Medical School Interviews


Medical School Interviews

You can plan to begin interviewing at Medical Schools that are interested in you. Interviews frequently take place at the medical school, and habitually the candidate is interviewed by two or more members of the admissions committee.

Soon the entire committee meets to talk about all the candidates and take decisions. For most candidates, the medical school interview is the most terrifying part of the admissions process. Preparation is always essential, but before a medical school interview it is critical.

5 elemental advices for an interview

  • Make sure you arrive early
  • NO perfume! Or NO cologne!
  • Use adequate clothes and shoes
  • Don't be nervous
  • Be enthusiastic and positive

Preparing for the interview

Know thyself. Carefully review all materials that you submitted (Personal Statement, etc.). Be especially able to comfortably discuss the following issues:

Know the profession of medicine. Familiarize yourself with current controversial medicine-related issues (e.g. Health care policy; stem cell research; doctor-assisted suicide; cloning; etc.). Read major newspapers and "Articles on Current Health Issues" binders in OCS reading room.

Know the institution to which you are applying. Read their catalog and their website. Come up with interesting questions specific to that medical school.

Mental Preparation

To a great extent, this is the most vital part of your interview, and it takes place before you even get there. Though it is crucial that you be yourself at your interview, you will be asked questions that you need to think about ahead of time. You should also be able to answer these questions in their various forms, concisely, when asked.
  • Why do you want to be a doctor?
  • What do you do in your spare time?
  • What are your specific goals in medicine?
  • What stimulated your interest in medicine?
  • What schools have you applied to?
  • What do you intend to gain from a medical education?
  • What do you think about euthanasia?
  • Why do you think so many people want to be doctors?
  • There are 1,000 applicants as qualified as you. Why should we pick you?
  • What do you think is the most pressing issue in medicine today?
  • What will you do if you don´t get into medical school?
  • What are your positive qualities and what are your shortcomings?
  • What is your relationship with your family?
  • Describe your personality.
  • What do you have to offer our school?
  • What are the best and worst things that have ever happened to you?
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • Is medicine a rewarding experience? Why?
  • If your best friends were asked to describe you, what would they say?
  • How do you plan to finance your medical education?
  • What do you think about (...ome current event)?
  • Discuss a book that you have recently read for pleasure. Why does this book interest you?