Any last minute Interview Advice?

[DimaDrill]

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hi, I am kinda nervous about my upcoming interview at CCOM on Wed. I've been reading the interview feedback here on sdn and they ask some tough questions on there. This is my first interview so I am not sure how that will go. I have 25P MCAT, 10B, 9P, 6V and a 3.93 GPA but I hear that the interviews are where the decisions are made, and the interviewers will not know my GPA and MCAT score ahead of time so I don't know. How much time do I need to put in to get ready for it. Like 8 hours 20 hours? But looking at the stats online it looks like for in-state applicants who get an interview acceptance rate is like 70% to most DO schools, its lower for out of state applicants. Any advice would be greatly appreciated guys! Thanks!

 

[Redneck]

I've just finished my interviews and I am sitting back waiting to make my decision. The following is how I prepared after the first one:
1) Be happy, make eye contact, smile, and speak with ENERGY GUSTO LIFE ENTHUSIASM (it can be difficult if you fly in that morning from somewhere...)
2) know why medicine/DO
3) Know three reasons why that school
4) know three strengths you can bring to any school
5) If any interviewer doesn't speak, smile, or grills you - just roll with it. They either rolled out of bed on the wrong side or that's just who they are and it's not a reflection upon you and how crappy you are interviewing. I could always find something with each interview that I felt I screwed up on and contributed to my impending doom. It's no big deal.
6) When it comes to lunch don't wimp out like most interviewers do and just eat a little. Seriously, eat like you mean it and enjoy the meal - because afterwards while you feel you screwed up your interview you'll be able to comfort yourself knowing you at least ate well and got a decent meal out of it.

I've come to the conclusion the schools are simply wanting to confirm that you are well adjusted, clipping in on all four cylinders, don't smell, and can hop on one foot blind folded. All you need to do is avoid putting your other foot in your mouth. So have fun, ask lots of questions, and avoid giving them a reason to kick ya to the curb, pasture, or subway (depending on where you're at).

Good Luck.

 

[dr.z]

Relax and be yourself. CCOM interviews are very laid back.

 

[DODO]

second and third what goodrain and dr.z said. they obviously want to meet you and like what they see, so just be yourself and it should be all good.

 

[JohnUC33]

Just enjoy the process. Don't dread it...look forward to it because it can be sorta fun

 

[SigPi]

if you are asked (like I was) "Say, you are shipwrecked on a deserted island and you could only bring 1 DVD, 1 book and 1 kind of food what would they be?" Dont say potatoes for food, they didnt seem to think that was a good answer --or as funny as I did. They did, however, like my choice of DVD (Castaway with Tom Hanks, to give me some hope) and Book (the US Army field survival manual). Thank god i visited BN the day before my interview and saw that on the rack, or I never would have thought of it!!

CCOM is a great school, with awesome rotations that DO NOT require you to move every month (all in chicago area) and a solid match list.

All admissions staff during my interview were super nice, students that came into our waiting room seemed friendly, enthusiastic and generally happy to be there.

Just be yourself, relax and give yourself time to think of an answer if you dont have one right off the cuff. The concensus from my interview group was that most interviewers were welcoming, fair and truely just wanted to get to know you more. Good luck! Have fun with the laid back atmosphere. Hope you get that nice phonecall acceptance!

 

[dr.z]

if you are asked (like I was) "Say, you are shipwrecked on a deserted island and you could only bring 1 DVD, 1 book and 1 kind of food what would they be?"

I was never asked this, but I don't think I could have really answered it.

 

[DimaDrill]

thanks for the advice everyone, i just hope they don't give me too many of those ethical questions. What kind of questions do you ask them at the end, I know they like it if you ask them questions.

 

[FrogE7]

I have 25P MCAT, 10B, 9P, 6V and a 3.93 GPA but I hear that the interviews are where the decisions are made, and the interviewers will not know my GPA and MCAT score ahead of time so I don't know.

I think that is exactly the point. They want to confirm that there is something behind those numbers.

 

[Redneck]

During my interviews i have said several times i have no questions. Why, because during the day I grill any student or prof or admissions person I can latch on to. Then when the interview rolls around I tell them that i've been actively questioning all day and I'm plain out of Q's. Questions aren't that pertinent in my opinion during the actual interview.

However, asking questions about them is always good. Who doesn't like to talk about themselves? 😍 Work the power of the word 😱 WHY 😱