All interviewees:
The season is upon you. You have finally come to the conclusion that most people who apply to [good] medical schools are intellectually qualified to get through the program. You now realize that the interview is the last imperfect hoop you must jump through. Since I went through it all twice, I will give my thoughts.
1. Groom Thyself, Well. I don't know how many interviews I went to where people had ridiculous clothes on that didn't fit, or were wrinkled, etc. Unshaven. Bad breath? You'd be surprised.
2. Know Thyself, Better. Putting on the perfect applicant fascade is so enticing, but most intelligent interviewers will see through that in a heartbeat. Emphasize the truths about yourself, and be keenly aware of your drawbacks. Understand them in very specific and substantiated terms.
3. Prepare Thyself, Best. Canned answers are a sure bet you'll get a very thin envelope from the admissions committee down the road, but witty, thought-provoking answers (and questions!) are a door-opener to unbound glory. If you can get to connect with an interviewer on their level, you have made some serious points. Days before your interview, anticipate topics and discussions. Formulate directions you want to take with those topics, but don't scribe your whole answer before you get into the interview. If you can't think on your feet you don't belong in medicine anyway.
Brad
