Selecting Schools Centralized Application Services Secondary Applications Interviews Letters of Recommendation Personal Statements Standardized Tests Financial Aid Didn't get in? Prehealth Resources

Interviewing for Professional Schools

• Interview Preparation
• Interview Day Checklist
• During the Interview
• After the Interview
• Related Links

The interview process is a very important part of the selection process. Generally, the interviewers study the applicant's file more closely than any other members of the committee and present their impressions of the applicant's case to the entire committee. The interviewer's assessment of the applicant can greatly influence the final ranking of the applicant by the admissions committee. Interviews usually take place in the Fall and Spring. Students currently applying are strongly encouraged to attend the Interview Workshop, offered early in the Fall semester. Also, you might want to schedule a mock interview at the Career Resource Center, or with a pre-health professions advisor.  Pre-Med AMSA usually provides mock interviews during each fall semester.

Visiting a school can be helpful to the applicant as well as to the admissions committee. You can learn a great deal about a school by visiting it, meeting some of its students and faculty, and having the opportunity to talk with the persons involved in reviewing your application. You can demonstrate your initiative and interest in the school by such a visit, as well as learn information which will be valuable to you during the interview if you obtain one. Most schools extend invitations for interviews to those applicants they feel have the best chances of admission. In most cases, acceptances will be offered only after the interview.

Interview Format: The interview format may vary from school to school, but it generally consists of one to three interviews, conducted on a one-on-one basis or by a committee, which last from thirty minutes to an hour. The discussions are normally friendly and open, revolving around general questions concerning your academic career, your motive for choosing a career in the health profession, and the basis for that decision. There is no formal list of questions, but some topics commonly discussed will probe your knowledge of social, ethical, and political issues affecting the current and future practice of the profession. If there is any particular weakness in your application, you can expect to be asked about it. Near the end of the interview, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the program, so be prepared with at least a couple of questions.  For more information about particular schools' interview processes, please log onto www.interviewfeedback.com

Interview Preparation

These are some exercises that may help you prepare for your interview:

• Describe your desire to enter the medical profession.
• Cite three key points that make you qualified to be a medical/dental/veterinary student.
• Note three anecdotes that illustrate your abilities to enter the profession. 
• Make sure the stories support the three key points cited earlier, describing skills you used to achieve a goal.
• Think critically about your strengths and weaknesses.
• List three questions you would ask the interviewer if given the opportunity.  They should reflect sincere interest in the profession and school.
• Find out the interview format.  If it is not sent to you in the invitation letter, call the admissions office.
• Talk to others who have interviewed at the school. 
• Read through the school’s website.  This can help generate questions.
• Read over your primary and secondary applications.  Anything listed here is a possible interview question.
• Be prepared to talk about current and controversial issues in the profession.  Read journals, listen to the news, and talk with practitioners about their experiences to expand your knowledge.
• Check out the Career Resource Center's workshops on Interviewing Techniques

Interview Day Checklist

• Arrive early.  If possible, locate the room that the interview will be held in the day before.
• Bring a snack and a drink. 
• Don’t forget copies of your application/resume (bring at least 3).
• Dress for success.  Check out the Career Resource Center's workshops on "Tips for Professional Attire"
• Do a last minute “mirror check”. 
• If you have the opportunity, meet with current students.  You want to have as much information as possible to make a good decision on whether or not the school is a good fit for you.

During the Interview

• Wait to sit until invited by the interviewer.  Once seated, try not to make distracting moves like tapping your foot.
• Make sure to get your interviewers’ names so that you can send thank you notes later.
• Maintain eye contact.  Do not look at your feet, the floor, or your hands.  This may give the perception that you are less than confident about your talents.
• Be careful about your language.  THINK before you answer.  Don’t be too wordy or talk around the questions.  Also, be careful about repeating words or phrases (“like,” “you know”).
• Do not be afraid of saying "I don't know."  It is better than making up a meaningless answer.
• Be enthusiastic and consistent in your answers.  If asked about information on your application, do not simply repeat what you’ve already listed, use this time to expand upon your experiences.
• You may be asked about ethical issues.  Remember that ethical decisions are not your opinions.  They are based on an ethical framework and may or may not be what you THINK should be done.  Ethical decisions should be based on what is the right thing to do.
• Relax.  It is natural and healthy to be a little nervous.  Try to be confident, but not overly so.
• Answer questions honestly.  Do not try to be what they want, be yourself.

After the Interview

• Soon after your interview, write down your impressions of the school and how your interview went.  Are there things you can improve upon?  What did you do particularly well?
• Not all schools want a barrage of thank you notes, but be sure to send one to each interviewer if they are welcomed.
• If a decision is not made for quite some time, you may wish to update the admissions office of new activities, new transcripts, etc.  Significant events are worth noting but do not bother them with trivial experiences.

Related Links

• Student Doctor.net provides medical and dental school interview feedback for individual schools.
• Health Profession School Interview Tips ( PDF )

--top--