How do you relax before the interview...

I love to use music to relax or get real ampped like before a game. If i wanted to relax id throw on something Marvin Gaye, Lyfe Jennings, Gerald Levert etc. If i want to get hyped i listen to some lil john, scarface or three-six. If you can relax yourself and feel confident you should have no problem with stuttering or mumbling.

 

I actually go into a bathroom stall, close the door, close my eyes and visualize a ball of warm light. I concentrate on breathing, and try to "hear" my own heartbeat. After a few moments, I visualize that the ball of light is getting larger and larger, enveloping me in warm peace. I then bask in this light for a moment, then start to...

at this point some jerk bangs on the door and yells at me to hurry up - but it is too late, I am now calm.

 

I usually pee. Then drink lots of water. And breathe slowly. Good luck!

 

Do NOT smoke a bowl to calm down before your interview. Things just possibly could go awry.

 

I know you are seeking an opinion from those who have already had an interview...but I thought maybe I could help. Have you ever thought about just going through your normal routine...follow it as closely as possible and think of things that comfort you.
I will write more in a bit.

good luck though!

 

I usually try to strike up a conversation with one or more of the other applicants. Talking to other people in the same boat as me helps to calm my nerves. Especially if it's an early morning interview, it helps to get the speaking voice in prime shape, so I'm not all scratchy

 

i speak with the other interviewees too. it helps ease the tension, as does going over some notes about the school. relax and see it as a way to get to know the program as well. good luck!

 

A couple of years ago, someone described doing exactly that before an interview (it was on the interview feedback board). Asherlauph is on the money with this one.

 

i actually look at a card my gf made me while she was volunteering at the children's hospital. kinda cheesy but it takes my mind off the interview.

 

fap fap fap fap fap fap fap fap

 

On my drive up, I listen to...."For Once In my Life" and "How Sweet It is".

These songs really get me going and help me realize all the really great things I have going for me.

Almost forgot....the music has to be loud and I am singing it at the top of my lungs.

 

I went out for drinks with a friend the night before and thought about anything but the interview.

 

smart man

 

I get nervous in situations like that, and I thinnk interviews will be the same. I was thinking about taking a beta blocker before the interview to prevent the whole 'sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat' thing. Has anyone tried this?

 

However, DO smoke one right after an interview ....that will take your mind off of the entire experience...good or bad.

 

light but good food, and a glass of champagne well in advance, plus a good view (mine was sydney harbour) to chill out in front of. that's my advice--a quiet cafe, some notes, ZERO caffeine, and stare at a nice landscape while you gather your thoughts.

 

if you interview at Medical College of Wisconsin, come to the lunchroom around noon..there's usually a few of us hanging out with interviewees to talk and stuff. We try to lighten the mood a bit.

 

See, I prefer <fap fapfap fap fapfap fap>, but that's just me...

Just joking, took me a few seconds to figure this one out...

 

Cool. I'll see you friday. By the way, the weather says it is going to snow. What kind of accumulation are we looking forward to?

 

hahaha...best advice on this board

 

btw, 2 years ago this thread wouldn't have made it this far without multiple occurances of the word "masturbate".

 

It's all about the action... Sorry, but it is.

 

I feel totally stupid - what is a fap?

 

fap?
fee assistance program?
I think I have been looking at the AAMC website too long...

(ps I'm also curious as to how people relieve their stress, I'm really nervous but shouldn't be)

 

FAP=flying your "KITE"??? Fill us in if you can...

 

fap = the sound you make when you jack off

or the 'professional' explanation: The onomatopoeic representation of masturbation.

 

Go for a run. Eat a light breakfast and bring a snack. Void. Listen to music. Talk about the weather, etc. with other applicants.

 

Well some people actually could do better ... esp if they are used to smoking 5 times a day. I had friends that were straight A's that couldn't study or take exams without it. Drug habits are bad.

I have offically found my two new favorite posters in pre-allo

Flop - I was scared where you were going next in your post

 

You know, this whole thread reminds me of an akward floor meeting we had in undergrad one winter before finals week.....

The RA (an uppity, typical RA) called us all (about 50 guys) down to the floor lounge. We were supposed to talk about relaxation techniques. So he tells us to go around the room and each person has to share one way that they relax. Well, the first guy to go was notorious for what he did with his door closed each afternoon. And by the time we had gone all the way around the room, well, lets put it this way: I had never put together all the euphamisms there are to describe masturbation.
The floor meeting was over in a matter of minutes to the extreme embarassment of the RA.
I don't think we had any more meetings that year....