Group Interviews

[Ost3oclast]

Which schools do group interviews? By this I mean, interviewing multiple students at the same time. I'm trying to avoid those types of interviews at ALL costs.

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[DrWily]

LECOM Erie I know of... and that's all I can think of.

The group interview sucked balls. Regret spending the money to fly.

 

[DrMeows]

I believe both LECOM-E and LECOM-B do it, not positive on the latter though

 

[angldrps]

LECOM Erie I know of... and that's all I can think of.

The group interview sucked balls. Regret spending the money to fly.

Mind sharing why you felt this way? Any tips for the rest of us going into group interviews?

 

[DrWily]

Group interview consisted of 8 of us interviewees and two interviewers. Basically everyone just trying to one-up each other. We were given questions individually to answer, and then the group was asked an ethical question and we had to discuss it. I didn't like the setting, and it was way more nerve racking than a typical interview solo. Some people will talk way too long and cut into time for other people to talk and it's just annoying.

My Protip: save your money and skip the interview lol. But I guess just try to prepare yourself for this situation as best as you can. Get a word in or two to show that you are intelligent and then shutup and let other people make fools of themselves.

 

[angldrps]

Group interview consisted of 8 of us interviewees and two interviewers. Basically everyone just trying to one-up each other. We were given questions individually to answer, and then the group was asked an ethical question and we had to discuss it. I didn't like the setting, and it was way more nerve racking than a typical interview solo. Some people will talk way too long and cut into time for other people to talk and it's just annoying.

My Protip: save your money and skip the interview lol. But I guess just try to prepare yourself for this situation as best as you can. Get a word in or two to show that you are intelligent and then shutup and let other people make fools of themselves.

sounds like a nightmare, but thanks for the info which will at least help me mentally prepare myself for this situation.

 

[psychgirrrl]

Group interview consisted of 8 of us interviewees and two interviewers. Basically everyone just trying to one-up each other. We were given questions individually to answer, and then the group was asked an ethical question and we had to discuss it. I didn't like the setting, and it was way more nerve racking than a typical interview solo. Some people will talk way too long and cut into time for other people to talk and it's just annoying.

My Protip: save your money and skip the interview lol. But I guess just try to prepare yourself for this situation as best as you can. Get a word in or two to show that you are intelligent and then shutup and let other people make fools of themselves.

Thanks for the tip, I am hoping I get an interview at one of the LECOMs so... I will keep this in mind.

 

[Veritas23]

Group interview consisted of 8 of us interviewees and two interviewers. Basically everyone just trying to one-up each other. We were given questions individually to answer, and then the group was asked an ethical question and we had to discuss it. I didn't like the setting, and it was way more nerve racking than a typical interview solo. Some people will talk way too long and cut into time for other people to talk and it's just annoying.

My Protip: save your money and skip the interview lol. But I guess just try to prepare yourself for this situation as best as you can. Get a word in or two to show that you are intelligent and then shutup and let other people make fools of themselves.

While I agree with a lot of this having just done a group interview at LECOM-E this past Friday I don't think it's something that should detract you from attending the interview itself. I think that it's definitely not as good as a one-on-one or two-on-one interview but it's by no means a dealbreaker, if anything its a new challenge that you have to look at as such.

The first part of the interview where we introduced ourselves was my least favorite part because it seemed like people just decided to go down their resume and say why they liked osteopathic medicine... There's no "right" length for a response so some people I feel said too much (as you alluded to).

I actually really enjoyed the group part once we got past the intro's and one individual question. We talked about ethical situations such as reporting a physician who has administered the wrong medication as well as debated universal healthcare and the caveats of adopting different types of universal healthcare systems. It showed the interviewers your ability to not only respond but participate in a group conversation and not try to "hold the floor" for too long and acknowledge other points of view.

Overall I felt that it got better as it went along but I definitely prefer an open-file one-on-one format because the conversation flows more fluidly and you have less "down-time" to sit there and worry.

TLDR; just make sure you use SDN resources to your advantage to look at questions you might get and have an idea of what you might talk about (not a rehearsed answer) and participate in the enjoyable debate/discussion with poise and humility. Good luck to anyone who has an interview at LECOM-E (or B?) or another group-interview'ing school!

 

[Ost3oclast]

Man I hope LECOM-B doesnt do this. I really wanted to interview there. I think group interviews are a massive waste of time. Friends I've talked to that have gone through them say that it is horribly competitive and everyone just tries to sound better than each other.

 

[Veritas23]

Man I hope LECOM-B doesnt do this. I really wanted to interview there. I think group interviews are a massive waste of time. Friends I've talked to that have gone through them say that it is horribly competitive and everyone just tries to sound better than each other.

Definitely depends on who you get in your interview group. My group interview consisted of fairly tame/professional people so I guess that competitiveness wasn't an issue for me.

You also have to take into account that if someone comes off as a total dick and super-competitive the interviewer(s) might even see that as a negative (something they might hope to measure by doing a group interview in the first place). You have to look at it from all angles.

Just prepare and you'll be fine for LECOM-B if they do a group interview there... LECOM-B is a great program with really affordable tuition. Worth sitting in a group interview for an hour if you're interested at all in the school in my opinion.

 

[Ost3oclast]

Definitely depends on who you get in your interview group. My group interview consisted of fairly tame/professional people so I guess that competitiveness wasn't an issue for me.

You also have to take into account that if someone comes off as a total dick and super-competitive the interviewer(s) might even see that as a negative (something they might hope to measure by doing a group interview in the first place). You have to look at it from all angles.

Just prepare and you'll be fine for LECOM-B if they do a group interview there... LECOM-B is a great program with really affordable tuition. Worth sitting in a group interview for an hour if you're interested at all in the school in my opinion.

I'll have to think about it. The friends I talked to all do group interviews at MD schools, maybe it will be different?

 

[DrWily]

I got into a debate with another person over the "administered wrong medication" question like she had it out for me, so we went at it and I ended up saying something that I regretted later (this particular discussion is probably the reason why I was waitlisted). This plus the fact that I dropped my wallet on a connecting flight with cash and the small BFE feel of Erie did not make for a good interviewing environment (for me). However, I did meet a cool dude during my trip who now attends Western and we keep in touch so...

However, I talked with other interview groups at Erie and they said that they discussed the science behind homebrewing beer for the one hour so not all interview groups are equal I suppose.

 

[Ost3oclast]

I got into a debate with another person over the "administered wrong medication" question like she had it out for me, so we went at it and I ended up saying something that I regretted later (this particular discussion is probably the reason why I was waitlisted). This plus the fact that I dropped my wallet on a connecting flight with cash and the small BFE feel of Erie did not make for a good interviewing environment (for me). However, I did meet a cool dude during my trip who now attends Western and we keep in touch so...

However, I talked with other interview groups at Erie and they said that they discussed the science behind homebrewing beer for the one hour so not all interview groups are equal I suppose.

Yea I'm worried about the super gunners man. They are so irritating. Obviously I want to do the best I can but not at the expense of others. A group interview with a girl like you describe is my worst nightmare.

 

[Veritas23]

I'll have to think about it. The friends I talked to all do group interviews at MD schools, maybe it will be different?

You've jumped through flaming hoola-hoops with all of the work on AMCAS/AACOMAS, MCAT, tough science courses and beyond... to not go through with an interview because it's a group interview and miss out on finding a program you really like I think is silly. I don't think it'd be any different at an MD program because as DrWily has made clear its so group and interviewer-dependent.

I got into a debate with another person over the "administered wrong medication" question like she had it out for me, so we went at it and I ended up saying something that I regretted later (this particular discussion is probably the reason why I was waitlisted). This plus the fact that I dropped my wallet on a connecting flight with cash and the small BFE feel of Erie did not make for a good interviewing environment (for me). However, I did meet a cool dude during my trip who now attends Western and we keep in touch so...

However, I talked with other interview groups at Erie and they said that they discussed the science behind homebrewing beer for the one hour so not all interview groups are equal I suppose.

Yeah that's the worst. There's no right way to respond in that situation because you want to stand your ground and be proud of your opinion but you also want to understand and hear others opinions. That sucks you got singled out. Erie isn't exactly my cup of tea either but the way I look at it is cheap as hell tuition for the two years I'm there and then I'm wherever I want because of their great rotation programs (not to mention an in-house AOA Ophthalmology residency you're favored for...).

I wish we talked about homebrewing... I'm a huge micro-brew/homebrew fan! I guess group interviews are just more variable than an individual interview. I just feel like it shouldn't be something that detracts from someone going through with it. If it's a school that's on the bottom of your list and you have tons of invites I could understand though.

 

[toxicwombat]

Group interview consisted of 8 of us interviewees and two interviewers. Basically everyone just trying to one-up each other. We were given questions individually to answer, and then the group was asked an ethical question and we had to discuss it. I didn't like the setting, and it was way more nerve racking than a typical interview solo. Some people will talk way too long and cut into time for other people to talk and it's just annoying.

My Protip: save your money and skip the interview lol. But I guess just try to prepare yourself for this situation as best as you can. Get a word in or two to show that you are intelligent and then shutup and let other people make fools of themselves.

Exactly. It's a ridiculous format.

Let's say the school wants to assess how the applicants interact with others and make sure that none of them are complete douches... fine, that's a worthy goal, but it's a goal that can be accomplished with a very short meet-and-greet style roundtable discussion, not a lengthy interview format.

/mitoocentz

 

[toxicwombat]

Definitely depends on who you get in your interview group. My group interview consisted of fairly tame/professional people so I guess that competitiveness wasn't an issue for me.

You also have to take into account that if someone comes off as a total dick and super-competitive the interviewer(s) might even see that as a negative (something they might hope to measure by doing a group interview in the first place). You have to look at it from all angles.

Just prepare and you'll be fine for LECOM-B if they do a group interview there... LECOM-B is a great program with really affordable tuition. Worth sitting in a group interview for an hour if you're interested at all in the school in my opinion.

Exactly -- it may be used as more of a screen-out tool than screen-in.

Anyway, Veritas, I just wanted to thank you for all your input. You bring up some good points and very helpful information. I'll keep this in mind while interviewing at LECOM-B for sure.

 

[WTEngel]

It would seem to me that the strategy in these situations would be to keep the responses brief and meaningful, and let the other applicants hang themselves or come off as unappealing.

I could see hoe the group interview thing would be really good if you had a good group...but a group full of gunners would be about as much fun as sitting anywhere else with a group of gunners...that is to say it would suck.

 

[DrWily]

It would seem to me that the strategy in these situations would be to keep the responses brief and meaningful, and let the other applicants hang themselves or come off as unappealing.

This is the best strategy and I wished I had employed it properly

 

[DrWily]

I guess group interviews are just more variable than an individual interview. I just feel like it shouldn't be something that detracts from someone going through with it. If it's a school that's on the bottom of your list and you have tons of invites I could understand though.

Yes, I painted a rather bad picture of Erie and group interviews, but it was a decent (overall) experience. It was my first med school interview so I got to sweat the bullets on that one and it helped me prepare for my AZCOM interview which I ace'd perfectly.

LECOM is a good school with many things going for it so if you have any inkling that you may wish to attend, then please go to the interview. The group interview is just another part of the game. Play the game baby. Play it well.

 

[WTEngel]

I want more details on the argument you got into with the other applicant...

Just morbid curiosity on my part...

 

[DrWily]

i said a doctor's duty is to the patient and if he saw a colleague give the wrong medication, he should call his colleague out on it. She said something about like doctors have a pact or something (cant remember the term she used) about not ratting each other out basically. I was like, what da fuq, this isn't some frat where all the bros stick together no matter what. This **** affects people's health/lives. She came back with something else that I don't remember, but by this point I was embarrassed/feeling the heat from the interviewers to stand my ground but I cracked and compromised with her on the situation (which was the wrong thing to do btw.) I should have said that I respectfully disagree, and it's a moral issue that I don't agree with you. Boom, done.. stand my ground with dignity. woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I probably made it sound worse above, but it was a ****ty situation nevertheless.

 

[Ost3oclast]

i said a doctor's duty is to the patient and if he saw a colleague give the wrong medication, he should call his colleague out on it. She said something about like doctors have a pact or something (cant remember the term she used) about not ratting each other out basically. I was like, what da fuq, this isn't some frat where all the bros stick together no matter what. This **** affects people's health/lives. She came back with something else that I don't remember, but by this point I was embarrassed/feeling the heat from the interviewers to stand my ground but I cracked and compromised with her on the situation (which was the wrong thing to do btw.) I should have said that I respectfully disagree, and it's a moral issue that I don't agree with you. Boom, done.. stand my ground with dignity. woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I probably made it sound worse above, but it was a ****ty situation nevertheless.

Well you didnt stand up and punch her in the face so thats a plus.....

 

[toxicwombat]

It would seem to me that the strategy in these situations would be to keep the responses brief and meaningful, and let the other applicants hang themselves or come off as unappealing.

Agreed.

 

[angldrps]

i said a doctor's duty is to the patient and if he saw a colleague give the wrong medication, he should call his colleague out on it. She said something about like doctors have a pact or something (cant remember the term she used) about not ratting each other out basically. I was like, what da fuq, this isn't some frat where all the bros stick together no matter what. This **** affects people's health/lives. She came back with something else that I don't remember, but by this point I was embarrassed/feeling the heat from the interviewers to stand my ground but I cracked and compromised with her on the situation (which was the wrong thing to do btw.) I should have said that I respectfully disagree, and it's a moral issue that I don't agree with you. Boom, done.. stand my ground with dignity. woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I probably made it sound worse above, but it was a ****ty situation nevertheless.

I can't believe that girl actually made an argument for something that can negatively affect the patient in return. If I was the interviewer, I would be questioning her ability to distinguish right from wrong.

 

[MedPR]

I too would like to avoid group interviews.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

This interview format does not sound enjoyable....at all. Reminds me of those awful ice breaking activities you do at summer camp...but for an hour!? Isn't this suppose to be for medical school? These experiences are heavily based on the different personalities in the group that day and one gunner can ruin it for everyone. Usually group interviews in a competitive environment lead to a rather annoying engagement of one upping and douchery. I always feel filthy after these types of interactions.

 

[coolingglasses]

Sounds awful, but I'm banking on getting an interview at the LECOMs so I'll be roughing it out if I get an offer.

 

[MedPR]

This interview format does not sound enjoyable....at all. Reminds me of those awful ice breaking activities you do at summer camp...but for an hour!? Isn't this suppose to be for medical school? These experiences are heavily based on the different personalities in the group that day and one gunner can ruin it for everyone. Usually group interviews in a competitive environment lead to a rather annoying engagement of one upping and douchery. I always feel filthy after these types of interactions.

Say that when the group interview starts, then walk out. Automatic acceptance for sure.

 

[WTEngel]

i said a doctor's duty is to the patient and if he saw a colleague give the wrong medication, he should call his colleague out on it. She said something about like doctors have a pact or something (cant remember the term she used) about not ratting each other out basically. I was like, what da fuq, this isn't some frat where all the bros stick together no matter what. This **** affects people's health/lives. She came back with something else that I don't remember, but by this point I was embarrassed/feeling the heat from the interviewers to stand my ground but I cracked and compromised with her on the situation (which was the wrong thing to do btw.) I should have said that I respectfully disagree, and it's a moral issue that I don't agree with you. Boom, done.. stand my ground with dignity. woulda, coulda, shoulda.

I probably made it sound worse above, but it was a ****ty situation nevertheless.

Wow, I am surprised more people did not jump on the opportunity to nail her to the wall with that response.

Medical errors are avoided by addressing them head on with honesty when they occur, not by sweeping them under the rug. Anything other then that is not reflective of the level of integrity required to be a physician.

Oh well, like someone else said, at least you didn't call her a blithering imbecile to her face. I probably would have had to pick my jaw up off the floor.

If it is any consolation, while you may have been waitlisted, with a response like that, she might have gotten the "thanks, but no thanks" letter...

 

[DrWily]

I think the actual question regarded you as an intern see your resident or attending, which has much more authority over you, make an error. I still said it was your duty to correct it.

The term she used was common camaraderie among physicians.

 

[coolingglasses]

I think the actual question regarded you as an intern see your resident or attending, which has much more authority over you, make an error. I still said it was your duty to correct it.

The term she used was common camaraderie among physicians.

It sounds like what we see with police departments in some areas... I get it, but I would NEVER use that as justification in an interview. Patient is always always always #1.

 

[Mr Kenobi]

Say that when the group interview starts, then walk out. Automatic acceptance for sure.

 

[psychgirrrl]

I think the actual question regarded you as an intern see your resident or attending, which has much more authority over you, make an error. I still said it was your duty to correct it.

The term she used was common camaraderie among physicians.

Wow, I can't believe someone actually said that. You can't let your peers make mistakes when people's lives are at stake and law suits are just waiting to happen. Of course you would find a professional way to discuss the issue with your attending but never let it pass. This isn't really a field where a small mistake will have virtually no consequences. If anything, the "common camaraderie" would be to be watching your colleagues back and making sure they don't screw up.

I would be tempted to tell this girl she is a complete idiot and needs to get her freaking priorities straight...how I wish I was Dr. Cox....

 

[angldrps]

Wow, I can't believe someone actually said that. You can't let your peers make mistakes when people's lives are at stake and law suits are just waiting to happen. Of course you would find a professional way to discuss the issue with your attending but never let it pass. This isn't really a field where a small mistake will have virtually no consequences. If anything, the "common camaraderie" would be to be watching your colleagues back and making sure they don't screw up.

I would be tempted to tell this girl she is a complete idiot and needs to get her freaking priorities straight...how I wish I was Dr. Cox....

haha..😀