Just had my interview today, and I feel that I can answer a lot of recent questions people have been posting. I will post a jumbled version of my thoughts, so if you are inclined, read on. Firstly, let me say that I absolutely loved it. I stayed with a student host (highly recommend), who turned out to actually be a member of one of the fraternities there. I ended up playing super smash bros N64 and drinking a couple Golden Monkeys while talking about Jefferson with the MSIs. Great time. Furthermore, students on the street who saw me wearing a suit and holding a Jefferson folder stopped me and asked how my interview went and were extremely polite. My faculty interviewer was extremely laid back, and seemed to genuinely want me to attend the school.
As far as people going with the silly "Oh I must be silently rejected" nonsense, my student interviewer told me that she applied in July, was not invited for an interview until March, interviewed and was accepted in April. So unless they reject you, you are still in the running. There are TWO people who read applications, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Callahan each read about 5000. Pretty amazing, especially since Dr. Brooks recognized my face and knew my name, and remembered the main idea of my personal statement. They really gave me a great impression of the school, and the other 29 interviewees seemed to feel the same way.
Another interesting fact, two of the other students I spoke with were actually invited for their interview this Monday. That means two days ago. Both were from the Philadelphia area, but I thought it was interesting enough to mention here.
As far as timing goes, I'd say make sure to go to cookie hour. Its a great chance to mingle with students, who go for the free cookies. They are extremely approachable, and several students even came up to me just to ask how I liked the school and how my day went. My student hosts were there too, and introduced me to friends of theirs who were there.
Regarding social life: Jefferson actually wants their students to go out and socialize, so that they can maintain both a healthy mindset throughout the tough curriculum, and so that they can develop social skills. Not one person I met was a socially awkward, hole-yourself-up-in-your-room type of person. Most exams are on Fridays, with absolutely no work or notes given for the weekend, so that post-exam, students can relax, go out, go home, sleep, or whatever they like. I found that awesome.
P.S. There are a TON of pretty girls at the medical school. plus in the nursing and PT program. Not that it matters at all of course, but just in case you were wondering!
