First interviews coming up!

[doinmybest5840]

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My first two interviews are next week at NSU and KCUMB, and I'm starting to get really nervous. Does anybody have any suggestions for preparation? I've already read the last year's worth of interview feedback for both schools, although I might re-read them this weekend if I have time. I also have a mock med school interview this Friday that is being done through (and videotaped!! Crazy!) my university's career center. I plan to review my AACOMAS and secondaries as well, along with researching the schools to make sure I know a good deal about them, why I want to go there, and have some questions prepared to ask the interviewers, but am I missing something? I feel like there is probably some other crucial means of preparing myself that I am forgetting, and I don't want to ruin everything. Suggestions? Thanks so much. 🙂

 

[spicedmanna]

My first two interviews are next week at NSU and KCUMB, and I'm starting to get really nervous. Does anybody have any suggestions for preparation? I've already read the last year's worth of interview feedback for both schools, although I might re-read them this weekend if I have time. I also have a mock med school interview this Friday that is being done through (and videotaped!! Crazy!) my university's career center. I plan to review my AACOMAS and secondaries as well, along with researching the schools to make sure I know a good deal about them, why I want to go there, and have some questions prepared to ask the interviewers, but am I missing something? I feel like there is probably some other crucial means of preparing myself that I am forgetting, and I don't want to ruin everything. Suggestions? Thanks so much. 🙂

KCUMB:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=370432

Good luck! 🙂

 

[scpod]

I feel like there is probably some other crucial means of preparing myself that I am forgetting, and I don't want to ruin everything. Suggestions? Thanks so much. 🙂

There's not a lot more you can do right now. Pay attention to that video, though, and look for non-verbal things that you might want to change. However there are a few rules:

Get there EARLY! Anticipate a 45 car pileup on the Interstate the next morning. Don't try driving 400 miles the night before. Get some rest-- lots of rest. If you're flying, pack your interview day clothes in your carry-on luggage-- not in your checked bags (Ironing them is easier than waiting for them to get to you if they're lost). Relax. Relax. Relax.

 

[doinmybest5840]

Thanks, spiced! I am seriously getting worried. I'm usually fine after a minute or two, but what if I totally mess things up? I wish I could just fast forward so I could know where I'm going. I can't stand waiting. From the post you linked to, it seemed like you heard back from them pretty quickly. Is this the norm? That would be awesome to know within a few weeks whether or not I'm in somewhere. Thanks again for the help!

 

[doinmybest5840]

I'm doing all carry-on stuff, and praying that the flight attendants let me hang my suit in some closet on the plane. I'm trying to set things up to stay with students at both schools, but so far I haven't heard from either. :-\ I hope that isn't a problem. Also, do most student hosts take you to where you need to go for the interview, or at least give you good directions? All I need is to get lost. I'll have a heart attack.

 

[spicedmanna]

Thanks, spiced! I am seriously getting worried. I'm usually fine after a minute or two, but what if I totally mess things up? I wish I could just fast forward so I could know where I'm going. I can't stand waiting.

I can certainly understand your nervousness, and I think waiting is pretty much the hardest part. The whole process can be a bit intimidating. However, it isn't too bad. At KCUMB, they really try to make it pretty easy and painless. I was pretty nervous, too, at first, but then got into a pretty good conversation with my interviewers. Just take a deep breath, relax as much as possible, and be yourself. That's key, I think. Being authentic definitely helped put me at greater ease. Also, pay attention during the morning when they are going over stuff; the staff pretty much tells you what they want to hear and what they think is important. The student embassadors may even tell you a thing or two about your interviewers. 😉 Lastly, make sure to brush up on the Hx of Osteopathy.

From the post you linked to, it seemed like you heard back from them pretty quickly. Is this the norm? That would be awesome to know within a few weeks whether or not I'm in somewhere. Thanks again for the help!

It depends on when the committee meets, but in general, KCUMB is pretty quick. They'll give you some idea of when you'll hear the results.

I resemble my avatar, so if you see me walking around, wave to me. 🙂

 

[doinmybest5840]

Thanks! Also, one more question: is the interview one on one, or with several people at once? And I'll wave if I see someone who might be you, hahaha.

 

[spicedmanna]

Thanks! Also, one more question: is the interview one on one, or with several people at once? And I'll wave if I see someone who might be you, hahaha.

My interview was two on one. I had a basic science professor and a person from admissions interview me in one sitting. They took turns asking questions. I think in general it is two on one.

 

[JaggerPlate]

My first two interviews are next week at NSU and KCUMB, and I'm starting to get really nervous. Does anybody have any suggestions for preparation? I've already read the last year's worth of interview feedback for both schools, although I might re-read them this weekend if I have time. I also have a mock med school interview this Friday that is being done through (and videotaped!! Crazy!) my university's career center. I plan to review my AACOMAS and secondaries as well, along with researching the schools to make sure I know a good deal about them, why I want to go there, and have some questions prepared to ask the interviewers, but am I missing something? I feel like there is probably some other crucial means of preparing myself that I am forgetting, and I don't want to ruin everything. Suggestions? Thanks so much. 🙂

Im super jealous of you right now ... NSU and KCUMB, congrats on both of those. How are all these people nailing interviews at NSU not living in FL?? They have like 8% oos??? I seriously hope you nail both of them because they are both wonderful programs. I believe the theme around here is ' Don't stutter.' Hehehe ... Im a pre-med with no real advice to give, but in general be prepared, but relaxed and just go for it. Also, is there anything special you did to land an interview at NSU??

 

[Jpc984]

Im super jealous of you right now ... NSU and KCUMB, congrats on both of those. How are all these people nailing interviews at NSU not living in FL?? They have like 8% oos??? I seriously hope you nail both of them because they are both wonderful programs. I believe the theme around here is ' Don't stutter.' Hehehe ... Im a pre-med with no real advice to give, but in general be prepared, but relaxed and just go for it. Also, is there anything special you did to land an interview at NSU??

I think your statistic of 8% is wrong.

 

[BrianD]

I think your statistic of 8% is wrong.

Based on the 2005 stats, the 8% figure is not too far off.

 

[Jpc984]

According to US News and Report, 241 OOS were interviewed (2005 statistics) out of 1834 total. I guess it is within a couple percent of the percentage posted.

 

[doinmybest5840]

Im super jealous of you right now ... NSU and KCUMB, congrats on both of those. How are all these people nailing interviews at NSU not living in FL?? They have like 8% oos??? I seriously hope you nail both of them because they are both wonderful programs. I believe the theme around here is ' Don't stutter.' Hehehe ... Im a pre-med with no real advice to give, but in general be prepared, but relaxed and just go for it. Also, is there anything special you did to land an interview at NSU??

I don't know. I honestly didn't think I'd get an interview from NSU, because they asked for all the schools I applied to, and I applied to 30 MD schools. I figured they'd see my list and be like "Uh... no thanks."

 

[t-funk]

Hey DMB, I'm super nervous about the interview too. I'm scared they are going to interrogate me about my low amount of clinical experience and why I am leaving research. I know the answers but it's very hard to express these things when you feel like someone is judging every little thing you do or say. Hopefully, KCUMB will be easy on us. The feedback seems like they will.

 

[doinmybest5840]

I hope you're right! You're going to KCUMB on the 13th as well, right? Have you heard anything about the student hosts?

 

[orchid07]

I cant seem to think about any good questions to ask. I dont want to ask the typical questions that have no real point. What are some solid questions that should be asked on an interview.

 

[t-funk]

Yep, I still haven't heard anything.

 

[Medic2Doctor08]

Hey,

I was SUPER nervous before my Touro-NV interview last week, but, it wasn't bad at all. I've read similar things about Nova and T-NV's interview day and style in the feedback section on here (both seem very mellow). Don't sweat it too much. You've already got an interview; the hard part is over! Now just be yourself and impart on them your genuine (hopefully that's the case) desire to be a physician.

As for questions... depends on what you're into or want from a school. My T-NV was with two basic science professors and I'm interested in research. I asked them about their individual projects and backgrounds and the opportunities available to students to participate... etc. I think the important part is just to show them that you are interested in THEIR program and why with questions. Oh yeah, and to make sure that you aren't socially inept! 😀

I have a Nova interview next week on the 11th, so, maybe I'll see you all there. Good luck!

 

[JaggerPlate]

I think your statistic of 8% is wrong.

I hope so!!

 

[spicedmanna]

How'd your interviews go? 🙂

 

[Meatwad]

I hope so!!

8% OOS students at NSU? Where did you get that idea?

In the 04-05 cycle, 44.1% were in-state, 55.9% out-of-state.
In the 05-06 cycle, 52.6% were in-state, 47.4% out-of-state.

8% dude? Hardly. In 04-05, statistically you were more likely to be a non-Floridian if you went there! I'm sure this comes as great comfort to you, since I know you are gunning for NSU and eventually derm, no?

Source: http://www.aacom.org/data/annualreport/slideshow/index.html ; pgs 20-21.

 

[Jpc984]

I brought this up earlier in this thread. I think the ~8 percent comes from OOS applicants interviewed/ Total applicants. NSU does not interview a lot of people so this statistic would be low. I don't think it reflects a instate or OOS preference.

 

[doinmybest5840]

How'd your interviews go? 🙂

I don't know if you were asking me, but... my interviews went pretty well, thanks! I really liked both schools, and I can't wait to hear back from both of them. KCUMB's campus was sorta small, but other than that I really liked it. NSU was just really hot, and I don't really care for the 3 month rotation requirement. I felt like the interviewers at KCUMB were a bit nicer than the 2 of the 3 I had at NSU, but I don't want to reveal names. I really hope I get in. 🙂

 

[spicedmanna]

I don't know if you were asking me, but... my interviews went pretty well, thanks! I really liked both schools, and I can't wait to hear back from both of them. KCUMB's campus was sorta small, but other than that I really liked it. NSU was just really hot, and I don't really care for the 3 month rotation requirement. I felt like the interviewers at KCUMB were a bit nicer than the 2 of the 3 I had at NSU, but I don't want to reveal names. I really hope I get in. 🙂

Yeah, I was thinking of you, DMB, when I asked. I'm glad your interview at KCUMB went well and that it was an overall good experience. I'd like to think that our interviewers are nice. My experience last year was that it was very conversational and non-threatening; they just wanted to learn who I was. Anyway, I hope you get accepted as well. 👍 We had class pretty much the whole day (ugh), so I'm sure I wasn't around for you to wave to. 😀

I don't know how our campus compares with very many others, but I guess it can be thought of as being a bit small. However, we have pretty much everything a student could need, I think, and I often find myself appreciating the smaller size now that I'm a student, because I don't have to walk very far to get to any building I need to go to. Also, I think it's well-designed and asthetically pleasing. 🙂

 

[doinmybest5840]

Yeah, my interview was pretty conversational as well. They asked me about something on my application that they thought was funny, and when I explained the backstory they thought it was hilarious. So hopefully that will stick out in their mind when they review files. I can't wait to hear back! That's too bad that I didn't see you. What year are you? I sat in the back of the second year's lecture from about 8-8:30 that morning.

 

[spicedmanna]

I can't wait to hear back!

I bet! In my experience, KCUMB is pretty expedient. Good luck.

That's too bad that I didn't see you. What year are you? I sat in the back of the second year's lecture from about 8-8:30 that morning.

I'm a first-year student and I spend a lot of time in Classroom B. We had an immunology lecture during that time in the morning.

 

[Kuba]

I bet! In my experience, KCUMB is pretty expedient. Good luck.



I'm a first-year student and I spend a lot of time in Classroom B. We had an immunology lecture during that time in the morning.

you guys are starting off with immuno? interesting.