interviewing with the dean

[osar92]

I have an interview coming up and was told ahead of time in the letter that I will be interviewing with the dean of that school. Needless to say, now I am extra nervous about this upcoming interview, especially since it is my top choice and I have below their avg. numbers. Any help from people who have had interviews with deans? Are they any more stressful or difficult than interviews with other adcom members?
Thanks

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[Neuronix]

I know that here they are just really important if you have an interview with a dean. The idea is just to be excited about medicine, the school, and be ready to talk about whatever sorts of issues in a friendly and open way. You'd be surprised how many applicants fail on one of those three. Beyond that, what else can you be expected to do? Nothing. Beyond that, interviewing styles are going to vary from dean to dean. If it's a school that typically has low-stress interviews, the dean will likely be a low-stress interview.

Good luck!

 

[duka]

I've interviewed with deans at three schools, and none of them have been stressful. also, it seems to be one of those things where as long as you don't blow it, you're fine. they just want to talk to you and make sure you're normal, just like any other faculty interviewer would. Also, I've found that these interviews have been less academic and more motivation/personal info than others, but that might just be coincidence.

 

[medstylee]

I agree, an interview with a dean will probably center more around personal matters rather than academic issues. I just recently interviewed with the dean of admissions at one school and it was totally conversational - asked about my family, hobbies, etc - while other interviewers that day were supposedly probing interviewees about their beliefs regarding controversial healthcare topics. I'd say it's definitely to your benefit to have an interview with a dean rather than a regular faculty member. He/she obviously has more sway in the decision process than anyone else. Be glad you have the opportunity and make a good impression! Good luck.

 

[snowbear]

It is kinda messed up that they told you beforehand. I interviewed with a dean and she told me that she specifically waited until after the interview to tell me so I wouldn't be nervous. But I think, like the other posters, that you should seize the opportunity. Make sure to know all about the program and emphasize that it is your first choice. Do the whole best-fit routine. Good luck.

 

[exmike]

Lets see, I interviewed with two deans, and I got waitlisted to both. Coincidence... maybe.

 

[Amy B]

I wouldn't worry about it. Lots of deans interview people.
Try not to get yourself worked up over it.

Just be your self, be impressive, make eye contact, sit up straight, know why you want to be a doctor, know why you want to go to that school and be highly professional and you will be fine.

Good luck

 

[BushBaby]

I had an interview with the dean at one school. I showed up 30mins late (I called in advanced though) but I felt bad because she was the dean and here I come showing up all late like a '****.

 

[NYCheartlMD]

depends on the school. which school at you interviewing at?

 

[AverageMan]

That's odd that they tell you who you're interviewing with so far in advance. Don't stress too much about it though. At Pitt, every interviewee has a 15 minute interview with either the dean or assistant dean. If that's the case with your school, then telling you you're interviewing with a dean may not be as big a deal as your're making it out to be. If you are doing a full interview with a dean, then don't worry about that either. In fact, you may have an advantage if you get along will with the dean, since they tend to have certain unilateral powers they can use if they like an applicant.

 

[osar92]

Thanks for all the responses guys.

My interview is for Case Western. When I looked up the interviewer's name on the website, it said he was the dean of the college of medicine.
Has anybody else interviewed with this guy?

 

[Kashue]

Originally posted by osar92
Thanks for all the responses guys.

My interview is for Case Western. When I looked up the interviewer's name on the website, it said he was the dean of the college of medicine.
Has anybody else interviewed with this guy?

I wouldn't worry Osar. Dr. Kirby is one of most genuinely nice people I've ever met. Just relax and be yourself.

Trust me, Case's interviews aren't as bad as some other schools(ie like the one where I came back from and got asked 3 ethic questions for the fun of it).

I hate ethic questions *#$(*(#$*.

 

[Neuronix]

Wait, doesn't everyone at CWRU interview with Dr. Kirby? I know all the MD/PhDs did. The interview wasn't much of an interview for us. It was scheduled for 15 minutes, but really took about 5, and consisted of him asking one question (why MD/PhD?), telling us to come to CWRU, and him shaking our hands and sending us back to the office.

Don't sweat it. Good luck!