I just thought I might respond to this, since I interviewed the same day, and I really enjoyed the experience.
I actually stayed with a student host, so a lot of the information you mentioned I had the opportunity to ask my student. (my host probably hated me for all of my questions
😛)
I loved the fact that our group tour was tiny! This was the smallest group tour I've ever been on, not that I've had too many interviews. My medical student was so enthusiastic. And since it was such a small group, and the tour guide was so personable, I had more opportunities to ask more questions. He did clinical research the summer of his first and second year, which I found super cool, since the other schools I interviewed kinda gave me the impression that clinical research after your first year probably isnt going to happen (due to the lack of clinical skills and such).
I didn't notice it the day of the interview, mainly because I've exhausted all of my questions by then. But I guess in hindsight, you're absolutely right about the school presentation. I enjoyed the fact that the dean was so personable and on the fun side, but the session wasn't as informative as it really could have been. I had plenty of opportunities to ask questions, but i guess it really would have been nice to see it presented.
For me, both my interviewer and my student host were accepted elsewhere and chose to come to LLU for its patient care/spiritual aspect. Some commented that they came from a super competitive undergrad, and they loved how everyone is so kick back and supportive at LLU, and some even said "loving." It was exactly what I needed to hear, and I was sold
🙂 (I'm all about community service and primary care
😛).
I wished I was asked to pray with an interviewer :/. that would have been so nice. Someone mentioned it, and I was hoping that I'll get one like that
🙂. But yes, i think the spiritual aspect/training is modest, but you can easily find a mentor that's more spiritual if that's what you like
🙂.
Yeah, sorry, The X Factor, that your experience at LLU wasn't too positive
🙁. I hope you'll take one more look at LLU if you're accepted. I think it really is a great school
🙂.
I had posted this earlier, but removed it because I felt it would serve little more than a rant from an interviewee. However, in hindsight, I really think this post may clarify some questions and concerns for those looking to / hoping to interview at the school of medicine. Please take this post with a grain of salt, its my own personal opinion:
I interviewed at Loma Linda Wednesday January 27th. Overall, the school seems like a nice place to spend four years, however, I had some issues with the interview day.
1. No mention of board scores (step 1) or match lists, even upon questioning. I'd assume Loma Linda doesn't score amazingly well, but I would enjoy the information.
2. The student research work seems to be lackluster at best. None of the students I talked to had participated in research. Many said "their friends had," but I certainly wasn't pleased with this answer. I understand this is a primary care school, but research should certainly be given some sort of emphasis. I brought up the lack of NIH contributions to students, it garnered little to no response.
3. Aside from a slide show on how great the centennial of the school was, and some old medical pictures, very little information was given about the school (class schedules, rotation options, etc) or its hospitals. The 45 minutes that the interview group spent with the dean of admissions was squandered away, as he told stories about growing up and commented on interviewees home towns. I had no time to ask questions about rotations, pre-clinical education or affiliated hospitals.
4. The interview processes felt a tad impersonal, as there were at least 30 people interviewing on one day. I certainly didn't feel like a VIP, or that the school was trying to sell itself in the slightest.
5. Finally, the atmosphere was missing a certain presence of academia and wonderment that other schools posses. I didn't ever get that "wow this is such an amazing opportunity" feeling I have gotten at other facilities.
With that being said, the school certainly has a solid overseas program and is deeply rooted in community service and primary care. The religion factor was certainly modest (however I was asked to pray with one of my interviewers). However, I didn't like the feeling of "I didn't get into other California Schools so I'm here," remarks I got from some of the students.
