Stanford University

Stanford was my #1 choice going into interview day and cemented itself at the top of my list afterwards.

This is the most minor thing but it was quite warm on interview day, maybe bring a water bottle for the campus tour?

The facilities at the school were amazing, the opportunity to do interdisciplinary research or obtain a dual-degree in any of Stanford's other excellent programs, and the people - the students were genuinely excited to meet the interviewees and took a lot of time out of their day to talk to us.

A lot of MMI prep

The interview itself was not very stressful.

Clinical rotations seem weak.

Flexmed curriculum

Loved the school.

The Bay Area can still be cold

Clinical sites were average

Amazing research opportunities, lots of money for students

Read up on MMI

Everyone told me about research, research, research--and did we mention everybody gets paid to do it? Also, they use a "flipped classroom" model which is the greatest thing since the Flexner Report (it actually does sound nice but the administration's self-regard on this matter is a bit over the top). In general, the day was well-organized and the MMI was clearly thought out well. I wish they could try to involve more 4th/5th year students so we can get a sense of the clinical years!

I would mostly meet M1s and not get to ask anyone about the clinical experience.

Did not get to meet anyone who had done any clinical rotations; this was especially disappointing given that the quality of these rotations is the weakest part of Stanford's reputation. With the students, a lack of self-reflection/engagement with potential negatives of the school.

Friendliness and contentment of the student body. Focus on innovation. Abundant research opportunities. Gorgeous campus. Evident prosperity of the school.

Looked up MMI materials available online, especially related to McMaster University. These were very helpful in feeling prepared for the types of prompts to expect, though every MMI is different.

This school is really big on 'personalizing' your education. Consequently you do everything one on one. Meet with the dean one on one. Financial aid one on one. Each interview was paired with one student on the interview. You really only at with the other 2-4 interviewees at lunch...interesting...

That the tour was gonna be really long.

The location