OFFICIAL Class of ~2012~ University of Pittsburgh Interview Prep Thread!!!

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axlaxl1

axlaxl1

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Ok, just wondered who has gotten an interview invite and when are you scheduling your interview. I can give lots of tips and advice on the city if you're not from the area, which most likely you won't be because they interview a lot of out-of-state.

I have a list of things from a person who has interviewed and was accepted there. Awesome school and place IMO. Good Luck!!!
 
I wish you had this soooner, i interviewed last week.
 
I'll be interviewing there on October 10th and I plan on staying with a student host. I'd be very interested in any information about the city and/or school.
 
I'm interviewing on Oct. 3, but I've lived here for 25 years (grew up here and came back for graduate school), did my post-bacc at Pitt, and have meetings in Presby & Scaife Hall every Tuesday (and I interviewed there last cycle). I'm also happy to answer any questions about the city.
 
From what I have heard, from a couple of people, my initial impressions about the school's interview process is very relaxed and organized. I do have a question about the scheduling process. You have to schedule your own interview which I am going to do tomorrow but I don't know how soon is too soon.
 
Interview dates go *very* quickly - there is no "too soon." There are three interviews (one faculty, one student, one member of admissions); the schedule is a little different from last year (it apparently starts a little later @ 8:30), the tour takes you through the Anatomy Lab (dependent upon the exam schedule), Presby and Montefoire Hospitals, down to the WISER Simulation Center, up to get a panoramic view of the campus, the cafeteria for some food and a chat with current students, etc., etc.
 
Quix said:
Interview dates go *very* quickly - there is no "too soon." There are three interviews (one faculty, one student, one member of admissions); the schedule is a little different from last year (it apparently starts a little later @ 8:30), the tour takes you through the Anatomy Lab (dependent upon the exam schedule), Presby and Montefoire Hospitals, down to the WISER Simulation Center, up to get a panoramic view of the campus, the cafeteria for some food and a chat with current students, etc., etc.
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I am so excited about going home. Does anyone know about this stay with a student thing? I would like to do this.
 
I'll be interviewing there on Friday. I'm staying at the Quality Inn - I'm getting in so late on Thursday night I felt uncomfortable looking for a student host. Never been to Pitt!
 
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I interviewed at Pitt last week and like the OP said, it was very relaxed and organized. I LOVED the school and the people were sooo nice. Do wear comfortable shoes for the tour! I stayed at the Hampton Inn (my husband came with me) but had dinner with a student host (e-mailed her from the list). Let me know if anyone has any questions and good luck!!
 
axlaxl1 said:
Ok, just wondered who has gotten an interview invite and when are you scheduling your interview. I can give lots of tips and advice on the city if you're not from the area, which most likely you won't be because they interview a lot of out-of-state.

I have a list of things from a person who has interviewed and was accepted there. Awesome school and place IMO. Good Luck!!!
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Interviewed and accepted there already for this cycle? How is that possible?
 
Quix said:
Which Quality Inn?
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I think Quality Inn, University Center. They said it was really close to the medical center, and it was super cheap.
 
nomoreplz said:
I think Quality Inn, University Center. They said it was really close to the medical center, and it was super cheap.
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Ah, okay. There are other Quality Inns that would have made traffic an issue. Just FYI, the medical school is on top of a hill, so wear comfortable shoes for walking (the campus is a little spread out, and it's not really far enough away to justify a cab).
 
if your faculty interview is at Magee hospital...BEWARE!!!!!!!

Everyone else's interviews were near the admissions office in Scaife Hall. But lucky me, had my interview at Magee hospital which is freakin 5 blocks away! So yea, if you see your interview is there in the morning (when you recieve your packet which contains your interview schedule) find directions to get there and ask your student interviewer to let you leave early. its all good though, my faculty interviewer was really chill and a good person. 👍
 
sanchopanza said:
Interviewed and accepted there already for this cycle? How is that possible?
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Probably applied last cycle. Pitt told me they can't send out acceptances until Oct. 16th--AAMCAS Rules.
 
I can't wait! Interviewing there Oct 26th. Still need to pick a hotel though. Which are the closet/cheapest to the school?
 
MsJLewis said:
I can't wait! Interviewing there Oct 26th. Still need to pick a hotel though. Which are the closet/cheapest to the school?
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When did you sechdule your interview if you don't mind me asking?
 
MsJLewis said:
I can't wait! Interviewing there Oct 26th. Still need to pick a hotel though. Which are the closet/cheapest to the school?
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Cheapest would be staying with a medical student. Closest is a toss-up, as there are several hotels within walking distance of UPMC/UPitt SOM. For more specific information, I'd check Expedia.
 
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I recommend student hosts. Mine was incredibly nice. And I was in the new housing (Darragh?) which was super nice and close, though I heard Shadyside is nice too. Ditto on wearing comfy shoes--it wasn't the distance, but the walking on steep inclines sideways on heels that got me. If you are coming from the airport, definitely take the 28x flyer. I think it's $2.25 each way. And relax, everyone is really nice! I recommend sounding like you are really interested in research because they pushed it on us big time all day.
 
Taylorcraft46 said:
I recommend student hosts. Mine was incredibly nice. And I was in the new housing (Darragh?) which was super nice and close, though I heard Shadyside is nice too. Ditto on wearing comfy shoes--it wasn't the distance, but the walking on steep inclines sideways on heels that got me. If you are coming from the airport, definitely take the 28x flyer. I think it's $2.25 each way. And relax, everyone is really nice! I recommend sounding like you are really interested in research because they pushed it on us big time all day.
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Wow, thanks. Did the person you stayed with give you any pointers or would you say they helped to calm you down? That is what I would think. As well, I am a burgh boy so I know all about those hills. LOL, especially in the winter coming off the athletic center hill down icey / slippery terrain. LOL, I am gonna have to break out some sweaters.

**** P.S. I just got my little (really it's huge) brochure from PITT in the mail last night. I am so impressed. Everything they were saying about academics, research, educational approach, community involvement. I WAS EATING it up. SAVE a SPOT FOR ME PITT I am coming back HOME. 👍
 
BUMP

anyone have any advice for this interview???
 
Just be yourself. They are truly stress-free and want to just get to know you. No need to put up a facade. The more natural you are, the more positive I imagine the feedback you recieve will be.

I interviewed in early September and will hopefully hear a decision on the 15th 😀
 
SigurRos said:
Just be yourself. They are truly stress-free and want to just get to know you. No need to put up a facade. The more natural you are, the more positive I imagine the feedback you recieve will be.

I interviewed in early September and will hopefully hear a decision on the 15th 😀
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Hey aren't you the one with like 14 invites,. hmmm?
Best wishes!:luck:
I actually interview on the 15th and I'm nervous since its my first one.
 
bellacnella said:
BUMP

anyone have any advice for this interview???
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look up some specifics about the program, like their Areas of Concentration, that you might be interested in.
one of my interviewers complimented me on "doing my homework" on the school. so, they seem to like that.

every one of the 4 interviewers asked "why pitt?" so be prepared to have a great answer for that.

also, i was asked to explain my research, and if/why i would want to continue doing research in med school.


other than that, the interview day is pretty laid back like everyone else said. good luck!
 
bellacnella said:
Hey aren't you the one with like 14 invites,. hmmm?
Best wishes!:luck:
I actually interview on the 15th and I'm nervous since its my first one.
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Hey Bellacnella, just wait until you see the campus. It's so beauitful and incredibly amazing. If you want any advice or tips for getting to and around pittsburgh, PM me. I've fallen in love with pitt since I went there and its one of my top choices.
 
SigurRos said:
Hey Bellacnella, just wait until you see the campus. It's so beauitful and incredibly amazing. If you want any advice or tips for getting to and around pittsburgh, PM me. I've fallen in love with pitt since I went there and its one of my top choices.
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Yes, it is truly an amazing place. The way Oakland is set up besides Down-Town Pittsburgh it is almost like having twin cities. Plus the Cathedral of Learning will have you really impressed.
 
it looks great in the pics 👍 cant wait to see it.

for those of you who care to answer, i'm curious, where is Pitt on your list of schools? is it our first choice?
 
Had the interview!!! I can say that I think NO one should go to this school. it is horrible. First, let me start off by saying the staff and falculty are amazing. Very nice and very relaxed. The whole day is about relaxing you and getting you ready to do two or four interviews that don't even come until after lunch. Can you believe it? They actually feed you lunch! As well, the tour of the school consists of this simulation center called WISER. I mean, are you kidding me? They actually thought they could impress me with a whole floor of a dedicated sim center that has the most simulation dumbies of any medical school in the U.S. Phasshshsh. And to top it off they though it was cool to brag about the 19 hospital rich UPMC network of hospitals that just scream oppertunity once I start rotations and possibly residency.

Again, please please please people, don't go here. You don't want this school. I mean if I get an acceptence I am not going. :meanie::meanie:😉

YEA RIGHT!!! PLEASE SHOW me a better school. PITT is IT. I loved the school and am going on a 7200 prayer mission for an acceptance.

CATHEDRAL of Learning = BEAUTIFUL
WISER CENTER = BEAUTIFUL / AWESOME / I left there with and a dumbie needed my help. THEY NEED ME!
UPMC = BEAUTIFUL / AWESOME / CAN'T wait to start.
STUDENTS = AWESOME / KIND / Appreciate their school / Happy to be there / helpful / team players / want to help / gave me their time / ate lunch with me / ate dinner with me /
Falculty = ok this person was late, but I don't care I was happy to wait because they were busy saving people's lives, ok I might be exaggerating but you know what I mean.
Oakland PA = COLLEGE town, I am tired of the city of Pittsburgh trying to sell itself. It is a beautiful city that is safe and has tons of culture. UNLESS you live in MIAMI, LAS vegas or New York your city is probably just like Pittsburgh! As one med student put it, there is not time to do anything but study.

For all of you that got accepted and plan on attending, please save a spot for me I am proud of my hometown and what this school has to offer. GO PITT and bring me back HOME!
 
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I interviewed there on Nov 7 and I loved it!
 
I know this sounds totally cheesy but I am going to create a Youtube video that shows off the school. Bad part of the video is that it really shows nothing but the cathedral of learning and my drive in. However, if you went there on an interview and didn't get a chance to tour that massively beautiful building than you will enjoy the video. I highlight the nationality classrooms. As well, I will post the links to the wiser video (AWESOME) and the peterson events center video (AWESOME). Pittsburgh and beautiful buildings are synonamous.
 
Just wanted to ask... Those of you who got accepted to Pitt what did you feel was the defining factor. STATS? Interviews? Both? Do not know?

Just curious to as what feedback was given. Everyone I interviewed with seemed pretty good to me. And Pitt interviews a lot of people.
 
axlaxl1 said:
Had the interview!!! I can say that I think NO one should go to this school. it is horrible. First, let me start off by saying the staff and falculty are amazing. Very nice and very relaxed. The whole day is about relaxing you and getting you ready to do two or four interviews that don't even come until after lunch. Can you believe it? They actually feed you lunch! As well, the tour of the school consists of this simulation center called WISER. I mean, are you kidding me? They actually thought they could impress me with a whole floor of a dedicated sim center that has the most simulation dumbies of any medical school in the U.S. Phasshshsh. And to top it off they though it was cool to brag about the 19 hospital rich UPMC network of hospitals that just scream oppertunity once I start rotations and possibly residency.

Again, please please please people, don't go here. You don't want this school. I mean if I get an acceptence I am not going. :meanie::meanie:😉

YEA RIGHT!!! PLEASE SHOW me a better school. PITT is IT. I loved the school and am going on a 7200 prayer mission for an acceptance.

CATHEDRAL of Learning = BEAUTIFUL
WISER CENTER = BEAUTIFUL / AWESOME / I left there with and a dumbie needed my help. THEY NEED ME!
UPMC = BEAUTIFUL / AWESOME / CAN'T wait to start.
STUDENTS = AWESOME / KIND / Appreciate their school / Happy to be there / helpful / team players / want to help / gave me their time / ate lunch with me / ate dinner with me /
Falculty = ok this person was late, but I don't care I was happy to wait because they were busy saving people's lives, ok I might be exaggerating but you know what I mean.
Oakland PA = COLLEGE town, I am tired of the city of Pittsburgh trying to sell itself. It is a beautiful city that is safe and has tons of culture. UNLESS you live in MIAMI, LAS vegas or New York your city is probably just like Pittsburgh! As one med student put it, there is not time to do anything but study.

For all of you that got accepted and plan on attending, please save a spot for me I am proud of my hometown and what this school has to offer. GO PITT and bring me back HOME!
Click to expand...

My sentiments exactly, I would love to have the opportunity to go back to the Burgh!
 
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