Is it bad to bring up your girlfriend in an interview?

[mpompliano]

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At the moment, I'm leaning towards not doing it. I have an interview at an out of state school tomorrow (Tuesday) and it would be easiest (and most genuine) to answer the inevitable "why X school?" question by bringing up my girlfriend. To be completely honest, I would have never given a second look to this school if it weren't in her hometown (she is moving back there after graduation and attending their law school). However, after looking into the school, it really does seem like it would be a good fit for me and is my #1 choice.

We're very serious and I could easily talk maturely about our situation, I just don't want to sound immature or come off disinterested in the school. Thoughts?

 

[Oso]

So emphasize why it would be a good fit for you. You can phrase having your girlfriend nearby as a plus.

 

[LuciusVorenus]

During one of my interviews I brought up that I have friends in the area and that it means I have a support system already in place when moving out of my home state. I eventually got accepted so who knows!

 

[mpompliano]

So emphasize why it would be a good fit for you. You can phrase having your girlfriend nearby as a plus.

That's what I was thinking. The other component is that she has so much family in the area, I plan on moving their either way. Going to medical school there would just make this whole process easier. Bad idea to say I am coming to the area regardless, it is just a matter of time?

 

[Oso]

That's what I was thinking. The other component is that she has so much family in the area, I plan on moving their either way. Going to medical school there would just make this whole process easier. Bad idea to say I am coming to the area regardless, it is just a matter of time?

you would move there even if you didn't get into the med school there? what?

Just talk about how the school is a good fit academically and personally.

 

[HopefulReapp]

That would fall under why a school is a good fit for you. Emphasize support network in your "Why XXX" answer.

 

[Mt Kilimanjaro]

I don't think I'd make a big deal out of that aspect, especially since you have other stuff to say about why it's a good fit. But don't think it would be poison to mention a personal connection, either. I suppose a cynic could wonder, "If things go sour, is he going to implode?"

Better drop that ring before she gets around all those smooth-talkin' lawyer types...

 

[mpompliano]

you would move there even if you didn't get into the med school there? what?

Sorry, should have clarified. I meant long-term, as in after medical school. My bad.

 

[mpompliano]

Better drop that ring before she gets around all those smooth-talkin' lawyer types...

If all it took to steal her from me was a smooth talker, then I think I'm better off saving the ring for someone else haha. Thankfully I do not think that is the case 🙂

 

[Goro]

I think it's fair to mention it. People answer all the time that "they have family in the area", so why not an S/O?

But be prepared to give alternative answers. For example, suppose the interviewer asks, "what if she gets a great job at (medical school X in their Y Dep't) and decides to move?"

At the moment, I'm leaning towards not doing it. I have an interview at an out of state school tomorrow (Tuesday) and it would be easiest (and most genuine) to answer the inevitable "why X school?" question by bringing up my girlfriend. To be completely honest, I would have never given a second look to this school if it weren't in her hometown (she is moving back there after graduation and attending their law school). However, after looking into the school, it really does seem like it would be a good fit for me and is my #1 choice.

We're very serious and I could easily talk maturely about our situation, I just don't want to sound immature or come off disinterested in the school. Thoughts?

 

[Microglia]

At the moment, I'm leaning towards not doing it. I have an interview at an out of state school tomorrow (Tuesday) and it would be easiest (and most genuine) to answer the inevitable "why X school?" question by bringing up my girlfriend. To be completely honest, I would have never given a second look to this school if it weren't in her hometown (she is moving back there after graduation and attending their law school). However, after looking into the school, it really does seem like it would be a good fit for me and is my #1 choice.

We're very serious and I could easily talk maturely about our situation, I just don't want to sound immature or come off disinterested in the school. Thoughts?

Brought this up multiple times, received nothing but positive feedback haha. But be sure to do it tactfully, and to the right people (friendly, open to discussing personal life).

 

[penguinism]

I see no problem mentioning significant others as long as you can also back up your answer with other reasons as to why the school would be a good fit. I had an applicant mention to me that he was interested in my school because his girlfriend is from the area, and they planned to move back here together if he was accepted. I certainly didn't dock him for saying that, but he also said a few other things to make me think he was genuinely interested.

"I'm only here because my S/O is coming here for law school" won't go over as well.

 

[SN12357]

I think it's a good idea to bring it up as a supporting factor to why you're interested, just don't make it seem like the only reason you want to go to that school.