Admission to Medical School (MD)
Interview FAQ
Who is offered an interview?
Applicants are selected by the Admissions Committee. All interviews are by written invitation only.
Does an invitation indicate that my file is complete?
An invitation to interview may be extended before your application file is complete. It is suggested that you check with our office periodically to be certain that all required materials are in your file.
When are interviews held?
Interviews are conducted on weekdays from September to early February.
Is there an advantage to interviewing early in the season?
Students are admitted on a rolling basis. Therefore, it is in the applicant’s best interest to schedule their interview as soon as possible after the invitation is received. Submitting all required application materials early will increase the chances of an early interview invitation.
Do I have to come to Iowa for an interview?
On-campus personal interviews are required for admission. Phone interviews are not an option. Regional site interviews are not available.
What happens on interview day?
The day begins with a short orientation session and will include financial aid information. An informal lunch and tour of the Carver College of Medicine are hosted by members of the Medical Student Ambassadors. Your interview will be conducted by two College of Medicine faculty members who will meet together with you for approximately 25 minutes. You will also have the opportunity to meet informally with an admissions officer who can answer any questions.
What is the interview like?
While faculty are free to ask any questions during the interview, the Admissions Committee has requested that faculty consider the following issues in a structured format: your interest in a medical career, personal characteristics that will help you in your career, how you deal with difficult situations, and your ability to show compassion for others. An unstructured, less formal time follows the structured portion. Your interviewers will not have seen your academic record or MCAT scores.
Where are the interviews held?
Arrive at the Carver College of Medicine Admissions Office, which is on the first floor of the Medical Education and Research Facility on Newton Road. The majority of the day will be spent in this building.
May a friend or relative accompany me?
Because space is limited, we are unable to accommodate additional persons.
How do I dress?
Business attire is suggested, but is not required. We also suggest wearing comfortable shoes for the tour. Weather in Iowa can be unpredictable, so come prepared for anything! Applicants interviewing from December through February may need boots and warm coats.
Where can I stay while in Iowa City?
A complete listing of local accommodations may be found on the Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau. Go to individual lodging sites to find rates, amenities, location, availability, and to make reservations.
Many motels and inns in the area offer transportation to the hospital. Look for one that does and save on cab fare or parking fees. Special hospital rates are offered by many lodging facilities. When making reservations, mention that you are here for a medical college interview at the University of Iowa Hospitals and ask for the "hospital rates." Overnight lodging arrangements are the responsibility of the applicant.
The Applicant Housing Program allows you to stay with University of Iowa medical students. Housing is for one night only and is subject to availability of medical students, with a minimum of one-week notice. The interviewee is responsible for their transportation to and from the place they are staying. Please complete the applicant housing program form.
Where can I park if I drive?
The most convenient parking facility will be Ramp 10 which is located on Newton Road just north of the Medical Education and Research Facility. Four additional parking ramps are available near the entrances to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Where is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport offering commercial flights is Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport, 25 miles north of Iowa City. Phone (800) 523-1100 or (319) 362-8336.
What airlines service Eastern Iowa Airport?
| Airline | Hub | Information # |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Chicago | (800) 433-7300 |
| Delta/Comair | Cincinnati | (800) 221-1212 |
| Northwest | Minneapolis | (800) 225-2525 |
| United | Chicago & Denver | (800) 241-6522 |
Is it possible to get less expensive rates at airports further away?
Sometimes better rates are available at other airports, but not always.
What other airports are in the area?
| City | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Moline, IL | 60 miles east | 1 hour |
| Waterloo, IA | 75 miles north | 1.25 hours |
| Des Moines, IA | 112 miles west | 1.7 hours |
| Peoria, IL | 160 miles east | 2.7 hours |
| Bloomington, IL | 200 miles east | 3.3 hours |
| Chicago, IL | 220 miles east | 4 hours |
| Omaha, NE | 250 miles west | 4.4 hours |
| St. Louis, MO | 270 miles south | 4.7 hours |
| Kansas City, MO | 300 miles south | 5 hours |
What about special flight deals?
Many lower fares are offered on the Internet. Check the following websites: orbitz.com, lowestfare.com, priceline.com, expedia.com, hotwire.com, or travelocity.com.
Is airport shuttle service available?
Private shuttle service is available from the Eastern Iowa Airport to and from Iowa City. Prices are about $70 cash round trip.
| Service | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Service Cedar Rapids Iowa City |
(800) 725-8460 (319) 365-0655 (319) 337-2349 |
| Airport Express: | (800) 814-8008 (319) 358-8000 |
| Airport Super Shuttle: | (800) 383-2219 (319) 626-5466 |
Is taxicab shuttle service available?
| Service | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Century Cabs | (319) 365-0505 |
| Yellow Cab of Cedar Rapids | (319) 365-1444 |
| Yellow Cab of Iowa City | (319) 338-9777 |
What rental car services are available?
| Service | Phone number |
|---|---|
| At the airport: | |
| Avis | (319) 366-6418 |
| Budget | (319) 363-9595 |
| Hertz | (319) 365-9184 |
| National | (319) 363-1270 |
| In Iowa City (may be less expensive) | |
| Budget | (319) 351-4529 |
| Enterprise | (319) 358-7000 |
How does one travel around Iowa City?
| Option | Cost | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Cambus UI Transit | Free | 319-335-8653 |
| Iowa City Transit System | 75¢ | 319-356-5151 |
| Coralville Transit System | 75¢ | 319-351-7711 |
| Old Capitol Cab | varies | 319-354-7662 |
| Yellow Cab | varies | 319-338-9777 |
| Black and Gold Cab | varies | 319-887-1976 |