interview advice

In a medical school interview, a first impression is often the only impression you get to make. With just a handshake your aim is to come across as professional, confident, and trustworthy. After all the hard work you have put in to your pre-med journey, this is your moment to shine as the...

I am not trying to be facetious here... just worried about the fact that I'll look quite different from the secondary picture. I wore contacts when taking the pictures, but now I'm unable to wear contact lenses due to an allergy I developed. The thing is, my glasses are really strong and they...

Hi all, So I've been very fortunate to receive many invitations to interview this cycle, which is exciting! However, scheduling them has been a chore. I currently have two interviews coming up, both in the northeast, both scheduled in the same week- one on Tuesday, one on Thursday. Because I...

I'm prepping for some interviews, thinking about how I want to spin things, and I was wondering what "strategy" I should take when discussing my very poor undergraduate performance. I'm a nontrad applicant whose original career path was in engineering (attended one of the grade-deflated UC's)...

hello, I have an interview coming up on December 8th for western Carolina university and was wondering if anyone has advice on the interview process there and/or if anyone is as freaked out about it as I am! I am trying not to stress but 3 different 30 minute GROUP interviews just seems like a...

Hello! I recently had my interview at Salus and received my acceptance the following day - wohooo!! :clap: The interview is super chill and relaxed. The day starts at 10am with a group presentation from the dean which lasts about an hour, she goes over everything Salus has to offer and it...

Today I received an interview invitation from an excellent program. I was excited until I looked at the available dates. I will already be travelling to or attending other interviews for all but one of the available dates, and this is just a few days before the Christmas holiday. As such, plane...

I'm an IMG looking to get into surgery. I had two interviews last ERAS season but didn't match. Fast forward a year and I've added a bunch of research, some publications, and a letter of recommendation from a university program faculty to my ERAS application. One of the programs I interviewed at...

One of my closest friends recently interviewed at an MD school, and her mother's recent passing (< 1 yr) came up during the interview (in a respectful way), and she told me she ended up crying/sobbing for a good chunk of the time. She's really bummed out her crying may have affected her...

Since interviews are coming up, we should all be preparing! Let’s work together and share all of our tips, ideas, or questions. What worked for you in the past? Have any questions that leave you stumped? MMI vs student panel?

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and then some more PRACTICE! According to Dr. Sheryl Neuman, Accepted’s expert in residency and fellowship admissions, one of the most common residency interview question asked will be: “Why did you want to become a doctor?” Practice your answer to this question ahead of...

Hey is there a thread for the class of 2023 regarding if interview offers have been sent out and to which schools? Thought I would check! Im sure everyone is anxiously waiting like me! Congrats on finishing apps!

I'm using Gmail and Google Calendar right now, but it seems a little overwhelming being attached to my phone 24/7 (or at least during working hours on weekdays), especially when I'm on interviews. Is there an app or program or something to help with this?

I'm interviewing at ICO and I was wondering if anyone had any tips/would be able to share their experience. Thanks!

Hi guys, I was put on hold pre-interview for my top school last week:(. Since I haven't had an interview yet I felt it was a bit premature to write an LOI at this point but I've pretty much made up my mind that I am going to call the admissions office this week to hopefully boost my chance even...

Hey all, just wondering what resources y'all are using for interview prep this upcoming residency season. Also curious for folks who matched EM in the last couple years what "curve ball" questions you got asked on your interview trail. This request is both for preparation and entertainment...

Here’s the scenario: You’re on your residency interview day and chatting with some of the residents over lunch, in between or during interviews and you ask them why they came here. They reply with “This is the best residency”. That is a lie. In short, it’s because they’ve only ever been in one...

Hi, I was wondering how important Thank You Letters/Emails are for admissions evaluations? I recently interviewed at Yale but it has been about a week since my interview. I do not want to botch the letter and accidentally say something that affects my chances, but my neurotic self is worried...

Hi All! Hope this cycle is being kind to you! I was wondering if you guys could advise me w/ regards to a question I’ve been agonizing over for a while: should I refrain from outing myself as queer during my interviews? Some context: this would not just be a random interjection. I feel like...

My first interview is on Friday and I fly out for it tomorrow. I had heard that people normally wear suits to the interview, so I put on my navy suit today. I've been hitting the gym a lot for the past couple years since I got that suit and my shoulders and chest are too big for it now. All I...

Applicants who attended How to Nail Your Medical School Interviews learned crucial strategies to help them get ready for interview day – even how to prepare for difficult questions like the “weakness” one. They’re now armed with proven techniques and strategies for interview success. If you...

Hi everyone, I am seeking advice before confirming my second interview this season. I am currently scheduled for an interview 50 min from my house in Washington DC this month on the 24th. (Wednesday). I’m considering scheduling another interview on the 26th, however this will be in Vermont...

As the interview day is nearing its end, you may find yourself in the company of other applicants. Try not to engage in discussion about your interview in detail. These conversations only serve to increase anxiety and often lead to self-doubt. Talking about the school or topics you may have...

Hi, I've had 3 interviews (2 top 20) so far and after each one I come out feeling very unsatisfied with how the conversations went. Of course, I've made small adjustments with my answers/techniques since my first interview, but I still feel like I am unable to "crack" the interviewer and connect...

hello guys, I need some help, I got an invitation for interview at San Antonio Dental School at the end of September, any advice about what should we study for the skill test?? If anyone could share their experience I’ll appreciated a lottt, thanks in advance

Your interview will likely be a full-day event that includes a welcome session, a school walking tour, a financial aid session, lunch, and of course the interview itself. Here are some recommendations for the day of your interview: Dress right. For men, suits are most common. You want to...

When should you start prepping for your interview? As soon as you get that invite! So let’s jump right in… Below you’ll find 9 tips to help you become perfectly prepared for your interview: Stay informed. It’s important that you know what’s going on in the world of medicine. Stay abreast of...

Your primary app is submitted and your secondaries are in. Each step in the application process is bringing you closer to your goal of med school acceptance and the next phase of your training as you prepare to become a physician. The next step? The med school interview. Getting an interview...

I recently finished my term on our Admissions Committee as a full voting member. It was an honor to have been an integral part in helping people achieve their dreams through finding the perfect medical school (for some people) – a place I love calling home. After interviewing dozens of...

Hello everybody! I hope you are all doing great, remaining strong through your studies, shifts, or the particular endeavor(s) you are currently undertaking. I will be applying to Psychiatry positions during this ERAS season. If possible I wished to gather a list of the most commendable...

Hello everybody! I hope you are all doing great, remaining strong through your studies, shifts, or the particular endeavor(s) you are currently undertaking. I will be applying to Psychiatry positions during this ERAS season. If possible I wished to gather a list of the most commendable...

So my everything is in on AADSAS! Only heard back from NYU stating they got everything. Should I contact schools to make sure they received everything? Should I contact schools that received everything, when people usually expect an interview invitation? This waiting just making me a bit...

I couldn't find this discussed anywhere as it is pretty specific. I am writing a particular secondary essay regarding "challenges in becoming a physician". The challenge that I have identified is actually exemplified in an MMI from the school I am a reapplicant to. Essentially my question is...

Since the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format can be difficult to prepare for, this post will give you four specific strategies for success to help you with the different stations: traditional interview questions, ethical questions, collaborative activities, and fake scenarios with actors...

As an out of state student interviewing at a medical school, how would you suggest one should go about researching the location to create an answer for "Why do you want to study medicine in (city/state/location)?" Thank you.

I've read much about Professional School interview attires here on SDN. Though the general consensus is to go for a conservative look, I think it really won't matter that much as long as I don't go for something crazy. My question is for those of you with experience in professional...

Hello, I'm applying MD only, and wondering how to properly communicate my interest in clinical research in both my secondary essays and if/when I get interviews, without giving off the impression that I'm more interested in research than medicine. I've seen various comments on here in different...

Hello all! I am new to the SDN however I am looking forward to any insight that I can get regarding the USA flex-DPT program interview. I am currently a NC-licensed PTA looking to advance to a PT. As an "adult learner" I will be needing to continue working throughout the program as I still have...

To all planning on taking the DAT this summer or in the future, I will happily answer your questions.

So I am going to be interviewing with a PI involved in research regarding public heath and how social demographics can influence healthcare. I was wondering if any of you have tips for me in regards to our meeting?