How to Prepare for the Medical School or Pharmacy School Interview
Now that you have been invited to interview, it is important that you prepare appropriately to succeed at your pharmacy school or medical school interview. The school of pharmacy interview and medical school interview are essentially identical.
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Instructions
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Study Yourself! As obvious as it sounds, not many people real reflect on themselves as an applicant prior to their interviews. Reread and study your application essays and know why you really want to become a doctor or a pharmacist. Be ready to answer the high frequency questions such as "Tell me about yourself" and "Why Pharmacy?/Why Medicine?" These questions are open-ended and allows the interviewer to see where you will take it. Will you answer abruptly or paint a better picture of yourself that will resonate throughout the entire interview.
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When preparing for interview questions, it is important not to prepare an exact script of answers as you will sound rehearsed. Rather, it would be more beneficial to jot down key phrases or themes to be discussed when asked a particular question and taking it from there during the interview. Also, it is important that you become familiar with current trends and topics in your pharmacy and medicine.
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Practice, Practice, Practice! To simulate an actual interview with professors from medical or pharmacy school, ask a friend to play the part of a professor with questions to ask you. For a list of real questions asked at previous interviews, go to StudentDoctor.net's interview feedback section (link provided below). I have also listed some books below which helped me successfully prepare for the interviews by formulating my answers in a way that impressed the interviewer.
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Come prepared with 'intelligent' questions that real show your interest in the school. Every interview should be an opportunity for you to interview the school you will spend the next 3 or 4 years at. Studying the pharmacy or medical school's website will allow you to ask questions about the curriculum or rotation opportunities.
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I suggest getting an ample amount of sleep before the interview. I would also arrive at the interview a bit early just in case you get lost and so that you can sit down and relax rather than running at the last minute.
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As reference, here are the real categories that one of the pharmacy schools grade you on during the interview:
Enthusiasm
Knowledge of Profession
Communication Ability
Professionalism
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Tips & Warnings
Take a deep breath and don't be so nervous! Interviewers know this is a high stress moment in your life and will try to make it as painless as possible. :)
