Once you have been invited for an interview, in means that
you are qualified to be accepted by the inviting school. However, only
a portion of the people who are interviewed end up being accepted.
It is worthwhile to spend a minute or two of thinking before your interview.
in this page you will find a list of questions you might be asked as well
as a list of tips and advice regarding your interview.
Questions to think about before your interview.
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what motivated you to choose a career in medicine;
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qualities which you feel make a good physician;
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your perception of your personal role as a physician (type of patients,
geographic preference, area of interest);
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changes which you would like to see made in the current American Health
Care Delivery system;
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your thoughts concerning National Health Insurance, abortion, and other
current health issues;
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what you will do if not accepted to medical school;
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your ability to function well under pressure;
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your ability to adapt to and learn in an all-white environment;
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your reasons for applying to the particular medical school;
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your financial resources as they relate to medical expenses;
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some positive life experiences you have had;
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some distressing life experiences you have had;
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your perception of your capabilities as a student (strengths and weaknesses);
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changes you have noted in yourself over college years;
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whether your grades reflect true ability;
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sudden drop in grades;
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breaks in education
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course withdrawals or incompletes;
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your perception of the adequacy of your high school preparation for college;
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whether MCAT scores reflect true level of mastery of science;
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extracurricular involvement and leadership experience;
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relevant projects or papers you have written;
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experiences (i.e. hospital-volunteer) related to medical interests.
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Tips and Suggestions
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Arrive on time. If possible, take a "dry run" if you're going somewhere
that's unfamiliar.
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Dress appropriately. A suit's not always necessary, but jeans are almost
always unacceptable. A good guideline can be to dress the way people in
that environment dress.
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Shake hands firmly. Use the interviewer's name in your greeting. Practice
eye/brain control throughout the interview.
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Wait to be asked before sitting down.
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Establish rapport with the interviewer. Sometimes you can comnent about
something in the off ice--" I see that you enjoy sailing too." Most interviewers
will want to establish rapport with you too, so this initial "chit chat"
can set a good tone.
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Be enthusiastic about the college you're visiting, the job you're applying
for, etc. Let your energy show through.
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Be proud of your accomplishments. Give specific information in your answers
whenever you can.
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Prepare for the interview in advance. Anticipate the interviewer's questions
and concerns. Compose responses that will prove how very qualified you
are.
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Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer. This is your chance
to find out everything you always wanted to know!
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Take along everything you need -- resume, Social Security card, driver's
license, art portfolio, etc.
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Thank the interviewer for his/her time, and ALWAYS write a thank you note.
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Don't take a friend with you to an interview.
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Don't chew gum or smoke.
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Don't be afraid to laugh or to enjoy the interview!
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Don't be worried if there's a lull in the conversation. Interviewers expect
thoughtful answers. This could be a chance to think of something else to
add to your response or to formulate a question you want to ask. It could
be a pause that refreshes!
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Don't brag, but do tell the interviewer about your accomplishments.
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Don't fidget or use distracting gestures.
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