Comments on: What are the biggest missteps to avoid in a medical school admissions interview? http://www.findmedicalschool.com/medical-school-interview/what-are-the-biggest-missteps-to-avoid-in-a-medical-school-admissions-interview Medical School Information Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:31 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Soliloquy http://www.findmedicalschool.com/medical-school-interview/what-are-the-biggest-missteps-to-avoid-in-a-medical-school-admissions-interview/comment-page-1#comment-2570 Soliloquy Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:21:59 +0000 http://www.findmedicalschool.com/medical-school-interview/what-are-the-biggest-missteps-to-avoid-in-a-medical-school-admissions-interview#comment-2570 Congratulations on your med school interview. You've made it this far on the strength of your background and your application materials. Please do not think, however, that your admission is a "done deal" at this point. You now must convince the admissions panel that you really are the ideal candidate for their school. You can have the best application packet in the world and still be rejected for admission if your interview goes badly. One thing I will suggest is that you not count on your interviewer focusing only on research. I am a Ph.D. in the basic sciences and I frequently ask questions related to a candidate's interest and motivation for a medical career. You have an extraordinarily strong background in research, which is great, but you aren't applying for a research position. You must demonstrate that you have an interest in medicine, the ability to think critically, and also a compassion that will benefit your future patients. That being said, here are some of the major pitfalls I've observed with our candidates: 1) If you've done a research project or worked in a research lab, be able to describe what you've done. Otherwise it's just an unsubstantiated line on a piece of paper. 2) Ditch the canned answers. There are thousands of websites devoted to what to say at these interviews. Don't use them. Use the questions, but clarify for yourself (in advance) what YOUR answer will be if this question is asked. I assure you, we've heard all the standard responses. You lose BIG points if you come off as not being genuine. 3) Don't address any of the physicians or Ph.D.s by their first names unless invited to (this is a dramatic lack of professionalism). 4) If asked a thinking or scenario-type of question, answer the question. (You'd be surprised at how many people try to wiggle out of an answer because they don't/can't think of anything). The point is to see how well you think on your feet, not whether you are giving the correct response. 5) If you are flying, pack your suit (or dress suit if you are a woman) in your carry-on luggage. Lost luggage is not an excuse for inappropriate dress and may cost you your spot in next years' class. Those are some of the major ones. I'd say #2 is really the biggest one. You really want to be yourself in these interviews and let your personality shine through. Good luck!!! <br><b>References : </b><br>I am a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) who frequently serves on admissions panels for a medical school. Congratulations on your med school interview. You’ve made it this far on the strength of your background and your application materials. Please do not think, however, that your admission is a “done deal” at this point. You now must convince the admissions panel that you really are the ideal candidate for their school. You can have the best application packet in the world and still be rejected for admission if your interview goes badly.

One thing I will suggest is that you not count on your interviewer focusing only on research. I am a Ph.D. in the basic sciences and I frequently ask questions related to a candidate’s interest and motivation for a medical career. You have an extraordinarily strong background in research, which is great, but you aren’t applying for a research position. You must demonstrate that you have an interest in medicine, the ability to think critically, and also a compassion that will benefit your future patients.

That being said, here are some of the major pitfalls I’ve observed with our candidates:

1) If you’ve done a research project or worked in a research lab, be able to describe what you’ve done. Otherwise it’s just an unsubstantiated line on a piece of paper.

2) Ditch the canned answers. There are thousands of websites devoted to what to say at these interviews. Don’t use them. Use the questions, but clarify for yourself (in advance) what YOUR answer will be if this question is asked. I assure you, we’ve heard all the standard responses. You lose BIG points if you come off as not being genuine.

3) Don’t address any of the physicians or Ph.D.s by their first names unless invited to (this is a dramatic lack of professionalism).

4) If asked a thinking or scenario-type of question, answer the question. (You’d be surprised at how many people try to wiggle out of an answer because they don’t/can’t think of anything). The point is to see how well you think on your feet, not whether you are giving the correct response.

5) If you are flying, pack your suit (or dress suit if you are a woman) in your carry-on luggage. Lost luggage is not an excuse for inappropriate dress and may cost you your spot in next years’ class.

Those are some of the major ones. I’d say #2 is really the biggest one. You really want to be yourself in these interviews and let your personality shine through.

Good luck!!!

References :
I am a Ph.D. (Biochemistry) who frequently serves on admissions panels for a medical school.

]]> By: J http://www.findmedicalschool.com/medical-school-interview/what-are-the-biggest-missteps-to-avoid-in-a-medical-school-admissions-interview/comment-page-1#comment-2569 J Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:39:59 +0000 http://www.findmedicalschool.com/medical-school-interview/what-are-the-biggest-missteps-to-avoid-in-a-medical-school-admissions-interview#comment-2569 If you already have an interview you should relax, as this means they already like you and think you're a likely candidate for their school. The main thrust of an interview is to see if the candidate measures up to the application (so many people try to fudge it, you know). There won't be any trick questions. They want to see if you're able to hold a conversation. They may ask you for your opinion on an ethical issue, but there is no right or wrong answer as long as you are able to formulate a response. Based on what you have indicated, I doubt you'll have a problem. As long as you don't grow a third eye out of your forehead or puke on your interviewer's desk, it sounds like you've got it made.<br><b>References : </b><br> If you already have an interview you should relax, as this means they already like you and think you’re a likely candidate for their school. The main thrust of an interview is to see if the candidate measures up to the application (so many people try to fudge it, you know).

There won’t be any trick questions. They want to see if you’re able to hold a conversation. They may ask you for your opinion on an ethical issue, but there is no right or wrong answer as long as you are able to formulate a response. Based on what you have indicated, I doubt you’ll have a problem.

As long as you don’t grow a third eye out of your forehead or puke on your interviewer’s desk, it sounds like you’ve got it made.
References :

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