Back to Back Interviews

[Paris1000]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Does anyone have any advice, tips, or tricks for pulling off back to back interviews?

So I work full time and booked one of my interviews for the Friday before Labor Day. Then I got assigned an interview for that Thursday by another school. They are a 3.5 hour drive apart, so I would also be adding on driving after the first interview on Thursday. I kept the interview dates because for my job it just looks like I am going on vacation for Labor Day and just requires less explanation on my part.
Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Cornfed101]

Does your current employer not know you are applying to medical school? I think with them being so close in distance it is fine. Just make sure your clothes are ironed and in good shape. I would also recommend preparing for the second interview in advance because you won't have a ton of time between the two.

 

[Paris1000]

Does your current employer not know you are applying to medical school? I think with them being so close in distance it is fine. Just make sure your clothes are ironed and in good shape. I would also recommend preparing for the second interview in advance because you won't have a ton of time between the two.

No they don’t. Just planning to use vacation days.

 

[Schwifty]

Congrats on the interviews! If you were flying to them I would say absolutely no for back to back; however, if its only a 3.5hr drive, I think you will be ok, just make sure you get enough sleep before each interview, and having a friend/family member drive you (like LabileEmotions said) would be preferred if possible, just so you can take a break. Also, you might want to consider bringing backup clothing for your second interview, like an extra suit/dress shirt incase you get food or something on it during the first interview. Good luck in the interviews!

 

[OchemOficionado]

I did 3 interviews in one week last cycle. Flew to 2 and drove to 1. As long as you get adequate sleep and take the time to review your secondary app for each, research each school and prepare questions to ask I think you’ll be fine. Knock them out!

 

[and 99 others]

How often do schools just assign you an interview without letting you choose? This is worrisome bc I will be out of the country for two weeks so it would suck if a school says I have to interview in that time frame.

 

[ciestar]

I did something similar to this when I applied. Biggest thing I can suggest is getting enough rest before each interview.

 

[Paris1000]

How often do schools just assign you an interview without letting you choose? This is worrisome bc I will be out of the country for two weeks so it would suck if a school says I have to interview in that time frame.

I know some schools do assign interviews, but you are always given the option to ask for another date if you have a true reason to need to reschedule. I’m sure a pre-booked international trip would qualify.

 

[and 99 others]

For me, it was 1 out of 9. Little to no flexibilty, essentially take it or leave it. But there were extenuating circumstances on their end that I was happy to comply with. For a couple of schools, there were limited dates from which to chose.

There is more flexibility earlier in the process to reschedule. Also know that many schools only open up interviews dates in something like one month blocks. So early on there is opportunity to reschedule, even if dates haven't open up yet.

I know some schools do assign interviews, but you are always given the option to ask for another date if you have a true reason to need to reschedule. I’m sure a pre-booked international trip would qualify.

Ok great, my trip is in late august early september so since that's relatively early, I hope they don't force me in to that timeframe.

LabileEmotions, what month was your assigned interview?

 

[TempuraOreos]

I did 3 interviews in one week last cycle. Flew to 2 and drove to 1. As long as you get adequate sleep and take the time to review your secondary app for each, research each school and prepare questions to ask I think you’ll be fine. Knock them out!

Have done this 3 interviews in a week too. Doable but a draining experience. Also, done back to back interviews (in the same city though so much more doable). Like everyone said make sure you have enough rest and/or caffeine to get through the day.

Also, If it won't negatively impact your employment, I'd consider letting your job know what's going on. They might be able to accommodate you more if you get more interviews.

 

[Schwifty]

How often do schools just assign you an interview without letting you choose? This is worrisome bc I will be out of the country for two weeks so it would suck if a school says I have to interview in that time frame.

I had one school assign me an interview date, but they did say I could contact them to change it if needed, that was in early December.

 

[Paris1000]

Have done this 3 interviews in a week too. Doable but a draining experience. Also, done back to back interviews (in the same city though so much more doable). Like everyone said make sure you have enough rest and/or caffeine to get through the day.

Also, If it won't negatively impact your employment, I'd consider letting your job know what's going on. They might be able to accommodate you more if you get more interviews.

Thanks for the advice! I get what you are saying about letting my employer know, but it’s the type of company you don’t tell them you are leaving until it’s time to put in your 2 weeks. They are accommodating with taking vacation though so hopefully it all works out.

 

[TempuraOreos]

Thanks for the advice! I get what you are saying about letting my employer know, but it’s the type of company you don’t tell them you are leaving until it’s time to put in your 2 weeks. They are accommodating with taking vacation though so hopefully it all works out.

Okay then. Yeah, use those vacay hours. And count down the days when you can put in those 2 weeks. It's cathartic!