How to prepare for interviews?

[icer0ller]

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I just received my first interview! I'm super excited, and now I'm wondering how best to prepare. Are there any books (maybe it's worth reading just about DO's?), DVDs, etc. that I should get to study?

I know there's a few sticky threads, but does anyone have any general advice about clothing (I'm a guy), flight arrangements, etc.? Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[tripl3s3v3n]

Check out the school specific threads for hotel and flight information for this year and last. You should also check the interview information specific to the school found under the interview section at the top of this site. I believe that there is a thread a little way down this page that discusses what to wear. Good luck.

 

[Dreamstoo]

I just received my first interview! I'm super excited, and now I'm wondering how best to prepare. Are there any books (maybe it's worth reading just about DO's?), DVDs, etc. that I should get to study?

I know there's a few sticky threads, but does anyone have any general advice about clothing (I'm a guy), flight arrangements, etc.? Any input is appreciated, thanks!

Most people I know who got into med schools usually tested their interviewing skills with either ppl they know who got into medical school. I know of a MD underdog during the 2010 or 2011 cycle that rocked all her ii's and got into 4 MDs (all low tier). I also know of a person who had a 75 Lizzy M score that was having trouble getting into any top 30 school (matriculated into a top 20 school) despite being from a top 10 school. Despite getting many interview invites he would always get waitlisted (i remember him telling me he got waitlisted at two top ten schools because his ECs revolved around engineering, a career he was considering until his last two years of college). He then took some interviewing tips from his friends who have gotten in and did mock interviews. Now he's at one of his top choices during his cycle. He said interviewing was probably his biggest weakness in his application until he decided to ask people what he did wrong in the first half of interviews he got.

 

[coolingglasses]

If you're flexible on days, you can bid on Priceline. I would NOT bid if there are set days you must arrive and depart though, as they can book you from anywhere between 6am and 10pm on the date you specify.

But damn, you can get awesome deals on flights (and car rentals, and hotels) that way if the flexibility is there.

 

[NontradCA]

I think that you should relax and be yourself. Rehearsing is kind of pointless IMO because they will most certainly catch on to rehearsed answers. You also don't know what questions they're going to ask you. Being relaxed is by far the most important attribute.

 

[Dreamstoo]

I think that you should relax and be yourself. Rehearsing is kind of pointless IMO because they will most certainly catch on to rehearsed answers. You also don't know what questions they're going to ask you. Being relaxed is by far the most important attribute.

Agreed but practicing a few mock interviews I think never hurt. My friend who had trouble with interviews as an MD applicant said it helped him in the second half of the cycle big time.

 

[coolingglasses]

Also, know your application well. Not only can interviewers ask for more details about your experiences, but you may find them helpful to draw on to answer questions.

Have an idea of how you might address your apparent strengths and weaknesses. It's not like a job interview, but having those kinds of conversational skills can be pretty important.

 

[icer0ller]

Thanks for all the replies! Any recommendations on books to prepare with/read about osteopathy and clothing?

 

[icer0ller]

bump

 

[3bamboo]

I just found this on Youtube, it does a nice job of laying everything out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLxz4pCBXKo

 

[WhyDoWeFall]

bump

I checked out the interview thread and gathered as much information as possible on the questions that would be asked. I then listed them out and wrote out 2-3 bullet points that I wanted to cover.I know myself very well and I have a tendency to ramble a little so having that list in my head would help. 2 months prior, I spent 2-3 days out of the week just sitting in front a mirror while answering questions. I am big into body language and made sure I wasn't sending the wrong signals. A month before I started to wear my suit jacket while doing the interview so I was absolutely comfortable. A week before, I wore my full blown suit while doing the mock interview.

For me it was all about covering the question in a nice natural manor. This process might be too neurotic for some people but I preferred to be prepared. Some schools ask weird questions and I just wanted to be ready. I was interviewing at my top choice school so. I got high marks on my interview so I guess this "program" works lol. Good luck!