All kinds of questions about interviews, applications in general

[RachelElizabeth]

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I have some interviews coming up and I have a few oddly specific questions I was hoping some of you could help me with.

1. For those of you who have interviewed at NYCPM, did you stay at the Hotel Newton? If so, would you recommend it?

2. Ditto TUSPM/Doubletree Hotel.

3. I'm also applying to MD programs. I in no way consider podiatry a backup plan or second choice, I consider it an equally desirable career path. I was planning on being honest about that to interviewers, but a few people have told me not to mention the fact that I'm applying to allopathic schools. Do any of you have advice on this? Obviously I would prefer to be forthcoming, but I'd also like to, you know, not be rejected immediately for saying something I should have known not to say.

4. Will my interviewers think less of me if(when) I wear grossly impractical high heels???

5. Have any of your been invited to interview at CSPM or SCPM before you sent in your letters of rec?

 

[heybrother]

I have some interviews coming up and I have a few oddly specific questions I was hoping some of you could help me with.

1. For those of you who have interviewed at NYCPM, did you stay at the Hotel Newton? If so, would you recommend it?

2. Ditto TUSPM/Doubletree Hotel.

3. I'm also applying to MD programs. I in no way consider podiatry a backup plan or second choice, I consider it an equally desirable career path. I was planning on being honest about that to interviewers, but a few people have told me not to mention the fact that I'm applying to allopathic schools. Do any of you have advice on this? Obviously I would prefer to be forthcoming, but I'd also like to, you know, not be rejected immediately for saying something I should have known not to say.

4. Will my interviewers think less of me if(when) I wear grossly impractical high heels???

5. Have any of your been invited to interview at CSPM or SCPM before you sent in your letters of rec?

(2) I stayed at the Doubletree. It was very nice and I had no complaints. After my interview I walked to an Italian tapas bar and had a great meal. I expected to have a roommate, but did not. As a non-East coaster who flew in, I will tell you that the second I picked up my baggage I had people coming up to me asking me if they could drive me to the hotel. I'm a sucker so I overpaid and believed their schpiel. The price from the airport to the Doubletree and vice versa is $28 + whatever you choose to tip if you use a taxi. They do accept cards. That is cheaper than anything anyone who chases you down will offer. On the return you can either try and take the subway to the airport or pay $10 to be on a shuttle that will get you there, but will hit up other hotels on the way. I'm just throwing this out there because interviewing at a lot of places can be expensive so options are good.

(3) In theory, they already know because if you were honest you indicated on your application that you are applying allopathic also. I won't claim to be an expert, but I think the goal of any interview is to drive it towards your strengths. If you have strong stats then there isn't likely to be a big focus on your coursework or MCAT. I assume you've shadowed a podiatrist - talking about your experiences shadowing would be a path I'd recommend. You'll ideally have a lot to say and they'll have a lot to ask. My podiatry interviews didn't ask me about what other podiatry schools I was applying to (perhaps they already know) so why bring MD into it?

(4) Depending on where you interview you honestly may have a lot of walking to do. Good news though. You can treat your own bunions down the road.

(5) I applied everywhere but Arizona and received interview invites everywhere but Scholl before my complete set of letters were in. Scholl did not offer an interview until I had 3 letters in. I probably had 1 rec + 1 podiatry in at the time I started receiving invites, but the invites really started once my transcripts verified - literally the day of and the day after (MCAT was in already).

Last thought if you haven't submitted your apps yet - apply only where you really actually want to go. I applied everywhere - at 8/9 schools. I received interviews at all 8 I applied to. To be honest, there were quite a few I would never have wanted...even if they'd been the only ones I received interviews too. Think about it, read the "what are my chances threads" and apply where you would actually live.

 

[arez10]

(I only interviewed at TUSPM so my responses are based on only this school)

2)I loved staying the Doubletree. If you've never stayed at one before, you will fall in love with the free cookie. I had a really good cheesesteak at the bar for dinner.

3)To be on the safe side, don't mention you are applying to MD programs. You need to show commitment to podiatry. There are so many students who used podiatry as a back up plan that I just don't think it would look good, even if you swore to the interviewer that you have equal interest in both fields.

4) Maybe, maybe not. Bottom line is whoever is interviewing you is trained to look at feet all the time. It doesn't seem very practical when you're going to podiatry to wear big heels, and also not practical considering the interview (at Temple, at least) is hours long. The tour and interview at Temple was from like 8am to after 1. Flats are perfectly fashionable and practical, too.

Sorry if I come off as too harsh, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

 

[dpm2016tx]

1. Yeah, I stayed there. it is good if you are visiting alone since they provide very small room and in includes single bed.

2. I didn't stay at double tree. In my case they told me they were full for that day bc they had some event going on that weekend. sorry!

3. I wouldn't mention unless they ask me. I wouldn't mention about other choices at all. For us it is equally desirable but they may sound like it is a back up plan and might give negative impact.

4. I would suggest flat shoes since you will have walk, take stairs many times and stuff like that. It is very convenient if you wear something that is comfortable for 4-5 hours.

5. Scholl waited for letters and CSPM did not.

 

[G8RB8]

I'm not trying to scare anyone, but when I was there two people were shot and killed about 20 feet from the entrance of the hotel.

http://www.phillytrib.com/newsarticles/item/1554-2-charged-in-fatal-weekend-shooting.html

@arez10: Doubletree cookies are awesome.

 

[flyhi]

Yipes, G8RB8!

3. This should already be on your application, so I would be prepared to discuss it. I had written in my PS that a loooong time ago I had considered orthopedics. They questioned me about why podiatry and not ortho? Honesty is always the best policy in an interview, but sometimes saying less is best if you are not asked. Don't worry, the feel of the interview should direct you on how much/how little to say.

4. I wore very nice loafers with a good sized heel. They worked nicely because 1. they were comfortable, 2. they were stylish (kind of like a textured patent leather, with a buckle over toes) 3. They still had the effect I like when wearing a suit - my suits are designed to be worn with heels (would drag on ground without) and it makes them hang so much better 4. They have non-skid soles so you are OK outside and you won't take the chance of hitting an ice spot, or very buffed floor and end up doing the splits in front of 20 students in the clinic . 5. They have a boxy heel (not a spike), so you have much more stability. You will be doing a LOT of walking...up and down stairs, inside/outside, etc. Be practical, yet stylish and comfortable.

 

[arez10]

I'm not trying to scare anyone, but when I was there two people were shot and killed about 20 feet from the entrance of the hotel.

http://www.phillytrib.com/newsarticles/item/1554-2-charged-in-fatal-weekend-shooting.html

@arez10: Doubletree cookies are awesome.

Yes they are 😀

FYI a shooting in center city is NOT a common occurrence. Especially by the Doubletree which is near the start of Rittenhouse, a very nice neighborhood.

 

[bobdolerson]

Be honest about what you're doing, but you don't have to tell anyone every bit of information about yourself.

Rule of thumb is it's better to tell an ugly truth than be caught in an ugly lie. Tell them you're applying to other schools, but also understand that everyone panders at least a little bit in the interview. The school is doing it, too...

 

[NoStress]

I have some interviews coming up and I have a few oddly specific questions I was hoping some of you could help me with.

1. For those of you who have interviewed at NYCPM, did you stay at the Hotel Newton? If so, would you recommend it?

2. Ditto TUSPM/Doubletree Hotel.

3. I'm also applying to MD programs. I in no way consider podiatry a backup plan or second choice, I consider it an equally desirable career path. I was planning on being honest about that to interviewers, but a few people have told me not to mention the fact that I'm applying to allopathic schools. Do any of you have advice on this? Obviously I would prefer to be forthcoming, but I'd also like to, you know, not be rejected immediately for saying something I should have known not to say.

4. Will my interviewers think less of me if(when) I wear grossly impractical high heels???

5. Have any of your been invited to interview at CSPM or SCPM before you sent in your letters of rec?

1. N/A

2. N/A

3. I applied to DO schools as well as Podiatry. I would not mention it unless your interviewers bring it up. Like others have said, it should have been mentioned in your application, so there's no need to emphasize on it yourself. From my experience, nobody brings it up.

4. I don't believe so. For both of my interviews, my heels were pretty high. Nobody will complain except you, depending on how far you have to walk.

5. CSPM did send me an invite before they received my letters. SCPM waited until my letters were received.