How do address the question of "What other schools have you applied to"?

[FutureDoc2011]

Hi all - I'm prepping for an interview and need some advice. What's the best way to address the following question: "What other schools have you applied/been accepted to?"

It's an even stickier situation for me b/c I've applied and been accepted to both Osteopathic and Allopathic schools, however the school I'm interviewing at tomorrow is my top choice and is Osteopathic.

Help!

 

[Lfribble]

I'd certainly be honest and tell them where you have applied. I'd make it clear that you wanted options. If there is a specific thing about this school that you really like, or something about the osteopathic philosophy that you really like, make it known. Let the school know that you are very interested in their program. I've always taken that question as the admissions people trying to decide if a DO school is a "fallback" in case you don't get in to allo schools. Let them know that's not the case (not necessarilly in those words). Good luck

 

[Entgegen]

I second the notion of being honest...and definitely let them know that you've been accepted to other schools. It shows that you are interested enough in them that you are willing to (at least temporarily) forego taking an acceptance offer from somewhere else. Schools don't want to accept people that they think would rather attend elsewhere. Good luck!

 

[grinchick5]

I was in the same boat. DO was my first choice, but I needed to stay in a particular geographic area, so I had to apply MD as well. When I interviewed at the DO school I said something like “This is my first choice and if it were totally up to me, this is where I’d go. However, I have a number of other considerations, geographical and otherwise…blah, blah, blah…” That being said, make sure you have a few VERY solid reasons why the school is your first choice b/c they will surely ask.

Good luck tomorrow!!

 

[FutureDoc2011]

Thanks for all your input!

 

[Dr.Inviz]

You go about it as if it's any other school, tell them that they're your #1. That's what I'd do. What are they gonna do when you reject them, threaten you?

It's all part of the game. They play theirs, and you can certainly play your own.

 

[Taty]

Well...I honestly told him that I applied to about 30 schools MD +DO...I was asked why...I told something like u see my MCAT is not that amazing. When I was asked about my score and interviewer was like 9 in VR for somebody who is ESL is very good. After I was asked if I was accepted would I go, I said yes because I got very impressed. That was it...

 

[MaximusD]

Hi all - I'm prepping for an interview and need some advice. What's the best way to address the following question: "What other schools have you applied/been accepted to?"

It's an even stickier situation for me b/c I've applied and been accepted to both Osteopathic and Allopathic schools, however the school I'm interviewing at tomorrow is my top choice and is Osteopathic.

Help!

Just tell them the truth. In my interviews, I used it to explain how I would do anything to get into medical school and proceeded to explain why I thought that their school was top notch and on the list.

Addendum:

While I agree in part with Inviz, I would just like to add that honesty is always best when possible but you should be confident in your responses. If they ask, would you come here if accepted? A good response is one that is not noncommittal. If you are uncomfortable with saying "this is my first choice" instead say something like "this is an incredibly strong program and I'd be foolish to overlook it"... or something to that effect.

 

[DocOB]

I'd certainly be honest and tell them where you have applied. I'd make it clear that you wanted options. If there is a specific thing about this school that you really like, or something about the osteopathic philosophy that you really like, make it known. Let the school know that you are very interested in their program. I've always taken that question as the admissions people trying to decide if a DO school is a "fallback" in case you don't get in to allo schools. Let them know that's not the case (not necessarilly in those words). Good luck

here here

 

[Dr JPH]

What's the best way to address the following question: "What other schools have you applied/been accepted to?"

1. Open mouth
2. Take deep breath
3. Tell them the schools you have applied to


Thats it

Good luck