Interview Question

[Suki77]

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I did an away rotation at an very competitive program in the field I am applying for residency. I scored Honors and received a glowing review. This was completed after my residency application was submitted and therefore not part of my application. Is it appropriate to mention it at interviews?

 

[MacDonaldTriad]

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I did an away rotation at an very competitive program in the field I am applying for residency. I scored Honors and received a glowing review. This was completed after my residency application was submitted and therefore not part of my application. Is it appropriate to mention it at interviews?

Most selection committees would value the chance to ask their own faculty about your clinical performance during a rotation. I’m fairly certain the answer to your question is yes.

 

[notdeadyet]

I did an away rotation at an very competitive program in the field I am applying for residency. I scored Honors and received a glowing review. This was completed after my residency application was submitted and therefore not part of my application. Is it appropriate to mention it at interviews?

You could, if you could work it in gracefully (which might be challenging). Alternately, you could have your program send in an update with your Honors and review.

Many of the larger programs come out with some sort of matrix to compare applicants, but they tend to put a cap on that matrix at a certain point, typically either time of application or time of interview. To not do so would do a disservice to people interviewing earlier in the cycle.

So it might not have much of an impact (this is why it's recommended to do relevant electives prior to application), but a great experience on a meaningful rotation is always good interview fodder. I can't imagine how you could quote praise about yourself, but relating your experience is always a good interview move.