How to Do Well in Medical School Interviews

Getting into medical school can be a challenging task, especially at one of the country's top medical schools. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that more than 42,000 students applied to medical school in 2010, a 1 percent increase from the previous year. Typically, if you are invited to interview at a medical school, the institution has culled your name from hundreds of other qualified candidates, and the interview is the deciding factor for admission. Though interview procedures vary, there are some common preparation methods.

Instructions

    • 1

      Review your resume and academic background so you are prepared to answer any questions about your past experiences. Focus on your extracurricular activities and any unique aspects of your resume that distinguish you from other candidates. For example; if you speak three languages, be prepared to discuss how that will help you communicate with patients with foreign backgrounds.

    • 2

      Research the medical school where you are interviewing. Learn about the values the school espouses, and what kind of students they want to produce. If available, find out information on the interview technique the school uses. Some schools use only one interviewer, while others may have a panel.

    • 3

      Update your knowledge about current medical trends and events in the medical world. For example; if stem-cell research is in the news, cultivate an opinion about this subject.

    • 4

      Review some commonly asked interview questions by browsing them on the Internet. Some questions you might be asked include: "What makes you think you'll be a good doctor?" and "What are some of the challenges facing doctors today?" Conduct a trial-run interview by having someone ask you a series of questions. Ask the person to evaluate your performance when the interview is finished.

    • 5

      Arrive at the interview at least 15 minutes early. Dress as if you are interviewing for a professional position at a Fortune 500 firm. Your appearance and demeanor are the first things the interviewer or interviewers notice.

    • 6

      Listen closely to every question and do not answer until the interviewer finishes speaking. Answer the interview questions concisely and stay within the parameters of the question. Make frequent eye contact. Keep a moderate, calm tone. You may be asked difficult questions designed to test your reaction to pressure.

    • 7

      Ask questions. Interviewers expect you to pose questions, which helps them evaluate the breadth of your knowledge, your personal interests, your communication skills and your intellectual ability. Your questions should reflect the research you did about the institution as well as general medical issues.

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