USU School of Medicine Admissions Interview
Congratulations! The Committee on Admissions is excited for you to take the next step in the application process by interviewing with the Uniformed Services University, “America’s Medical School”.
Please carefully read ALL of the following interview information. There is a great deal of information to digest as we have a multi-level admissions process to include, commissioning, security, etc.
Virtual Interview Day
Applicants will be interviewing in a live virtual format. We hope to introduce you virtually to the USU community and show you why this is a medical school unlike any other. The steps below outline the process:
Applicants will receive an invitation to interview for a specific “week,” not a firm date.
Watch the following video’s prior to your interview:
Your interviewers will contact you via email and set up a mutual time for the virtual interview to take place. Note that interviewers are active duty military physicians, retired military physicians or USU fourth-year medical students. Your interviewer will not contact you until you complete the Personal Data Update form (link below).
If your interviewer does not contact you by Thursday of the week you are scheduled to interview, please contact your Admissions Counselor for guidance.
The interview may be conducted through any one of the following platforms: Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, etc.
Ensure that you have a device, preferably a computer, which can access the internet and has a camera and a microphone.
We encourage you to test your equipment prior to your interview.
Review your AMCAS statement, USU essays and experiences, as the interviewer will have access to this information.
Present yourself as you would for an in-person interview.
Make sure the interviewer has your contact information in case there are any technical issues the day of the interview.
Once the interview begins, it should last no longer than 45 minutes.
Your interviewer is there to get to know you. When asked, expound on your reasons for wanting to become a physician, serve your country, leadership positions, etc.
There will be time to ask the interviewer questions about their background. Not all interviewers are graduates of USU; however, most of them are members of the USU faculty. Note, any questions regarding your application should be addressed with your admissions counselor and not your interviewer.
At the end of the interview, the interviewer will not discuss any aspect of the evaluation.
Rest assured that the two interviews that you will participate in will not be a collaboration, they will be conducted independently, and separate evaluations will be submitted for each interview.
Your participation in the process is your consent that the virtual interview will not be recorded in any way.
AAMC Virtual Interview Guide
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has created a valuable tool specifically for medical school applicants interviewing in a virtual environment.
Office of Recruitment and Admissions Information
The following forms are needed in order to continue processing your application. Once your forms have been completed, you will upload them using the Collect Documents activity in the Applicant Gateway. The forms need to be submitted as soon as possible before your interview. Forms should be filled out and uploaded using a laptop or computer. In addition, forms should be completed with Adobe Reader or Acrobat. Smart devices and third party pdf software and apps are not compatible with the form and the Applicant Gateway. Make sure your information has been saved correctly before uploading to the Applicant Gateway.
Troubleshooting When Trying to Upload your Forms:
Cannot Access the Applicant Gateway: It is recommended that you use Google Chrome to access the secondary. Some smart devices will not work. If you are using one you will need to try using a laptop or computer. In addition, some work and school firewalls will prevent the Applicant Gateway from being accessed. If you are unable to access the Applicant Gateway from either of these places, you may need to try from a home network.
Can log into the Applicant Gateway, but getting a completely blank page: This may happen if you have previously logged in. If you are using the same browser and laptop, you will need to delete your browser history/cache, close your browser and then try accessing the activity again. If you still have issues you will need to contact the Liaison International (the site developer) at 617-612-2881 for assistance.
Unable to login to the Applicant Gateway: To sign into the system, you must use your AAMC ID. If you forgot your username/password or it is your first time accessing the Applicant Gateway, click on the “Forgot your username or password” link. Make sure you check your SPAM folder if you do not receive the reset email. If you still have issues you will need to contact the Liaison International (the site developer) at 617-612-2881 for assistance.
Public Health Service Applicant Information
Applicants interested in the Public Health Service (PHS) at USU must complete additional steps as part of the PHS commissioning process. Follow the instructions for submitting this additional information. Do NOT upload these forms to the WebAdMIT Applicant Gateway. The PHS forms will not be forwarded. For questions about the PHS commissioning process, please contact LCDR Devin Cooper at devin.cooper@usuhs.edu.
Interview Information
Physical Examination Information
Applicants who accept an interview invitation are REQUIRED to complete a medical examination that has been administered/reviewed Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board (DoDMERB).
Complete the Personal Data Update form to CONFIRM your Interview
Air Force Form - MANDATORY, MUST BE COMPLETED BY EVERYONE, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SERVICE PREFERENCE.
The Air Force Form needs to be uploaded into the Personal Data Update form.
You will not be contacted by an interviewer to schedule your interview, until your form has been submitted.
Please allow seven business days before contacting DoDMERB as the staff will need time to process your information and forward it to DoDMERB. Your medical exam should be scheduled prior to your first interview.
The link below will provide additional information for completing the physical examination requirements, remedials requested, waiver requests, commissioning requirements, military administrative POC’s, etc.
You will need to contact the Commissioning Coordinator at commissioningcoordinator@usuhs.edu regarding any information regarding your medical clearance and commissioning process.
Office of Student Affairs Information
The Sponsor Questionnaire MUST be filled out by ALL applicants. Contact the Office of Student Affairs at OSA1@usuhs.edu for confirmation of receipt.
Security Office Information
Interviewing students are required to submit security paperwork. A DoD SAFE request will be sent the week before your interview week. Please submit your required documentation through DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/), prior to your first interview. Everyone must provide proof of citizenship (color copy of passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate.) You need to submit clearance verification if you already hold a security clearance. Return the SF-86 questionnaire and proof of citizenship (copy of passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate) using DoD Safe (https://safe.apps.mil/). Be sure to provide your interview date in the “Short Note to the Recipients” area.
If you already hold a security clearance it will be verified by our office. If verification documents e. g. security verification memo is needed our office will reach out to you. If you have any questions about the security forms, about submitting your form and/or clearances, or if you require a code to submit your security information, you should contact Mr. George Carrington II at 301-295-0466, the Security Division at 301-295-3033, or usupersonnelsec@usuhs.edu.
Final Decision Response Timeline
Please use the following as a general guideline regarding response times from the Admissions Committee. There are no offers tendered prior to October 16th according to AAMC guidelines. These time frames will be lengthened if you are taking fall classes, did not secure a Letter of Approval, or any other extenuating circumstance.
Early Decision Program, you will hear a response by 1 October.
If you interview in September/October, you MAY hear a response in eight to ten weeks.
If you interview in November/December, you MAY hear a response ten to twelve weeks.
If you interview in January/February, you MAY hear a response in twelve to fourteen weeks.
Interview Critique Form
The Office of Recruitment and Admissions is genuinely interested in receiving feedback about your virtual interview experience. We are asking for your assistance on how we can improve this process for the future. Please fill this out once you have completed both interviews. Note that you have the option to leave your name or remain anonymous.