Bad interview but still got accepted?

[mdhopeful512]

Has anyone had a bad interview and still gotten in? I recently interviewed at my dream school and every part of the day was incredible except my two interviews. I didn't connect with either interviewer- they made me feel very unwelcome and were much more old-fashioned than I'm used to. I also definitely got more nervous/awkward throughout the interviews when I could sense that they weren't going how I'd hoped. Any thoughts?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Jdp00921]

While I wasn't overly nervous or awkward throughout, one of my interviews felt similar to what you are describing. I tried not to get intimidated, but one of the 3 interviewers (the one asking 90% of the questions) just did not offer any kind of hint as to what he was thinking about me. If anything, it seemed like he wasn't happy with most of my answers. Overall, if I rated my 3 interviews this cycle, this one was the lowest ranking. To my surprise, it was the school I heard back from first and I was accepted!

Also, I noticed many people on SDN feel great about an interview and then report they were rejected while many who say their interview was terrible seem to be accepted. Overall, don't overthink it too much. It's over and it was likely not as bad as you felt it was - nerves definitely create a false sense of insecurity! Good luck and I hope you get some good news soon!!

 

[Goro]

Has anyone had a bad interview and still gotten in? I recently interviewed at my dream school and every part of the day was incredible except my two interviews. I didn't connect with either interviewer- they made me feel very unwelcome and were much more old-fashioned than I'm used to. I also definitely got more nervous/awkward throughout the interviews when I could sense that they weren't going how I'd hoped. Any thoughts?

Most people are terrible judges of their own interview performances. What might be bad to you can still be OK in the interviewers's eyes.

 

[DBC03]

I had a disastrous interview day where everything from rescheduling due to a hurricane, to almost not having a suit until very late the night before, to getting lost at the school and walking in as the whole process was starting, to tearing a massive hole in my hose, to having an ethical argument with an interviewer (who also contradicted everything I said). It was an awful day on so many levels. I was sure I would be rejected. Needless to say I was accepted. So I think it is really hard for us to gauge how we come off as well as to predict the outcome.


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

 

[Dr. Souk]

Most people are terrible judges of their own interview performances. What might be bad to you can still be OK in the interviewers's eyes.

Agree - you don't necessarily know how well you did. Don't ruminate too much over it, if you can 🙂

 

[seedbrage]

I had a disastrous interview day where everything from rescheduling due to a hurricane, to almost not having a suit until very late the night before, to getting lost at the school and walking in as the whole process was starting, to tearing a massive hole in my hose, to having an ethical argument with an interviewer (who also contradicted everything I said). It was an awful day on so many levels. I was sure I would be rejected. Needless to say I was accepted. So I think it is really hard for us to gauge how we come off as well as to predict the outcome.


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

You have some good juju my friend

 

[Piglet2020]

I had a disastrous interview day where everything from rescheduling due to a hurricane, to almost not having a suit until very late the night before, to getting lost at the school and walking in as the whole process was starting, to tearing a massive hole in my hose, to having an ethical argument with an interviewer (who also contradicted everything I said). It was an awful day on so many levels. I was sure I would be rejected. Needless to say I was accepted. So I think it is really hard for us to gauge how we come off as well as to predict the outcome.


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

 

[MasterOfTheSelfie]

On the other side of things, I had what I thought were two really good interviews at one of my top choices recently, and was ultimately rejected! Try not to drive yourself crazy analyzing the performance of your interview, because at the end of the day what's done is done.

 

[mdhopeful512]

Update: despite my off interview day, this interview ended up leading to my first med school acceptance! I appreciate all of your help!

 

[futuremd1988]

Update: despite my off interview day, this interview ended up leading to my first med school acceptance! I appreciate all of your help!

That is amazing, congrats!!

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

@Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM @Catalystik

I understand why an applicant might think an interview is bad but get accepted.

But why might an applicant think an interview went well but not get accepted?

 

[LizzyM]

@Goro @gyngyn @LizzyM @Catalystik

I understand why an applicant might think an interview is bad but get accepted.

But why might an applicant think an interview went well but not get accepted?

Because we can be very good at being pleasant toward an applicant despite coming to the realization that the applicant is not suitable for admission.

 

[bunnyluvr]

I understand why an applicant might think an interview is bad but get accepted.

But why might an applicant think an interview went well but not get accepted?

And because the interview isn't the only thing you're being judged on. Your entire application is reviewed after the interview

 

[DBC03]

Because we can be very good at being pleasant toward an applicant despite coming to the realization that the applicant is not suitable for admission.

This was one of the most difficult aspect of my MMI - many interviewers kept a straight face and it was so difficult to gauge how the interviews went. But I guess it would be that way regardless, so maybe it’s better knowing they are purposefully doing that.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[gyngyn]

But why might an applicant think an interview went well but not get accepted?

Everyone should leave feeling good about their interaction.

 

[Goro]

Update: despite my off interview day, this interview ended up leading to my first med school acceptance! I appreciate all of your help!

😍😍😍👍👍👍

Now go read this:
Goro's Guide to Success in Medical School (2017 edition)