How to Interview for Med School

One of the key elements toward being accepted to med school is your interview. When you get a request for an interview, you know that you have made it into a select group. Like everything else that you have done so far in terms of med school, preparation for the interview is key.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Do your homework about the school that is interviewing you. This includes reading faculty bios, news on the school, and other information about the campus so that you can intersperse this into your answers.
2. Identify the types of questions you may be asked. You can find such information online at sites such as The Princeton Review and Miami University (see Resources below).
3. Create a list of interview questions that you would like to ask the school. Almost every interview provides a period in which you ask questions, so make sure that they are intelligent and provide you with the opportunity to learn more about the med school. They should also demonstrate how your mind works.
4. Plan to wear something comfortable but professional. It is important to look the part so that they see you as physician material. Be prepared for various types of interviews. Some schools do panel interviews while others do blind, partial blind and open interviews where your file may be part of the process.
5. If possible, schedule a time to meet other graduate students already in the program. They can give you insights into how to answer questions from the faculty during the interview.
6. Visit online message boards and blogs to find additional suggestions from people who have already completed the interview process. An inside track is essential in the highly competitive world of med school admittance.

Tips & Warnings

• Compose answers to a list of interview questions and put them on flash cards. This will help you become more comfortable with the answers you would like to give.
• Focus on showing them your real personality so that they see you as an individual.
• Utilize the protocol that works effectively in any type of interview, including good eye contact and self-confidence.
• Do not be late or show up unshaven or poorly groomed. This sends a message to the med school that you do not care enough to prepare, which will translate to your level of interest in your education.
• Do not forget to get a good night's sleep so that you are well rested and mentally alert. Nothing helps you be more on your game than proper rest.