How to convince interviewers that you are willing to relocate?

[deleted659912]

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Hi, I've noticed that for out of state interviews that my interviewers seem skeptical about my willingness to relocate despite me explaining how I want to broaden my horizons, explore options unique to that school/area etc. I probably am facing this dilemma because I've lived my entire life within my state and am close to one of the most medically desirable cities in the country. Is there any other specific way to show my willingness to relocate?

 

[organdonor]

"I am looking for a place to live that offers this, this, and that. Your city has those because..."

Show that you have done a little research into the area.

 

[gyngyn]

If you are from CA you could tell them that twice as many CA applicants leave CA to attend medical school as the number that matriculate in state. Becoming a doctor is more important to you than staying in the Golden State. It shows strategy and commitment to the profession.

 

[deleted659912]

I have been explaining that I'm committed to the profession and listing things about the school/area that I like but they still seem doubtful. I'm actually from Chicago, although for some reason I still haven't heard back from 3 schools in the city (including my state school) and got put on the alternate list for my other state school that caters to southern IL populations.

 

[gyngyn]

I have been explaining that I'm committed to the profession and listing things about the school/area that I like but they still seem doubtful. I'm actually from Chicago, although for some reason I still haven't heard back from 3 schools in the city (including my state school) and got put on the alternate list for my other state school that caters to southern IL populations.

Chicago is a great town, but the same principles apply.
You want to get into medical school. Only the arrogant (or foolish) expect to get into one particular school or region.

 

[deleted659912]

Chicago is a great town, but the same principles apply.
You want to get into medical school. Only the arrogant (or foolish) expect to get into one particular school or region.

For sure I am 100% understand and am willing to relocate based on where I get accepted. I should probably add that my II's are a mix of MD and DO, and my stats are probably on the high end for DO schools which is why they are skeptical in the first place although I did get asked the same question at a recent MD interview.

 

[gyngyn]

For sure I am 100% understand and am willing to relocate based on where I get accepted. I should probably add that my II's are a mix of MD and DO, and my stats are probably on the high end for DO schools which is why they are skeptical in the first place although I did get asked the same question at a recent MD interview.

Just tell them that (and be flattered!).

 

[deleted659912]

Just tell them that (and be flattered!).

Haha thank you! I appreciate the advice!

 

[deleted482591]

Why would they ask you this? Why would you apply and spend money interviewing there if you wouldn't go due to location?

 

[WedgeDawg]

Why would they ask you this? Why would you apply and spend money interviewing there if you wouldn't go due to location?

They're worried that if OP had a choice between their school and one in their own state, OP would choose the one closer to home. It's a pretty valid concern. Obviously OP would go there if it's the only school they got into, but a lot of people get into more than one school.

 

[flatbear]

perhaps it would be better just to say that you are sincerely excited about the school. To declare that you would want to move and practice there might come across as a bit disingenuous.

 

[deleted659912]

perhaps it would be better just to say that you are sincerely excited about the school. To declare that you would want to move and practice there might come across as a bit disingenuous.

I never bring up where I'm from, yet it's one of the first questions my interviewers ask me. I definitely agree that it would be strange if I said that I 100% intended to practice in the school's state when I've never lived there and haven't even visited the state prior to my interview lol

 

[flatbear]

I never bring up where I'm from, yet it's one of the first questions my interviewers ask me. I definitely agree that it would be strange if I said that I 100% intended to practice in the school's state when I've never lived there and haven't even visited the state prior to my interview lol

yeah I was just speaking more in regards to state schools whose mission is to train doctors that will serve their population. For example a person from california or new york telling an ohio state school that they would love to spend the rest of your life living in and working to serve the people of ohio would not come across as well "believable".

 

[deleted659912]

yeah I was just speaking more in regards to state schools whose mission is to train doctors that will serve their population. For example a person from california or new york telling an ohio state school that they would love to spend the rest of your life living in and working to serve the people of ohio would not come across as well "believable".

That's definitely true although it's more the opposite case for me. My OOS interviews were in NY, AZ and FL which are probably considered more desirable than IL.

 

[flatbear]

That's definitely true although it's more the opposite case for me. My OOS interviews were in NY, AZ and FL which are probably considered more desirable than IL.

ah then wanting to move would definitely be plausible.

 

[moisne]

Hi, I've noticed that for out of state interviews that my interviewers seem skeptical about my willingness to relocate despite me explaining how I want to broaden my horizons, explore options unique to that school/area etc. I probably am facing this dilemma because I've lived my entire life within my state and am close to one of the most medically desirable cities in the country. Is there any other specific way to show my willingness to relocate?

You sure you aren't over thinking it or reading between the lines wrong?

Nearly half my class is out of state. Basically everyone understand that if you really want to go to med school, many people may have to attend a school outside their state. It's stupid to not trust a student would be will to "move and attend" your school.