Interview Format for Programs

yeah, it's about that time to get the interview experiences going...
WVU: separate applicants into 3 groups. if not interviewing, you will tour the hospital and then the rec center. interviews are split...you only meet with 1/2 the faculty and there are resident rooms too. Basically, meet with 2 or 3 faculty members and 1 to 2 rooms with residents. Get to spend time with all the residents throughout the day. Laid-back interviews

Indiana University- 3 interviews with one attending each, ~5min each! friendly, hardest question for me was a philosophical one like what do you understand by hard work. but generally very relaxed.

U of Chicago- also very relaxed but i think they don't have any more interview dates.

Univ of Rochester: Very laid back interview process. 4 interviews (3 attendings and 1 chief resident. Common questions: tell me about yourself; strengths/weaknesses; why ortho and where do you see yourself in 10 years? Also be ready to decide if you are interested in the 6 year research track.
Overall, pleasant experience.

Penn State: Laid back. interview with 4 Faculty and 1 resident. Mostly just chatting. Get the usual questions: tell me about you; why ortho; where do you see yourself; did get asked about research; But very benign. Nice place. Hershey, PA is the main issue for some.

I thought it was about time i contribute to this forum that I read every day.

U of Rochester: I agree, very laid back. 4 interviews at 15min each. I got asked numerous times about my plans in 20yrs. The best part about the interview was the organization. They reserve a block of rooms, arrange for transportation from that hotel to the gathering and interviews and back to the airport.

Johns Hopkins: More intense and a little harder to get around without a car. The night before is a nice dinner at the old hospital. 3 interviews and meeting time with the chairman. The interviews concentrated more on my research and experience. Also I was asked an ethics question. I heard that there was also one interviewer that asked people to assemble a pedicle screw. Everything is of monumental historical significance at Hopkins hospital...I almost felt unprepared as I did not study any Johns Hopkins History.

UConn: Very laid back with 3 interviews (1 is tag team) and time with the chairman and program director. I got asked standard questions there about my research and interests. Nothing stressful. The tag team was an interesting concept and my first 2 person interview. I did get asked what I felt was more difficult question of all things being equal in terms of grades and experience and education--what is something significant about you--how are you different.

U of Pittsburgh:Very Flashy....nothing like eating lunch in an 18million dollar facility watching the Steelers practice. I think it was 4 interviews with meetings with the program director and chairman. Laid back questions...a lot about research because they boast about biomechanics research. I did get asked the "who would you eat dinner with" Fu makes it a great experience and things are very well run. Easy transportation and great food on interview day.

UNC: I really cannot say enough nice things about this program. In terms of transportation, the airport is not that close and leads to a more pricey fare to chapel hill. 3 interviews in a laid back setting. group divided into 2 groups. I got asked about the last book i read and one interviewer likes to test the students on biomechanical knowledge then work through the answer with them. They finish it off with a nice lunch and time to tour chapel hill.

University of Texas San Antonio: Also very laid back with 11-12 interviews (15min/interview) Residents play a big role in the application process and therefore a few of the interviews are with them. You interview with a research doc and several of the faculty. Benign questions. No formal presentation about the program, but with adaquate time to talk with the residents at a nice gathering prior and during the interview.

thats it...I have yet to be intimidated or under extreme stress during an interview. All have been welcoming and laid back.

figured i'd get this post rollin' again, since there was a holiday break...

MCV: this one was before Xmas, but was really good. Meet with Chairman OR Program director, and 3 other attendings. Really laid back, spent a great deal of time with residents. Talked of a few changes in curriculum and changes in night float, but nothing major i guess.
Richmond is a decent city, depends on what you like.

well, i'll keep it going....if no one else wants to share.

Cincy: 7 interviews....actually finished early 1-2p.m., but felt long. i think the interviews were laid back, but with serious questioning (at least more so than some i've been in) Not hardcore or anything, but minimal "chit-chatting"---more Q & A. Anatomy or Ethical question.
overall, good day.

ucsd: 2 panel interviews with about 8-12 attendings in each room. intimidating, but amounts to nothing more than some friendly questioning about your background and your motivations. talk to residents in between interviews. tour san diego which was beautiful. we went to the beach which was nice change from the weather in the east coast. overall, a pleasant experience.