KPSOM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) is a highly competitive new medical school that emphasizes a mission-driven, patient-centered approach to education. Its interview process features a hybrid format – combining multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) with a traditional one-on-one session – reflecting the school’s innovative and holistic admissions philosophy medschool.kp.org forums.studentdoctor.net. KPSOM’s mission and values focus on service, equity, and innovation medschool.kp.org medschool.kp.org, and these ideals are interwoven through its curriculum and selection process. The program offers a small-class, high-tech learning environment (including a tuition-free model through 2026) medschool.kp.org, and students are trained in an integrated health system context that aligns with regional and national healthcare trends medschool.kp.org ajmc.com. In the sections below, we explore KPSOM’s interview format, values, unique program features, relevant health policy topics, the qualities KPSOM seeks in applicants, competency frameworks like the AAMC PREview, common themes in past interview questions, and key application timelines.

KPSOM uses a hybrid interview format that includes both Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMIs) and a longer traditional interview medschool.kp.org. Applicants typically rotate through a series of short MMI stations and also complete a one-on-one interview with a faculty member or admissions committee member. The MMI portion is closed-file (interviewers have not seen the applicant’s file), while the traditional interview is open-file, meaning the interviewer is familiar with the applicant’s application forums.studentdoctor.net. The one-on-one interview is generally conversational and about 25–30 minutes long, focusing on the applicant’s experiences and motivations, whereas the MMI stations present scenario-based questions to evaluate the applicant’s thinking and interpersonal skills. In recent years, interviews have been conducted virtually due to the pandemic blog.accepted.com, though the school may adjust this format as conditions evolve.

Most candidates find the interview moderately paced and not overly stressful – feedback indicates an average stress level for the day studentdoctor.net. Overall, about 718 applicants were invited to interview for only ~50 seats in a recent cycle blog.accepted.com, so receiving an interview is a strong sign and comes with roughly a single-digit percentage chance of acceptance. (In fact, with ~11,500 applicants and 50 accepted, KPSOM’s total acceptance rate was about 0.4% medschool.kp.org.) Despite the high stakes, the interview atmosphere is collegial, and the format is structured to give each applicant multiple opportunities (through different MMI stations and the personal interview) to demonstrate their fit with the school.

KPSOM’s mission is _“to provide a world-class medical education that ignites a passion for learning, a desire to serve, and an unwavering commitment to improve the health and well-being of patients and communities.”_ medschool.kp.org This statement highlights the school’s emphasis on service and community health, as well as lifelong learning and excellence. The school’s vision further describes its graduates as “compassionate healers, lifelong learners, and courageous leaders of change” who will help transform healthcare medschool.kp.org. In short, KPSOM aspires to train physicians who are not only clinically competent but also deeply committed to equity, leadership, and improving the healthcare system.

KPSOM has explicitly defined core values that underpin its culture and curriculum. These values include Collaboration, Equity, Excellence, Innovation, Service, and Trustworthiness medschool.kp.org medschool.kp.org. For example, the school prioritizes equity by advancing opportunities and outcomes for all members of its community, and it fosters innovation by encouraging curiosity and discovery in healthcare. Importantly, these values are not just rhetoric – they are “woven throughout the school,” influencing everything from student selection to curriculum design journals.lww.com. For applicants, this means that understanding and resonating with KPSOM’s values is crucial. In fact, the admissions team actively looks for “mission alignment” in candidates, gauging whether an applicant’s principles and goals reflect the school’s ethos blog.accepted.com. Interviewers often pay close attention to how well candidates understand KPSOM’s mission and whether they demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of service, inclusion, and innovation.

KPSOM is a new medical school (opened in 2020) with a number of distinctive features that candidates should be familiar with:

• Selective, small class size: The school welcomed an inaugural class of just 50 students in 2020 and continues to enroll around 48–50 students per year journals.lww.com. With roughly 11,000+ applicants annually, KPSOM’s acceptance rate is extremely low (~0.4%) medschool.kp.org, making it one of the most selective programs in the country.
• Innovative curriculum and pedagogy: KPSOM’s curriculum is non-lecture-based and problem-based, centered on small-group learning. Students learn in groups (typically 8–10 per group) and the content is integrated across three pillars – Biomedical Science, Clinical Science, and Health Systems Science – rather than traditional department silos blog.accepted.com. This integrated approach means that basic sciences, clinical skills, and topics like healthcare systems and policy are taught in connection with each other.
• High-tech, future-oriented learning: The school embraces new technology in education. Notably, students do not perform traditional cadaver dissections; instead, anatomy is taught using augmented and virtual reality tools blog.accepted.com. KPSOM also has a robust wellness curriculum – every student is paired with a physician coach through the “REACH” program (Reflection, Education, Assessment, Coaching, Health & Well-being) to support personal and professional development blog.accepted.com.
• Clinical training in an integrated health system: KPSOM is embedded in the Kaiser Permanente healthcare network. Students complete their clinical rotations at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics (currently seven core clinical locations in Southern California) medschool.kp.org. This provides exposure to Kaiser’s model of coordinated, integrated care – an approach that emphasizes preventive care, team-based medicine, and population health medschool.kp.org. Training in this environment aligns with the school’s goal to prepare students for leadership in evolving healthcare systems.
• Tuition-free education (through 2026): In an effort to reduce barriers and debt, KPSOM has waived tuition for its first several classes. All students entering from 2020 through 2026 receive full tuition scholarships for all four years medschool.kp.org. (Students are still responsible for living expenses, though need-based aid is available for those costs.) This uncommon financial support model reflects the school’s commitment to accessibility and allows students to choose specialties and careers without as much financial pressure.

Potential Questions to Ask at the Interview

KPSOM’s distinctive features can also inform some thoughtful questions that you might ask your interviewers. The school even provides a reference worksheet of possible questions for applicants to ask during interviews medschool.kp.org, emphasizing that they welcome informed inquiries. Asking insightful questions not only helps you learn more about the program but also demonstrates your genuine interest. Here are a few example questions related to KPSOM’s program:

• How does the medical school leverage Kaiser Permanente’s integrated health system in its curriculum and clinical training? (For instance, how are rotations at Kaiser hospitals structured to teach coordinated care?)
• Could you tell me more about the REACH well-being program and how it supports student development? (I’m interested in how having a personal physician coach impacts the student experience.)
• What opportunities do students have to work with the community or address health equity issues during their training? (Given KPSOM’s mission in community health, how are students involved in serving diverse patient populations?)
• How have students and faculty adapted to the virtual anatomy curriculum using AR/VR, and what advantages does it offer over traditional dissection?

KPSOM’s curriculum and mission put a spotlight on certain health policy and system topics that are relevant locally and nationally. One major theme is the shift toward integrated, value-based care. Kaiser Permanente’s healthcare model is built on integrated care delivery, and the school was founded with the idea of aligning medical education to this industry trend ajmc.com. Applicants may want to be aware of discussions surrounding healthcare delivery reforms – for example, how integrated systems and preventive care can improve outcomes and reduce costs compared to traditional fee-for-service models.

Another key focus is health equity and access to care. KPSOM explicitly aims to address systemic inequalities in healthcare journals.lww.com, and California as a region has been proactive in expanding healthcare access (through policies related to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion, etc.). A relevant policy conversation is how to provide care for diverse populations and underserved communities – topics like social determinants of health, racial/ethnic health disparities, and culturally competent care are especially pertinent. Additionally, given the school’s emphasis on community health and prevention, issues such as public health infrastructure, mental health policy, and community-based interventions might come up. Being conversant with current national debates (for example, around the cost of healthcare, insurance models, or proposals for universal coverage) and state-level initiatives in California can help demonstrate an understanding of the broader context in which KPSOM operates.

KPSOM takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning that beyond strong academics, the school looks closely at applicants’ personal qualities, experiences, and alignment with its mission. There are no strict GPA or MCAT cutoffs; every complete application is reviewed in depth blog.accepted.com. This holistic process helped KPSOM assemble a diverse inaugural class and is intended to identify those who will thrive in and contribute to KPSOM’s community journals.lww.com.

In terms of attributes and experiences, KPSOM seeks individuals who embody the values and commitments described earlier. The admissions office states that it looks for applicants with the passion and integrity to become outstanding physicians and community leaders medschool.kp.org. In practice, this translates to valuing traits like compassion, ethical responsibility, leadership, and a genuine dedication to service. Candidates who have demonstrated service to others, advocacy for underserved communities, leadership in teamwork settings, or resilience in the face of challenges will likely stand out as "mission-aligned." For example, significant community service, healthcare volunteerism, involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives, research on public health issues, or leadership roles in student organizations can all reflect the school’s ideals. Importantly, the school’s commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) means that it appreciates applicants from all walks of life who can contribute unique perspectives medschool.kp.org. Overall, KPSOM is looking for well-rounded individuals whose personal journeys and values resonate with improving healthcare for patients and communities.

KPSOM is aligned with the competency-based admissions framework advocated by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Notably, KPSOM requires applicants to complete the AAMC’s PREview™ professional readiness exam as part of the application medschool.kp.org. The PREview is a situational judgment test evaluating pre-professional competencies – it measures broad areas like personal accountability and interpersonal skills students-residents.aamc.org. By using the PREview exam, KPSOM signals that it places significant weight on non-academic competencies during selection. These include qualities such as ethical decision-making, reliability, service orientation, cultural competence, teamwork and collaboration, and resilience in the face of challenges studentdoctor.net. In other words, beyond grades and test scores, KPSOM wants to see evidence that applicants possess the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills needed to become caring, effective physicians.

During your interview and application process, you may notice that interview questions and secondary essay prompts are designed to probe these very competencies. For instance, MMI scenarios might indirectly test how you navigate ethical dilemmas (ethical responsibility), communicate with others (oral communication, teamwork), or handle conflict and stress (resilience and adaptability). The one-on-one interview might explore your experiences with service and leadership, or how you’ve demonstrated cultural humility and empathy. Being mindful of the AAMC core competencies can help you recognize what attributes the school is assessing; KPSOM is explicitly looking for those who have not only strong intellects but also the character and “people skills” to align with its mission.

Since KPSOM uses an MMI format combined with a traditional interview, the themes of past interview questions can be thought of in two categories. First, the MMI questions: Based on applicant reports, KPSOM’s MMI stations have covered a range of scenario-based topics in a structured way studentdoctor.net. Due to confidentiality (NDAs), specific MMI prompts aren’t published, but they are described as “typical MMI” scenarios – often ethical dilemmas, teamwork or communication challenges, healthcare situations, and other interpersonal or problem-solving exercises – nothing exceedingly unusual or outside common MMI subject matter studentdoctor.net. In short, if you’ve practiced general MMI scenarios (e.g. resolving a conflict in a team, dealing with an unprofessional colleague, approaching an ethical conflict with patient care, etc.), you’ll likely be prepared for the kinds of topics KPSOM might pose. Interview feedback indicates that the MMI questions were fair and that while some were challenging, they were not designed to trick applicants studentdoctor.net.

Second, the traditional one-on-one interview questions tend to focus on personal motivations, fit, and knowledge of the school. Applicants have noted that this portion felt like a standard medical school interview studentdoctor.net – expect questions about your journey to medicine, your experiences (clinical, research, service), and “Why Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine?”. Because KPSOM puts a premium on mission alignment, you should anticipate that some questions (either explicitly or through follow-ups) will probe why and how you align with the school’s mission and values ([blog.accepted.com](https://blog.accepted.com/how-to-get-into-kaiser-permanente-medical-school-warning-its-tough-episode-424/#:~:text=secondary%20application%2C%20you%E2%80%99re%20trying%20to,mission%20aligned%20goals%20and%20values)). For example, you might be asked about what draws you to KPSOM’s approach or to discuss how you’ve exemplified the values of equity or service in your life. Interviewers will also often gauge how much you know about the program – KPSOM’s admissions dean has mentioned they can tell when an applicant has really done their homework on the school blog.accepted.com. Demonstrating familiarity with the school’s unique features (curriculum, philosophy, etc.) when responding to questions can subtly reinforce that you are seriously interested in joining their community. Overall, past candidates report that KPSOM’s interview day, while comprehensive, is fair and respectful, giving them ample opportunity to share their story and interact with friendly interviewers.

If you are applying in the 2025–2026 cycle (for matriculation in 2026), keep in mind the following key dates and deadlines for KPSOM:

• May 2025: AMCAS primary application opens (exact early-May date set by AAMC). It’s wise to submit as early as possible; KPSOM has a primary application deadline of October 1, 2025 medschool.kp.org.
• July 2025: KPSOM’s secondary application is sent by invitation (KPSOM sends secondaries to all eligible applicants after reviewing primary applications). Secondary application deadline: November 1, 2025 medschool.kp.org. No extensions are granted, so plan to complete the secondary well before this date.
• August 2025 – February 2026: Interview season. KPSOM issues interview invitations on a rolling basis (typically starting mid/late summer). Interviews will be conducted through the fall and winter, with the last interview scheduled by February 2026 medschool.kp.org. It’s advantageous to interview earlier in the cycle if possible, since offers are rolling.
• October 2025: Admissions offers begin rolling out. KPSOM starts extending offers of admission as early as October 2025 (roughly in line with the October 15 nationally-agreed earliest notice date) and then on a rolling basis thereafter medschool.kp.org. If you are accepted, you will need to respond with a $100 deposit to hold your spot (refundable until a certain date) and complete other requirements like a criminal background check. medschool.kp.org
• April 2026: KPSOM typically hosts a Second-Look Weekend for admitted students in April medschool.kp.org. This event allows prospective students to visit the campus (or meet virtually), engage with faculty and future classmates, and get a feel for the school’s environment before making a final decision.
• By April 30, 2026: Per AAMC guidelines, accepted students should choose one school to “Plan to Enroll” by April 30. (You can remain on other waitlists after April 30, but KPSOM and other schools will see if you have selected a PTE.)
• By May 30, 2026: Commit to Enroll deadline for KPSOM. Admitted students must finally Commit to Enroll at KPSOM by this date (meaning you must withdraw from all other schools) medschool.kp.org medschool.kp.org. KPSOM may rescind offers if an admitted student has not committed by the deadline, as they need to finalize the class list. In short, May 30 is the date by which you must be all-in with KPSOM if you intend to matriculate.

In summary, preparing for a KPSOM interview involves a multifaceted understanding of the program and its expectations. You should be comfortable with the hybrid interview format (and what MMIs entail), knowledgeable about KPSOM’s mission, values, and unique curriculum, aware of relevant healthcare issues that resonate with the school’s philosophy, and mindful of the timelines and procedural requirements of the application cycle. By approaching your preparation holistically – studying the school’s background, reflecting on your own experiences in light of KPSOM’s values, and staying organized with deadlines – you will be well positioned to convey your fit for the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Good luck with your interview process!