how did you prepare for your interview?

[yoona]

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I have my first interview coming in about two weeks, and now I am thinking about my responses to some expected questions.

I am being a little neurotic now and I really want to do my best because this is my first choice school, and want to give perfect responses as possible. Thinking like this made me spend so much time on each question, and it made me ramble all the things that is already on my PS, and now I keep rewriting and rewriting.

Any suggestions? How did you guys prepare for your interviews?

 

[TheGloaming]

I have my first interview coming in about two weeks, and now I am thinking about my responses to some expected questions.

I am being a little neurotic now and I really want to do my best because this is my first choice school, and want to give perfect responses as possible. Thinking like this made me spend so much time on each question, and it made me ramble all the things that is already on my PS, and now I keep rewriting and rewriting.

Any suggestions? How did you guys prepare for your interviews?

I looked over the interview feedback and checked out the school's website to answer "Why this school". I would also make sure to be able to explain everything well on your app. Other than this, I personally found the less I prepared the more relaxed I was since I didn't make a huge deal out of it.

 

[Stumpyman]

Check out your universities counseling department; they always have people who will do mock interviews

 

[MediCynical]

- Perfected my 'why medicine' and 'why this school' answers
- Made a list of every possible random interview question I could think of (with answers)
- Recorded myself doing a fake interview on my laptop (did this 5-6 times per week the 2-3 weeks leading up to my interview). Talked through pretty much every question I could think of, and practiced transitioning from one topic to another in attempt to include everything I wanted to in an interview
- Mock interview with advisor

 

[Tin Man]

Do a mock interview and treat it like it's real.

You'll feel much better when it's done. I did.

 

[hiyaman]

I have a quick question, is it appropriate for an applicant to cross their legs or is that considered too casual? Also I usually use my hands when I speak... should I refrain from that practice?

 

[mrwesticles]

One thing that I did was pick up a newspaper! What's nice about a print newspaper is that each article recaps the relevant newstory, so if you read the entire thing front to back you are caught up on all current news.

Plus you have fallback fodder to talk about if you find yourself at a loss in terms of personal experience.

 

[hiyaman]

It is only permissible if you do hand movement in a manner which is reminiscent of 'the robot'.

lol, thanks I just realized how ridiculous my question was.

 

[235788]

Yeah I'm worried too about prep. I think I'm just going to go "off the cuff" on the first one, see how it works, and modify. I got three chances thus far, so hopefully i'll rock #2 and #3


There are tons of helpful youtube videos to get you up to date a certain events -- healthcare reform etc.

 

[munchymanRX]

I have my first interview coming in about two weeks, and now I am thinking about my responses to some expected questions.

I am being a little neurotic now and I really want to do my best because this is my first choice school, and want to give perfect responses as possible. Thinking like this made me spend so much time on each question, and it made me ramble all the things that is already on my PS, and now I keep rewriting and rewriting.

Any suggestions? How did you guys prepare for your interviews?

I read up a little on the school, came up with some genuine questions about their program, and answered their questions honestly. Probably spent around 20 minutes preparing for each of my interviews, mostly the night before.

My point is this: They're far more interested in an honest representation of your character and accomplishments than a flawless recount of your application. Unless it's a closed interview, which in the DO world at least is a rarity, just have a conversation with them. Quite honestly, if you read the news at least once a week and know what you were doing during those 4 years of undergrad, you'll be fine.

 

[tedwilliams1999]

Last year, a week before my interview, I was practicing answering questions in the shower. My mind was still wandering when I was shaving, and I accidentally chopped off a decent chunk off my right eyebrow.

I tried evening out the other brow to make it look symmetrical but it didn't look so good. I think as long as you don't shave off a piece of your eyebrow you should be fine for your interview!

 

[kexy]

I typed up all the common interview questions and answered them. I had my parents and friends look at the document; if you could, I'd see if a prehealth advisor would read your answers over. Don't memorize them word for word, but say them out loud enough times that you've got them down. Ask friends to ask you questions, and practice your answers/cadence/tone/eye contact. If you can, do a mock interview; if not, see if a friend will interview you. Stalk the school's website to answer the "why this school" question; also be prepared to answer "why this city/state" if you are from far away or OOS. Have GREAT answers for:
Why medicine?
Why this school/area?
Tell me about yourself.
Is there anything else you'd like me to tell the adcom?
Tell me about some of your clinical experiences/research experiences/service experiences.
When did you first know you wanted to be a doctor?
How do you deal with stress?
What do you do for fun?
Tell me about a challenging/stressful time in your life.
Any questions for me? Look at the school's website to find questions about the school (preclinical curriculum, organization of clinical years, affiliated hospitals, student life, mentorship (research, shadowing, an older med student, or in terms of choosing a specialty), any "doctoring" classes/whether there is early patient contact, what kind of electives are available, if the administration is responsive to student feedback, student life, student opportunities like free clinics etc.)

Be ready to explain any semester of low grades or any W. It might not come up, but if it does you don't want to be floundering around and turning bright red.

Finally, read over your AMCAS app and, if applicable, the school's secondary essay questions! Know what you said about your activities and what you said in your PS. Make sure the answers you give in your interview cohere with what your essays said, so that you present yourself in a consistent way.

 

[SellerAl]

What were the most common questions people get asked?

 

[kexy]

What were the most common questions people get asked?

See my post above. Often, it depends a lot on the school. See the interview feedback (blue bar at the very top of the page) for the questions that have been asked in the past by the school you're interviewing at.