University of Limerick Interviews 2014

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Interviews in Toronto are April 23, 24, 25, and 26. I'm not sure when/if interviews are in other NA cities. Anyone have an idea of how many people UL interviews each day?
 
Last year it was about 30 each day, but it was only over 3 days.

If it's at the hotel in downtown Toronto, it will still probably be ~ 30 / day because of the format of the interview (group and then individual).
 
Chances are there will be around 30/day. Each day is divided into 3 groups of 9 or 10 (Group A, B and C). These will be the groups you do your PBL style 'group activity' with as well as you will all be assigned the same 2 interviewers.
 
so interviews are always in a group?, never individual?
What would we have to do for the PBL style group session?

This is such a unique style of interview, I'm not sure what to expect
 
This is the breakdown of the day:

You will all arrive and congregate into one room, socialize, meet with the ABP people...a relaxing start to the morning. From about 9-10am you will have a group activity. You and your group of 10 will be given a situation (ours was...you were stranded on an island and have 20 items which you had to rank as a group). This activity is just assessing your people skills and how you interact in a group setting. This was very relaxed. Generally one person is the scribe and everyone else just chats away. There will be 2 interviewers watching you and how the group interacts.

Following this you will all congregate again and each group will discuss why they chose to order their items the way they did (ei. Tarp-warmth and shelter, lard-food and warmth...they are looking for creativity here!). Then you will all be assigned a time for individual interview. Mine was at 1:30, this was after the designated lunch break. Essentially I had a gap of time between 10am-1:30pm to lounge around, go shopping and mingle with everyone else who was there for the interview...I highly suggest you mingle, a lot of these will be your future classmates and friends 🙂

Then after all of the individual interviews there is a discussion period. Parents and friends are allowed to join in. This is where you ask the interviewers questions about returning to Canada/US and elective and really any thing else which concerns you. They will also give a speech about the program and how it runs. This part of the interview runs from around 3pm-5pm. Then the day is done and you can take a BIG sigh of relief!

It is a very long day! Be sure to bring snacks...I spent a fortune at starbucks which was in the hotel because I didn't know I had so much free time throughout the day! Also, enjoy it, it's a very...I emphasize VERY relaxed interview! If any of you did the RCSI interview, it is not remotely as intimidating! It's meant to be a fun day and remember group work is how PBL works. PBL is how Limerick teaches, so if you aren't willing to engage in a self directed learning program with a lot of group work, it may not be the best choice of school for you(they will also mention this a lot at the Q&A period).

Good luck everyone! I'm sure you'll all do great, and feel free to ask some more if I missed anything or was unclear!
 
I second shweddies. We actually had the same interview day and we both made it here ... and are kicking some butt 🙂

But yes. Don't freak out. There is no prep required other than knowing what PBL style learning is, and to know yourself as best as you can.

They will ask questions about your personal essay, and why you want to be a doctor and how you're going to cope being away from home.

All things you have probably thought of anyway 🙂 So yes. Do not freak out. Be yourself. As mentioned, they like you on paper, show them who you are in person.

And I would recommend attending the Q&A session. It was good. They are really honest about the school and the process - like if you learn by lectures, don't waste you money or questions about how the school is set up, and opportunities for matching back to Canada. Bring your parents and / or significant others. They are a big part of doing well (even from afar) and it will help them understand why you want to come here. Trust me 🙂

Another thing not related to the interview is hotels. I was living about 45 minutes outside of Toronto (and working shift work). I drove down the night before so I would be within a 10 minute walk away, and got a good night's sleep. I also stayed the night after the interview as a sense of "it's over, I can relax" and I caught a musical and a nice dinner. It helped calm the nerves. Just a suggestion if you don't have to fly / drive back right away 🙂

And again ... don't freak out 🙂
 
It was always within a week in the past couple of years.

They will also tell you at the interview if you ask. So make sure someone asks. And if they don't, you can be the one to ask.
 
Group activity is about 45 min to an hour.

Individual interview is about 20 minutes.

You wait for the time in between.

And then the Q&A is about an hour at the end of the day.
 
sassa said:
Group activity is about 45 min to an hour.

Individual interview is about 20 minutes.

You wait for the time in between.

And then the Q&A is about an hour at the end of the day.
Click to expand...
Do rejections email arrive at the same time as acceptances?
 
I'm not sure if you get a rejection email, to be honest. I can't remember.

If you search the threads from last year, it may say for people who didn't get accepted.
 
This is for sassa and shweddies. Just wanted to say that I have been following along here since I received an interview invite from U of L, and I probably speak for a lot of us in saying that I am very appreciative that you two are taking time to answer questions and share a little about your experiences. Thanks!

I was wondering if you have any tips for the group interview session. I understand that this is modelled upon the PBL approach, and that interviewers are looking to assess collaborative skills. I am wondering, from your experiences, are there any striking DOs/DON'Ts?

I am very much looking forward to my interview, and I hope to see you around the U of L campus next year!
 
jusali said:
This is for sassa and shweddies. Just wanted to say that I have been following along here since I received an interview invite from U of L, and I probably speak for a lot of us in saying that I am very appreciative that you two are taking time to answer questions and share a little about your experiences. Thanks!

I was wondering if you have any tips for the group interview session. I understand that this is modelled upon the PBL approach, and that interviewers are looking to assess collaborative skills. I am wondering, from your experiences, are there any striking DOs/DON'Ts?

I am very much looking forward to my interview, and I hope to see you around the U of L campus next year!
Click to expand...

Aww, thank you 🙂

The PBL approach is essentially "can you contribute to a group problem solving session, while still be a team player". Let's face it, anyone who is applying to medicine is smart. Generally, all applicants are leaders in some capacity and all have unique experiences and an impressive resume. Everyone wants to stand out and show that they are the best.

The scenario was (for the past couple of years) one like "you're stranded on an island, this is the situation, this is what you have" and then an objective. There are no right answers of course, and it doesn't even manage if you finish, though Shweddies and I were on the same interview day, and our group was done in about 15 minutes, with 30 minutes to just get to know each other and discuss ... and the whole time, people watched. Other groups didn't finish, but people still made it here 🙂

Anyway.

Definite DONT's (we were discussing this last week actually):

~ DON'T speak for the sake of speaking.
~ DON'T try too hard.
~ DON'T worry if you're not the first one to show leadership. That's not what they're looking for.

DO (this is easier):

~ DO be yourself. Whether you're naturally quiet or naturally loud, there is always a place for you in a group. You will find a way to contribute.
~ DO speak your ideas. Back them up. There is always a good way to discuss (vs argue).
~ DO be a team player. Sometimes, a group decides to vote against you. Be okay with that. Show grace.
~ DO RELAX. They are there to see who you are. They know the impressive resume. You've sold yourself enough. This is where they get to know you as a person.
 
It's getting close now. I wonder how many people they will accept (percentage wise) this year. Tony from ABP said they were opening up their program for new people this year.
 
I'm sure I speak for both of us when I say we are happy to help!!! We were in your position last year and were following the forums 24/7 so we understand all the hype and stress, especially with interviews approaching.

My only advise is to be yourself. They are looking for people who are able to accept others opinions yet also be willing to contribute their own. Be sure to talk and contribute respectfully and don't disregard other people's opinions. If you don't agree with someone ask them why and if they could elaborate their reasoning. I know on our day we had a select few who were very assertive and didn't listen to anyone else, they also were very adamant that their opinion was the only one that matters...even if they were correct, their approach wasn't very appealing and friendly. I can't say for sure if that was why they aren't here with us at UL, but it all comes down to a respectful etiquette. I wouldn't stress to much about the group interview.

For the past few years you are all assigned into one of 3 groups, each consisting of about 10 people. As a group you are given a scenario. Sassa and I were both in the same group (odly enough!) and we were stranded in the arctic with a bunch of supplies. As a group we had to rank our supplies in order of priority/preference. Some examples were lard, knife, chocolate bars...lard can be used for calories(even though it's gross it can be done) and for warmth, chocolate mainly for food and the knife has a multitude of purpose. Be creative and go outside the box. I know last year we had a can of tune, we thought it could only be used for food but then someone mentioned the can can be used to flag down a plane. Some things may seem like a stretch but they are looking for creativity!

I really can't stress enough how relaxed this interview is. The group session is also to help you calm down before the individual interviews and familiarize yourself with the other people (most often than not they will be your future classmates!). As far as interview attire goes, be professional. This isn't the time to show what a fashionista you are or how hip you can be. I wore a pant suit and I think Sassa was one of the select few to wear a dress and blazer. Males, a classic suit will suffice. Again, very conservative attire!

Be sure to enjoy the group interview. It was totally different than anything I had done before and I really liked it. Most of my group of 10 are at UL now and I have to say, even though the day is VERY long, it was really nice to know a whole bunch of my classmates before I left for Ireland (a little bit of familiarity). And don't stress out too much about the group activity, I know it's easier said than done, but it's more of a conversation and problem solving with no correct answer...so no need to be nervous because you can never be wrong 🙂
 
sassa said:
Aww, thank you 🙂

The PBL approach is essentially "can you contribute to a group problem solving session, while still be a team player". Let's face it, anyone who is applying to medicine is smart. Generally, all applicants are leaders in some capacity and all have unique experiences and an impressive resume. Everyone wants to stand out and show that they are the best.

The scenario was (for the past couple of years) one like "you're stranded on an island, this is the situation, this is what you have" and then an objective. There are no right answers of course, and it doesn't even manage if you finish, though Shweddies and I were on the same interview day, and our group was done in about 15 minutes, with 30 minutes to just get to know each other and discuss ... and the whole time, people watched. Other groups didn't finish, but people still made it here 🙂

Anyway.

Definite DONT's (we were discussing this last week actually):

~ DON'T speak for the sake of speaking.
~ DON'T try too hard.
~ DON'T worry if you're not the first one to show leadership. That's not what they're looking for.

DO (this is easier):

~ DO be yourself. Whether you're naturally quiet or naturally loud, there is always a place for you in a group. You will find a way to contribute.
~ DO speak your ideas. Back them up. There is always a good way to discuss (vs argue).
~ DO be a team player. Sometimes, a group decides to vote against you. Be okay with that. Show grace.
~ DO RELAX. They are there to see who you are. They know the impressive resume. You've sold yourself enough. This is where they get to know you as a person.
Click to expand...
Aww man, you type faster than I do! I think I just reiterated a lot of what you said...oh well, never hurts to read it twice 🙂
 
Charlotte Haley said:
It's getting close now. I wonder how many people they will accept (percentage wise) this year. Tony from ABP said they were opening up their program for new people this year.
Click to expand...
Can't say for sure, but the past few years have been pretty consistent... if you make the interview about 50% of you will get in
 
I definitely was one of the bolder choices for my interview attire - red dress, black blazer, hair down, flats. Made it 😉

I looked business smart, and I felt comfortable which helps. You never want to be uncomfortable or in something super hot for any interview. It will make you fidgety and throw off your groove 🙂
 
What day are you guys interviewing? I'm the 23rd 😀

Also to Sassa/Schweddies: What is the average age of students at Limerick? Is it mostly people who just finished their BSc (early 20s)?
 
A
R_Swea said:
What day are you guys interviewing? I'm the 23rd 😀

Also to Sassa/Schweddies: What is the average age of students at Limerick? Is it mostly people who just finished their BSc (early 20s)?
Click to expand...

Average age is 24-25.

Range is 21-48.
 
On behalf of UL MedSoc, we want to congratulate you and everyone else that received an invitation to interview from UL GEMS! Please let us know if you have any questions and we will do out best to answer them. (Although it appears sassa and shweddies have been doing a wonderful job in our absence!)

We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you next year!

http://www.ulmedsoc.com/
 
ULMedSocLiaison said:
On behalf of UL MedSoc, we want to congratulate you and everyone else that received an invitation to interview from UL GEMS! Please let us know if you have any questions and we will do out best to answer them. (Although it appears sassa and shweddies have been doing a wonderful job in our absence!)

We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you next year!

http://www.ulmedsoc.com/
Click to expand...
Do you know how many applicants will be accepted this year?
 
See me DOs and DON'Ts I posted already. Anything you need to know is in there.

Just an FYI - it's our Easter break here in Ireland and everyone will be travelling abroad starting today. So if you don't hear from is for a week, it's because we have no Internet access.
 
Thank you so much for all you guys have said, Sassa and Shweddies! 😀

I have a question - what did you guys have on you on the actual day? For things like your wallet, phone, lipstick (for touch up right before the individual interview) etc. Was there a place you could keep it? Or did you just not bother bringing any of that stuff?
 
Sassa & schweddies - Thanks for all the tips 🙂
My interview is on April 25 - Anyone else on this day?
 
Last edited:
Also, for the interview itself - is it open book? How many interviewers are there?
 
I'll be there on the final day, the 26th. Anyone else?

Look forward to seeing some of you there! Best of luck everyone!
 
medhopeful2019 said:
Thank you so much for all you guys have said, Sassa and Shweddies! 😀

I have a question - what did you guys have on you on the actual day? For things like your wallet, phone, lipstick (for touch up right before the individual interview) etc. Was there a place you could keep it? Or did you just not bother bringing any of that stuff?
Click to expand...

Bring whatever you need. You leave your stuff in the main room when you go off to your group activity and then in original interview. I brought a laptop work bag with anything I needed in it.

There will be 2 interviewers to interview each of you. There were 6 interviewers total last year.

Not sure what you mean by open book ...
 
medhopeful2019 said:
Also, for the interview itself - is it open book? How many interviewers are there?
Click to expand...
There will be 2 interviewers and you in a conference room. They both will have your application which you submitted to ABP and they will use your letter and CV/resume as a starting point for the interview. It can be a little intimidating at first but as time goes on it eases into a conversation between all three of you.
 
sassa said:
Bring whatever you need. You leave your stuff in the main room when you go off to your group activity and then in original interview. I brought a laptop work bag with anything I needed in it.

There will be 2 interviewers to interview each of you. There were 6 interviewers total last year.

Not sure what you mean by open book ...
Click to expand...
I brought a purse which I left with my jacket in the main room. You're able to bring purses with you to all the sessions but it's probably unnecessary as ABP is always monitoring the rooms. Also, I'd advise bringing a snack of some sort. Even if it's just a granola bar. You won't know what time your individual interview is so you may or may not have enough tine between the group session and the individual interview to eat/drink something.

And as sassa said, there are 6 interviewers...2 for each group of 10 people. The same 2 will monitor you guys in the group session and interview you in the individual session. I think there were 2 other faculty members who were there but they were there to assess the interview process and give a talk at the information FAQ after everyone has interviewed. I do advise you go the the FAQ/info session after. It's about 2 hours(depending on how many questions are asked) but it is super helpful and will probably answer any other questions you have about the program itself. You will also get a good feel as to how the PBL system works and how UL GEMS program varies from other medical schools. They will also chat a bit on return stats for those who wish to go back to canada/USA.
 
Sassa and I both wish all of you lads and ladies the best of luck starting tomorrow with your interviews! I hope you do enjoy the experience(just remember to breath and not to stress out). We look forward to meeting a large bunch of you in september!
 
Exactly ^^!

Be yourself and don't stress.

Luck of the Irish be with all of ye this week!
 
Checked in to the hotel today and saw a bunch of Limerick interviewees. Good luck everyone, looking forward to meeting people on Friday 🙂
 
Hi everyone! I attended the UL interviews today but had to run off shortly after the presentation - it was great meeting all of you and I'd love to stay in touch! Feel free to PM me.

Sarah
 
Hope all the interviews went well for you guys.

Don't obsess over what happened - it's done and you did what you could!

Hang in there while waiting. It's killer, I remember. I pretty much had to bar myself from technology so I wouldn't refresh SDN / my email (I was lucky I was stuck in a nuclear plant on night shifts so I had to sleep through the day and no phones worked during the nights for email).

But it was still a very tense and restless couple of days.

Keep busy and whatever the outcome, you made it to the final steps so be proud.
 
Do the irish schools know getting an a in a us school requires a different percentage than at a Canadian one?
 
Charlotte Haley said:
Do the irish schools know getting an a in a us school requires a different percentage than at a Canadian one?
Click to expand...

That's a question that should be directed towards the Irish school admissions offices. Students don't know admission standards.

I would assume they take all scales into considerations, as even Canadian schools are on their own variant programs as to what qualifies as an A. In addition, different programs have different standards as to what a "good grade" is.
 
Charlotte Haley said:
Do the irish schools know getting an a in a us school requires a different percentage than at a Canadian one?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't worry about anything now. Interviews are done and you have done what you could to best present yourself to the school. I'm sure they understand that certain schools and programs mark differently, often your transcripts will show this. There is an admission committee whose job is selecting students, so I am 100% sure they have considered this. Just so you know, once you have made the interview your grades aren't really a major factor anymore. They consider you at that point to have already met their academic requirement so now they want to see how you'd interact in a group setting and what else you can offer to the school. The school is looking for students with unique experiences which set them apart from others. For example, I am huge into sports and played varsity for years(that's what separated me from the crowd and what I ultimately believe to have helped me get accepted). UL is a very diverse group of student from all backgrounds and interested. Everyone is smart and from what I understand your GPA isn't what differentiates you from the other applicants...keep in mind, ALL applicants have pretty good GPAs.

You've done all you can so I wouldn't worry about things you can't change, only time will tell! The waiting will soon be over!
 
^^ pretty much.

I went through engineering, and got good grades for engineering, which doesn't compare with some other programs (sorry if that comes off as elitist, but hard truth). And then I worked for a couple of years. With zero research experience and in a non-life sciences anything background. I obviously wrote the MCAT and took biology in high school a decade ago, but for a traditional medical school candidate, I wasn't what you'd look for.

And yet, here I am. I obviously have something to contribute. And I'm doing well.

My advice to you (and others) is legitimately to chill! Nothing can be done now.

If you have admissions questions, ask the school directly, but in all honesty, you won't get any advice or information that can change whatever course your application or consideration for any school is on.
 
Hey all,

Was speaking with one of the faculty who conducted your interviews this past week and they said there are 45 spots available for North Americans (and over 100+ individuals interviewed) for the incoming class of 2018.
 
They told me about 100 interviewed and they would send out 50 offers because they know not everyone will take it
 
Just out of curiosity, did they provide you with an example 4-year schedule at the interviews?
 
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