Allergies and Interviews

[Algophiliac]

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Ever since my health began declining (along with my GPA, sadly) a year ago, I have been extremely sensitive to absolutely everything, and have been diagnosed with numerous allergies in the intersession.

But how, especially, do you handle food allergies on the interview trails? Gluten and oranges give me painful rashes, rice and corn result in asthma-like symptoms, as well as hives for corn, nuts can kill me...so the odds of finding something safe are dangerous and limited. I also want to feel my best for interviews, and not worry about potential symptoms. Obviously I'll be taking allergy medications with me, but I'd prefer to avoid needing them, if I can help it. I know I can bring my own food from what I've read on other threads here, but doesn't that kind of single me out?

 

[Catalystik]

A lot of people eat special diets due to religious, or health reasons, or because of social consciousness. If you are matter of fact about the issue, it won't call attention to you. With preplanning, it is often possible to arrange for a special meal at an included breakfast or lunch, but if not, either pre-eat and dine selectively in public, or provide your own food. No biggie.

 

[Ride Big Sky]

OP it really isn't a big deal. I ran into two people on one interview day that had to have special meals. I think 4 in total.

 

[tomh98]

Ever since my health began declining (along with my GPA, sadly) a year ago, I have been extremely sensitive to absolutely everything, and have been diagnosed with numerous allergies in the intersession.

But how, especially, do you handle food allergies on the interview trails? Gluten and oranges give me painful rashes, rice and corn result in asthma-like symptoms, as well as hives for corn, nuts can kill me...so the odds of finding something safe are dangerous and limited. I also want to feel my best for interviews, and not worry about potential symptoms. Obviously I'll be taking allergy medications with me, but I'd prefer to avoid needing them, if I can help it. I know I can bring my own food from what I've read on other threads here, but doesn't that kind of single me out?

Forgive me if someone already suggested this, but why don't you give the admissions office a call and see if they can arrange something that will work for you? At my last interview they tried very hard to accomodate everyone's needs. Otherwise, no, I don't think you will stand out for bringing your own lunch. People have enough on their mind that they won't even notice. Unless you bring it in a sparkly plastic lunch box 🙂

 

[Catalystik]

Unless you bring it in a sparkly plastic lunch box 🙂

You might equally try to avoid something with My Little Pony, Xena-Warrior Princess, Skeletor, or Sponge Bob Square Pants on the outside.

 

[Algophiliac]

You might equally try to avoid something with My Little Pony, Xena-Warrior Princess, Skeletor, or Sponge Bob Square Pants on the outside.

Haha, you guys are great. Thank you! 🙂 Calling ahead is something I didn't even think of, and I can definitely bring something nondescript just in case, or if accommodations are not possible.

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

Also if it makes you feel better, lunches usually consists of applicants and some 1st or 2nd year medical students. No one you need to give a crap about judging you. 😀

 

[venacontracta]

To be completely honest, I disagree with those who say nobody will notice if you bring your own food. I think people will definitely notice, but that it won't matter. First, lunch is nearly always just with applicants and students, not faculty, and second, regardless of who it is with, people will just assume the reason you brought food is due to dietary restrictions and nobody in their right mind would hold it against you.

Still, if you tell the admissions office your exact allergies and dietary restrictions in advance, they'll accommodate you. I've been at several interviews where there have been lunches set aside for people for this reason. Just let the office know as far in advance as you can. I would choose this option over bringing my own food.

 

[Helen Wheels]

Algo,

I have celiac disease and can't eat gluten so I can relate. I only went on one interview. I didn't call ahead - I was too paranoid that the admissions office would think I was too high maintenance. This is probably just my own hangup as I was only diagnosed 11 months ago and am still adjusting to my new lifestyle. I did take gluten free snack bars in my purse which came in handy as I couldn't eat very much of the provided lunch.

One thing I will say is take plenty of food/snacks with you. I didn't take much food with me because my sister said the hotel's free breakfast would have plenty of gluten free options. It didn't and since I did not have time to search for a better breakfast in an unfamiliar city the morning of my interview I had to starve through my entire 8 hour interview day. On top of that I only had one hour of sleep. I was miserable. I swear it was quite possibly the worst day of my life.

 

[underscore]

Call ahead and it's not a problem! They're in the medical field; they're going to understand medical conditions.