Goro’s guide to interviews

[raindropx]

Calm down there IK Enemkpali.

what? it seemed like a reasonable idea

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[blackroses]

I once interviewed a young lady who turned beet red from the neck down. There's some physiological explanation for this, but I forgot the mechanism and the name. I have no problem with blushing, nor a slight stammer.

If interviewees are aware that they have a condition that can cause excessive blushing, would you prefer they acknowledge it or just continue with their interview? On one hand, I feel like it's a bit ridiculous to interrupt the flow of an interview to explain that blushing is not due to anything controllable, but on the other hand, I would also hate for an interviewer to think that the blushing might be due to difficulty in social situations.

 

[neekzg]

^Somewhat related but I have a genetic disorder called trembling chin that causes involuntary chin spasms which tends to manifest if I'm anxious/nervous or have had a lot of caffeine stimulant. It isn't very severe--I can consciously make an effort to keep it from spasming (sometimes I don't even realize it is happening, but I would be quite conscious/cognizant about it during a 'stressful' situation like an interview). Would be interested to know if interviewers have ever seen that before and how they'd react to it.

 

[Goro]

In over a decade's worth of interviews, I've seen this maybe twice. So don't go out of the way with it...no one would ever get rejected from it.

If interviewees are aware that they have a condition that can cause excessive blushing, would you prefer they acknowledge it or just continue with their interview? On one hand, I feel like it's a bit ridiculous to interrupt the flow of an interview to explain that blushing is not due to anything controllable, but on the other hand, I would also hate for an interviewer to think that the blushing might be due to difficulty in social situations.

Never seen it! I'd have to see you in action before saying how I'd interpret your interview.

^Somewhat related but I have a genetic disorder called trembling chin that causes involuntary chin spasms which tends to manifest if I'm anxious/nervous or have had a lot of caffeine stimulant. It isn't very severe--I can consciously make an effort to keep it from spasming (sometimes I don't even realize it is happening, but I would be quite conscious/cognizant about it during a 'stressful' situation like an interview). Would be interested to know if interviewers have ever seen that before and how they'd react to it.

 

[avgn]

Never seen it! I'd have to see you in action before saying how I'd interpret your interview.

OP you should upload a YouTube video for @Goro to see!

 

[neekzg]

They're called geniospasms (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geniospasm) . Haha to be honest I would probably just make the conscious effort to keep my chin from spasming if I could feel it during an interview, so that it would be a non-issue. In the past it's just been distracting to try and focus on the interviewer's questions and making a good impression while also flexing my mentalis to prevent spasms. But as I said--really not a big deal.

 

[Easonred57]

I know of an interviewer at one school who has Parkinson's; he has a relatively flat affect as well, and some of the medical students he interviewed with felt rather intimidated. Obviously, they did well in their interviews and just didn't realize it due to the lack of nonverbal feedback and vocal pitch cues. He's a super nice guy, it just doesn't come across sometimes.

 

[jl lin]

They're called geniospasms (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geniospasm) . Haha to be honest I would probably just make the conscious effort to keep my chin from spasming if I could feel it during an interview, so that it would be a non-issue. In the past it's just been distracting to try and focus on the interviewer's questions and making a good impression while also flexing my mentalis to prevent spasms. But as I said--really not a big deal.

Have you sought any consultation and treatment for your movement disorder?

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/9501/geniospasm/resources/8

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/9501/geniospasm/case/24258/case-questions#2314


It's sad to feel the need to treat something that may be more of a problem for others than you. But people are the way they are. When I have observed how people respond to others, for any number of reasons, people in general will either write a person off as weird--overly nervous/awkward or they will out and out ask the person about it. Personally, if it were me, I'd prefer dealing with the latter over the former kinds of people. Just come out and ask, period.
You just don't know who will do what with how you present. One thing sad that I have found out with people, in general, is that perception is the reality for them, and not necessarily reality.

I don't have your disorder; but as a stretched example, I will tell you that I can be a very gregarious person. Some people are great with that. Others are not. Hence, I have learned, especially while working in healthcare, to be kind but not too chatty. It's hard to change your personality; however, I had to learn to size up the people with whom I am interacting and adjust my responses according to their presentation and non-verbal signals. It also helps to know that there is often so much to be done will working in healthcare--at least in my area of work--that you really have to reduce if not totally cut short even professional, social interactions. It's a balancing act sometimes, and I am a warm and fuzzy kind of person; but I've had to learn to be more focused on the priority at hand, even though I know that most patients and family want to see that you are genuinely caring.

And, well, some folks are just more on the aloof side, and they may not quite "get" those of us with warmer personalities. We can't change who we are; but we can adjust to accommodate to others as may be necessary--knowing that people are people--and there are all kinds of people.

Some professional folks may even see a gregarious nature as a weakness, though I completely disagree with this. It's just something I have to carefully moderate.

Point is, even if you learn how to read people better, there is no telling how people will take you--and in a fair amount of cases, their judgments may be unfair.

Now, what I described above is quite different from your issue; but I can control my stuff in my head. Your situation is such that you may not be able to effectively control it in your head--even if you try very hard. IDK. But if you can't, you may want to see a specialists that can offer you suggestions or treatments, if you haven't already. I say this b/c in general, people and their tendency to unfairly misjudge, at least initially, is not something any of us can count on changing.


I have taken care of kids with Moebius Syndrome, not yet surgically corrected. It becomes an issue for them when they get to be school-age children. They are not smiling NOT because they are cold SOBs. But parents tend to try surgical treatments for innervation around this time; b/c these children cannot give the expected, nonverbal responses, and they are misunderstood and treated differently.

As for the flushing person, see your doc about possible suggestions for dealing with it. Hold off on the niacin until after the interview if you can. Seriously, try slow deep-breathing--stuff you learn from yoga techniques. IDK, if I had to, I'd put small, cooling packs, discretely, somewhere close to by body. I'd lay off the caffeine, and drink lot of pure water, if tolerable.

If all else fails, just keep focused on the interview, remembering that regardless of all the brouhaha, interviews are supposed to be for the benefit of both the people interviewing for the program AS well as for the interviewee--meaning, don't be a smart ass, but you still want to get a feel for if the school or program is for you as well. It's not only all about them.

 

[neekzg]

Have you sought any consultation and treatment for your movement disorder?

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/9501/geniospasm/resources/8

https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/9501/geniospasm/case/24258/case-questions#2314


It's sad to feel the need to treat something that may be more of a problem for others than you. But people are the way they are. When I have observed how people respond to others, for any number of reasons, people in general will either write a person off as weird--overly nervous/awkward or they will out and out ask the person about it. Personally, if it were me...

Thanks for the info! Might be useful for someone who has more of a problem with it. It's truly not enough a problem for me to want to seek treatment. Thankfully I'm quite confident with myself in interviews; it's a mere minor annoyance to remember to keep my chin from the spasms haha.

It will help my nerves (and consequently the geniospasms) to keep in mind that the interview is meant for me to learn about the school as well so I shouldn't be too nervous!

 

[jl lin]

Thanks for the info! Might be useful for someone who has more of a problem with it. It's truly not enough a problem for me to want to seek treatment. Thankfully I'm quite confident with myself in interviews; it's a mere minor annoyance to remember to keep my chin from the spasms haha.

It will help my nerves (and consequently the geniospasms) to keep in mind that the interview is meant for me to learn about the school as well so I shouldn't be too nervous!

 

[Throwaway3434]

.

 

[mehc012]

In the US, most people who hear 'Israeli' may as well hear 'Jewish'. Yes, I know it's a bit more complicated than that - there are some ways for non-Jewish folks to become citizens, and you did only say that you were born there, not that you were a citizen - but for all intents and purposes, you did mention your religion in your app.

Now, you are right that the interviewer could have asked the question more generically, but it was a standard question that he happened to ground in something you discussed in your application. The potential inappropriateness, in my mind, is the leap from 'born in Israel' to 'Jewish' which, as per above, is understandable, if not 100% accurate. The words 'Jewish' and 'Muslim' are not insults, btw, which your disclaimer about him being the one to use them seems to imply.

I'm sorry you felt uncomfortable, and the guy could probably have avoided that by asking the question more generically. But my completely irrelevant, non-adcom opinion is that he didn't majorly cross a line or anything since you discussed it in your secondary of your own accord, even if you didn't equate the two yourself.

 

[raindropx]

You said it was a good interview and didn't even feel uncomfortable till someone else said you should feel that way. Let it go.

 

[avgn]

Hi Goro, thank you for creating this thread and giving such helpful advice. I wanted to ask about an interview question I was asked this week and whether it was appropriate. At the time, I was kind of on a high because I felt my first interview that day had gone well, and I was really excited to be there. When I got home and talked about my interview with my spouse, he pointed out that this may have been an inappropriate question to ask. FWIW, this interviewer is new to the school and therefore new to interviewing there.

And now, the question: I was born in Israel and I mentioned this in my secondary, as it was important to my development. Was it appropriate for the interviewer to ask me if I'm Jewish, and then follow-up with whether I would provide equal treatment to someone like him, given than he is a Muslim? I am not adding the words "Jewish" and "Muslim" of my own accord; he used those words. I was a little thrown off, but I answered. I don't know if I'm being too sensitive, but I feel like this question could have been asked without asking me my religion. He could have asked about equal treatment more generally.

If you could avoid quoting me, that would be very much appreciated. I would really like to hear your advice, but I want to remain as anonymous as possible so I may edit my post later. Thank you.

ETA: not sure if it was clear above, but no where in my application do I mention my religion at all. I only mentioned I was born in Israel.

Why are religious people so sensitive? He asked you a standard question about religion as it relates to ethics. What are you going to do? Report him? lol.

P.S. Jewish and Muslim are not bad words. You make it sound like he cursed at you or something

 

[SweetCaroline7]

I completely disagree. It is inappropriate to have asked this question because they should not have asked about your religious or political beliefs.

 

[raindropx]

I completely disagree. It is inappropriate to have asked this question because they should not have asked about your religious or political beliefs.

If you want to get into med school, grow a thick skin. Do you think patients or anyone for that matter will never ask "offensive" questions?

 

[mehc012]

Why are Jews so sensitive? He asked you a standard question about religion as it relates to ethics. What are you going to do? Report him? lol.

P.S. Jewish and Muslim are not bad words. You make it sound like he cursed at you or something

See, your comment I find pretty inappropriate, and I'm not even Jewish.

 

[Goro]

Knowing something about geopolitics, I know that 80% of the population of Israel is Jewish (the other 20% being Arab). So the interviewer was reasonable in guessing that the you'd be Jewish.

The question about treating him the same because he's Muslim crosses a line. Would he have asked you the same question if you were wearing a crucifix?

The only way the system can get rid of bad interviewers is to inform the Admissions dean. I think that the interviewer isn't overtly bad, just inexperienced. My wily old Admissions dean has had to spank me a few times.

If you're nervous about this affecting your decision, just wait 2-3 weeks. The Adcom will have met by then and your fate determined. they're not going to go back and change anything based upon a complaint.

Hi Goro, thank you for creating this thread and giving such helpful advice. I wanted to ask about an interview question I was asked this week and whether it was appropriate. At the time, I was kind of on a high because I felt my first interview that day had gone well, and I was really excited to be there. When I got home and talked about my interview with my spouse, he pointed out that this may have been an inappropriate question to ask. FWIW, this interviewer is new to the school and therefore new to interviewing there.

And now, the question: I was born in Israel and I mentioned this in my secondary, as it was important to my development. Was it appropriate for the interviewer to ask me if I'm Jewish, and then follow-up with whether I would provide equal treatment to someone like him, given than he is a Muslim? I am not adding the words "Jewish" and "Muslim" of my own accord; he used those words. I was a little thrown off, but I answered. I don't know if I'm being too sensitive, but I feel like this question could have been asked without asking me my religion. He could have asked about equal treatment more generally.

If you could avoid quoting me, that would be very much appreciated. I would really like to hear your advice, but I want to remain as anonymous as possible so I may edit my post later. Thank you.

ETA: not sure if it was clear above, but no where in my application do I mention my religion at all. I only mentioned I was born in Israel.

 

[mehc012]

I completely disagree. It is inappropriate to have asked this question because they should not have asked about your religious or political beliefs.

They had already brought it up, if the interviewer is one of the majority of Americans who tends to consider 'Israeli' = 'Jewish'. Asking, in that case, is more like making sure you remembered the app right, like "so, you're from California, right?"

OP brought it up, and discussed it in their secondary as being of great importance to their development. They introduced their affiliation.

 

[Throwaway3434]

How did this become about whether Jews are sensitive? I simply wanted to know if an interviewer is allowed to ask you your religion if your did not mention it. I was under the impression that this was one of the "cannot ask unless told" questions.

 

[raindropx]

Knowing something about geopolitics, I know that 80% of the population of Israel is Jewish (the other 20% being Arab). So the interviewer was reasonable in guessing that the you'd be Jewish.

The question about treating him the same because he's Muslim crosses a line. Would he have asked you the same question if you were wearing a crucifix?

The only way the system can get rid of bad interviewers is to inform the Admissions dean. I think that the interviewer isn't overtly bad, just inexperienced. My wily old Admissions dean has had to spank me a few times.

If you're nervous about this affecting your decision, just wait 2-3 weeks. The Adcom will have met by then and your fate determined. they're not going to go back and change anything based upon a complaint.

There is political strife there and I think it's a reasonable ethical question. The interviewer may have been trying to see if she was ready/okay with dealing this sort of thing

 

[mehc012]

Knowing something about geopolitics, I know that 80% of the population of Israel is Jewish (the other 20% being Arab). So the interviewer was reasonable in guessing that the you'd be Jewish.

The question about treating him the same because he's Muslim crosses a line. Would he have asked you the same question if you were wearing a crucifix?

The only way the system can get rid of bad interviewers is to inform the Admissions dean. I think that the interviewer isn't overtly bad, just inexperienced. My wily old Admissions dean has had to spank me a few times.

If you're nervous about this affecting your decision, just wait 2-3 weeks. The Adcom will have met by then and your fate determined. they're not going to go back and change anything based upon a complaint.

Why wouldn't he ask the same if you're wearing a crucifix? Hell, if I were him, I'd likely wonder the same of most Americans at this point. Would the question have been as inappropriate if the interviewer had been Christian and asked it?

 

[avgn]

I completely disagree. It is inappropriate to have asked this question because they should not have asked about your religious or political beliefs.

He mentioned in his application he was born in a country widely known for its strong relationship with a religion and was thus asked an ethical question related to that background. This is an unspeakable offense for the liberal generation, but it is fair game because it was on the application. OP is just too sensitive. If an applicant wrote about political organizing activities, it would be fair game to ask what party he's affiliated with.

 

[Throwaway3434]

Thank you Goro. I appreciate the input and will proceed as suggested.

 

[mehc012]

How did this become about whether Jews are sensitive? I simply wanted to know if an interviewer is allowed to ask you your religion if your did not mention it. I was under the impression that this was one of the "cannot ask unless told" questions.

The sensitive comment was screwy. However, you did mention your religion.
Even Goro seemed to agree that the door was open there.

 

[avgn]

See, your comment I find pretty inappropriate, and I'm not even Jewish.

I have had multiple experiences myself where openly Jewish people brought up their background first and then got all defensive when people wanted to speak about it further. This is yet another instance where OP doesn't see that he initiated the conversation by writing it on his app and thinks the interviewer was being overtly offensive by prodding further.

Hence my sarcasm. Apologies if it sounded like it was in poor taste

 

[Goro]

It's an unethical question because it's prejudicial. Note that the prefix in the word is "pre-judge". The interviewer is asking a question that says assumes that Jews can't treat Muslims fairly, in the doctor-patient relationship.

Imagine if the interviewer was white and asked a black kid the same thing? Or a male asking a female?

It crosses a line.

A better question would have been "your patient is a KKK member with a swastika tattooed on his forehead, and a picture of Adolf Hitler inside a heart over on his chest.. Can you treat this patient?"

 

[mehc012]

It's an unethical question because it's prejudicial. Note that the prefix in the word is "pre-judge". The interviewer is asking a question that says assumes that Jews can't treat Muslims fairly, in the doctor-patient relationship.

Imagine if the interviewer was white and asked a black kid the same thing? Or a male asking a female?

It crosses a line.

A better question would have been "your patient is a KKK member with a swastika tattooed on his forehead, and a picture of Adolf Hitler inside a heart over on his chest.. Can you treat this patient?"

Fair enough, though I would consider practically any religious difference grounds for that question, religious differences being one of the most common historic reasons for unequal treatment.

To be honest, with the other examples you gave, it sounds as if your objection is mainly that it's too real. That is a case that could actually come up and where discrimination by somebody, though not necessarily that particular interviewee, for that reason, could actually happen.
Which...is fine, but it seems kind of funny to avoid a question because it might actually be relevant to the real world.

I do get your point, I just think it's a bit sadly ironic, looking back on it.

 

[SweetCaroline7]

He mentioned in his application he was born in a country widely known for its strong relationship with a religion and was thus asked an ethical question related to that background. This is an unspeakable offense for the liberal generation, but it is fair game because it was on the application. OP is just too sensitive. If an applicant wrote about political organizing activities, it would be fair game to ask what party he's affiliated with.

He was asked the ethical question after he was asked what religion he was. In fact, the ethical question was based on the answer of the question about religion. Applicants should expect to be asked hard ethical questions, sure, but the ethical part would have been irrelevant without the religion part. I see this question as similar to asking an applicant, "I see you were born in Ireland. Are you Catholic? Yes? Ok, would you be willing to perform an abortion?" I have no issue with the abortion part of the question, but I still think the Ireland to Catholic part is inappropriate. But maybe that's just me.

 

[mehc012]

He was asked the ethical question after he was asked what religion he was. In fact, the ethical question was based on the answer of the question about religion. Applicants should expect to be asked hard ethical questions, sure, but the ethical part would have been irrelevant without the religion part. I see this question as similar to asking an applicant, "I see you were born in Ireland. Are you Catholic? Yes? Ok, would you be willing to perform an abortion?" I have no issue with the abortion part of the question, but I still think the Ireland to Catholic part is inappropriate. But maybe that's just me.

Israel to Jewish is a bit more direct...I mean, they base their citizenship laws on religious affiliation.
But I see no problem with asking a religious person if their religion would affect their work.
As an atheist, I get asked all the time why I'm not a murderer since I apparently have no morals, and that's not a protected status.

 

[raindropx]

Fair enough, though I would consider practically any religious difference grounds for that question, religious differences being one of the most common historic reasons for unequal treatment.

To be honest, with the other examples you gave, it sounds as if your objection is mainly that it's too real. That is a case that could actually come up and where discrimination by somebody, though not necessarily that particular interviewee, for that reason, could actually happen.
Which...is fine, but it seems kind of funny to avoid a question because it might actually be relevant to the real world.

I do get your point, I just think it's a bit sadly ironic, looking back on it.

This is exactly what I was thinking. The odds of the this happening in her real practice is much much greater than goros kkk patient. What's wrong with being prepared? it SHOULD be realistic ; anyone would easily answer "yes I would treat them" because the example like goros would be so far fetched

 

[Goro]

Concur. it's prejudicial to assume that all Catholics are anti-abortion; they're not.

Abortion ethics are fair game...you just simply ask "would you perform an abortion? If not, why not? If so, why so?"

Suppose the patient was a 15 year old girl?

Suppose the patient was a 44 year old woman and the fetus has positive tests for Downs'?

One can go into different ethical variations on this riff. But note that religion doesn't has to enter the equation.

A good question for anyone born in Israel or Palestine would be "how would YOU fix the Arab-Israeli conflict?"

He was asked the ethical question after he was asked what religion he was. In fact, the ethical question was based on the answer of the question about religion. Applicants should expect to be asked hard ethical questions, sure, but the ethical part would have been irrelevant without the religion part. I see this question as similar to asking an applicant, "I see you were born in Ireland. Are you Catholic? Yes? Ok, would you be willing to perform an abortion?" I have no issue with the abortion part of the question, but I still think the Ireland to Catholic part is inappropriate. But maybe that's just me.

 

[mehc012]

Concur. it's prejudicial to assume that all Catholics are anti-abortion; they're not.

Abortion ethics are fair game...you just simply ask "would you perform an abortion? If not, why not? If so, why so?"

Suppose the patient was a 15 year old girl?

Suppose the patient was a 44 year old woman and the fetus has positive tests for Downs'?

One can go into different ethical variations on this riff. But note that religion doesn't has to enter the equation.

A good question for anyone born in Israel or Palestine would be "how would YOU fix the Arab-Israeli conflict?"

Nice explanation...I change my stance on the abortion one. Still iffy on the religious one in question (and for the record, I hate questions like "how would you fix xyz problem that multiple nations and people who have spent their lives studying it have not come up with a good solution for"...they require forced naïvete to answer anything other than "I probably couldn't." Makes me feel like a Miss America contestant.)

 

[MrTaco92]

So if a school is actually my number 1 choice and I'm interviewing there, do you guys think I'd I look like too much of a suckup if I mentioned at some point in my interview that it's my top choice? Is this something to avoid, no matter what the context of the situation/conversation is?

 

[steelersfan1243]

So if a school is actually my number 1 choice and I'm interviewing there, do you guys think I'd I look like too much of a suckup if I mentioned at some point in my interview that it's my top choice? Is this something to avoid, no matter what the context of the situation/conversation is?

I think its best to treat the interview as a first date. There are other ways to show you are highly interested than explicitly mentioning it.

 

[taco152]

Any advice on preparing for MMI?

 

[skinofteeth]

They say in polite conversation not to bring up religion, politics, or money. But med school interviews will bring up religion, politics AND money. LOL

Just dont reveal anything personal or else they will use that as bait for their next question.

 

[whitemagic]

Just finally read all 4 pages of this thread, grateful to have gained so much useful insight and advice. Thanks for your time @Goro

 

[Goro]

Guy to girl "I'll still respect you in the morning"

This is what we think of "You're my number one choice" comments.

So if a school is actually my number 1 choice and I'm interviewing there, do you guys think I'd I look like too much of a suckup if I mentioned at some point in my interview that it's my top choice? Is this something to avoid, no matter what the context of the situation/conversation is?

 

[mehc012]

Guy to girl "I'll still respect you in the morning"

This is what we think of "You're my number one choice" comments.

Damn I wish gifs were still working right now!
You, sir, are on fire!

 

[idontknowwhatnametopick]

Guy to girl "I'll still respect you in the morning"

This is what we think of "You're my number one choice" comments.

So if an interviewer asks how we rank their program, what is an appropriate way to answer that? Should we be turning it into a "what we love about this school" question?

 

[Glazedonutlove]

Going off that, we just answer honestly if they ask what other schools we applied/got interviews at correct?

 

[mehc012]

So if an interviewer asks how we rank their program, what is an appropriate way to answer that? Should we be turning it into a "what we love about this school" question?

If someone asks you whether their jeans make them look fat, you make a show of looking, even though you both already know your answer will be "of course not" and they're going to ignore it anyway.

Some people just want to hear you reiterate the cliché.

 

[avgn]

Guy to girl "I'll still respect you in the morning"

This is what we think of "You're my number one choice" comments.

Forgive me this sounds really funny but I'm not sure I get the logic behind this lol
I know that you mean it's a useless statement no one cares about. And that men (applicants) will say anything to get into a girl's pants (schools)
But I don't get the "respect" part here

Or maybe I should just go to sleep

 

[mehc012]

Forgive me this sounds really funny but I'm not sure I get the logic behind this lol
I know that you mean it's a useless statement no one cares about. And that men (applicants) will say anything to get into a girl's pants (schools)
But I don't get the "respect" part here

Or maybe I should just go to sleep

It's a statement that's only true a small fraction of the time, but people think it will get them what they want so they say it anyway.
Unless you think the respect one isn't true, in which case I envy you whatever social circles you've been wandering in!

 

[Krabbeman]

What does OP mean?

 

[starlite911]

What does OP mean?

Original poster

 

[Goro]

That would be a horrible question! It either sets you up to lie "You're my number one choice", or get rejected for being honest "You're my #3, U Penn is #1".

So if an interviewer asks how we rank their program, what is an appropriate way to answer that? Should we be turning it into a "what we love about this school" question?

Not all schools are allowed to ask this (the wily old Admissions dean has forbidden us to do ask it), but looking over the Interview Feedback section, a number of schools do. here, just tell the truth. It's OK to list other schools plusses and minuses....to me this shows a great degree of thoughtfulness.

A much better question would be "So if you got accepted to XSOM, why would you come here?"

Going off that, we just answer honestly if they ask what other schools we applied/got interviews at correct?

I love google:
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081218044312AA856QO

Forgive me this sounds really funny but I'm not sure I get the logic behind this lol
I know that you mean it's a useless statement no one cares about. And that men (applicants) will say anything to get into a girl's pants (schools)
But I don't get the "respect" part here

Or maybe I should just go to sleep

Original post; original poster.

What does OP mean?

 

[ImmunoLove]

Guy to girl "I'll still respect you in the morning"

This is what we think of "You're my number one choice" comments.

Good point...

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

Just finally read all 4 pages of this thread, grateful to have gained so much useful insight and advice. Thanks for your time @Goro

+1