Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview day via Cisco Webex Meetings with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville. The day begins with an information session with our Admissions Team and members of our Dean’s Cabinet, followed by a lunch break before beginning interviews. Each applicant will have one, 50-minute interview with two members of our Admissions Committee. Applicants will also rotate through a "Multiple Mini-Interview" session before ending the day learning about Financial Aid and Student Success Resources, and meeting with current students. The interview day begins at 10:00 a.m. EST and generally ends at approximately 4:30 p.m. EST.
The purpose of the interview day is to help the admissions committee evaluate both the non-cognitive and cognitive qualities of the applicant. Non-cognitive qualities include: motivation, maturity, integrity, sensitivity, interpersonal skills, warmth, intellectual curiosity, the ability to withstand stress, ability to overcome adversity, and basis for the decision to pursue a medical career. The interview also offers an opportunity to discuss the applicant's academic record, medically related experiences and extracurricular and volunteer activities. During the interview day, the applicant is provided with additional information about the content and delivery of the curriculum, opportunities for research and Prisma Health-Upstate. Ample time is also allowed for the applicant to ask questions of the interviewer.
Virtual Interview Day Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | Applicant introductions and overview of the day |
| 10:30 a.m. | Intro to Diversity, Culture, Inclusion and the UofSC School of Medicine Greenville |
| 10:45 a.m. | Coffee and Curriculum with the Deans |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch Break |
| 12:50 p.m. | Interview Block 1 (Traditional or MMI) |
| 2:00 p.m. | Interview Block 2 (Traditional or MMI) |
| 3:05 p.m. | Student Affairs and Financial Aid Session |
| 3:55 p.m. | Breakout Session with Current Students |
The Traditional Interview
Applicants will have one 50-minute interview. Interviews are conducted by members of the Admissions Committee, with two interviewers conducting each interview. While both interviewers will have access to the applicant's entire application, one of the two interviewers will focus on the applicant's interpersonal and communication skills, integrity, professionalism and response to specific matrix questions. The other interviewer will focus on the applicant's academic background (GPA, MCAT score, undergraduate major(s), additional degree(s), etc.) while also offering the applicant an opportunity to provide additional details about their application, experiences and reasons for choosing a career in medicine.
The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI)
Each applicant will complete a circuit consisting of five mini-interview stations. Before each station, the applicant will have three minutes to review a pre-determined scenario door note or task to address, and then will begin the 5-minute encounter. Admissions staff will pre-brief each applicant to ensure they understand what to expect from these interviews, and will be available for questions throughout this experience.
Four stations will be staffed by a standardized patient and one will be staffed by a member of the Admissions Committee.
The MMI does not require "clinical knowledge." Rather it is designed to assess essential non-cognitive skills including communication, problem-solving skills, interpersonal and attentive listening skills, empathy, professionalism, general knowledge of relevant health care and societal issues and ability to respond and think critically during specific scenarios.