged he looked at my application and made a face and at that point i opened up a can of worms by asking if he was looking at my numbers
-
No difficult questions, either. Probably the most straightforward interview I have had.
-
What was something scientific that you learned in one of your science classes that made you have a revelation about science?
-
What are your weaknesses?
-
Tell me an event where you had to make a difficult decision.
-
How do you feel about purely cosmetic surgery surgery using the resources of our healthcare system. What would you do about it.
-
Describe a position in which you had too many things to do at the same time - what was the result, and how did you handle it?
-
If you were given a unlimited amount of capitals, which problem would you tackle? HIV/AIDS cure research or sex education?
-
Why do you want to become a DO not an MD. Similarly, she asked me to compare and contrast DO and MD.
-
What is "primary care"?
-
What criteria did you take into account when applying to WesternU and if you are accepted to every medical school to which you apply, how will you determine which school to attend?
-
What ethical dilemma do you want to discuss?
-
How do you feel about illegal aliens being entitled to medical care? Think about this with the metaphor of the medical system as a boat full of people and illegals are people clamouring to get in and they might tip the boat...
-
Strengths and weaknesses
-
What do you think about overmedicating people?
-
Addresss a particular point of your application
-
Coming up with positive and negative personal attributes. I just hate that question and sure enough, they asked it.
-
Ethical dilemma regarding transplants
-
What is your view of medical marijuana?
-
A woman who recently threw her 3 kids off a bridge was seeing a psychiatrist. Whose fault was the accident?
-
Explain the downward trend of your grades.
-
Same as interesting question.
-
The above one, probably.
-
Given your interest and participation in animal research, what would you do if your medical school roommate was an animal rights activist? How would you justify your involvement in primate research to him/her? Would you respond differently if your research subjects were rats?
-
If you had a giant grant that you could use anywhere in healthcare, what would you do with it?
-
Tell me about yourself
-
Fortunately, same as above. There were no ethics questions or anything very difficult.
-
See most interesting (all questions were pretty straight-forward and expected...even this one)
-
Why do you want to be pharmacy tech
-
Why now (I'm non-trad)?
-
None. Iguess why you want to be a Doctor. I didn't know I thought spending a quarter of a million dollars on schooling and giving about 10 years of my life to it sounded like the cool thing to do. I think those questions were answered in our applications.
-
None were particullarly difficult. However, the interviewer tended to ask 3-4 questions at once.
-
If two people needed a liver transplant-- your best friend (age 23) and a potential nobel prize winner (age 60)--who would you give the liver to?
-
Nothing difficult, it was very much a "getting to know you" session
-
Question about a minor getting an abortion with rape involved
-
Strength/weakness question.. thats just because I've never been great at answering that question.
-
Think of a time when you had a lot of things on your plate. How did you handle that situation?
-
I told the interviewer that I wanted to specialize in hematology/oncology. So he asked me how I was going to handle the fact that most of my patients are going to be terminal.
-
What kinds of osteopathic techniques do you know or were exposed to?
-
If you were accepted to both D.O. and M.D. programs, where would you go?
-
A 35yo women in Florida has been in a vegetative state for 15 years without any progress or changes. Her husband says she would not want to live this way, but the pt. has no living will. Husband wants to pull her feeding tube and let her rest in peace. Her parents are Catholic and believe all should be done to sustain their daughter's life. What would you do? I sided with the husband. Their response, "You would be breaking your Hippocratic oath! Are you comfortable with that?" The debate carried on...
-
What was a stressful time in your life and how did you handle it?
-
Ethical questions as well
-
The study of which disease would i fund as a researcher: AIDS or cancer
-
What is the strength and weakness of your application?
-
What is the CA law on contraception and teenagers with regard to informing parents?
-
Also the above
-
Nothing new. Same old questions Where you see yourself in 10 years
-
Why didn't you do so well in _________ class?
-
Would you apply to med school next year if you didn't get in this year?
-
What do you think about stem cell research? (Nothing was hard though...I just answered this question and they didnt press me for more or anything...it was weird how short they let my answer be.)
-
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
-
Define ethics.
-
Nothing too difficult, a few ethical questions previously posted on sdn
-
If a couple had a child that needed a blood transfusion but their religion didn't allow it, would you get a court order to go ahead with the transfusion?
-
Above
-
See below
-
If you had to care for an illegal immigrant, would you?
-
If you were head of the NIH, would you give money to AIDS research or cancer research.
-
How would you describe eugenics in a simple, layman way?
-
The most interesting question above.
-
During my experience as a paramedic how do I handle combative patients? (Wasn't difficult, just unexpected)
-
See above, it really was not a question I had expected...but it made me stop and think
-
None were really all that difficult.
-
None-very standard-why osteopathy-biography oriented questions
-
Think of a time when you had to make a decision that was lose-lose. What did you do? How did you decide?
-
What are your personal strengths and interviews?
-
If you were a physician working at a hospital near the Mexican border and were overwelmed by illegal immigrants coming to you for medical care, would you ever refuse any of them treatment?
-
The one above plus couple other ethical questions...for example...you found someone cheating in your biochem class, what would you do?
-
What happened to your grades?
-
See interesting question
-
"Explain a time that you had to persuade someone to see something your way."
-
What other schools and programs did you apply to?
-
What would you change about yourself before you began your practice?
-
What chromosome is the Huntington gene located on? (I had done research on this a few years ago and I did not know the answer so I told him this)
-
Same as interesting Q
-
How would respond to X ethical dilemna?
-
Question #2 below.
-
What do you think about the fact that the leading Nephrologist in India is for legalizing and certifying the sale of human kidneys?
-
He actually asked me to start off with three questions so I never felt I answered them entirely b/c I was too busy trying not to forget the questions.
-
Hypothetical about a 14 year old pregnant girl who wants an abortion
-
Tell me a time of conflict and how you dealt with it.
-
Most of the questions were about my past experiences relating to medicine and school. They were all pretty straight-forward.
-
No difficult questions really!
-
Why medicine and why osteopathic medicine in particular?
-
Describe an crisis situation and how you reacted in it.
-
Where are the mesenteric arteries? (he asked me this right off the bat--wasn't a hard question but i wasn't expecting it so, in my freaking out, I interpreted the question as "what system do the mesenteric arteries belong to?" after i answered, he just kinda looked at me in a funny way and rubbed his stomach--doh.)
-
Describe a time when you had to smooth over a conflict. (sounds easy, but hard to think up spur of the moment)
-
If you were the doctor of a prison and the warden asked u to give a convicted rapist enough meds that it would make him clinically "sane" to make him possible for execution would u do it?
-
None, all were easy
-
Nothing that was too difficult
-
Give me a specific example about how OMM is used in clinical practice. (was tough because i didn't shadow a DO before and the interviewer was an OMM professor)
-
Name a person in your life who has had opposite personality traits, that ended up affecting you positively.
-
When is a fetus considered a human, in your opinion? (I would recommend for anyone who is weak on medically related ethical dilemmas to read a book that would be a good guide--have your own opinions about various issues. All interviewers that morning were asked about stem cell research)
-
Describe a conflict and how you dealt with it?
-
Think of a situation in the past where you have a strong opinion on an issue.
-
Give an example of a situation or an expierence you have had that was extremely challenging,(either with a co worker or teacher) and how did you work through that challenge? (NOT very specific, I had no idea what they wanted out of this)
-
"There are some inconsistancies with your science grades. Would you like to explain that?"
-
What sets you apart from other applicants?
-
Why I recieved C grades in Physics
-
Nothing hard. The interviewer had not read my file so I had to tell him everything I wanted him to know about me.
-
Re-analysis of specifics of that same paper.
-
What do you feel is the most significant issue facing medicine in America?
-
Tell me anymore ethical issues you have been following recently
-
What are your feelings on Dr. Korvorkian?
-
You got a mentally-illed patient, who just convicted murder, will be tried and killed if pleaded sane when you treat him. But can avoid death if you don't treat him, but he will be in jail for the rest of his life, what would you do?
-
See above.
-
3 ethical questions...what would you do if....
What impressed you positively?
Applicants were positively impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere at the school, the high level of student satisfaction, the strong curriculum with a focus on board preparation, the state-of-the-art facilities, the emphasis on student feedback and involvement in the school's operations, and the supportive and engaging nature of the staff and faculty. The positive interactions with interviewers, the opportunities for early clinical exposure, the sense of community and camaraderie among students, and the beautiful Southern California location were also key highlights repeatedly mentioned by applicants.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
School’s curriculum is structured in a 2 pass system. Healthy systems first year, unhealthy systems 2nd year. It helps their students prepare for boards and their board scores are pretty high.
-
The interviewers
-
That they try to ascertain your empathy level during the interview process (not sure how effective it is though). Some of the staff was nice.
-
The interviewers were very friendly and just wanted to get to know me. It was a short interview day.
-
The staff/faculty I interacted with were nice, and it's in Southern California
-
The friendliness of everyone, facilities
-
Nice facilities. They listen to student feedback and make changes based off of it.
-
Friendliness of staff and people
-
The faculty makes changes according to feedback from students.
-
The weather in SoCal is amazing, current students were very friendly
-
The fact that there are a bunch of dogs running around campus (it's a vet school also)
-
Students were welcoming
-
- Student camaraderie, friendly environment -Extremely supportive staff - students have a lot to say in what goes on at the school -OMM demo
-
Good facilities and students seem friendly and diverse
-
Very friendly student body. The interviewees were sitting in one place, everyone in their professional attire. The students recognized us as interviewees and many of them stopped by to answer questions, put us at ease, and to just wish us good luck.
-
Campus, area is area is perfect if you want to work with under-served populations
-
The programs that the school offers
-
The use of actors in patient interaction practices..
-
They wanted to get to know me rather than challenge me
-
The relaxing interview process.
-
OMM demonstration
-
Everything that this schools has to offer.
-
The attitude of pride and family among the western students and faculty, The curriculum, The facilities
-
The entire ambiance of the institution. I came away with the feeling that they care incredibly for their students along with the success of their students. I got a great vibe from Dean Clinton Adams as he personally spoke with our interview group and the vision he had for WesternU/COMP really rang through to me.
-
They are doing a hybrid panel/MMI interview. I thought it was great, they provided me with a lot of great info about the school.
-
Nice facility, friendliness of the admission department, OMM demonstration
-
The OMM faculty. the study facilities. the small group/large group curriculum. the interprofessional component of the curriculum.
-
The facilities, the set up of the curriculum (system based), rotation sites, excellent organization of interview and school all around, OMM demonstration, students... pretty much everything
-
The campus was beautiful, students were friendly and professional.
-
The students and staff.
-
Big school, friendly ppl, nice interviewers interview
-
I like the facilities and the campus in general.
-
The entire experience was positive and Western gave more helpful information about their school, curriculum, financial aid, and clinical rotations than other schools have
-
Weather, cute campus, friendly staff and students, nearby apartments, great innovative curriculum, great dean, lots of opportunity.
-
The staff, faculty, and students were really welcoming and nice to talk to. They love that school.
-
The staff obviously love what they do and that shows through their presentations.
-
The new building
-
How happy everyone seemed at the school. It's a small campus and they describe themselves as a "family." I felt that to be true from my impressions. The school has very humble origins and I felt that too but in a very positive way.
-
New building just for med students! Early pt contact
-
The feeling of the facilities, systemic teaching style, and friendliness of admission personnel
-
The fact that they have military clinical rotations (3rd and 4th year) available for military students. Adobe architecture (I love southwestern architecture) and financial aide---much better than last school I was at.
-
The weather!! Nothing beats California weather in December. Also, the board pass rates are amazing.
-
The students were testing in the fake patient lab that day and still came up and talked to my group for about an hour. They all loved it there. The campus is kinda funky, nice facilities. AND ALL LECTURES ARE VIDEO TAPED AND PUT ON BLACKBOARD!! NO ATTENDANCE POLICY. Also I talked to other premeds interviewing and it seemed like some cool people wanted to go to this school- real, laid back, smart, fun, and weren't your typical nonsocial premeds who let loose by going to an AED pizza party-do you follow?? What I mean is that I think this class will kill it in class and have a good time between tests.
-
The enthusiasm, realness, and positive attitude of the Deans, adcom members, and students assigned to talk to us. Outstanding job in marketing the school and making us feel welcome. Students were stressed out becuase it was an exam day (hence one interviewer), but after their exams, many took the time to introduce themselves. They seemed happy to be there. The weather was perfect. Sun abounds.
-
NW track options
-
Just the overall atmosphere of the school. The students were nice and seemed to be happy there. It was a saturday and students had their midterm on monday. But they still took their time to come over and talk to us. They were willing to answer any questions we had. The faculty and admissions seemed nice and really cared that we do well here. They gave us an indepth look at the cirriculum. They also are the top school in the nation last year for passing the complex 2!
-
Everything, it's a great school
-
Curriculum, board scores, student reviews
-
They have great facilities, early clinical exposure, homeless clinic, great 3rd/4th year rotations... everything!! :D
-
Students are happy here. New facilities for DO classes. New clinic on campus. Summer anatomy course.
-
It is true what they say, EVERYONE is so nice! at least the ones I've encountered. From the admissions staff, the students, and interviewers. Random students would just come up and talk to us and tell us to relax. Everyone was so friendly and helpful!
-
They have a firm commitment and belief in their OMM opportunities, and how they are preparing stellar physicians. The school also has a lot of community outreach opportunities (Montrose Clinic) and sounds like student organization involvement is strong.
-
The campus and area were nicer than I expected based on previous reviews. Not fantastic, but the location isn't enough to dissuade me from attending. The students (both the ones we passed during tours and the ones acting as ambassadors) were very friendly and very positive about their experiences there. The program sounds fantastic, especially the international rotations, the summer anatomy program, the OMM, the strong COMLEX/match results, etc.
-
The vibe of the students on campus. Everyone seemed very friendly and happy. The speach from the dean was also great
-
General feeling of the school, mixture of other professional schools on campus.
-
Pretty much everything. I really think the campus is funky, and I like the open air nature of it (its a refurbished outdoor shopping center I found out, apparently the main DO school building was a JC Pennys :-D). The interviewers were serious but not interrogating. The staff was very friendly, as was everyone on campus really. The students that had lunch with us were responsive and answered all our questions. Everyone encouraged us to ask a lot of questions. Lastly, the dean of the school came out and met with each of us, which was pretty impressive to me.
-
The vibe w/ the students there. All very smart and friendly
-
The atmosphere on campus. It felt more like a school than other schools I've interviewed at (mainly Touro CA and Touro NV) and the surrounding area isn't that bad (side note: I grew up in the area so I knew what to expect)
-
Admissions staff are friendly
-
The board scores, the residency matches, the students, and the inside facilities were nice.
-
The completeness of the program, and how well ironed out everything is. The facilities were nicer than I anticipated for being a more mature school.
-
Campus is nice, strong medical Spanish and international opportunities, on-site Banfield with discounts for students, better resources than other schools, good boards scores.
-
Impressive board scores, no undergraduates!!!! haha
-
*Option to do an accelerated anatomy course prior to start of first year *Pass rates, match lists, and +'ve attitude of students
-
The students are very friendly and happy. Many of them stopped to talk to us and wish us luck.
-
The school really went out of their way to make it known that they WANTED you to want to go there. The dean stopped by in the morning and greeted us all too, that was nice. That most lectures are available in their entirety online making attendance optional for certain classes. The emphasis on "interprofessional" relationships, and the standardized patients *students have something like 45 mock patient encounters in their first 2 years, really cool
-
While sitting on the lobby, sweating, shaking, waiting for my turn to be called in for an interview, several 1st year students (on their break time) just came up and start talking to us (interviewee). They explained their experiences with the interviews and told us what to expect. The atmosphere was very friendly. I talked to several students and they seems to like the school a lot.
-
Each of the 3 interviewers was very kind and knowledgeable about the school. The school is in Pomona, which has a bad reputation, but to the students saying it is 'very ghetto', what 'ghettos' have you been to before? This is not Oakland, or Detroit, or Compton. It's not great, but the immediate campus area is very acceptable, and just don't live on campus. Claremont (beautiful) is 2 miles away. Facilities are very nice, OMM and anatomy labs are large and well ventilated. OMM demo was great, don't miss it.
-
The campus. Nicer than I expected for all the talk about Pomona being scary
-
Such high board scores, IPE curriculum, get tested every other week so must stay on top of material
-
The staff, students, faculty, EVERYONE was welcoming and kind. The area is NOT that bad-- true, Pomona isn't the greatest area, but I love that there is more of a chance to help the underserved AND they have security all over campus. People came up our group of not-so-discreet interviewees and continually offered good luck wished despite the fact that most students had a huge test in a few days. I also loved the presentation about the curriculum; the person presenting was great and it was awesome to hear about the details of the school.
-
The students! More students came up to me than anywhere else! The campus itself - not as bad as everyone says. All lectures are online.
-
The staff, students
-
Good vibe from students, they really like it there.
-
The eagerness of all the students to help and give you advice. The atmosphere was wonderful!
-
Well structured and organized curriculum, friendly and helpful students all around school who were willing to chat and answer questions, the OMM demo was nice
-
1) the curriculum -- seems very well integrated 2) quick decision -- acceptance letter 10 days after my interview! 3) nice people
-
Students were very friendly, top notch education
-
Academics are very strong here, students were open and friendly throughout the day. OMM demonstration was a nice change of pace compared with the rest of the day!
-
Curriculum is well developed and emphasizes working with other students. Students and faculty/staff are nice and welcoming. The whole day is chill.
-
Friendliness of the current students!
-
Nice interviewers, strong comlex pass rates, seemed to care about students, students came up to us and gave advice/answer questions seemed happy
-
The curriculum is strong. THe complex scores are high. I like the IPE idea. Everyone is friendly, the staff and students. You can tell the students want to be there.
-
The curriculum. The fact that all the lectures are video recorded and available same day online. The students have an handle on their priorities. Excellent reputation and history of success.
-
The interviewers were nice and wanted to get to know you. The students were excited and candidly shared their experiences and attitudes toward Western U. They were 2nd years and really liked the school and were involved in the school organizations and community.
-
The enthusiasm of the staff, faculty, and students was incredible. Also, the school does EVERYTHING it can to help their students succeed. #1 COMLEX pass rate speaks for itself
-
It was pretty awesome. Very laid back as most people have said, and seriously the most noticable thing about the school is the atmospher. Every single person was enthusiastic and happy to be there and there projected there happineses on the people around them. Seriously, we (the interveiw group of 10) were approached by every single person at that school. Whenever a class got at, or a person walked by at the very elast they smiled and gave an enthusiastic thumbs up and good luck wish. On top of that, most stopped and offered assistance, told us not to worry, sat down and talked with us, answered any questions and offered advice. You can totally tell that the students love their school and that the atmospher is cooperative, warm, and inviting. The speakers were open, answered all questions fully, were honest (at least it appeard they were being honest), and were very helpful as well. The facilities are way nicer on the inside than they appear on the outside. If it looks like an old strip mall......its cuz thats what it used to be back in the day......haha. But dont let the outside apperance fool you. seriously, facilities were nice, atmospher was great, and the interview day as a whole went extremely well. All of the interviewees were very friendly and we all got a long, I'd be surprised if anyone of them would give a poor review of the school. Definitely students that I would like to be in class with. The day ran smoothly, especially for the first interview day of the cycle. I learned more details about their curriculum. I really like the systems approach and will probably lean towards a school that has this sort of curriculum....it just makes the most sense to me.
-
Everything. The school's facilities are much better than many say. The area of Pomona is nowhere near as bad as it's made out to be. The curriculum is now systems based and there is a new interprofessional emphasis in training that utilizes team care (DO, PA, Nurse, Podiatrist, Pharmacist, etc) with the DO as lead care provider. This model is really cool because it helps the student develop their skills in leadership and differential diagnosis.
-
Socal location!
-
I actually liked the look and feel of the school. It was small, quiet, very clean and organized in its layout, the buildings looked new and the interior was very nice. The classrooms where you will learn everything are very high tech with internet and power outlets at every chair, several projectors/tv monitors, wi-fi around campus, etc... The interviewers were very friendly and informative! Wonderful admissions staff. They also give you a nice packet of info when you interview.
-
Nothing
-
The assistance they have in place for finding scholarships.
-
The admissions staff was really nice. The classrooms are state of the art, the anatomy lab was amazing, the new curriculum (which seems to be having amazing results on board scores). I was accepted yesterday. Some stats for those inclined: MCAT 27, GPA 3.4. I was impressed they did a background check on me, suggesting they weren't merely obsessed with scores. I like that they have a really good opportunity to spread out your clinical rotations at a lot of hospitals. I also was impresed by the match lists available on their website for previous years. I am not sure how Western ranks (it supposedly has high averages and entrance requirements) with other DO schools but I definitely prefer it over Touro and the mid-west schools.
-
Omm facilities, new facility being built for the DO program
-
The students seemed nice and the curriculum is pretty standard
-
The friendliness of the students - many came up to us asking if we had questions and answering questions very openly.
-
Students were friendly (although my host was kind of anti-social).
-
The enthusiasm of the students, the class size, and the sincerity of the faculty
-
Discussion panel with current students (they were honest about the schools pluses and minuses and seemed positive about their education), opportunity for residencies at respected southern california hospitals given the location of rotations, the facilities inside were nice.
-
Presentation of curriculum, meeting w/the dean, interviewers really wanted to get to know you, having lunch with current 2nd year students (great resource, although overly positive)
-
Nothing really
-
Students do not show to class b/c its recorded through audio and visual.
-
The lunch-time interaction with the 2nd and 1st year students. Their perspective was insightful, and it was comforting to be able to ask them ANYTHING and get honest answers, both positive and negative.
-
The campus made me feel like i was in chicago
-
Tour lady looked hot. (j/k) PBS American Health Journal video showing a typical day of three medical students at PCOM.
-
Reputable program
-
Climate
-
Students seemed laid back
-
Students enjoy it there.
-
Great staff, great curriculum
-
Students love the place, strong test scores and match list.
-
They really want to know who you are aside from the pre-medical realm of your life
-
They appear to be really making an effort to strengthen the program there. They are doing a ton of construction and the students were very enthusiastic for the most part. There were some that were a little bit less so which I think was also valuable.
-
Lively, HAPPY, students
-
Everyone was really nice. I walked up to random students and they all gave me great advice. The faculty and staff were really supportive. The campus community is very supportive.
-
The residencies the students have matched into, the fact that they actually do research, my interviewers were really nice.
-
The students and faculty were really helpful and friendly, the campus is undergoing a good change, a new COM building, relatively clean, given the area
-
Location, enthusiastic students, match list, facilities
-
The people!!! The Dean was awsome and Dr. Brown would be fantastic to have for a professor/mentor!
-
Western is the DO school to go to if you're going DO. The students are the brightest and funnest as they come in DO schools. They're in the process of building a new DO building, establishing big sites for rotations/residencies, and bringing in researchers from big name places. The school has been growing and got big plans for the future and so far all promises about its growth has been kept. I believe Western will be the ''Harvard'' of DO schools in 10 - 15 years if there's such a thing.
-
The staff and faculty were great!
-
The anatomy lab doesn't smell too bad! The students really feel that they are getting a good education, opportunities, etc
-
The school is in a diverse community. People describe it as ''sketchy'' or ''ghetto,'' but it is not (compared to many places I have been). It seems like an interesting place to get involved in the community.
-
Student enthusiasm.
-
Good campus (all 2 blocks of it)
-
Facilities, orientation, everything
-
Student oriented. Systems based. The movie they showed us and the faculty that spoke with us.
-
In a spanish community, the weather, nice classrooms, down to earth students and faculty
-
The facilities, students, and curriculum.
-
The Dean came and spoke to us; our tour group dropped in on the President kind of unannounced and he still welcomed us very warmly, even gave us an article he wrote about osteopathic medicine to think about before our interview. Students all love the new curriculum.
-
Match results, COMLEX pass rate, New Curriculum
-
The school itself is great with a great camaraderie amoung students. Lots of them stopping to wish all of the interviewees ''good luck''. The facilities look promising and the curriculum looks challenging. All very cool.
-
The tech of the facilities
-
The comeraderie of the students
-
The campus feel of the school; the enthusiasm of the tour guides; the morning presentation was really well done; the PBS video was interesting
-
The enthusiasm from the student tour guides, the new curriculum, the improved facilities, the wide geographic array of possible clinical opportunities, and all of the extracurriculars... oh, and DO girls are very attractive - at this school anyway.
-
Good organization, improved/improving facilities, the tour guide opened the chest of a cadaver while giving the tour, international/flexible clincals, seemed to have a fair amount of graduates going into all types of specialities (supposedly 95-100% get their 1st or 2nd residency choice)
-
The interviewers had personal questions that related directly to my file, not just generic questions that are boring to answer.
-
The enthusiasm of the students, very diverse student body and the Pomona community, options for international rotation electives, COMLEX 1st time is 94% (but I didn't give the school high marks cuz' I tend to be very critical of schools and myself)
-
The great residency matches, excellent board pass, excellent student comraderie
-
Well organized presentation. curriculum. rotation opportunities.
-
The curriculum
-
The school itself was not as disappointing as I expected from the other feedback in this forum, and the area was not as bad as I was expecting having lived in much worse areas of Los Angeles.
-
The admissions staff seemed very nice. My fellow interviewees were also quite nice.
-
The students were very friendly, and it seemed like a very laid back atmosphere.
-
International clinical Rotations as well as out of state rotations during 3rd and 4th year. Mock Patient interviews with actors and actresses.
-
Absolutley nothing.
-
The friendliness and openness of the students, as well as their honesty with the school.
-
The camaraderie between the students.
-
The students seemed possitive overall about there experiance. These were not the ones who gave the tour.
-
The friendliness of the staff, students, and other interviewers.
-
Enthusiasm and camaraderie of students. How they were brutally honest about their school. I was also impressed by the interviewers and how committed they are to making sure that you go to school where you are most comfortable whether or not that is COMP
-
Enthusiasm and camaraderie of students. How they were brutally honest about their school. I was also impressed by the interviewers and how committed they are to making sure that you go to school where you are most comfortable whether or not that is COMP. I really liked this school despite its dilapidated exterior. The students seem extremely cool. I highly reccommend this school.
-
How relatively new things were there. The smaller lecture halls. The substantial increase in board passage rates.
-
Student and faculty enthusiasm towards the school, students seemed like a close bunch, claremont area (where the majority of the students live) was super nice area, southern california!
-
That students and staff went out of their way to introduce themselves and offer to answer questions. Everyone seemed exceptionally friendly. Many students remarked about the non-competitive atmosphere there. There were plenty of opportunities to ask questions during the orientation sessions. The curriculum in integrated. The weather in L.A. was very nice.
-
Friendliness and enthusiasm of the staff and students.
-
New focus on reseach. The facilities were nice and the students were friendly.
-
The sense of pride and enthusiasm from the staff, faculty, dean and students. I also really liked the layout of the new curriculum. I left the interview loving the school and I'm excited to be attending there this fall.
-
Students seemed to really love the school, the new curriculum, opportunities to work with the underserved and many international opps
-
I really thought Pomona was pretty. The facilities were nice and the classrooms were well designed. The systems-based curriculum was the best part for me personally. Since I've seen the most horrendous places, Pomona wasn't too terrible like most people say. And for those people who think it's really ghetto, they better understand that most hospitals are in the worst places.
-
The facilities are not as bad as everyone says they are. the lectures are audio-recorded so class attendance isn't necessary.
-
The curriculum. I like the idea of a systems-based curriculum, but I like how they separate anatomy into a separate course. Also, the students seem to be very involved in the community.
-
The program and how helpful the student are
-
Great facilities, friendly people
-
How close the school was to my house!
-
The Dean of the school and faculty members over the curriculum are great. The curriculum seems good.
-
SoCal, enough said
-
The admissions office staff were very helpful and friendly.
-
Great facility, super faculty. I liked the campus layout. Who cares if it used to be a strip mall?
-
The strong academic background of the students, the redesigned curriculum. The school has a sincere desire to churn out quality physicians (not just recieve grants for research) - I expected a hokey "D.O." school and was pleasantly surprised to meet very well educated and ambitious students.
-
Significant growth of school internally and externally, genuine enthusiasm of all involved
-
The students (even ones not from the orientation) were very enthusiastic, personable, and seemed to love the school. The dean was awesome to talk to and the rest of the staff put on an excellent orientation. I also learned that all the lectures are audio recorded and can be accessed on the internet if you cant make it to class.
-
The curriculum is new and they are very excited about it, the facilities are some of the nicest I have seen at the varrious schools I have interviewed
-
The students and their willingness to offer their honest opinion of their school.
-
The people were extremely friendly
-
Everyone except the interviewers were super nice
-
The campus was a real surprise. It may look crummy on the outside, but the inside is newly renovated.
-
The students all were very friendly and outgoing. I recommend staying with a student host. It allows you to ask all sorts of important questions and, for me, calmed my nerves a bit.
-
Very student-friendly atmosphere, staff are very nice, excellent curriculum, many student organizations, expanding campus, proximity to other So Cal cities, felt like a good fit for me
-
The attitude of the people at the school. Most everyone was friendly and nice. The interviewer I had completely put me at ease and I did not feel stressed out once the interview started. The new curriculum is nice, and fourth year clinicals you can go wherever you want (unfortuantely you are stuck anywhere from 45-60 min from campus for your third year clinicals).
-
Friendly students, new curriculum
-
The classrooms, equipment and general facilities are very nice after you get into the buildings. All the students seemed very happy and excited to be there. It seems like the school knows how to have a good time. The dean there is new and seems to be making a big diference at the school. I got the feeling that Western would be a much better place in 10 years.
-
The enthusiasm and friendliness of students, facutly and staff. It made me sure this was the school I wanted to go to and I really hope I get in.
-
The students and faculty were great, and the insides of the buildings were very nice.
-
Everyone seemed very committed to osteopathic medicine. this school is not a wannabe-md school. the admissions staff was super-friendly, and the insides of the facilities were nice. the new curriculum seems great, and the dean is supposedly working very hard to make the school a better place to be.
-
The friendliness and enthusiasm shown by the students and staff. The facilities are good, clinical affiliations are strong, lecture tapes available, and lecture notes provided prior to lecture. The new curriculum frees up time for board studying. Studying for the boards is supplemented by coursework and faculty lectures. The clinical skills course prepares students to become great patient oriented physicians.
-
The new curriculum
-
The cirriculum and the "semi-block" schedule. When you take gross anatomy, you take that alone and not with other challenging science courses. This way you can concentrate on it and really learn the material. ALL of the staff were SO friendly! They made sure that you were comfortable and felt wanted. The facilities were all very nice. Anatomy and OMM lab were huge and clean. From talking to a second year student, I found out that the dean has made many changes that the students wanted him to. He actualyl listens to the students and does what they ask, such as giving them more time to study for boards and the blocked anatomy class. All the students seemed really happy and were very friendly. The school was great!
-
All of the students seem very happy at the school and with the new curriculum. Several people (the dean, other students and faculty members) wished us luck throughout the day
-
Campus/Pomona wasn`t as bad as some redneck/trash from Hicksville is likely to say
-
The staff and students are all extremely friendly. Students would walk by and upon noticing our suits and nametags would say hello and good luck. Also, every one seemed very laid-back.
-
The people (both students and staff) were all very friendly and welcoming. Everyone seemed to have really good things to say about the program. Also, I found out that I was accepted one week after my interview! Yay!
-
I gave them smile
-
Facilities were great
-
The new curriculum. It is systems based after the first semester. They also have didactic weeks before the boards so they really prepare you for them. They also now have numerous practice exams for the boards!
-
The friendly nature of the students and the revised curriculum.
-
WesternU has developed a wonderful curriculum that focuses on what you need to know to become a physician, as well as what you need to know for the COMPLEX exams. The dean visited our interview session, and he was super nice. He has only been at the school for about a year, but the MS1 told us that he has fulfilled all of his promises thus far. The school is the most selective of all the osteopathic schools, according to the US World News Graduate Guide. The quality of rotations during the third and fourth year was also impressive.
-
The facilities are very nice, the campus wasn't as ugly in my opinion as people say. The people in the area are all very friendly. Admissions staff was VERY friendly! New curriculum looks very good, especially with the addition of early clinical experiences.
-
Everyone was very friendly, the lecture halls and the anatomy labs are really spacious and nice.
-
The admissions staff was wonderful and accomidating, the interview was very relaxed, the facilities are impressive.
-
How nice the weather is, the school is not as run down as they said it was, and the admissions staff was so pleasant. Also the new curriculum is very organized and leaves a lot of time for independent and group study.
-
Great anatomy and OMT labs. Students were enthusiastic and friendly. The new curriculum seems better organize and more conducive to long-term learning.
-
--seems to be a good amount of clinical contact built in to first and second years --has option of Northwest track for 3rd and 4th year rotations, possible Seattle and Portland locations
-
The students seemed really happy there and literally had no complaints about the school or their education. I drilled them with questions, and I could not get them to say one negative thing about the school, faculty, or anything.
-
The staff and presenters were extremely friendly and willing to help at all times.
-
The staff is very friendly (although I can't really say the same for the professor I met); They are planning to build a research center sometime in the next 10 years.
-
Organized clinical rotations at mostly teaching hospitals. Great reputation in this part of the country even though awarness of the DO profession is not strong in CA. Student clubs are very active. Sitting in on 2 classes: The classroom was large with ample room for students. Large viewing screens projected the anatomy lecture I attended. All lectures are posted on line. Students can download notes prior to class or in class using the data ports. Not wireless yet. On campus housing to be ready in a year. Fast public transportation train allows computers great access to the campus.
-
The admissions staff were helpful. One lady took us to sit in classes while we were waiting for our interview and we got to talk to students
-
Staff were very friendly and accomodating. Cheap living out there. Great weather. Friendly people.
-
Location of the school (my family is from southern california), and the school is about half an hour away from my parent's home
-
Postive attitude of both administrators and students
-
The inside of the facilities were nicer than i expected and the people were soo nice. Also, the students seemed very honest and open about their experience.
-
School life, Video-taped rooms w/actors for trial-based clinical practices.
-
The new curriculum (just approved last week!)
-
The cheap housing avail around and that the OMM dept is strong there
-
The campus staff (the people who work in the admissions office) are one of the most friendly people I have ever found at any school. Really sweet people.
-
The rigor of their academics, their electives
-
The new dean is very research oriented- he is pushing and planning the opening of medical research centers at COMP
-
Everyone was very friendly and the program seems like it is always improving. They also have great summer programs to brush up on anatomy and such before you enter your 1st year.
-
The classrooms are connected to the internet so all the students can surf the net in class. The anatomy lab was pretty big and they told us a group of 3 students get one cadaver to work with.
-
The interviewers were very nice and relaxed, food was quite good
-
Everybody was very nice and helpful, students seemed happy. someone cheered me on for not wearing a black suit. All the faculty and president have an open door policy.
-
The president of the school came over and said "hi"
-
Strong program. Nice library.
-
The weather, international rotation opportunities, admission staff was very friendly
-
Good anatomy program, lots of clubs on campus, met the President of the school
-
Their experience. You could see they had been doing this for awhile.
-
Gorgeous sunny day (in November!), got to meet many professional staff members
-
The clinical curriculum is being tweaked to fit students a little better. They are trying to arrange it so that you end up with 6 weeks off before graduation. Also, they have a financial aid person strictly devoted to finding scholarships.
-
The friendliness of the students, the numerous student organizations, their facilities- esp the lecture halls, the summer anatomy prep classes, and their open door policy with faculty.
-
The students are super friendly, laid back, well-rounded people. The anatomy lab is very nice and clean.
-
How well the interviewers questioned me. Their questions really worked me.
-
The staff was very friendly. Linda and everyone was more than friendly.
-
Everyone was extremely friendly. Even though everyone I met was a stranger, I felt as though I was walking into a place where I was family.
-
The incorporation of technology in lecture presentation. The interiors of the buildings in my opinion make up for the exterior. The systems based approach and courses designed to prepare you to handle ethical situations and dying/grieving. Also of interest is the Western Alum that guest lectures second year students on cranial-sacral OMM.
-
While the facilities do not look like much from the outside, the interior is very nice. The space is allocated nicely with room to relax and lockers for lab and lecture materials. The lecture halls are nice and give a great view to all students. All the material is accessible before class on the network and lectures are Powerpoint-based with clincal correlations underlying the topic. Contrary to an earlier comment, the internet access is not restricted during lecture. Attendance is very good, at least in the afternoon lecture. The anatomy lab is very nice, perhaps not NYMC or UNECOM, but more than adequate with space and a 1:8 ratio. Students work in teams of 4, trading days, so you aren't dissecting each day. There's a Summer Anatomy course and if you do well, you become an assistant for the MS1 class 1 TA to each two cadavers. Regarding clinical rotations, Arrowhead Regional sounds very nice and seems to provide good rotations. Other sites give good preparation as alumni of the college place well at sites in Southern California. The college definitely made a positive impression.
-
The location, Southern California, the rotations available in 3rd and 4th years.
-
Students and faculty were very nice
-
The facilities at the school are GREAT and the area immediately around the school is nice, too. The admission staff is friendly and helpful. The other students with whom I interviewed were very nice, smart, fun, and accomplished. I enjoyed spending the day with them.
-
Students were upbeat and enthusiastic
-
The really nice facilities on the inside of the buildings, friendliness of the students, quality of the program, very solid network of rotation sites, great residency opportunities, and located in an area with alot to offer.
-
Too quiet
-
The students were all in the same boat and very nice.
-
Very nice people, interviewer was nice and interested in what I had to say, the other students in my group were great
-
There is a book store. it's in california. the school is close to many shops & walking distance to YMCA
-
The students were very friendly.
-
Ummm... the OMM prof is apparently one of the best. Also, the weather! Love SoCal!
-
Not much
-
The faculty, staff, and students members were all very welcoming and friendly.
-
Everyone at Western is super nice and friendly! The facilities are awesome, and rotation sites are plentiful!
-
How they are well established and how it reflects southern california. Snowboarding an hour away.
-
I thought Western U didn't have an athletic facility and I was impressed to learn that they allow students to use the nearby YMCA for free or give you $100 to use at Bally's. The OMT lab was nice.
-
The staff was all very friendly. The orientation presentation was very helpful.
-
Students are very friendly and good looking!
-
The summer program costing 300 bucks to brush up on your biochem and anatomy - the two hardest courses at COMP.
-
Interview was well organized, way cool interviewees, "cute" area of the school, students
-
Friendliness of students.
-
Students were very nice and friendly. Lecture halls are high-tech. The tour was exaclty accordnig to the schedule. Everything was well organized. We had four different speakers.
-
The students were very personable and friendly. The campus isn't as ghetto as some might make it seem.
-
The facilities are very nice
-
The students are really nice
-
Nice classrooms, great program...they offer a lot of classes that are not listed on their website. their rotation program is appealing. everyone was very nice and laid back.
-
The location, weather and school was great inside and out. I come from a LARGE university and hate it. This school is small and I get the feeling as a student there you will get a lot of personal attention. That is new for me. Also, for all my school buildings to be on one block is AMAZING. Where I currently go to school, I take buses through all kinds of crazy traffic to get to classes, administrative buildings and bookstores. I hate it, so Western really impressed me.
-
All the students I talked to loved the school and many came up to me to say hi and introduced themsevles. It felt like very wholesome community with an intelligent and diverse student body. The facility is much nicer than even some of the "competitive" MD programs that I interviewed at. The student lounge is nice.
-
How welcoming everybody was. It was very personal. I didn't feel like just another number.
-
The students and staff were very friendly. The international rotation opportunity. The opportunity to learn medical Spanish. Student clubs for different interests/ages
-
The vast number of little programs they offer which are not offered in other DO schools.Like the international rotation offer.
-
All the staff makes you feel welcome
-
You can get good california placement from this school. The community looks highly at this school
-
Everybody is soooo nice; campus feels safe and clean (in spite of what you hear about the surrounding area)
-
Everyone was exceptionally nice, including the other people being interviewed.
-
I liked the bookstore. the school doesn't have a gym, but students have free access to a nearby ymca. everyone is nice. school is very established. diversity. fun area
-
The students, faculty, and the classrooms. Every student I spoke with was very happy about their choice to attend Western. The overall experience was positive.
-
Student enthusiasm
-
Diversity; school teaches othe rthings like nursing, vet; reminds me of undergrad.; cool bookstore, many clinical rotation sites in LA area; i like the mall-like atmosphere; laid-back atmosp; nice faculty & administrative people
-
The students and staff
-
The admissions staff and students are very nice...didn't get a chance to interact much with faculty, but our student tour guides said they're willing to help as much as possible. don't be fooled by the exterior...the inside of the buildings are very nice. the chance that you can do your third/fourth year rotations at over 70 different sites.
-
The students were very friendly, and the atmosphere of classes seemed friendly and interesting.
-
The clinical rotational sites: there are so many and they're dispersed throughout the U.S., including places like Hawaii.
-
Friendliness of staff, classrooms
-
Good facilities, helpful administration, teaching assistant program for OMM, broad clinical experiences
-
Although the school looks nondescript from the outside the facilities are really great once you are inside. It seems like a really established program with some great hospitals to do rotations at.
-
They seem to have a very strong program. Faculties seem very compotent. Very happy students.
-
How nice all of the students were, and how much the school is constantly improving, everything is state of the art, and the school just has a fun feeling about it
-
One word: Robbie's (those of you who've been there will know what I'm talking about! Seriously, I really love Southern California and thought the Pomona area (and Claremont) was simply gorgeous. The area outside the school isn't as nice, but it's not the ghetto I thought it was going to be. The inside of the buildings are very nice and modern with lots of internet connections. The labs seemed very nice. The staff and students seemed great.
-
Ethernet ports everywhere, availability of security, proximity to Metrolink
-
The weather....and the interior of the campus buildings..it would be such a nice change from upstate NY. The admissions staff was super-friendly and organized.
-
The interviewers were all very nice and fun to talk to. The students all seemed very friendly as well - our tour guide was great.
-
Welcoming atmosphere with the students that noticed that I was interviewing.
-
The facilities are very nice and new, the students were seemed happy, and it was beautiful and warm in November.
-
The interviewers interest in me, as a person.
-
The students on campus
-
The facilities, very high tech, friendliness of everyone
-
The interactions between students and the professors. It's like a big family here. I really enjoyed it
-
How much all the students loved it there
-
How nice everyone was during my visit. The students and faculty always stopped to talk and say hi.
-
Nothing really, the campus is in the ghetto, but it is definitely close to where I live.
-
The student's positive attitude and willingness of faculty and students to hang out and answer questions. The lectures I attended before the interview - an OMM demo.
-
Students
-
Attitude of the students.
-
The enthusiasm among the students
-
The friendly staff and the newly renovated facilities
What impressed you negatively?
Many applicants expressed concerns about WesternU's facilities and location, specifically mentioning the unattractive exterior of the campus, the surrounding area's safety, and the lack of amenities such as a cafeteria or fitness center. Additionally, feedback highlighted disorganization during the interview day, interactions with interviewers that were perceived as cold or rushed, and a perceived lack of student engagement or enthusiasm. Suggestions for improvement include enhancing campus aesthetics, providing more student support services, and ensuring a more welcoming and organized interview experience.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
They kept mentioning how they interview like 800 people but only accept 200 I don’t understand their process w that. Also they have an alternate system for this year’s admissions. Waitlisted students have priority for a seat in the class, alternates only have priority once waitlist is empty
-
The school struck me as a Last Chance U for CA residents with malicious recruiting tactics. Their mission and values page states they want to increase physician availability in areas that need it the most, make efforts to recruit prospective students from underserved areas that are statistically more likely to go on and serve those medically underdeveloped areas, then turn around and charge some of the highest secondary app fees, upcharge their tuition 25% above the national average, and ask for not one, not two, but THREE days off of work for interviewing. The whole process was tone-deaf and seemed like they use the whole "Why do you want to serve in underserved communities?" schtick to get grants and donations easier. When I pressed about this in the interviews, I got some generic spill about student initiative rather than any concrete answers. They have zero EC programs that are developed/lead by the administration (it's 100% student-run), they don't have any satisfying explanations about their subpar rankings, nobody can explain what the higher-than-average tuitions go to since the school is practically in a slum and lacks necessary amenities for learning effectively, and one of the students during the student-leader sessions flat out admitted they wished they had researched the campus more before accepting their offer. Terrible impression of the school.
-
The interview day starts really early (7:30) . 1:1 interview was rushed and the interviewer was cold. The day was disorganized at times. There was no breakfast for applicants, but there was breakfast for faculty in the same room where the applicants were (strange). Pomona is in the *really* bad part of the LA metro (eastern suburbs/Inland Empire) (about 1 hour from good areas with traffic), known for dangerous levels of smog especially during the summer. While there are beautiful mountains close by they are not visible/barely visible on most days due to the smog. This will also limit enjoyment of the outdoors in most cases , negating the advantages of the socal weather. Temperatures during summer are similar to phoenix (100+). As others have mentioned, the school is built in a cheap looking strip mall area patrolled by aggressive security (meant to keep the homeless element from dt Pomona out). The anatomy lab looked pretty cheap with home depot type buckets next to the bodies.
-
Nothing really.
-
The buildings aren't the nicest, and the surrounding area isn't the best
-
The surrounding area was run down but that's not the school's fault
-
Dry heat
-
No one lives near the school, so I'm having a hard time seeing how people make good friends in the area.
-
Faculty said they are available, but I got the impression that due to the large class size they are not actually very involved with students. Commuter school- most students do not live in Pomona. My interview felt very rushed- the interviewers were constantly checking the time. It was distracting.
-
It's in a pretty rough area.
-
Location is a little weird
-
Nothing.
-
Classrooms and study areas seem outdated
-
Campus has the most random statues. Don't know who decided on it. They should remove them.
-
Classes might be rushed since they have a new course every 3 weeks
-
The interviewers seemed to be rather stoic/not that interested
-
My interviewer was very aggressive and dismissive of my interest in the DO profession.
-
It looks like a mall... but I'm here for the education
-
The long orientation you have to sit through.
-
Lectures streamed from Oregon
-
Paying to park and the early start time of the interview. Also, the agenda they gave us was old and not accurate so we were confused for 30 minutes before the interview started when we were just sitting and no overview started yet.
-
Although the new HEC building is beautiful, for the most part the rest of the school doesn't look too nice on the outside.
-
Some of the presentations were rather long.
-
N/a
-
The coldness of the interviewer. the town of Pomona.
-
Pomona in general
-
Students from other programs on campus were dressed very casually.
-
Pomona - it's not too safe. Student said 2/3 of class failed a test. Students complained that the curriculum constantly changes, so there are a lot of bumps.
-
Umm
-
About 100 people at the interview and some people did not have their packets ready when they got there. It would be pretty depressing for me to travel across the country to find they don't even remember I'm coming by having my stuff ready. Just seemed a bit unorganized.
-
The interview was difficult and I had a hard time understanding my interviewer because of his language barrier
-
Some of the student ambassadors were negative and seemed tired and unhealthy.
-
The area surrounding the school isn't great, but you don't have to live around there if you don't want to, so it's not a huge deal.
-
The fact that I couldn't walk through the school yet :( ... the building plans look sooo cool.
-
The fact that there were 100 people at the interview session.
-
This school is located in one of the bad parts of town. The campus is heavily guarded by security officers.
-
One interviewer was late. Both interviewers had not gone through my file, which meant they were not well prepared as to what question to ask next, and the direction in which to take the interview. One interviewer was rude as well.
-
Some weird things the admin does to make students come to class. The area around the school wasn't so hot.
-
The environment of surrounding area. Its an old city feeling.
-
Smog--too close to LA Cost of living Hot summers on earthquake fault line
-
The attitude of the dean and some instructors. They were very anti-MD. The dean even criticized other schools when asked a specific question about this school, and made jokes about people learning to like whatever rotation sites he gave them. He has a seriously negative attitude.
-
The students had absolutely nothing positive to say about Pomona. My driver from the hotel gave me a Pomona tour after I arrived in Ontario and he liked most of it. And honestly, I thought the school was in a cool area- next to the art district, old-school theaters, funky Cat in the Hat building, etc.
-
The campus feels like a strip mall, (turns out it was at one point). Fake plants and flowers inside the building was cheesy, but the rest of the interior was well-designed for classes and study rooms. Great anatomy lab.
-
Pomona kinda sucks, but there is so much to do nearby
-
Nothing really. I really liked the school.
-
No on campus housing.. I was hoping to not worry about driving in med school
-
Some interview groups had only one person interviewing them, whereas I had 3! There is a huge variation in how they interview. Also, one interviewer made comments about another school I had an interview at, that was not professional.
-
The area is not the best as to what I've seen so far.
-
I don't really like the Pomona area. Facilities will be much better when new buildings open in Jan.
-
I could see the community being somewhat stressful...in that there aren't many parks or places to unwind and relax without driving a ways away from campus.
-
Cost. Over $70k for year one, with costs increasing in each successive year. Ugh.
-
The campus is a little small and old, and the location is in a pretty miserable neighborhood
-
Building seems a bit outdated, but new one is being built.
-
The lecturer in the class we were observing didn't seem like a very good speaker. I don't know if he was the regular professor or not, but it wasn't very stimulating/impressive.
-
I felt like one of the interviewers was not actually listening to my responses to questions...
-
Didn't seem like the interviewers read my application at all. They asked me questions like if I have volunteered or if I have shadowed that are in my application.
-
The surrounding city of Pomona was not very nice. The 1st and 2nd years at our lunch session confirmed it. The school was undergoing construction, but they did say it would be finished by late this year or early next year.
-
The fact that there might not be any seats still available except on the wait list
-
The area isn't too nice, we have to buy parking passes.
-
Interviews ran longer than expected. they give you a timeline of when you interview and i was only called 20 mins after my scheduled time. i was also the last person to be interviewed. not fun either.
-
*Anatomy lab was less impressive (technologically) than others I had seen. *Lack of on-site fitness center (they do put $$$ towards a membership elsewhere though)
-
The DO building is not open yet and parking may soon be a problem with the new schools opening.
-
All 200+ students take most of their classes as one large group, the long commute I would face, the fact that the student panel was not very enthusiastic when talking about their program (FYI 3 of the current student panel members had also applied MD),
-
Expensive. Whatcha expect from a private school though?
-
One of the interviewers. He was rude and basically accused me of wanting to come to the school but then go back and practice in my home state on the east coast. Clearly viewed my status as an out-of-stater as a negative factor and did not hesitate to show it.
-
None
-
The interview was pretty confrontational. The interviewer was nice and made some jokes here and there, but the questions were very pointed. They were definitely trying to see how much I knew about/wanted to be involved in osteopathic medicine... but SDN and my friend had prepared me so, while it was stressful, it went alright.
-
Day seemed excessively long.
-
Pomona is a little ghetto but I am used to that
-
Describing Western as a "campus" is a bit of a stretch, its a main sidewalk with buildings on either side.
-
The tuition fee....
-
No windows in buildings
-
1) the smell outside of the university -- could be because of the veterinary school nearby 2) after over 3 decades of existence, there is no on campus cafeteria (strange) 3) location isn't the greatest 4) the hotel I stayed at (Shilo Inn) is undergoing renovation, which means you have to walk through a messy corridor, through cement and dust before you find your room. The room I stayed at was filthy and I didn't feel safe there. The hotel's breakfast area was disgusting. BUT -- transportation is included in your rate, which could save you a lot of money.
-
School in sketchy area
-
Campus seems a little old and behind in technology, longer than necessary interview day (especially the info session in the beginning), lunch should have been in a more relaxed setting. I prefer having interviews first thing, I was hot, tired, and had a headache by the time I had to interview. They should find a better setting for the interview day. That room was miserable and we spent way too much time in there.
-
Tuition and living expenses estimated to be 65K for first year.
-
Class size of 222
-
Pomona, its not a great area to live. Mostly auto shops, pawn shops, tabacco stores. I would live 10-15 miles away where there are better communities.
-
As stated on SDN, many students choose Western because "they want to stay in California" Year 3 is very structured (which I respect) but makes some things difficult. Location is a minus for me. Very expensive (250k for four years.)
-
Nothing really. I am an active person, so I was disappointed that there was not much of a facility for that. But they have connections with Bally's and LA fitness, and even have access to the local YMCA. There are even some student orgs that are active.
-
Housing prices?
-
Nothing really. Awesome day. Laid back, students and faculty are great. The only thing I can 'negative' i can say is that they need to provide more food for lunch! I could have eaten 5 of those sandwhiches! haha.
-
Some people mentioned the lack of restaurants on campus but I found that the Shoppes at Chino Hills have a ton of restaurants including: Yardhouse, CPK, a sushi place, lots of fast food places, etc. and it's less than ten minutes away.
-
Everything pertaining to the school/education impressed me negatively. Bad campus, 1/2 block from a major rail road, no cafeteria....it felt like a trade school and not a university.
-
The lack of restaurants within walking distance of the campus. I think there was a subway, an italian restaurant, a hookah lounge, and a bar next to campus.
-
Although it was open file, the interviewers did not prepare, and accused me of various things that did not exist (took years off from college, took MCAT multiple times, had not attended college within the last year - all sorts of crazy things)
-
The campus. It is really a closed down street in which they have purchased all the surrounding "stores" and converted them into classrooms etc. Also, the labs were pretty old. AND, there is a gay bar right on campus. (a guy who wouldn't sell his place to them). There is also a lot of crime in the area. Therefore, they have security posted outside every building.
-
The appearance of the building (looks like a high school). There is a block of antique stores adjacent to the school which is completely useless to someone going to school there. I was not thrilled about the Pomona/suburban location. It was test time so we could not attend classes. Also the students were really stressed and tried to discourage attending medical school.. Why is there no on-campus food available? Students need to eat! When I asked the tour guides what there was to do around the area, they pretty much laughed. a) you have no time b) there is nothing except D&B 30 min away.
-
No cafeteria in the school
-
Everything-the campus- way too small, the dean was very cocky, the area is GHETTO, the students were overeagerly encouraging the interviewees to come to the school as if they were selling products
-
The quality of the interviewers. First off neither of them were DOs or seemed very interested in osteopathy. Secondly, they only allowed me time to ask one question- which they weren't able to answer to my satisfaction.
-
Financial counselors really pushed stafford loans and did not mention any other funding sources. Also, the area around the school is not very safe (but most downtowns are this way).
-
The campus is not appealing to the eye
-
The location of the school and the campus, although it was what I expected based on prior interview feedback from this website.
-
Pomona itself
-
The facility, its location, the organization of the interview day (tour came first before introduction), administrative staff weren't too friendly. A very dull interview day.
-
Most students live in the Claremont area b/c Pomona can be unsafe. We weren't able to see the research building.
-
The surrounding area- not because it was exceptionally ghetto, it seemed to me to just be old. I wished the anatomy lab had windows.
-
Wait time for the interview was long.
-
Its not really LA. The interviewees seemed competitive. The school is blah looking (which I thought wouldnt matter..but yeah if you had the choice...). The program has a lower COMLEX 2 passage rates than others. Administrators didnt seem to care that much.
-
Shady Area, Tiny unattractive campus
-
$1000 to hold your spot during the winter, another thou to hold it for spring
-
Area of the school itself is not that great.
-
Buildings are a little older, but that should change soon.
-
The limited facility size, but thats soon changing
-
Ugly from the outside. Horrible. It seriously looks like a terrible community college from the outside. Inside however it is quite nice and very modern and well equipped. The addmissions staff was abominable in the sense that they lost my LOR's. Very annoying especially since I tracked them and had evidence (the name of the person) that they signed and received them. It was like trying to deal with 3-year olds. This was only one individual in admissions however. Everyone else seemed quite competant and was very delightful.
-
The surrounding neighborhood, i saw a homeless man just casually walking around campus during the tour ... -_-;
-
The school doesn't have on-campus food service (but they do have lots of refrigerator and microwaves if you bring lunch).
-
The town. I stayed in the Shilo hotel and that part of town is ok, but the area where the school is is a little scary. However, they have security all over, so I didn't worry about it. I just wouldn't want to hang out in the town or anything.
-
It's fairly small but that is changing, long wait for the interview, cost of a western u student life is expensive, with tuition room and expenses its going to be around 60K
-
Price tag
-
Cost of living!!!
-
I heard from a student that the administration knows that as a DO school Western is not a big name compared to all med schools, so it created on purpose a very demanding and vigorous curriculum to whip its students into top-shape so they could go out and make a name for themselves. So at times their expectation of students are too high on purpose, so students feel that they're not good enough and will work harder but in reality they're exceeding standards and expectations of preceptors once they start their rotations.
-
Students swore like sailors.
-
The long wait for the interview, the large group of interviewees (25)
-
This wouldn't apply to me, but there is a lot of rumbling on campus about the Northwest Track. Apparently, it is not how it is portrayed on the website/interview. Many students came specifically from the Northwest, and it seems everyone feels liked they were lied to about being able to spend their 3rd and 4th years home. There are only a couple places they can go in Oregon and the school refuses to let them even set up sites at their homes. The situation seems bad and it makes me wonder if Western lies about other things to get students in the door.
-
Area surrounding the school was a bit sketchy.
-
The area is pretty shady. It is pretty bad and theres no cafeteria so you have to eat in the dilapidated town surrounding it.
-
Nothing
-
The dean. He apparently didn't like one of the questions somebody in my group asked and his temper flared. This wasn't a good way to break for lunch.
-
Omm room and anat lab room didnt seem as nice as other schools
-
One of my interviewers and the location.
-
We would be sitting in the room or walking through the building and you could hear the train passing by right outside several times throughout the visit. I imagine it must be hard to concentrate with that outside.
-
The immediate surrounding area is not the best, but I've seen a lot worse. There are some real nice places very close though.
-
Location, location, location
-
The exterior of the buildings
-
How the dean seems more interested in an applicant's numbers and how they can bring prestige to the school rather than showing interest in the applicant as a person. The school's facilities give it a trade school vibe, rather than a real university.
-
Wi-fi isn't quite operational just yet, one of the fellow interviewers wouldn't stop talking...about her MCAT, her MCAT scores...tacky, the fact that we ate lunch in a lecture room, balancing with those awful side-desk things
-
The strip mall.
-
Strip mall appearance still evident, reputation? (maybe in my own head), dont really want to live in smoggy LA area, local housing is super spendy, some crime,
-
How there is no place to hang out in the direct vicinity of the school, that is safe.
-
Students really don't hang around the campus, and they didn't have enough food for people to go for seconds
-
Its located in the midst of an Antiques district (no big deal though)
-
School's location. Honestly, having read through other people's comments about the location I was prepared to see something not-so-great...and it still shocked me!
-
I am not the most professional person around but no one seemed to take anything seriously. There was a lot of horseplay around the facilities by the students. This may be a positive for other applicants but it looked somewhat distracting to me.
-
The campus was very run-down (seemed under renovation, maybe). The interviewer seemed bored, even though he was very nice and I thought we hti it off, when it came down to the qeustion and answer portion... well, he had a lack of enthusiasm which made me uncomfortable.
-
I didn't really have a negative impression. The facilities are much nicer that everyone would lead you to believe. It sounds like living outside Pomona is the way to go, but they have brand new apartments across the street from the school (The Helix).
-
The appearance of the school. A lot of construction going on. Neighborhood was kind of secluded and quiet.
-
This place is by far the biggest dump I have ever interviewed at and in a horrible section of town.
-
The location, the heat, and learning that the area is not so safe.
-
It was in a strip mall from the 1950's, cost, and the previous years financal issues.
-
The lack of student support services.
-
The city is extremely dilapidated, and the school is under massive construction. But I think once the construction is finished, the school will help the city become a nicer attraction.
-
All the construction, traffic, air quality.
-
Pomona, the OUTSIDE of campus, traffic!!!
-
Apparently, the school is in the worst part of the city, but that goes for many schools.
-
The structure of the campus
-
The students seemed a little too laid back. I know this is Cali, but its also medical school. Do you really need to wear workout clothes to class?
-
Nothing. Pomona isn't Paris, but we're there for 4 years of intense schooling. So in the long run it really doesn't matter if it looks like a strip mall or a cathedral. What matters is what happens inside those buildings-- and that's what impressed me. (But they're building a huge new shiny building soon enough for those who need something aesthetically pleasing)
-
Looks like a strip mall
-
Maybe it was just the day I interviewd, but some of the interviewees seemed stuffy and full of themselves. Example: I cured cancer, de-wormed all the children in a small village in Africa and had time to go get a Ph.D in nuclear biophysics at Oxford...really now...and then complain they were older students. The tour guide was nice, but I wouldn't hang out with him. Other than that, I had a good time.
-
No cafeteria.
-
The aesthetics of the facility. I think it would be sort of depressing to drive into campus every morning. Pomona doesn't seem like the greatest city, either.
-
The interview was a little intimidating, I felt like I was being interrogated.
-
It DOES look like a strip mall...
-
It seemed disorganized when I went for the interview. When we got in there was a multitude of pharmacy students, and I found that to be very disruptive. Then the admissions staff just gave us our folder and told us that we can explore the school if we like as long as we're back by 9:45.
-
The school needs a cafeteria. The interview was rough. The interview day was a little disorganized.
-
This school is in my own state, but I would be reluctant to ever attend here. It has one of the highest attrition rates of all medical schools in the country, some of the lowest board passing rates ever (below national average), lack of modern facilities (the campus is horribly ugly), and too many classes that the students have to take it; it is like overload taking 8 classes in one semester - which is probably why a lot of them end up failing Biochemistry, or remediating. They can't even repeat one class, they have to repeat the entire year. The residencies aren't that impressive either. Sure, I want to stay in California, but not if it means getting a residency at a small osteopathic hospital (like most of their graduates).
-
Nothing really, but the immediate surrounding area didn't have much in terms of fast food or stores like Wal-Mart.
-
Pomona is a hole. It's not ghetto, it's just non-existent. Apparently the surrounding areas are full of very nice communities and many of the students live near campus anyway (a new apartment complex was erected as student housing)
-
Not much...oh maybe that there was a lot of applicants from the Cali/NW area
-
The school itself doesn't look much like a school. It looks more like a strip mall from the 60s. But the interiors are very nice.
-
Nothing, they did a wonderful job selling the school.
-
Nothing. I knew what to expect.
-
I couldn't read my interviewer...he was very stoic
-
Pretty tough interview, they went back and asked the same questions over again, like hypotheticals of two schools I could choose to go to and why i would choose that school or theirs
-
The area is not the greatest. Even though they renovated the inside, they didn't spend any time on the outside re-painting.
-
No first year classes were going on during the down time between lunch/campus tour and my interview (which was about 2 hours), so there was really nothing for us interviewees to do but sit around and get nervous.
-
Nothing much.
-
The location. I am from the midwest and have been to So Cal before, so I knew what to expect. However, I would not be happy there with the weather, lack of seasons, and air pollution. Pomona is far from the ocean in my mind, and I know I would have trouble staying there for three or four years. Also, most students live at least 10 min away from campus and it seems like everyone drives. They do have some new on-campus housing, but it was pretty much full in early Oct. so it would be at least your second year before you could move in.
-
Area of the school, little actual clinical experience in the first two years
-
The location. The school looks pretty bad from the outside. Its in a neighborhood that for some reason or another has not grown much since the 60's and consequently is a little run down. Security is a constant presence when walking from building to building.
-
The outside appearance of the buildings.
-
The look and location of campus.
-
Gotta say it, the exterior of the campus is ugly. oh yeah, it was also very hot -- i'm just not a socal person, i guess.
-
The area could be a little better, however there really weren’t any complaints from the students. Most live in good areas that are 10minutes away. I didn’t feel the neighborhood was dangerous as others have previously described.
-
The old buildings and the weather!
-
You feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. Also, California might be a little too far for me from home.
-
The lack of social activity around the campus
-
That there are a lot of rumors going around about the school. I noticed it online and also the students I talked to told me about it. The dean had to hold a special talk during lunch time with the 1st and 2nd years to directly address the rumors. The dean and the students there are dumbfounded as to where the rumors started. I think it has something to do with DO schools getting more attention in the media and competing for students and just so happen that Western U has been consistently getting the best students with the highest gpa/mcat of DO schools. But everyone should talk to the dean, he`s a great guy, very open and honest to your questions. Clearly the person that posted the previous comment did not speak up to the Dean, or he just wanted to pass the rumor on, but the pass rate for the boards is 89%. You can tell for some reason he`s bitter/irrational about the school by hinting that students with high gpa/mcat have no other standards if they just want to go to a school in LA. I mean, Western U is not like amazingly great in every aspect but it has great clinical years and an impressive matchlist and is definitely worth my time.
-
Nothing. I knew the facade of the school and the surrounding neighborhood wasn't great so I didn't expect much. It's not as bad as people say.
-
The campus is not attractive. However, improvements are being made and the surrounding neighborhoods are nice.
-
Orientation leader said that this year's Step 1 pass rate was 84% and noted that this is higher than in the past (mentioning that before they would have avoided the question - although I'm not sure how that could occur); many people who "usually" are involved in the interview day were on vacation or not available (very disappointing) but we were welcome to call them with any questions we had (a second chance to make a first impression - not)
-
Nothing. the campus facilities are different than most other schools but hey it used to be a strip mall. There is nothing negative about So. Cal. except if you don't speak spanish.
-
Some disorganization as far as the people not showing up for orientation and having only one interviewer as opposed to 3 or 4 as stated in the letter.
-
Pomona is not the most built up/safest city in CA. I know that most great schools are in bad areas (Hopkins is in Baltimore, MD, UPenn is in Philly, etc), but it is still hard to ignore the area around the school. But, most students do not live in Pomona, you only need to be on campus for classes. The insides of the buildings were completely renovated.
-
The smog. The lack of places to eat other than Mexican and fast food.
-
The campus is kind of small, i didn't see many students around buts that because it was the last day of class for them.
-
The facilities could be better, but that will come in time.
-
My interviewers were not that great. My interview started 10 minutes later than planned, which normally wouldn't be a big deal, but we had to finish by 10:30 so that I could go to the orientation. So because we started late, I basically had 10 minutes less to interview. In addition, I had 3 fairly intimidating interviewers (2 PhD, 1 DO) who did not make much eye contact during the interview. They were not very friendly or welcoming and even seemed a bit hostile at times. However, I later learned that that's just the way they are and one even had good things to say about me, so I guess it's not as bad as I thought.
-
1. interviewer-a D.O. , didn't introduce himself as anything, wore sneakers,used the word "like", and made little to no eye contact. 2. a curriculum that is constantly revised from one year to the next- indication that it is probably getting better, but is not that well established.
-
I already knew this, but the buildings and the area of Pomona where the schools is located really does suck. But once you get inside the buildings they are very nice and updated. Try not to let the outside freak you out.
-
One of the tour guides was telling us which classes we could "skip" or not pay too much attention to. I thought that was extremely unprofessional and negatively reflected the education system at the school.
-
1. The program appears very disorganized (I had my interview with the dean and a professor and the professor knew more about the upcoming curriculum changes than the dean; plus, the school has changed the curriculum every year for the past 3 years, so second year students will have had very different experiences than you); 2. the facilities (school is built on an old mall; updating the buildings is taking them a really long time); 3. the location (for those of you who have never been to Pomona, it is NOT Los Angeles; It is about 60 miles from anything interesting; the smog is even worse than L.A.); 4. the inept security guards (Pomona has a relatively high crime rate, so Western has security guards every where. The two I saw were old and I think I could have beaten them up); 5. the student tour guide (he acted very lazy and unintelligent; he didn't inspire me to want to go there in the least)
-
The interview was not well organized. The people seemed friendly but not very warm or helpful one-on-one. Attitude of one of the interviewers was NOT warm or friendly--good guy/bad guy. No fitness center but public gymns nearby. Location is not ideal for me. No real sense of community. Its a commuter campus that was an old shopping strip--still feels like old abandoned shopping strip. It is adjacent to an active freight train line. Heavy use of security guards roaming the 'mall' made me wonder about incidents although Western claims its safe. If you like studying at home or off campus by yourself this might be a great place for you.
-
The security guards on campus, the appearance of the campus, the surrounding area
-
Location-its far from LA. It seems like a very different lifestyle out there, "desert folk" as I heard them referred too. It was definitely different...quiet town.
-
Ranking of the school is not that great and the COMLEX board scores are not as high as other DO schools
-
The campus is hideous on the outside and the smell of cow poop that comes around every so often. also, the sound of trains is pretty annoying.
-
The interviewer. Location is not that bad.
-
The anatomy lab (another tomb-like room) I just personally like anatomy labs with windows.
-
The students there seemed depressed without much of school pride. Our tour guides, MS2 both told us that they ended at Western b/c it was their only acceptance
-
The OMM, that most of their students seemed to select the school based on it's location (in California/ or close to home) THE SMOG
-
The people who interview me. They are assholes. They never tried to understand me and always tried to contradict my answers. I usually don't criticize people but these people were least interesting. One of them was a Phd (he was dressed in jeans) and other was a DO (he was dressed in suit which wasn't iron).What the hell was that, if they want us to dress well they better atleast wear something professional. I wouldn't have care much about their dressing if they were sweet people, but they were assholes all the time during the interview.
-
Interview day was somewhat poorely set up - not a whole of interaction with other students
-
The guy they had interview was completely uninterested. His line of questioning was absurd (at one point he asked approx. 12 questions in a row without letting me respond until he was finished.) All I know is if you're trying to make a good impression and get students to come to your school, you don't put someone like that out there to interview. He picked his nose for chrissakes!
-
Depressing looking campus and a bad smell that was all over campus.
-
If you've been to one of their osteo awarness conferences, you've pretty much seen it all. They showed the same video "a tribute to caring"...can I throw up now? And I didnt learn any new information. But overall it was fine, and didnt really change the impression I had gotten from the conferences.
-
Didn't like how students live off campus, but transportation seems to be okay.
-
The students claimed that security guards walk them to their cars at night.
-
Pomona city isn't the best area.
-
The school just seemed "okay" the tour guides and other students said their number 1 reason for attending was location/close to family.
-
One of the interviewers was falling asleep on me! (I guess its understandable considering I was the last one of the day!)
-
I didn't feel like anyone wanted to get to know me as an individual. While waiting for your interview they put you in a small waiting room with a TV. I waited for an hour with no contact with people from the university. I was not impressed by this. It would have been nice to have a student or faculty there to answer questions, etc.
-
Student ambassadors were nice but it would have been nice to meet more students; my other interview sites all paraded many many more students in front of us and taht was nice to get different perspectives
-
The high cost of living and the relative commute to campus from other areas.
-
The interview...other than that the school's great and you can see the openness shared between students and faculty.
-
The outside of the school. Doesn't do justice to the facilities inside.
-
The student tour. Felt we were being blown off. It was like nine minutes long and consisted us of briskly walking through rooms. Tour guide was not engaged in anything other than telling us where to live next year and how to get there.
-
The inability of the students to provide us with board pass rates and residency placements (not provided by administration). They clam that the school keeps those quiet. The high drop out rate of MS1's.
-
The weather is one thing that I personally am trying to get away from. I want a cooler atmosphere. Nothing really made me stop and think that the school was anything less than what it appeared. I've heard bad things, but the college seems stable and is expanding in many directions.
-
The fact that the campus really is a renovated strip mall, and it's obvious. When I asked about the high drop out rate of first year students (I asked two different people) they gave reasonable explanations for why students might leave (ie. family problems, pregnancy, etc) that might cause a student to leave any institution. However, they did not account for why that rate is higher at this school than others.
-
The campus and surrounds are quite dismal.the facilities are okay with the exceptions of no fitness area, or cafeteria.
-
There is NO WAY that I could go to this school. I have NEVER seen polution like that. I like to run and do a lot outside and I'm serious when I say that I would buy a high quality mask to wear if I lived there. The street signs are all a grey-brown from the air polution, and there is trash along all streets and highways. I could not wait to get out of there. It's too bad, because I liked the school itself. Oh, well.
-
The school's facilities and location
-
The unattractiveness of the surrounding neighborhoods and the fact that the school is a renovated strip mall. Also that many students commute from different areas so the sense of community isn't all there. The tuition is pretty steep, but I guess that's expected from any private medical school.
-
Still have plenty of seats left even in June
-
None of the DO students were there because they are on vacation.
-
The campus is located in a run-down part of town. Security gaurds, recomendation to live away from campus.
-
None really
-
One of the DO's on the admissions board said, "we don't necessarily choose people who are gunners." It came off as though they choose second rate students.
-
The doctor was a jerk. He didn't care or listen to my responses. He gave me a book at the end and said "here, something to remember us by." what an asshole move
-
Gee... the campus is ugly. A converted strip mall. They did a pretty good job with the classrooms, though. No one lives in Pomona- they generally live a few towns over since it's not very safe. Our student tour guides told us there had been 4 break-ins in the last 2 weeks... to walk in groups (even guys). When asked why they chose Western, the students answered "Well, I didn't really have a choice" and the other said "I applied here, interviewed, got in, so I cancelled my other interviews." Wow, way to sell the school- it's the only one I got into and I shortchanged myself?! Would like to have heard a positive answer! Plus, both were frumpy-looking, not that that matters but it doesn't help. They also seem out to get your money with these summer anatomy programs they offer- they scare into thinking you'll fail anatomy if you haven't had it before- like normally people have cadavers in their undergrad education?!!!
-
Everythin from the small bookstore and library, to the cartoonish looking campus, to the city itself, looks like something out of a small-budget film production
-
The fact the school is right next to a train track. A train seems to pass by every half hour at least. However, most rooms are soundproof.
-
Western is not in the safest city, and some of the buildings are poorly labeled, making it difficult to find your way around (particularly if you're new.)
-
It IS in a strip mall. I still liked it though. The buildings are new inside...
-
A lot! Western U appears very run down from the outside and surrounding area. Security guards patrol the streets and it is unsafe to be out after dark. I was encouraged to live outside of Pomona so this was disappointing b/c I would like to live near campus so I could avoid Southern Cal traffic. This is a disappointment b/c I like to stay out and study late at the library. Tuition is definitely too high. I was also upset that we were not told who or how many people would be interviewing us.
-
School is next to a railroad train
-
The retention rate is low. The student that gave us our tour told us that the school does not really go out of its way to make sure you get your degree.
-
Proximity of the train, not a "real" university campus
-
There is an obvious lack of study spaces for the size of this school. Even the library is too small to accomodate the number of students here. Also, I overheard from some students that the faculty voted to restrict internet access in the classrooms during class time. Huh?!? I would hope that the administration would choose to treat us like adults and let us make our own choices. I was talking to another interviewee and we both agreed that as high-tech as the classrooms are, restricting access to the internet is a step backwards and makes the school less attractive to both of us.
-
It is hard to find a good(safe) and cheap place to live around the school.
-
One of my interviewers (Dr. Martin) seemed prejudiced against me. I felt he attacked me personally during the interview just to get a rise out of me. Neither of my interviewers seemed interested in me. When I asked the question "What makes Western special? Why should I choose Western?" They skirted the issue, avoided the question, and changed the subject. It seems the school is having administration problems right now. It also felt as though they were having trouble filling seats in the class. At this late date, I expected them to have the class nearly full, but only half the seats had been filled.
-
The railroad tracks next to the campus with trains coming by every hour or so
-
The interviewer was very monotone and I did not feel he wanted to be there.
-
I wasn't very impressed by the area. the campus is an old mall, but the insides of the buildings are nice.
-
The downtown part of town, as my father put it was reminiscent of Spanish Harlem, so not exactly the safest place at night alone. However, you will not spend your time there, the school is in one place and security gaurds abound, so the downtown did not affect my feelings about the school. Most of the students there live 15-30 minutes away and that works out fine for them.
-
Lack of a campus cafeteria. Maybe that's a good thing? I noticed like 8 fridges in the student lounge and went to check them out. They were all stuffed with meals that students brought. I plan to bring my own food anyways because I keep a strict healthy diet.
-
The whole school is pretty small in general. It is also very close to a railroad track. The rooms, however, are soundproof.
-
Not located in the best part of town
-
The bookstore(but atleast they had one as appose to some DO schools that don't even have one)
-
Not at all what I expected. it is a total dive. Western was my top choice and now I must reconsider.
-
Not enough places to get food on campus; no exercise/sporting facilities on campus
-
At least 3 security guards. area is not the safest in the world. equipment not state of the art.
-
The heat
-
Ghetto area; no on-campus housing, no cafeteria, didn't see a gym, facilities are somewhat old and not state of the art
-
Nothing really
-
Area's not too great, library was a little small
-
The campus isn't the traditional college setting- but it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.
-
The city of Pomona (drive through it at night and you'll see what I mean); school's exterior is unattractive as well.
-
Strip mall, Pomona the city
-
Bad area- most students commute at least 15 minutes to campus (I would like to live across the street or on campus if possible!) all the security makes you wonder. The smog in that area is BAD though, I don't like to see the air I breath
-
Class hours are 8-5. How are you supposed to get studying done?
-
The school is quite small and in a strange surrounding area.
-
The interviewer seemed anxious and hurried through the interview (15 min? What is that, I traveld hundereds of miles for 15 min?)Also the area around the school is sketchy? Durring my 30 min. wait for a taxi I counted 15 cop cars.
-
Well, the school is a strip mall. Literally. But I thought it was kind of kooky and funny, actually.
-
Some what cramped OMM lab, potential shortage of group study rooms
-
Pomona is probably not the nicest place in the world, but it wasnt as bad as I was anticipating from reading interview feedback
-
Pomona isn't the nicest area, kind of smoggy.
-
Exterior look & campus grounds
-
The smog
-
The campus, the location.
-
The orientation meeting
-
The area, willingness of interviewer to speak candidly about residency stats, rotations, etc.
-
LA traffic
-
The surrounding area of the school. The buildings don't seem impressive from the outside, but it's nice in the inside.
-
Small campus, lousy bookstore, a loud train that drives by every so often.
-
Hard to get alot across in a 30 minute interview. I felt like I discussed my research too much.
-
Location.
-
Location and condition of the school. However, thought the buildings aren't built specifically for the school the inside is nice for the students.
-
The surrounding area...not very safe
-
The area
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
Applicants commonly wished they had known more about the specific interview questions and structure, the relaxed nature of the MMI, the lack of breakfast provided, the large number of interviewees, and the stress level of the interview. Suggestions included practicing more motivational interviewing skills, researching healthcare topics beyond reform, and being mindful of the location and facilities of the school.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
I wish I studied the questions on SDN more because they were a lot like the ones asked.
-
They all have guideline questions which every interviewer will ask you. These two threw me: Tell me about a time you learned from someone with a different background than yourself. Tell me what empathy means to you and how you demonstrate it.
-
That there's no breakfast offered, not even a snack.
-
For the MMI: don't be nervous, say anything unneccessary/babble on to try and fill time
-
That the MMI wasn't as stressful as I thought it would be
-
Be yourself and do not be overly nervous
-
Some of the lectures are streamed from the Oregon campus
-
How many people would be at the interview! At least 35 other applicants.
-
Don't trip about MMIs! You'll do your best if you're not thinking about it at all.
-
That the MMI was not something to stress about
-
That it was going to be a stress interview.
-
That MMI was with actors rather than explaining what I'd do in such scenario
-
That the MMI was less stressful than you think. Just relax and be yourself. If you are completely unfamiliar, look up communication tips online to help you :)
-
That this school's so awesome in many levels.
-
I wish I had practiced more motivational interviewing skills for the MMI. I also wish I had looked up more about healthcare aside from just reform. Besides that, I don't think there is anything else. It's hot outside. Be prepared for that.
-
How stressful but incredibly interesting the experience of the MMI would be.
-
It was my first time doing a MMI, so I wish I had more info about what that was like.
-
How stressful the MMI would be! But then again, I'm glad I didn't know or i may have been more stressed.
-
To bring other shoes for walking the mile from the hotel to school and back.. or take the bus.
-
There will be a lot of sitting in the morning session.
-
If you have an early interview time, you can leave at 2PM!
-
That they served breakfast so I could have slept in more.
-
They provide breakfast
-
There's not much to do in the immediate pomona area.
-
That there would be 100 people there to interview!!
-
Mints, lol j/k. I wish I had more time to explore the surrounding area and get to know the town itself.
-
Parking is free on weekends! you can park wherever you want for free!
-
I wish I knew that medical, dental, and podiatry students all have the same lectures together. I would have made sure to sit in on a class to see what this is about.
-
Not to come so early. Waited around for a bit.
-
That interview don't officially starts until afternoon. There could be large waiting time between lunch and interview.
-
Nothing really. It was good to learn that the atmosphere was not a good fit for me. I couldn't have known that without going. Actually, I read some misinformation that attendance is required, and it's not. That's good to know.
-
That the Shilo Inn where I stayed is a piece of Sh**. It felt like I walked into an 80's drug den. I've never seen so many pink couches and large mirrors...and my bed was made backwards with the sheets on top, weird. (And this was the suite!!)
-
That the security gaurds would not let you take pictures of campus. I wouldn't have brought my camera.
-
There would be 100 people here for interview. The interview was in the morning rather in the afternoon (which i think is better). The day ended at 2pm instead of 4pm.
-
That they would serve decent breakfast, that they wouldn't give bathroom breaks, that the guides were incorrect in telling us our interview would only be 30mins (some of us had 30 mins interviews... but most had 1hr... so prepare lots of questions for them)
-
That the interview would be that intense (3 interviewers staring at me while I sat in the middle of the room on a chair). Also, I wish I would have known that 100 students (I think 1/6 of all those interviewing) were being interviewed on the same day.
-
That the day would end at 2pm instead of 4pm like they said. That there would be like 250 students on interview day!!
-
That the interviewers would be taking notes the entire time.
-
It is true, they tell you to arrive at around 7:45, but the presentation doesn't start around around 8:45. Then it's the tour, lunch, and interviews start at 1 pm.
-
Nothing that hasn't already been said.
-
Where to park. Public lot on the opposite side of campus to where we needed to be (not a long walk, though). Make sure you bring quarters, parking pass is $1.50 for all-day.
-
That the day doesn't really start until 8:45
-
Actual interview time begins at 1pm, 1:30, 2, 2:30, or 3 depending on what you are assigned. So tour finishes around 12, and if you have 3pm... yeah...lots waiting time, not fun.
-
What time specifically I was interviewing at so I could better arrange for transportation.
-
That I would get grilled kinda. Everyone who has interviewed there told me how relaxed the interview was :/
-
There would be such a gap between lunch and the actual interview. Some people had to just wait around for 2 hours.
-
That I was going to have 4 interviewers. It didn't make it more stressful by any means, but it was a bit of a shock to see a panel of 4 people when you're anticipating 2.
-
How much down time there would be, but I do not what it would have changed.
-
That check in is at 8:00, but the talks didn't start til 8:30/8:45ish. Also the map for the parking lot is not helpful, I ended up just parking in one of the day lots and paid the $1.50.
-
The little post it for incomplete applications only meant i needed a picture. i thought they didnt get my mcat scores or something! ugh, they should just send us an email in the future to relieve needless stress!
-
*About my potential 'academic deficiencies' (turned out to be fine---I was complete) *They hadn't received my LOR (I submitted them electronically from the admissions office before my interview via Interfolio).
-
Take SDN stuff with a grain of salt, the campus is nice and Pomona isn't bad at all (compared to some places)
-
That you don't need to get there until 8:30 or so because nothing happens until 8:45 anyways
-
Just an interesting fact that Western can have different # of interviewer. There is no fix #. I got 4 interviewers. All have poker faces and they sat you down like how FBI would with a suspect.
-
Where parking lot 2-1 is.
-
That I didn't have to show up till 8:45. That the interviews weren't till the end. Really, you don't have to show up till 1.
-
That it would be so out of the ordinary for someone from the east coast to want to attend the school.
-
I was interviewed by two basic science faculty member. They did not ask me about Osteopathy or any detail questions about practicing as a future physician.
-
How long the day would have felt.
-
Nothing
-
The size of the "campus"
-
Find out where to park beforehand....
-
That the hotel recommended by the school (Shilo Inn) is the greatest dump I could imagine, but they do provide free transportation to and from the university and the airport so for $70/night, it's not a bad deal, I suppose
-
That we would be sitting so long in an uncomfortable room.
-
Nothing.
-
To read up on my research project, i fumbled with that question
-
I'm glad I knew the interviews didn't start until 1:30. I wish I knew where to find a parking spot. It took ten minutes but people on campus were helpful guiding me.
-
California is really far away from the east coast. Pomona is a small city that is lacking in culture.
-
I wish I knew that the orientation would take half the day and the interviews did not begin until 1pm. Luckily weather was good and didn't get hot until the afternoon, and none of us were sweating in our suits walking around campus.
-
Nothing really. Just go with the flow and be excited for the interview. Oh, and talk it up with the students...they're one of the best parts of the school
-
Nothing. I was very familiar with this school as I live 20 miles away and have visited and interacted with students many times.
-
It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. I went thinking that I would not take an acceptance at this school just because of the location (and because I was already accepted at a couple of great out-of-state schools) and decided on going here after the interview.
-
That I would not go there.
-
The location is NOT THAT BAD! I have lived in the suberbs and in urban environments. By everyone's description, I though I was about to go into some shanty hooverville. The school is very clean and secure while the surrounding area is not bad at all (but its not the Hamptons either). I think Pomona has improved over the last few decades (at least the area that Western is in). The city does have restaurants (although a bit off campus), an art district, farmer's market, etc... You are nearby the Claremont colleges, so if you want to be around many students, that is an option. You have access to all of LA. I went during spring break, so the school was a ghost town. There were not that many faculty or students around to ask questions.
-
The school really is located in a dump. It's in a strip mall, and is surprising sad.
-
How much this institution didn't feel like a real campus.
-
They research you ahead of time. The interviewer asked me about every hit he had apparently found via google. Luckily, all the sites that came back were academic. Lunch is provided, so is water from the bookstore.
-
The facilities are terrible
-
That the new ''osteopathic medicine'' facility will be for other health sciences as well.
-
That I would have to wait 2 hours before I interviewed - I should have brought a book with me.
-
I didn't realize how chill the interview would be
-
That the only additional money they will add to your financial budget if you have a family is paying for daycare :/. They do this to reduce your debt but it doesn't help those whose wives don't work.
-
It looks like a strip mall, which I knew already coming in. Its about 1.5hrs from LA with no traffic and 3hrs with traffic.
-
I did not discover anything regretful, rather just more information that will enable me to make an informed decision on my part. I happened to interview first, at 1:30p, however, some people had to wait until 3:30 with nothing but their nerves. Be prepared to potentially wait, with nothing to do.
-
That I would be wasting my time.
-
Really shady place. I would fit in here
-
$1000 deposit made twice before school starts.
-
-
-
Don't listen to the jerk off below who says that the Shereton Fairplex is overpriced and terrible place to stay. They are an idiot who obviously payed too much and didn't get the discount. The cost is 105 a night down from 260 a night. The rooms are huge with a living room and bedroom. The service is exellent, and they provide free shuttles from the airport and school (this alone will save you 50 in cab fees at least). Stay at the sheraton and ask about their rates for applicants.
-
Nothing really.
-
Nothing, exverything i expected to happen did
-
Tuition went up to almost 40 grand per year
-
Nothing. My friends that are current students there told me everything.
-
That the group of interviewees would be so large!
-
Nothing. Overall, I was impressed by the faculty, students, and staff. Everyone seems happy to be there.
-
There weren't really any surprises.
-
Bring your parking pass because non metered parking is limited
-
??
-
Pomona isn't THAT bad. Don't believe everything you hear. The students seem happy. I was impressed with everything but the dean...
-
1000 to hold my spot due jan 1
-
That the person in whom's office you are interviewing is not necessarily the person(s) interviewing you. ps Dr. Jones is really a nice guy.
-
That to accept their offer, you have to pay two $1,000 deposits and that I would have until the first of January to respond with a check if I took them up. I didn't find out I was accepted until December 16, so it didn't leave a lot of time. $1,000 is a lot of money, after all. At least for me, it is.
-
That the street that leads to the main building is blocked off, unlike MAPQUEST's directions
-
The two $1000 deposits seem a little steep. You only get it back if you end up going to the school, but it limits you especially if you haven't gone on all of your interviews yet.
-
They consistantly have students go into top resideny slots including USC, UCSF, Yale, Stanford etc
-
That I was going to have a stress interview! My interviewers asked me some weird questions.
-
That my interviewers had it in for me
-
That 90 percent of interviewees get in.
-
Huntington beach is only 30 mins away. mexico 2.5 hrs, skiing 30min to 1.5 hours, sounds pretty fun...but the students dont get out much b/c of studying
-
They don't serve breakfast, and the Motel 6's continental breakfast is sub-par
-
Should have brought a book to read while waiting
-
Public transportation to the school from surrounding areas is virtually non-existant.
-
Just because it is an open file interview do not expect the interviewers to have actually read it.
-
The campus is not as nice as I expected. The facilities aren't so great (I had just come from a great experience at KCUMB a few days earlier). Even though I would love to go to school in SoCal, I did not feel wanted or comfortable at Western. If part of the interview purpose is for candidates to evaluate the school, then they should try harder to be more welcoming.
-
Again, I felt well prepared and there were not any big suprises.
-
The new Dean has only been around for a short time.
-
That the interview was a stress type interview. I would have better prepared for a tough interview.
-
I wish I had better directions to the school from the airport, or had contacted other interviewees who were flying in at the same time.
-
Nothing, I attended an awarness confrence so the school was not new
-
Just how horrible the air quality is in LA.
-
December 15th is the deadline the schools gives for you to accept their acceptance invitation. After that if you have pay a $1000 non-refundable deposit in order to hold you seat.
-
December 15th is the deadline the schools gives for you to accept their acceptance invitation. After that if you have pay a $1000 non-refundable deposit in order to hold you seat. Also, There are two interviewers that interview you simultaneously. So basically you're interviewed by a panel. One person asks the majority of the questions while the other person takes notes. They were extremely nice and inviting.
-
They don't have breakfast and McDonald's is a couple miles away. Not much to do immediately near campus.
-
How laid back the whole experience was going to be. Actually, many people on this site say so, but it's kind of hard to accept.
-
It was located in a stink hole.
-
There's a lot of waiting time, but it's a good time to chat with others or explore the school.
-
N/A
-
I would have to wait for about two hours until it was my turn to interview.
-
How much down time there is. Defninitely bring something to do.
-
That my application was not complete before I arrived, make sure you call and check because my letters had been sent twice and they still had not received them
-
Bring a pen for this interview because you have to jot down some notes about important dates.
-
More medical ethics.
-
None
-
What a lack of facilities the school has. I can't believe a bar is right in the middle of two of the school buildings. Also, the tour was so limited - couldn't even see the library, the OMM lab, and a couple other places. What a tour; we stepped in for 10 seconds into the student lounge, and for 1 minute in the classroom. None of the students that were not associated with the tour guide even bothered to say 'Hi' - basically, that means no one talked to us. That's not a tour at all. We had one hell of a cocky tour guide as well - who wears sunglasses while giving a tour guide?! Also, one of the admins told us "we don't teach students for the boards" and "competition is good, we make it rough the first semester so we know who wants to do medicine and who doesn't." That's one of the most retarded statements ever. This isn't the caribbeans - US schools do all that they can to keep students, not drop them like flies. It has always been said the biggest hurdle about medicine is getting into medical school. Apparently at COMP, this doesn't seem to be the case.
-
The committee reviews your file the very next day and I was missing one of my letters. They told me my file wouldn't get reviewed until all materials were received. To all you upcoming interviewees, I would call in a few days before the interview to check to make sure your file is complete. They will let the letter be faxed if needed.
-
Our interview day turned out to be very long. There were not actually AM interviews and there were about 2 dozen applicants being interviewed in the afternoon. So we were actually there from 9 to about 4pm
-
Nothing, it was a very relaxed day
-
There are two interview time allotments--3 interviews in the morning, 3 in the afternoon. do the interview in the afternoon after the orientation session because they can give you a lot of info for that "why western" question
-
More about the DO program and philosophy.
-
Pomona isn't as bad as people make it sound on here. You should know it's quite a ways from LA and the ocean.
-
That the shuttle would be late. If you stay at the Shilo Inn, and they tell you that scheduling a shuttle isn't necessary, DON'T BELIEVE THEM! Also, I thought I would get to meet the dean of the school. Apparently he stopped by when I was interviewing, so everyone else in the group got to meet him except me.
-
There were am and pm interviews
-
If you schedule your interview for the afternoon, current students will help coach you. Morning interviews...you're on your own.
-
Nothing really. if you research the school on sdn, you should get all your questions answered.
-
That my hotel provides a shuttle service for free.
-
They give you breakfast.
-
There are 2 bars on campus.
-
They require a non-refundable $1000 deposit 2 weeks after you are accepted if you want to hold your spot.
-
About my self
-
The 84% pass rate for Step 1 of COMLEX (not comPlex!)
-
Nothing. How quick it is to get to even though there is traffic. It is really not that bad of a drive from Orange County to Pomona.
-
That this website has some inaccurate info...the passage rate of the complex for WesternU was 89% for last year's class. According to one of the students, the dean confronted all the MS1 at the beginning of the year to stop the rumors about low passage rates. Next, someone posted on here that the school has the worst attrition rate. I found out that most of the people who dropped out had personal problems (depression, pregnant, death in family). One student dropped out because he did not enjoy working on cadavers and decided to find a new profession. Obviously with a class size of 176, some students will drop out. The school does provide an academic advisor and personal health advisor for the students. In addition, the school pays the MS2 a stipend to tutor MS1. If you are a good student, you probably don't need to worry. I was happy to hear that the admissions committee meets once a week, so I will know my status within two weeks. Finally, the school has a lot of opportunities to work in clinics as a MS1, more than any other school I have visited.
-
That the projected student budget ($55,000) exceeds the maximum yearly .Stafford loan amount of under $40,000
-
Nothing really
-
I had already researched everything about the school, so there were no suprises.
-
Nothing, everything went as expected
-
During the tour you go to the presidents office and see where the board of trustees meet (why I don't know, classic board room from a decade ago). Althought the pres was not there we were given a pamphlet "the physician humanist." THE SCHOOL NEEDS TO FIND CLINICIANS TO INTERVIEW THAT UPHOLD THIS IDEAL OF A HUMANIST. I GOT THE ANTITHESIS OF A HUMANIST.
-
I arrived a day before my interview, and didn't schedule my flight out until the day after, thinking I would use the time to look around the campus and facilities. That was a total waste. They show you everything you need to see and know during your interview day. I just wasted money on the extra night in the hotel and wasted my PTO at work. If you really want a more personal view of the area/school, make sure you call the office and schedule something specifically with a student. If you just want to "look around" there's nothing extra to see.
-
How completely negative the experience would be.
-
How far the hotel was (Shilo Inn) from the campus. I wanted to walk and check out the campus life, the proximity of it to Pamona, and how well knit the community and school felt. (I did not gather from my short visit that there is a sense of community or strong outreach.) Fellowship opporutnities seem non-existant. And do not expect to see other modalities as electives in thier curriculum--no acupuncture or alt.
-
COMLEX board scores
-
COMP has many opportunities throughout the country to do 4th year rotations
-
That the interviewer was very apathetic to the whole process.
-
The highwy 57 north is VERY slow going north to Pomona. Took 1.5 hours to drive 19 miles. Also, that you are to park in an unmarked stall. I thought I might get a ticket since the signs were not clear, but I happen to park in an unmarked stall.
-
Give you a credit to get things like water and snacks from their bookstore prior to your interview.
-
That you can take the gross anatomy the summer before and be done with it
-
The admission staff at western is the best. The campus is OK. Nothing impressive. It has more of the look of a community college than a university. But it doesn't matter if you want to become a doctor.
-
They provide water at the interview!
-
That I was only going to be interviewed by one person, and that that person was someone who was not respectable.
-
This website
-
That it would be all the same info I've heard before
-
They hadn't received my letters of rec. it was sent out back in Nov so it was probably lost in the mail.
-
I read that students from every discipline of health at the school would work together, but they really don't. The basic science courses are crammed into the first semester, so it makes for a hard first semester. After that, students start dealing with assessments of the human body. It was finals week, so we didn't get a chance to talk with the MS I's. Western professors don't do research.
-
There was going to be 2 interviewers.
-
Inside and outside of buildings don't reflect one another!
-
That if you go to COMP your pets get free veterinary care from the Vet school. Now that is very cool.
-
Nothing: i'd been to an open house there before
-
More about the clinical rotations.
-
The premises are very well guarded by security. You have to park in certain areas and get a permit slip (the security guard gives it to you). But the security guards were all extremely helpful and nice.
-
Nothing. I had attended a Western U/COMP OMAC which provided a great deal more information than provided by the interview presentations.
-
Claremont is a confusing area, make sure to have directions and follow them to the letter. Also, if you ask for directions make sure to specify the 10 Fwy or the 210 Fwy. They sound very similar.
-
No unanticipated problems.
-
The polution, the price of housing, and the overcrowding is completely intolerable for me. There is no way I could live there, even for two years.
-
That the students would be so friendly and helpful, not to mention the fact that they all highly endorse COMP.
-
$ 2000 for seat deposit, morning and afternoon interviews
-
High attrition rate.
-
High drop-out rate of 1st year students(lack of support??student quality??) Rotation program is going to be different for this incoming class.
-
How nice the staffs are. the students who interviewed on the same day with me were very friendly too.
-
How not nice the campus is.
-
How unattractive the campus was, still looks reminiscent of a strip mall
-
How depressing the Western U campus was.
-
Names and info of other interviewees (one interviewee was from the same city and we could've traveled together
-
There's a Starbucks *and* a Quizzno's within walking distance of the school!
-
That they only had half thier seats filled. Since its late in the year I was kind of shocked. The admissions director told us that this was unusual for this time of the year.
-
Laptops are required for all students
-
Who was interviewing me.
-
Nada.
-
Nothing. I mean i discovered a lot of things, about the school and the area and I fell in love with it, but after reading all the SDN stuff I was not surprised by anything slightly odd and was pleasantly surprised by the beauty all around me in California (mountains, deserts all so close). It was great.
-
There is a gay bar on campus. I'm not kidding. I think it's very cool actually.
-
Right where the school is, many parts of the movie "Cat in the Hat" were filmed. A strip of the buildings are in all pastel colors.
-
Nothing. I had the AM interview session for which I am grateful. AM interviewers can relax at lunch, while PM interviewers start the day with lunch so, they are nervous!
-
That it would have been better to schedual a morning interview instead of afternoon one.
-
They have a wellestablished rotation program
-
Take to heart that this is not a nice place (traditional campus school) to go to school instead it is a strip mall. if you already have a better place in mind don't bother flying here.
-
Nothing, really.
-
Students must have health insurance b4 matriculation.
-
Ash from the wildfires would ruin my new black suit.
-
It's a fun place to be. Love the CA weather. Love that gay club aroudn the corner. Lunch was served from Subway (nutritious). many nice cities around like chino hills. you need a computer if you go to school here. there's a summer program where u can take anatomy class and get it over with. and non-science majors can take classes that allow them to get up-to-date with science concepts. there's security guards all over the place. you need a card to enter soem buildings
-
It would have been helpful if i had shadowed a DO...so if you're applying to DO schools, SHADOW A DO!
-
How to get there (I drove from San Diego).
-
I wish I would have known that Pomona is (or at least seems to be) an unsafe city with strange people out at night (no, not vampires). However, the students, faculty members and interviewers were wonderful.
-
I was far more excited about the school after my interview. I was really impressed with their program.
-
T
-
I really liked the area much more than I thought I would.
-
That a Western Alum is an advisor for the television show "ER"... That there is a significant number of international rotations available
-
Nothing....
-
The impressive matches for residencies.
-
Nothing. Keep in mind that although my interview was one-on-one it is usually a panel format.
-
Nothing really took me by surprise, well, maybe the size of the campus. I didn't realize how small it was!
-
Nothing. I've visted the campus before.
-
Try to convey your interest in osteopathy and pay attention who you run into - our tour group met with the dean of admissions informally and unknowingly during the tour.
-
Specific location of the school.
-
Need to have a car
-
How much waiting was involved in the process
🤝 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?
Applicants commonly suggested that the admissions office streamline the information provided, move to an online system for processes like interviews and admissions decisions, improve communication through emails, and reduce waiting times during the admissions process.
Top 5 Responses: (Click below to see additional responses)
-
Nothing!
-
I enjoyed having so much information, but it seemed a little bit excessive at this point. We received dense guides for the interview day that had so much information, and a briefer overview would have done the trick.
-
It would have been nice to get an actual itinerary for the day. Otherwise, no complaints!
-
Improve the secondary process, system seems antiquated
-
Send admissions decisions by email instead of snail mail
-
Move to an online system so we don't have to call in to interview or wait for a mailman to know if we got in.
-
I loved the interview. The only thing I would say is maybe push back the start time an hour, find a way for us to park where we don't have to pay, and proofread the interview packet because some of the dates were from last year.
-
The curriculum overview was a bit too long. I think people were falling asleep during it...It was hard to pay attention when we had such a long morning.
-
Include information about local fairs, festivals, and celebrations.
-
None
-
Very, very friendly and warm. Please don't change!
-
Perhaps allocate more admission coordinator to split the load so email and phone can be answer in a promptly manner.
-
Thank you for offering a weekend interview date.
-
You guys might be the happiest people in the world-kinda strange, but enjoyable non the less
-
Very friendly people. Very receptive to questions and concerns.
-
Go electronic!!
-
1 is best right?
-
Well many other schools uses online application methods which saves paper and mailing time.
-
None really, I had a wonderful experience and everyone was extremely helpful and friendly.
-
The break between lunch and the actual interview is long and seems rather unnecesarry.
-
A little more info throughout the process, more frequent email communication
-
Call students ahead of time regarding potential 'academic deficiencies' (turned out to be fine).
-
Don't tell prospective students to come at 8am when the presentation begins at 8:45am.
-
It was a last minute call on Friday afternoon for Tuesday next week. I am glad that the admissions t
-
Less waiting around...Especially that 45 minutes after 8.
-
Great job!
-
It would be better to have interviews earlier during the day (before lunch).
-
None, very well done
-
Make the day shorter
-
I appreciated the addition of the OMM demonstration. I think its the one aspect of D.O. practice tha
-
Nothing to complain about. It really seemed like they were putting on the best event they could...p
-
Keep up the positive energy!
-
Everybody in the administration has been so helpful. Keep up the good work!
-
Answering email questions after getting admitted would be a nice way to give future matriculants goo
-
If you had an informational video or slideshow where students wait for their interview, this could b
-
They need to hire much friendlier and enthusiastic staff members and have a better organized intervi
-
None.
-
I requested that my decision letter be sent to my new address and I thought I watched her add this t
-
Nothing.
📍 Travel and Logistics ▼
Airports Used
✈️
ONT
41% interviewees used ONT (ONT), with 18% using LAX (LAX) and 14% using Ontario (Ontario) and 7% using lax (lax) and 5% using ont (ont) and 2% using BUR (BUR) and 1% using sna (sna) and 1% using SAN (SAN) and 1% using SNA (SNA) and 1% using Bur (Bur) and 1% using Ont (Ont) and 1% using LGB (LGB) and 1% using Burbank (Burbank) and 1% using to ONT (OAK) and 1% using Ontario Airport (Ontario Airport) and 1% using ontario (ontario) and 1% using John Wayne (John Wayne) and 1% using Ontario Int'l Airport (Ontario Int'l Airport) and 1% using PDX (PDX) and 1% using PHX (PHX).
What was your primary mode of transportation?
Most interviewees traveled by airplane to the interview.
✈️
52% Airplane
🚗
46% Automobile
🚆
2% Train or Subway
🚲
0% Other
Hotels Recommended by Other Interviewees
Most interviewees stayed at the Shilo Inn (average ranking 5.2/10), with some staying at Comfort Inn (average rating 7.6/10). (Top 3 displayed)
🏨
Shilo Inn
5.2/10
🏨
Comfort Inn
7.6/10
🏨
Shilo Inn Hotel
6.8/10
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
Admissions staff (23%)
Faculty member (4%)
Other (1%)
Student (73%)
How did the tour guide seem?
Most tour guides were enthusiastic about the school.
Discouraging (0%)
Enthusiastic (84%)
Neutral (15%)
All Responses
Loading responses...
No responses found.
| Application Cycle ▿ | Impression | Performance | Interview Location |
|---|
Success!
School has been added to your favorites.