How much did you prepare for your first interview?

[jfijiefjieji]

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I have my first interview coming up soon and was wondering what the norm is in terms of preparation. Did you just reread your app the night before or actually spend days in advance? I'd love to hear from those fortunate enough to have interviewed already.

 

[907914]

Did you just reread your app the night before

I did the above as well as a mock interview with a few physicians the Friday before just to set the mood and mindset.

Unless you are legit an anxious mess, the more you prep the more you will stress. Just know your app well.

I will put a disclaimer that I had a couple of goofs in my interview that could’ve been fixed with a little bit of rehearsing (forgetting about an experience that was an obvious answer to the question). Don’t just passively reread your app, construct a narrative around it that you feel comfortable pulling from.

 

[u_raptor]

I made a google drive doc with a list of common Qs asked in most interviews, as well as possible specific questions per interview (found on the sdn interview feedback resource). I probably did this about 3 days ahead of the interview, then just practiced going over my talking points, their website, and rereading my app. I did one mock interview before my first interview, but after that I have mainly just been practicing in a mirror.

 

[electropartyogram]

Practice with family, practice in the mirror. During your real interview, please do not sound rehearsed. Try to sound natural, like a normal person speaking to a normal person.

If you have the opportunity to go to a night-before social/dinner I would do it again because it gives you a chance to talk to other people naturally.

I agree, definitely go over your application, and essays, especially if you mention specific things (I was asked a few questions about these which I was prepared for).

Edit: Second the u_raptor advice of going over a google doc with interview questions. Have an idea of what you want to say, ask people what they would say so you can debate both sides if needed.

 

[u_raptor]

Practice with family, practice in the mirror. During your real interview, please do not sound rehearsed. Try to sound natural, like a normal person speaking to a normal person.

If you have the opportunity to go to a night-before social/dinner I would do it again because it gives you a chance to talk to other people naturally.

I agree, definitely go over your application, and essays, especially if you mention specific things (I was asked a few questions about these which I was prepared for).

Not to mention a pre-interview social with students helps you learn more about the school, which you can then use in your interviews!

 

[ChymeofPassion]

I've been doing maybe 30 minutes total a day a week out? Just rehearsing why medicine, reading over my app/common questions/questions people stumbled on in the past on here, and practicing mmi. Read over the sdn interview feedback page before your interview!

 

[Moko]

DO prepare for the interview. It's obvious when someone chooses to wing it, and it often prevents them from highlighting their story and strengths to the full potential. Look through common interview questions and then get comfortable saying out your answer until it comes out naturally (but not robotic/over-rehearsed).

 

[ThetisAntithesis]

- Rehearsed answers in the shower (its where great ideas are born).
- Did 1 mock interview with family member (fully dressed in exactly what I wore for the actual interview).
- 1-2 days before, reviewed my primary and secondary answers.
- Looked over the school specific interview feedback here on SDN - Practiced my own answers to the questions on there. Found this super helpful.

 

[ChymeofPassion]

- Rehearsed answers in the shower (its where great ideas are born).
- Did 1 mock interview with family member (fully dressed in exactly what I wore for the actual interview).
- 1-2 days before, reviewed my primary and secondary answers.
- Looked over the school specific interview feedback here on SDN - Practiced my own answers to the questions on there. Found this super helpful.

Did any of the sdn feedback questions repeat during your interview?

 

[Icebird]

Nothing other than casually reread my secondaries/primary.


I pulled up, looked cute, and did ma thang.

 

[ThetisAntithesis]

Did any of the sdn feedback questions repeat during your interview?

Can't remember now but I think so. I think it was a question about how I cope with stress.
Aside from that, the usual suspects: Why medicine, why this school, strengths/weaknesses.