Interviewing here on Friday. I have questions about the essay, how long did it have to be and was it an ethical question? Also did they ask you any really ethical/political questions on the interview? THanks!! soo nervous!
There was no length given for the essay. You have one blank sheet of paper. Some people wrote a draft in a notebook, but I didn't think this was necessary. I think the questions were generally very simple and I wouldn't stress about the essay at all. They are generally ethical type questions (medical or academic), but nothing tricky. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer for many of the questions. Here is some general advice I have for ethical questions:
Explain your reasoning, and try to think beyond what the question is asking you. Think of the WHY when thinking about your answer. Not just WHY do you choose option A over option B (you must do this in your answer of course). Think about the possible causes leading up to the scenario, and how these factors might affect your actions. Things are not usually black and white--explore the gray area and put yourself in the shoes of the people involved. Be doctor-like and be compassionate and get more information. This applies to EVERY prompt, but they distract you from this by asking simple non-medical questions. I know that people were falling into this trap and losing a simple opportunity to shine to the excom.
Edit: I thought of a good example to show my point. This was from an admissions open house at the UW so I want to give them credit. The situation consisted of a patient who has been waiting on a transplant list comes to you and says they want to go to Thailand to get their transplant. What do you do? Wrongish answers: "okay, how can I help with that?" or "you shouldn't get a transplant in Thailand." Good answer components: find out why the patient wants a transplant abroad, why Thailand specifically, what they know about transplant safety in Thailand, and what info you can look up. Makes sense, right? Now, think of similar good responses to a person thinking about buying a car abroad. Now, think of similar things to think about when a friend tells you they want to rob a bank. Hopefully you are still thinking "why?" and "what are the underlying concerns?" and "how can I help this individual?". It's not a simple "do it/don't do it" or right vs. wrong question! This is the mindset can be applied to a number of questions. As far as I know none of these are Drexel questions, but this strategy will help.
I hope that makes sense--I'm trying not to give away too much info about their essay questions (which would be unethical) but still provide some useful general advice. During the day people were discussing their questions and answers and I heard varying approaches. Not all questions are straight up ethical. Some were personal and reflective and therefore my strategy does not apply.
Which reminds me, don't talk about your exact questions or answers to the other interviewees during interview day! Don't even be tempted!! PLEASE! There are many reasons--it's very unprofessional plus I may or may not have seen some cheating going on. There are plenty of other things to talk about! And you WILL be chatting a lot during the extensive down time. Tell a funny story, people will like that.
I would like to add that I spent about 10 minutes on my essay and I think it was pretty solid. Take it seriously, but don't stress about it! If you want to review bioethics, the UW has a FANTASTIC site
here
Faculty interviews: Most seemed to be downtown at the hospital, so plan that you will be taking a shuttle ride there during the day. The shuttle is easy to find and they will tell you exactly when and where to go. I don't know why people make a big deal out of this. My interviewer was nice and the stress level was moderate. They were very interested in where else I was applying. There were no political or ethical questions.
student interviewers: they are not pre-determined and you have to hang out in a room with the other interviewees until a student is available. This part of the interview day was very random--you have no idea when someone will pop into the room and call your name. Also, some students seemed to be grillers. Mine was not at all. They talked a lot about the school and kept asking if I had questions. I had to take initiative to tell them about myself when it seemed natural--I can't really remember them asking me any direct questions. My student interview was VERY long (more than one hour!) and very conversational. So be prepared for every type of student: be ready to answer a bunch of questions, have a bunch of questions ready to ask (the "what's it like to be a Drexel student?" variety), and make sure they find out about your achievements and interests if they don't ask you directly! Keep in mind that school/life balance is important at Drexel. Make sure you know about the two curricula and which fits your learning style and WHY (with examples).
Well that was a lot. Oops. I hope it's helpful.