It depends. Ponce does interviews in either of two ways, group, or individual. In my case, I got two individual interviews one right after the other. My first interview was with a biochemistry professor whose first name was Wilfredo. The guy was very revolutionary, and spent most of the interview asking me about society and medicine, and its implications. Stuff about the puertorican reform of health, why it is in place, etc. He asked me the typical "Name 3 important people and why" etc.
Afterwards, I was interviewed by Jose Torres, who is a pretty laid back guy. The interview was mostly centered on me, why I wanted to be a doctor, etc. He asked me one ethical question, and spoke about how the interview was to get the admissions committee to know more about the "Things that can't be written on the application". Overall, very laid back.
My Rio Piedras interview however was even easier than Ponce. I was interviewed by a lady whose name escapes me at the moment. She mentioned she was a first year basic science's professor. She sat down and said "So, tell me more about yourself, why you came to be interested in medicine and all that, from the very beginning", and she just kept striking up conversation as she went. That was it. No details to memorize, no nothing. Just tried to gauge me as a person and how well I would do in their school. Really really laid back, lasted about an hour, and they sent me on my way.
I wouldn't know if they are holding you back or anything. I don't know much about their system at all. I personally was accepted fairly quickly at both. I was interviewed in Rio Piedras the day before thanksgiving and my acceptance letter was received the 17th of December or so. Ponce interviewed me a week earlier, and their response came back the 22nd of December, so I'd say they're both pretty quick.
One thing though, it's mentioned on their website they accept people from Puerto Rico, or those who demonstrate "Strong ties to Puerto Rico", and their requisites are posted on their site. I have no idea how the system works beyond that. Regardless, good luck on both of your applications. Keep me posted, I don't know of anyone going to either those schools yet.
