Interview Suit Mishap: Are my chances over?

[johns123]

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Ok, so I had an interview at a school that was my number one choice last month. Long story short, when traveling my suit jacket was lost in the luggage. It was a nice suit, and I had everything except for the suit jacket. I tried to compensate by wearing a black overcoat that resembled the suit jacket as much as possible, such as during the tour. It was a very cold day, so I suspect it didn't seem too abnormal. During the actual MMI interview, however, I wore the suit without the suit jacket (dress shoes, collard shirt, tie, etc). I felt it was slightly advantageous for some of the MMI stations where you had to move around a little. Anyway, I had to get this off my chest and ask someone. Is it over for me? I felt the actual interview went well because I told myself that the only way I could make up for this mishap is by rocking the interview. Any input appreciated!

 

[chaim123]

I doubt anyone wrote down in their MMI notes that you weren't wearing a jacket. Don't be so neurotic and just let whatever happens happen.

 

[raiderette]

Did you let the interviewer know that you had a luggage issue? That will impact the answers.

 

[chaim123]

Did you let the interviewer know that you had a luggage issue? That will impact the answers.

He said it was an MMI. It would seem pretty weird to waste a minute on each station with "Sorry I don't have a jacket it got lost", when there is barely enough time to answer the question as is.

 

[MareNostrummm]

You should have just informed the admissions committee at the time or told someone, like the person giving the financial aid lecture or whatever. Then they would make a note on your file and it would not be held it against you.

The MMI is only a portion of your day whereas you had time to meet other faculty and let them know.

 

[Med Ed]

Ok, so I had an interview at a school that was my number one choice last month. Long story short, when traveling my suit jacket was lost in the luggage. It was a nice suit, and I had everything except for the suit jacket. I tried to compensate by wearing a black overcoat that resembled the suit jacket as much as possible, such as during the tour. It was a very cold day, so I suspect it didn't seem too abnormal. During the actual MMI interview, however, I wore the suit without the suit jacket (dress shoes, collard shirt, tie, etc). I felt it was slightly advantageous for some of the MMI stations where you had to move around a little. Anyway, I had to get this off my chest and ask someone. Is it over for me? I felt the actual interview went well because I told myself that the only way I could make up for this mishap is by rocking the interview. Any input appreciated!

Email the dean of admissions and explain that your suit jacket was missing that day. If anyone noticed it won't be held against you. If no one noticed then you're off scot free.

 

[MDPedigree]

While I don't think it will directly affect you like everyone is saying (there will not be a note in your file flagging the fact you didn't wear a jacket), I do however think it could have affected the assessments of you. First impressions are everything.. and if the interviewer(s) thought it was maybe a little unprofessional of you that you didn't wear a jacket, they may have given you a lower score because of it and no one would ever know. On the flip side, I could see it as coming off as a confident/bold move (like oh, this dude is being practical and smart by not wearing a jacket during an MMI which requires a lot of moving). So in the end though, I doubt it made that much of a difference.

 

[MareNostrummm]

While I don't think it will directly affect you like everyone is saying (there will not be a note in your file flagging the fact you didn't wear a jacket), I do however think it could have affected the assessments of you. First impressions are everything.. and if the interviewer(s) thought it was maybe a little unprofessional of you that you didn't wear a jacket, they may have given you a lower score because of it and no one would ever know. On the flip side, I could see it as coming off as a confident/bold move (like oh, this dude is being practical and smart by not wearing a jacket during an MMI which requires a lot of moving). So in the end though, I doubt it made that much of a difference.

So it could have a polarizing effect on the MMI stations, where if they disliked your performance they rated you even lower (who does this guy think he is coming in without a jacket?) or if they liked you they rated you even higher (this guy is going against the grain coming in without a jacket).

 

[fourandtwo]

I think more than your aesthetic, I'm more worried about how you felt during your interview. Despite not being dressed the way you wanted to, did you feel confident regardless?

 

[johns123]

Thank you for everyone that has given an input! I can't explain how much this has been on my mind, and having people give their opinions means a lot. Because the interview was 6 weeks ago, I don't know how I would go about telling the admissions committee now about the suit jacket mishap. I already submitted a thank you letter and update letter, so I think it may be a little strange to let them know about it now. To be honest, and I know this sounds strange, I felt more comfortable in the MMI without the suit jacket. When I realized about the missing luggage, I told my self that I had to rock this interview to have a chance, and really got focus on using it as motivations, also, I felt less constrained with all the moving around. I guess all the mental pressure and focus from athletics helped in something.

 

[johns123]

Also, admission decisions come out in 4 weeks, would it be advantageous to still email the dean of admissions?

 

[Lannister]

I'll disagree with a few of the comments here and say that it is entirely possible and likely that the MMI raters commented on your attire. It happens quite frequently. That being said, it's probably not a huge deal. Yes, you should have told the admissions people what happened during interview day. But it's too late for that now. I'd just let it be.

 

[The Dragon Slayer]

What? You think that is going to be the deciding factor in your application? Wow the pre-med neurotic index has reached new heights.

I am from perhaps the coldest major city in the United States, and I can tell you that most people here seldom take off their jackets when they go inside. If it was really that cold, I doubt anyone even noticed. On anther issue, why the heck would you check in luggage for what was probably an overnight visit somewhere for your interview? It is almost like you were asking for this scenario to occur.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

On anther issue, why the heck would you check in luggage for what was probably an overnight visit somewhere for your interview? It is almost like you were asking for this scenario to occur.

Agreed. Lesson learned (hopefully).

 

[CherryRedDracul]

I'll disagree with a few of the comments here and say that it is entirely possible and likely that the MMI raters commented on your attire. It happens quite frequently. That being said, it's probably not a huge deal. Yes, you should have told the admissions people what happened during interview day. But it's too late for that now. I'd just let it be.

Probably not a huge deal, but yes, we do notice attire or the lack thereof. It does color first impressions as we are all biased human beings.

 

[Goro]

Ok, so I had an interview at a school that was my number one choice last month. Long story short, when traveling my suit jacket was lost in the luggage. It was a nice suit, and I had everything except for the suit jacket. I tried to compensate by wearing a black overcoat that resembled the suit jacket as much as possible, such as during the tour. It was a very cold day, so I suspect it didn't seem too abnormal. During the actual MMI interview, however, I wore the suit without the suit jacket (dress shoes, collard shirt, tie, etc). I felt it was slightly advantageous for some of the MMI stations where you had to move around a little. Anyway, I had to get this off my chest and ask someone. Is it over for me? I felt the actual interview went well because I told myself that the only way I could make up for this mishap is by rocking the interview. Any input appreciated!

Incidents like these happen. If needed, send a note to the admissions dean. And congrats on the interview!!

 

[johns123]

Incidents like these happen. If needed, send a note to the admissions dean. And congrats on the interview!!

Thank you! Do you think it's too late to send a note or would it be possibly beneficial? Decisions come out in March and the interview was about 6 weeks ago

 

[Goro]

Thank you! Do you think it's too late to send a note or would it be possibly beneficial? Decisions come out in March and the interview was about 6 weeks ago

Unless the school specifically prohibits any sort of communication with the admissions office, I don't think it will hurt send a note.