Tomorrow morning I have an interview to get into medical school and I’m not quite sure what to expect. I’ve had interviews for summer jobs and such before, but those were all very laid-back and easy-going, so I didn’t feel stressed or worried at all. This however, has me a little nervous.
I’ve talked to my academic and pre-med advisors at school, but they didn’t seem to be much help. Both basically told me to “expect anything,” which actually was what started worrying me. Before I talked to them, I figured the interviewers would probably ask about hobbies, extra-curricular activities, why I want to be a doctor, and maybe my academic background in general. Now, I’m not so sure.
So I was hoping that some kindly Dopers could share their experiences with school or job interviews and maybe offer some advice so that I’m not a nervous wreck by tomorrow morning. Thanks!
Sheesh! I work for a bunch of universities, but I couldn’t tell you the first thing they would ask a prospective student.
The best advice I have for a job interview would still be appropriate I think…spend some time learning about the company, or in this case the Med School. I’m sure you’ve checked out the website, now go back and look again. Why do you want to go to that particular school? What’s unique about it? What are it’s strengths and how does that match up with your strengths/goals?
Most of all be relaxed and confident in your answers. Dress neatly and arrive promptly.
Good luck!
I got this advice on my upcoming internship interview, and it was very helpful.
Like anything, just be yourself. My girlfriend just went through the process of applying to Med school, and although rough, she made it through in one piece. I’m sure you’ll do fine.
Seeing that today is “tomorrow”, how did it go?
It wasn’t as bad as I was afraid it would be. I sat there in front of a panel of three interviewers - one faculty member, one retired doctor, and one fourth-year student. The faculty member and the student were both extremely nice and were able to make me comfortable, but the doctor’s questions were all really hard. He asked a lot of things that I think were designed just to see if he could get me rattled, but I think I handled it decently.
I talked to several other faculty members and students when I wasn’t being interviewed, and the school’s selection process seems to be very heavily skewed in favor of applicants who interview in December (about 70% of the accepted students interview during this month). I don’t know how I feel about this just yet; my chances of being accepted are higher, but that doesn’t guarantee anything at all. I’ll find out if I’ve been accepted, rejected, or deferred in about 2 weeks.
Thanks guys. I was a little worried when I didn’t see any replies to this when I left for the interview this morning, but I figured most people weren’t even up yet. 
World Eater, does your girlfriend know if she got in the school she wanted yet?