Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo Interview Prep

Buffalo, NY. Every school builds its interview day differently, so confirm the format in your invitation. The question types below come up across medical school interviews, and practicing them out loud is the fastest way to get ready.

Format

Two independent, structured interviews with members of the Interview Subcommittee, who do not see your academic metrics. The Admissions Committee may grant a third interview. Source (checked 2026-10-27).

Practice a question and hear what worked

Answer a real interview question out loud or in writing. MedCoach gives feedback on what you said, drawing on your own life story, which is one document where you write down the experiences and moments that shaped you.

Practice this format free

Question types to prepare

  • Why medicine

    Why you want to be a physician, and what in your own life points there.

  • Ethics and judgment

    A hard call with no clean answer. Interviewers listen for how you reason, not which side you pick.

  • Teamwork

    A time you worked with others, what your part was, and how you handled friction.

  • Leadership

    When you took responsibility for a group or an outcome, and what you would repeat.

  • Setbacks

    A real failure or hard stretch, what you did next, and what changed.

  • Communication

    Explaining something difficult, or listening to someone who disagreed with you.

  • Healthcare systems

    How care is delivered and paid for, and the problems you have seen up close.

  • Self awareness

    Feedback you took, strengths you can back up, and where you are still growing.

  • Why Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo

    Why this program fits you, with specifics you could only know from looking closely.

  • Current issues in medicine

    A healthcare policy or public health topic, and a view you can explain calmly.

  • Weaknesses

    A real weakness and what you are doing about it, without a disguised strength.

Still on your application? See the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo secondary essay prompts.