It's that time of year again: medical school interview time.
Every year a group of lucky medical school applicants are invited to their dream (or safety) schools to demonstrate how qualified they are. I had to do it, so do you.
When I was applying for medical school in 2008, I concurrently worked as a career adviser who gave mock interviews to other students--- some of whom were applying to my application cycle. It was an interesting (and slightly awkward) time. However, despite how stressful interviewing can be. Be sure it wont be like the interview below:
Now it's time I bestow a few interview tips to the next generation of applicants:
Every year a group of lucky medical school applicants are invited to their dream (or safety) schools to demonstrate how qualified they are. I had to do it, so do you.
When I was applying for medical school in 2008, I concurrently worked as a career adviser who gave mock interviews to other students--- some of whom were applying to my application cycle. It was an interesting (and slightly awkward) time. However, despite how stressful interviewing can be. Be sure it wont be like the interview below:
Now it's time I bestow a few interview tips to the next generation of applicants:
- First of all, if you get an interview to medical school, consider yourself lucky. An interview is a very good indication that the school is seriously considering you as an applicant.
- Beyond academic excellence, however, medical schools are generally looking for maturity, passion about medicine, altruism, exposure to the medical field, and strong interpersonal skills.
- For most schools, an interview day usually includes two or three interviews with a campus tour, information session, and possibly breakfast and/or lunch.
- Make sure to treat the whole day as an "interview," as if you are being watched closely by everyone--- including the secretary.
- Try to avoid intimidation from other applicants. You will encounter the "what scores did you get?" guy and the "I interviewed in x y and z." girl. Just focus on you and keep your head level. It never hurts to make friends as well.
- Make friends with the secretaries. They can be your best friends. Strike a friendly conversation with them about the weather, where you're from, the latest celebrity gossip, etc. Not only will this give you good marks in the admissions office. It can distract you from your nervousness. I often made an effort to talk about Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt.
- Do:
- Read and populate SDN's Interview Feedback Page: A comprehensive list of school-specific interview experiences--- written by interviewees. It even includes sample school-specific questions.
- Ask Smart Questions: Yes, the school wants to learn more about you, but you should use the opportunity to learn more about the school. Many interviewers judge your interest in their school by the quality of your questions. What's a smart question? A question that isn't easily answerable on the school's website. (i.e. Does your school's curriculum include LGBTQ issues?). I prepared