Interview Answers

[angel1206]

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Hey,
I need suggestions on how to answer 1)how prepared are you for medical school? 2)How would you handle workload of medical school? 1)I know I cannot just say I am prepared for it, I have to back up with examples. However, my question is what to talk about when giving examples. Like how matured I became through college, I am aware of what I am getting myself into through several shadowing experiences? 2)I am going to study for certain amounts of time everyday, cannot fall behind in medical school, I can handle workload through proper time management and with decent plans. I am not sure exactly what else to bring in to answer these questions. Any suggestions would be appreciated I know it has to be answers based on my life experiences but I just need a general idea about what info I can include. Thanks!

 

[JustAnother]

The most obvious examples you can give to those questions (which Adcom probably won't even need to ask because if you've managed to get an interview, then they already believe that you can probably handle med school) are your GPA and MCAT. If you've managed to maintain a high GPA throughout your undergrad years, it probably means that you already have good studying and relaxing habits. Having a decent MCAT score suggests that you are more or less prepared for medical school. Just be honest with your answers. How DO you study? You said you have proper time management and study everyday instead of cramming. These are fine. I would suggest adding things like: Do you study better alone or with other people? Do you do anything to relax? Life is all about balance. You need to have the relaxing ying to the studying yang.

 

[TUVIX]

1)how prepared are you for medical school?

Talk about an academic or personal challenge that has shown that you can handle the stress and commitment. Just think of an example. Have you done an SMP or any particularly difficult semesters in undergrad where you were also working or doing research? How did you manage your time? I think an important part of answering this question is showing self awareness and saying something like "I have learned through both success and failure that in order for me to be successful I need to ______ " Basically be honest about and show that you have given some thought about how you personally have prepared, and by prepared just interpret that as "learned about yourself." I usually talk about how when I finished undergrad I was not prepared and then talk about the ways in which I have proven to myself that I am prepared and can handle med school.

2)How would you handle workload of medical school?

This can be answered in a lot of ways but it's easier if you break it down into 3 parts. Here is how I approach it and this may be helpful.

1. Practical: How will you actually learn all of the material and do well on exams.
Many ways to answer this part but my go to explanation is something along the lines of treating learning in the same way that I treat my job in the real world. I show up every day and meet deadlines. Unlike undergrad you have to treat medical school like a full time job. Make schedules, stick to them, work every day consistently, not fall behinds, work with others to accomplish the goal and help them to accomplish their goal of learning.

2. How will you handle the stress and take care of yourself at the same time.
You can't do step one if you are an emotional/physical mess. This is very personal because everyone is different in this regard. My answer is along the lines of accepting that stress is a reality of life and if I follow the first step it will reduce the stress of medical school. I also say something about ways I have learned to take care of myself physically and emotionally during stressful situations. Many people use exercise or meditation for example.

3. How will you manage to have other interests and activities as well.

Use this as an opportunity to show what hobbies you have that help you get away from your work and de-stress. Talk about how other interests will have to be second to your school work but important in keeping you balanced.

These are just my opinion and others may disagree. Hope this was helpful!

 

[Azete]

People overthink these questions. You have no idea if you're prepared or not for medical school because you have no idea what medical school really entails. Sure, you could list examples that show your work ethic and that's fine -- but really you're missing an opportunity to show self-awareness. Acknowledge that you expect medical school to be more difficult than anything you've ever done but you're prepared to work hard and won't shy away from a challenge. That's it.

 

[Halcyon45]

People overthink these questions. You have no idea if you're prepared or not for medical school because you have no idea what medical school really entails. Sure, you could list examples that show your work ethic and that's fine -- but really you're missing an opportunity to show self-awareness. Acknowledge that you expect medical school to be more difficult than anything you've ever done but you're prepared to work hard and won't shy away from a challenge. That's it.

Great answer. Show you have a plan and you are COMMITTED. The rest is just filler that the interviewers and committee have heard one millions times before.

 

[j4pac]

What you say doesn't matter nearly as much as how you say it. Come in with positive energy, humble, excited to learn, and confident...and as long as you don't say something completely insane...you'll be fine.

 

[angel1206]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, I appreciate it.