Impact of great interview on final acceptance decision

[reidmike]

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I recently had my first interview at a school that I previously thought would never even consider me (due to my 27 MCAT score). My interviewer was an assistant dean. After the interview, the interviewer told me that I was a great match for the school, gave great answers to the questions, and seemed "refreshing" compared to many other interviewees who seemed to memorize their answers word-for-word.

The interviewer said that the decision was obviously up to the selections committee, but that I would be strongly considered. I just wanted to hear your opinion of how you think I stand regarding acceptance (keeping in mind the previously mentioned feedback from the interviewer). Unfortunately, the decision is not made until early next year, so there is a long weight involved. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I keep juggling different thoughts. They interviewed me early in the process and I had a good interview, but what about that 27 MCAT?

 

[FlowRate]

I have heard horror stories about admissions people who give great feedback but then the student doesn't get into the school. I would recommend sending that person a thank-you letter in a little while to keep you fresh in their mind. Mention something you talked about during the interview, or something unique about yourself. Maybe scent it with your perfume/cologne (kidding).

Sounds like you have a great chance though!! Good luck! =)

 

[reidmike]

I have heard horror stories about admissions people who give great feedback but then the student doesn't get into the school. I would recommend sending that person a thank-you letter in a little while to keep you fresh in their mind. Mention something you talked about during the interview, or something unique about yourself. Maybe scent it with your perfume/cologne (kidding).

Sounds like you have a great chance though!! Good luck! =)

Yeah that's what I was afraid of. I did send the interviewer an email late last week and mentioning what an honor it was to be considered. Should I also send a letter through the mail? I don't know whether to expect a reply, but so far no response to the email.

 

[SnarkyMD]

One interviewer won't likely pull as much weight as one would hope. It's certainly a good sign, but don't read a ton into it. Interviewers are also well known to tell everyone they had a fantastic interview when they really mean it was just a good interview.

The interview is merely a piece of your whole application. Combine that with the fact that we are all HORRIBLE evaluators of our own interview performance, and I wouldn't read too much into it.

But more seriously, don't go crazy trying to analyze every comment or every interview. Focus on how your next interview can be even more impressive than your last, and don't think about the school again until you get that letter. Otherwise you'll waste your year in worry.

 

[280224]

Interviews mean a lot, at least to me. I had pretty good stats, 3.94 GPA and 34 MCAT but I don't interview very well. I got rejected to every school I thought I interviewed horribly in and accepted to the ones I thought I did well in.

I didn't write any thank you letters. To me they're usually too forced and insincere.

 

[ChiDO]

The thank you email/letter is a nice gesture, but doesn't really hold much weight towards your acceptance. Most interviewers fill out a sheet with their recommendation right after the interview and that is turned over to the admissions committee.

The only thing that *may* help you is if you sent them a letter of intent/interest stating that you enjoyed your day/interview and would love to attend their school.

In the end, it's up to the committee and for example they may use a point system (1-10) on whether or not to accept you:

GPA: 8 points
MCAT: 4
Interview: 15
LOI: +1 (maybe like a yes (+1)/no (+0))

If score > 25 = acceptance...

 

[NotSur]

well, considering that the interviewer is a dean, i'd say it carries a bit more weight. don't put all your eggs in one basket but i'd definitely celebrate a little! =)

 

[Uisa]

Well it can't hurt... but it won't guarantee anything either. That's the biggest assumption I think you can make at this point. Pondering it about it and getting opinions here will not affect the outcome of your situation. If I were you, I'd just be happy w/ the interview and forget about the acceptance part, because it's not up to you or anyone of us. You've done your part, well

 

[reidmike]

Well it can't hurt... but it won't guarantee anything either. That's the biggest assumption I think you can make at this point. Pondering it about it and getting opinions here will not affect the outcome of your situation. If I were you, I'd just be happy w/ the interview and forget about the acceptance part, because it's not up to you or anyone of us. You've done your part, well

Very true, very true. Just curious what you all thought, that's all.

 

[clifftacopter]

I think it also depends on the school. Some schools probably do not put much weight on the interviews, and really have it as more of a formality to make sure you're not some crazy weirdo. Others I think put a great amount of emphasis on the interviews for the selection of candidates. What's done is done, there's nothing you can do about the decision. If possible, I would try to just push it to the back of your mind and focus on the schools you haven't interviewed at. Good luck!

 

[JJMrK]

Depends on the school. At some, everyone is considered on equal footing after the interview; the interview is therefore the determining factor. At others (to me this seems more common) you'll just be evaluated on every piece of your file.

 

[alibai3ah]

I recently had my first interview at a school that I previously thought would never even consider me (due to my 27 MCAT score). My interviewer was an assistant dean. After the interview, the interviewer told me that I was a great match for the school, gave great answers to the questions, and seemed "refreshing" compared to many other interviewees who seemed to memorize their answers word-for-word.

The interviewer said that the decision was obviously up to the selections committee, but that I would be strongly considered. I just wanted to hear your opinion of how you think I stand regarding acceptance (keeping in mind the previously mentioned feedback from the interviewer). Unfortunately, the decision is not made until early next year, so there is a long weight involved. I don't want to get my hopes up, but I keep juggling different thoughts. They interviewed me early in the process and I had a good interview, but what about that 27 MCAT?

Don't dwell on things you can't control...you did well on ur interview. That's what matters. Congrats. Plus if a 27 was so bad for their school, they wouldn't interview you....

 

[SpaceDementia]

Depends on the school. At some, everyone is considered on equal footing after the interview; the interview is therefore the determining factor. At others (to me this seems more common) you'll just be evaluated on every piece of your file.

This is what I'm thinking.