SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine
Brooklyn, NY
Interview Format
Format Type
Traditional
Number of Interviews
2
Duration per Interview
60 minutes
Delivery Method
Hybrid
Interviews are conducted in-person/conducted virtually during the pandemic; extended by invitation only. Interviews are one-on-one, one hour in length with a faculty, and a 20-minute peer-to-peer conversation with a medical student.
Interview Day Overview
Information is provided to the applicant in their interview email invite. The interview day typically consists of an hour interview with a faculty member, along with an informational session, campus tour/virtual chat, and/or lunch with currently enrolled students. Additional information is available via https://www.downstate.edu/education-training/college-of-medicine/admissions/application-review.html
Interview Invite Timeline
Most schools begin sending invitations September–October on a rolling basis. Earlier is better — submit your primary early. Schools with rolling admissions fill seats throughout the cycle, so late applicants face a more competitive pool for fewer spots.
How to Prepare
Research This School
- • Read SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine's mission statement — interviewers expect you to know it cold
- • Understand the curriculum style — is it problem-based learning (PBL), lecture-based, or hybrid?
- • Look up unique programs: dual-degree tracks, research opportunities, community health initiatives
- • Check recent news — faculty achievements, new clinical partnerships, or curriculum updates
Common Question Types
Motivation
"Why medicine?" · "Why SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine?"
Behavioral
"Tell me about a time you..." (use STAR method)
Ethical Scenarios
End-of-life care, resource allocation, patient autonomy
Current Events
Healthcare policy, health equity, insurance access
Day-of Tips
- Professional attire — business formal; err on the side of overdressed
- Arrive 15 minutes early — give yourself buffer for parking and check-in
- Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers (not things on the website)
- Send a thank-you note within 24 hours — a brief, genuine email to each interviewer
Interview FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I Competitive?
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Interview Resources
Medical School Interview Preparation Guide
Traditional, MMI & panel formats — what to expect and how to prepare
MMI Interview Guide
Station-by-station breakdown and practice strategies
Practice with MedSchools.ai
AI-powered mock interviews tailored to this school's format
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