Interesting interview question

Easy. I heard of the capsule that wwas sent to Mars or something like that. They put a paper with greetings in different languages, a piece of music, and osmething else I do not remember

 

That's actually a fun question to answer. Just make sure you answer with a 'global' point of view (ie...not only american nostalgia).

My friend had an interview with NYU, and after asking the 'why do you want to go into medicine' question, he was asked "when is the last time you masturbated?"

What are these interviewers thinking?!?!

 

How classic would it be if he answered: "oh, about 3 minutes ago. Why else do you think I'm so relaxed for this interview?"

 

Hey, I was just reading some papers about interviews that were given by my school's Career Center, and one subject was "illegal questions"--I'm assuming illegal questions to be asked by the interviewer. It included questions about state of health and religious preferences. Are these really illegal? Or is ANYTHING up for grabs by the adcoms?

 

I've heard that too....I think it's also illegal to ask about one's children (ie to an expectant-mother-interviewee), or to ask about health problems and learning disabilities.

 

It's illegal to ask about all sorts of things - Such as "Do you own a car" and "do you have kids". Even stuff Med schools *ALWAYS* ask like "where were you born." Of course, it's illegal to ask these things when you're applying for a job. I think applying for a school/program is entirely different. I know UMD got sued a great deal last year, anyone know what that was over specifically? I think it's highly likely that the reason their secondary this year has so many essays is so that if they are challenged again they can easily turn back to the essays and say that's where they based their decisions. (Essays being much more of a judgement call as to what is better)

Jade~

 

That's interesting. Hypothetically, what if you sprained your ankle and you are on crutches for that particular week of the interview. Are they to assume that you have a disability? I'd rather explain that its something temporary and that I'd be 100% in a week or two instead of them having to consider all the legal mumbo jumbo.

 

Last week I had a preprofessional committee interview. It was pretty awful-there were about 6 people who sat around a conference table and unloaded a lot of "illegal" questions, mainly centering around the fact I was married and 8 months pregnant. When I proceeded to answer them to anyway as openly and honestly saying how I was applying to only 8 schools due restrictions associated with husband's employment, many of them kept shaking their heads at me in disapproval. Many other questions came up about my pregnancy too and my suitability as a mother and doctor. I was so upset by the whole process, I called up the chair of the committe up the very next day. I asked her how my composite letter might pan out with them and she basically relayed that I was good candidate but I demonstrated a "slight" lack of commitment to medicine what with my discussions of family. It's just so ridiculous, they ask these questions about my family and then they expect me to completely disregard an important aspect of my life. I consider them my asset, not liability and cannot understand how a commitment to my husband and child could translate into a lack of one to medicine. The whole experience has left a bitter taste in my mouth.

 

First, I totally agree with you. 100%.

Second, let me play devil's advocate.

The committee probably sees your family as a factor that may sidetrack your commitment to school. They may have had a previous history with persons with families and had these types of problems. So, they might just have an unwritten (an illegal) rule that says they will no longer accept applicants with families. This is very unfortunate. Maybe you could request a meeting with the dean to openly discuss this issue if it is the only thing holding you back from acceptance and demonstrate other areas in your life that you have been able to balance your career/school with your family. Let them know that having a family makes you a more attractive candidate and give examples.

I hope you win the debate. You should. Actually, you shouldn't even be debating, but this is the game we play.

 

This was not an medschool interview, it was an interview that would help the committe write a composite letter that is going to go out to all the schools I applied to. In any case, it was one of those situations you could not argue with them too much because you have to find that balance of being honest and direct and at the same time, not too aggressive and confrontational/defensive. I just politely stated my side, as you have already suggested, but I did not push it, for fear of irritating them and risking a crappy recommendation. Oh well, I've been assured by the chair that the letter will be fine...they wanted to see if I could perform under pressure...nonetheless...

 

i think it's good that they asked u about it since i'm sure you'll encounter similar questions in the real interviews. usally premed committees are your advocates. they'd like to write a complete picture of you.

 

I understand that a lot of questions are illegal - but i don't recommend yelping, illegal question! when the dean asks, so where are u from. a lot of the illegal questions make it hard for interviewers to get to know the person, or start the conversation.

But no matter what, the committee shouldn't evaluate u based on your private family matters.

 

Wait, so r u saying that answering the illegal question is the best way to get around it politely?

 

maybe quietly sidestepping the question is best...don't answer directly, don't blatantly refuse..