How did the interview impress you?

Positively

What was the stress level of the interview?

2 out of 10

How you think you did?

9 out of 10

How do you rank this school among ALL other schools?

9 out of 10

How long was the interview?

50 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?

Closed file

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

"Student interviewer: How do you work in small groups? (Pitt has PBL every other week so be prepared for that). Superpower question. Why medicine? No really, why medicine? What do you think about Pittsburgh? Do you have any questions for me?" Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"Faculty member: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Academic medicine or clinical? Tell me about a volunteer experience. How do you think your background in x will help you as a physician? Do you have any questions for me? " Report Response | I was asked this question too

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

"Admissions Dean: Overall, this was much more of a conversation (Although this was more nerve racking for me since she was one of the deans and all). She asked me how the day went, if I'd heard of a few of their specialty programs (like the area of concentration program), how I liked Pitt, where else I was interviewing at, and if I had any questions for her. Still very pleasant." Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most interesting question?

"If I could have any superpower, what would it be? (Asked by student interviewer) Also asked a lot of questions about my interests in women's health, research, and how those tied into my faculty interviewer's current work which was awesome!" Report Response | I was asked this question too

What was the most difficult question?

"No questions were particularly difficult. I think the question I was most unsure about how to answer was what other schools I had interviews at/applied to. I had one other interview scheduled at this point, but I wanted to make sure each interviewer who asked (all three) knew Pitt was high on my list! I also got lots of questions about my research experience, questions about any volunteer experiences, outside interests, and desire for the type of location I wanted to attend medical school at. They definitely try to sell Pittsburgh as a great city, so be prepared to either A. know what parts of Pittsburgh you do like or B. be able to show that even though you don't like Pittsburgh as a city, that wouldn't keep you away from the med school! " Report Response | I was asked this question too

How did you prepare for the interview?

"Since this was my first interview, I prepared by going to my school's Career Services website which had a two page summary of what to expect at medical school interviews. I also read through the questions and feedback on this interview feedback system and made a list of questions to read over on the plane. Most importantly though, I read up on what I liked about Pitt (including their area of concentration program, block scheduling, particular research centers I would like to work with, etcetera) so that I could answer the ''Why Pitt'' question knowingly with things that are truly special about Pitt instead of other schools." Report Response

What impressed you positively?

"Everyone was really friendly and seemed to want us to have a good time instead of being stressed out pickles. The WISER center was also amazing (including pediatric and labor and delivery simulations plus possible expansions). I was impressed that medical students are allowed to learn how to do central lines since at some schools that isn't the case (and that they can practice on mannequins before doing it on people!) I was also really impressed by the vastness of Pitt's med system including the Magee Women's Hospital and the new Pitt dorm for medical students (at least the pictures/idea of it and how cheap it is). I also really like how the curriculum includes a scholarly project with options for global health participation, but I'm not sure that should be required from students who aren't research/community health oriented (However, if you're not, why go to such a strong research oriented school?) " Report Response

What impressed you negatively?

"I didn't like the fact that med students don't get to use the WISER center until 3rd year. I also didn't like the fact that parking seems expensive on campus but yet my student interviewer said not having a car was a real hindrance. I did like the fact that the bus system is free for Pitt students including the ride to the airport (Although recent news looks like this may be changing :-() Since I like to travel a lot, a cheap way to the airport is a total plus! I also didn't like the fact that there wasn't much time for conversations with Pitt med students. While we had lunch in the cafeteria, there were only two med students present for a group of 14 my day. Since they sat next to each other in the middle of the long table, only those people around them were really able to interact with them/ask detailed follow-up questions. So, other than my student interviewer conversation (which was helpful but obviously a bit restricted especially since I was nervous), I didn't really get a vibe about student life at Pitt med. I also thought a handout or something summarizing the tour beforehand would have been really helpful. While our tour guide was nice, she couldn't really answer questions about student life at Pitt. Plus, the tour was really rushed and with so many buildings, I just remember the library and the maze of hallways plus viewing Pittsburgh from the top of some research building. A guided tour with a map or summary at the beginning would have been more helpful! Also, with this in mind, bring comfy shoes to change into! I did and was sooooo glad since my faculty interview was across campus from both the student interview and admissions dean interview afterwards." Report Response

What did you wish you had known ahead of time?

"Not to stress out so much. I was freaking out about the interview the night before since it was my first. In reality, I was well prepared and shouldn't have stressed out so much! They really are just conversations. Plus, I wish I would have known that afterwards I didn't need to worry about my responses to individual questions - I got in so obviously I did something right!!! :-)" Report Response

What are your general comments?

"Awesome experience overall. Pitt's a great school and for me at least, that really came across during the day. Pittsburgh isn't as exciting as I'd like it to be, but it seems like there are some really cute neighborhoods like Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. :-)" Report Response

Who was the tour given by?

Admissions staff

How did the tourguide seem?

Enthusiastic

How do you rank the facilities?

10 out of 10

What is your in-state status?

In state

What was your total time spent traveling?

2-3 hours

What was your primary mode of travel?

Airplane

About how much did you spend on room, food, and travel?

$201-$300

What airport did you use?

PIT

Where did you stay?

Hotel

How would you rate the hotel?

9 out of 10

What is the name of the hotel you stayed in?

Hampton Inn on campus

Would you recommend the hotel?

yes

On what date did the interview take place?

12/01/2006

How do you rank this school among other schools to which you've applied?

10 out of 10

What is your ranking of this school's location?

4 out of 10

What is your ranking of this area's cultural life?

6 out of 10