Interview Candidate Guide

Please review the information provided below and contact us at medadmis@umn.edu regarding any questions you may have.

Interview Program

The General Admission interview program at the University of Minnesota Medical School consists of two parts: an asynchronous component with responses submitted online via video recording in the applicant portal and a 30 minute Mission interview conducted via Zoom.

You will also have the opportunity to attend additional programming provided for our interviewed candidates, including Ambassador Conversations.

Pre-Interview Checklist

1  Complete our Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure agreement.

2  Review the asynchronous interview instructions and submit your responses in the applicant portal.

3  Check your email 48 hours prior to your Mission interview for the Zoom login information.

4  Review the schedule and plan to be on time (note the interview start time and time zone).

5  Become familiar with the requirements needed to use Zoom via desktop or mobile device. Check for any Zoom updates and test your internet connection, camera, and microphone prior to your interview. 

6  Identify a suitable environment free of potential distractions to the extent possible (example: well-lit, nearby outlet, etc.).

7  Download a virtual background if your computer system allows (not required). 

8  Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview. 

9  Review AAMC interview materials: Interview Resources for Medical School Applicants, ​Medical School Applicant Interview Preparation Guide, Preparing for a Virtual Interview.

10  Stay calm. We want this to go well for everyone involved! Our Admissions staff will be on Zoom with you and will provide direction throughout your interview.

Interview Schedule

9:00 AM / 12:00 PM / 3:00 PM (CST)

Login to Zoom 

You will first enter a virtual waiting room before you are admitted to the Zoom meeting. Admissions staff will verify your attendance while you are in the waiting room. Please ensure that your first and last name are included in your Display Name in Zoom when you login. You may also include your pronouns if you would like. You will then be admitted to the Zoom meeting for a brief welcome and instructions.

9:10 AM / 12:10 PM / 3:10 PM (CST)

Breakout Room Assignments

Interviewers will join the Zoom meeting at this time. Admissions staff will open the breakout rooms and you will move yourself to the breakout room labeled with your name. If you need assistance, staff can also move you to your breakout room.

9:15 AM / 12:15 PM / 3:15 PM  (CST)

Mission Interview (35 minutes)

You will be in a breakout room with your interviewers. Both interviewers will introduce themselves and then proceed with the interview questions. All interviewers are affiliated with the Medical School as faculty, staff or current students. The interview is closed file and your interviewers do not have access to your application.

Possible interviewer combinations may include:

• 1 faculty member & 1 current student

• 1 faculty member & 1 staff member

• 2 faculty members

• 1 staff member & 1 current student

• 2 staff members

You will receive a notice when 2 minutes remain and the breakout room will automatically close after 35 minutes. All interviewers and candidates will automatically move back into the main Zoom meeting space.

9:45 AM / 12:45 PM / 3:45 PM  (CST)

Conclusion

Admissions staff will briefly share next steps in the application process and conclude with time for questions.

10:00 AM / 1:00 PM / 4:00 PM  (CST)

Interview Complete

Zoom Troubleshooting

Should you encounter any technical difficulties during your interview, please utilize the private chat functions in Zoom to contact an Admissions staff member. If you are in a breakout room, use the Ask for Help option which can be found at the bottom of your Zoom breakout room window. If you have become disconnected or are experiencing other technical difficulties, we encourage you to use the Zoom call in feature or to contact us at medadmis@umn.edu.

Accommodations

We value the diversity each of our applicants would bring to the Medical School and we want to do everything we can to support you as an applicant. Please reach out to us if you have questions about interviewing in the virtual environment. We would be glad to support you and discuss alternative options or reasonable accommodations should you identify any barriers to your participation in a virtual Zoom interview. Contact us at medadmis@umn.edu if you have questions and/or need to request accommodations. 

Post-Interview Checklist

1  Submit your Application Update in the applicant portal by 11:59 PM (CST) the day of your interview.

2  Check your email 24 hours post interview for our feedback survey and link to submit virtual thank you messages with your interviewers.

3  Plan to attend our additional programming provided for our interviewed candidates, including Ambassador Conversations.

4  Familiarize yourself with the AAMC's AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool.

5  Review the links and resources below for more information about the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Additional Programming

Ambassador Conversation

The Office of Admissions will host a 1 hour program from 12:00 - 1:00 PM (CST) including our Driven to Discover presentation with Q&A from 12:00 - 12:30 PM and an Ambassador Conversation with current medical school students from 12:30 - 1:00 PM.

Unity in Diversity: Multicultural Networking & Student Support Services

The Center of Multicultural Affairs & Engagement (CMAE) will host Unity in Diversity: Multicultural Networking & Student Support Services. A 45-minute (1:15 - 2:00 PM CST) special event designed for future medical students during the admissions interview process. This program offers a unique opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. You’ll engage in meaningful conversations about student life, student affinity groups, and support services available through CMAE, Office of Diversity Equity & Inclusion (ODEI), and Student Affairs. Whether you're looking to build connections or learn more about the inclusive community at our medical school, this event is the perfect space to network, ask questions, and celebrate diversity in healthcare.

Mini Medical School

Held each Spring and Fall, Mini Medical School offers a unique glimpse into the health sciences at the University of Minnesota. Community learners with a shared interest in health embark on a journey examining the scientific foundations of health and disease. Presented using common language for ease of understanding complex topics, your guides are internationally renowned experts who are shaping the way health care is delivered locally and globally. These sessions will take place via Zoom.

Links & Resources