Closed File?

[dmprice2]

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What exactly does it mean when they say that an interview is "closed file"

 

[Picklesali]

What exactly does it mean when they say that an interview is "closed file"

It means that the interviewer has not had access to your application. They don't know anything about you, so their feedback is based solely on their impression of you during the interview, and will not be biased by any preconceived opinions that could have been formed by looking at your file before meeting you.

Some schools have interviews that are completely closed file - as I just described. Others have some that only have access to part of your file (like your personal statement), others have seen everything, including your LORs.

 

[BlackSails]

It means the interviewer does not have your application file in front of him as he interviews.

 

[Dendrite]

They do not see your GPA, MCAT score, or transcript (i.e. your AMCAS application). They just know some basic information such as name and school. At some schools, however, the interviewer does know of your extra-curricular activities, but this is not at all closed-file interviews (I believe).

 

[Orange12]

I'm 100% sure and someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe "closed file" means that the interviewer knows nothing or very little about you prior to your interview. I think it's a good idea since it eliminates bias toward the numbers and focuses more on the interview.

 

[Dendrite]

I'm 100% sure and someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe "closed file" means that the interviewer knows nothing or very little about you prior to your interview. I think it's a good idea since it eliminates bias toward the numbers and focuses more on the interview.

It does allow for more focus on the interview itself and the personality of the applicant. But at some closed-file interviews, it is not too rare for an interviewer to ask you how you did on your MCAT or what your GPA is. They also ask if there are any "red flags" on your application.

 

[Bond8204]

A nice way to get around the "closed" nature of a closed interview is to provide a resume (adjusted for medical school interviewing rather than a job). I've found this is nice in two ways:

1) It recreates the numbers bias if you put your numbers on there. This can be positive for you if your numbers are good.

2) More important, it gives them some basis to ask questions from. One of the things that stinks about closed interviews is that they can create generalized questions that sometimes make the conversation awkward and you end up not getting everything across you might have wanted to. Giving a resume allows them to say "Oh X is interesting, why don't you tell me more about your experience with that?"

I've brought my resume to 3 interviews and it was highly appreciated and received by 2 of them. The one who cast it aside was an open interview, the two who appreciated it were closed.

 

[dmprice2]

I thought this might be what "closed file" meant, just wanted to make sure.

 

[sunny1]

A nice way to get around the "closed" nature of a closed interview is to provide a resume (adjusted for medical school interviewing rather than a job). I've found this is nice in two ways:

1) It recreates the numbers bias if you put your numbers on there. This can be positive for you if your numbers are good.

2) More important, it gives them some basis to ask questions from. One of the things that stinks about closed interviews is that they can create generalized questions that sometimes make the conversation awkward and you end up not getting everything across you might have wanted to. Giving a resume allows them to say "Oh X is interesting, why don't you tell me more about your experience with that?"

That's an interesting idea, thanks!

 

[Mr hawkings]

I thought this might be what "closed file" meant, just wanted to make sure.

Do they (either interviewer or other adcom) then look at the file after the interview?
I guess my question is, at that point is your future dependent soleley on your interview or are your numbers going to be considered again.

 

[Dendrite]

Do they (either interviewer or other adcom) then look at the file after the interview?
I guess my question is, at that point is your future dependent soleley on your interview or are your numbers going to be considered again.

After your closed file interview, the interviewer(s) and the rest of the Admissions Committee meet one day and review your entire file. The interviewer(s) is(are) there to defend you as a candidate, and the entire committee takes a look at your primary application, secondary application, LOR's, and the testimony of the interviewers before a decision is made.

So your stats are considered after the interview is over.