How did the interview impress you?

Positively

What was the stress level of the interview?

5 out of 10

How you think you did?

8 out of 10

How long was the interview?

20 minutes

Where did the interview take place?

At the school

How many people interviewed you?

3

What was the style of the interview?

One-on-one

What type of interview was it?

Open file

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

"If you made a mistake and a patient died as a result, would you tell the family? Would you quit practicing medicine? What is your biggest regret? What would your best friend say about you? (as far as I can tell, everyone was asked these questions.)" Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"Please explain this grade, and tell me why you think you will be successful here. You're doing research now, is there any particular reason why you don't want to do it for a career?" Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"A couple of questions about my volunteer experience, and then the rest of the conversation was about one of my hobbies that the interviewer shared (it was a really nice conversation.) If you emphasized any particular pastime in your application, they'll probably ask you about it." Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most interesting question?

"Here's your chance to convince me why you will succeed at this school. Let's hear it." Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most difficult question?

"What is your biggest regret? (One interviewer asked all the questions you expect to get: "what would your best friend say about you, etc.") Not really difficult, just annoying that could guess all of the questions that would be asked." Report Response | I was asked this question too

How did you prepare for the interview?

"Downloaded the handbook and read the whole thing, studentdoctor.net, read the website. Got there a day early and walked around the campus/town." Report Response

What impressed you positively?

"This school is going to do well. I earned a masters degree at an allopathic medical school, and VCOM's facilities were every bit as nice, the staff is far more friendly, and they seem to be more supportive of the students. The match won't be a problem; there are plenty of hospitals for people interested in primary care. This school has something to prove and they are bending over backwards to ensure their reputation as a good school (like requiring both boards), and that the students are happy. The other students being interviewed seemed smart and sincerely friendly, so I felt like I was in good company." Report Response

What impressed you negatively?

"The town is even smaller than I expected, and a large percentage of the students are married. Health insurance doesn't come through the school." Report Response

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

"Getting from Roanoke to Blacksburg is very easy and cheap. Don't worry about hotel shuttles or an airport van: take the SmartWay, which is a subsidized bus service that leaves from the Roanoke Airport and takes you to the Blacksburg campus, with a few stops along the way. It's direct, it takes about an hour, and it's three ($3) dollars. No kidding. No reservations required. Also, the Holiday Inn near the school is within walking distance of the undergrad campus and a shopping plaza, and they have a shuttle to the med school (the med school might be a bit of a hike from any hotel. You don't need to rent a car, though, no matter where you are flying in from. If you need a cab in Blacksburg, take the Hooptie Ride, it's fun." Report Response

What are your general comments?

"The faculty and staff are coming from other schools and have done this before. Quality of the education shouldn't be a concern for anyone. I think the year-round schedule is better than the traditional schedule, actually; you get more vacation. Two of the three interviewers had clearly read my file carefully and asked good questions, one interviewer seemed to ask everyone the same questions without having read our files carefully, but even that wasn't too bad. Don't let yourself get rattled; if they invited you down for an interview, they're definitely interested in you." Report Response

Who was the tour given by?

Admissions staff

On what date did the interview take place?

11/20/2004