You’ve toiled over your application, aced the MCAT, and now you’ve landed that coveted interview invite. But wait – a wave of nervousness washes over you. You still have med school interviews to take.
The interview is one of the things you still have to accomplish to enter med school. In 2019-2020, only 41% of applicants successfully matriculated. Chances of getting in can be slim, but if you’re well-prepared, you could get the coveted slot in the med school you’ve been dreaming of.
Have no fear, future doctor! This guide will discuss how to prepare for medical school interviews with the knowledge and strategies to confidently navigate your interview and make a stellar impression.
Understanding the Medical School Interview
Medical school interviews come in various formats. Some schools hold traditional panel interviews, where you’ll face a group of interviewers. Others utilize Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), which involve rotating stations with different prompts. There might even be group interview scenarios. Regardless of the format, medical school interviews aim to see if you’re a good fit, can communicate well, and truly love medicine.
These interviews explore your motivations for pursuing medicine, your relevant experiences, and how you approach ethical dilemmas. Plus, you’ll get to ask questions, learn more about the school’s programs, and see if they fit you.
It’s best to get ample interview prep for med school. With thorough preparation, you’ll know when interviews usually take place, as well as the common med school interview questions and expert answers administrators expect to hear. Knowing what they’re looking for and the common questions help you craft strong answers.
Nail Your Medical School Interview: Step-by-Step
Now that you understand the interview format, jump into those preparations! This is how to prepare for medical school interviews:
First Step: Digging Deep into the Medical Schools
Demonstrate genuine interest by thoroughly researching the medical school you plan to study in. Check out the school’s website! See what they’re all about, their classes, and the professors you might learn from.
Familiarize yourself with their unique programs and research opportunities, too. Knowing this information will help you explain why this particular school is perfect for you during the interview.
Second Step: Ready Your Application Inside and Out
Your application is your interview foundation. So, refresh your memory of the details you included, especially your essays and experiences. These are prime talking points! Anticipate questions that might connect back to your application, and be prepared to elaborate with specific examples.
Think beyond just listing activities. Reflect on how these experiences shaped you and what skills you developed. For instance, if you volunteered at a clinic, did you gain empathy for patients? Did you hone your communication skills by explaining medical concepts to them? Show your growth and why you’re a great fit for med school by telling stories that connect your experiences.
Third Step: Master the Common Interview Questions
Get ready for common questions like ‘Why medicine?’ The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps you answer them powerfully.
Briefly describe the situation, the task at hand, the actions you took, and the resulting outcome. Make sure your answers connect to the school’s mission and show off your strengths!
Fourth Step: Prepare for Medical Ethics Questions
Medical ethics scenarios are a common interview hurdle. Don’t be surprised! Practice how you’d approach such situations and demonstrate your ability to think critically. Consider relevant ethical principles like patient autonomy, confidentiality, and resource allocation. Can you weigh these principles and arrive at a well-reasoned solution?
It also helps to research current medical ethics debates. Familiarize yourself with different perspectives on issues like physician-assisted suicide or genetic testing. Researching current medical ethics debates shows you’re curious and can think critically, not just give easy answers.
Fifth Step: Tell Powerful Stories About Your Experiences
Select impactful experiences that illustrate your strengths and motivations for medicine. Talk about stories that allowed you to showcase leadership, teamwork, empathy, or problem-solving skills. Focus on vivid details and emotional connections to make your stories come alive and leave a lasting impression.
For example, instead of simply saying you volunteered at a homeless shelter, describe a specific situation where you used your empathy to connect with a patient. Did you listen patiently to their story? Did you advocate for their needs? Tell a story with clear details to show your strengths and passion for helping people.
Practice Makes Perfect: Mastering the Interview
Knowing how to prepare for medical school interviews is half the battle—practice improves your chances of getting in. Mock interviews are great prep for your med school interview. You can practice your answers and get feedback from them. Consider reaching out to your career services office, peers, or even medical professionals to find mock interview partners.
It can also be helpful to schedule your mock interviews in a setting that replicates the real interview environment. Ask your partner to pose common interview questions and ethical dilemmas. Then, after each mock interview, ask for honest feedback on how you came across.
Reflecting on your practice interviews is important, too! So, review your recordings and reflect on your responses. Were you clear, concise, and engaging? Figuring out your strengths and weaknesses helps you prepare even better.
Interview Day: Be Your Best Self
The interview day has arrived! Arrive early to avoid last-minute stress. Bring a copy of your resume, a notepad for taking notes, and a list of questions you might have for the interviewers, too. These are basic things for any interview, whether you’re applying to law, med, or business school.
Dress professionally – first impressions matter! In only a tenth of a second, interviewers will make conclusions about your competency, morality, and trustworthiness.
Throughout the interview, maintain a positive and professional demeanor. Show your enthusiasm with a smile and good eye contact! Actively listen to the interviewers’ questions and take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. Moreover, speak clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon and medical terms that the interviewers might not understand.
Beyond the Interview: Follow-Up and Thank-You Notes
Your work isn’t done yet! Within 24 hours of your interview, send personalized thank-you notes to each interviewer. In a work setting, 80% of HR managers find post-interview thank-you notes helpful. That help could carry on over medical school interviewers to improve their interview processes.
So, express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in their program. A brief thank-you letter can show you’re making an effort and might help you stand out. Don’t forget to mention something you liked about the school or a professor’s work, too!
Final Thoughts
Not sure how to prepare for medical school interviews? This post can be your guide. The medical school interview process is often long and nerve-wracking, but when you put in the dedicated effort, you can succeed and calm those interview jitters.
With a positive attitude, you’ll also be sure to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee. You’ve got this future doctor! Good luck with your interviews!