Is it inappropriate to ask for a later interview date?

[triedtowalk]

I have been fortunate enough to receive an II, and there are only two interview dates available on the school's portal: the latest one is next week. This date clashes with my work schedule, and I'd admittedly appreciate a bit more time to prepare for the interview. Would it be inappropriate to contact the school to request a later interview date, or will seven days be sufficient to prepare? Thanks in advance.

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[Mr.Smile12]

Tell them you have a work conflict. We don't know which school you are talking about, but at this point, you should be eager to have your interview day.

 

[triedtowalk]

Tell them you have a work conflict. We don't know which school you are talking about, but at this point, you should be eager to have your interview day.

Actually, I just checked my work schedule to confirm and it looks like I'm off on one of the available interview days thankfully. If you don't mind me asking, do you think doing a mock interview is necessary to do well during the actual interview? My undergrad offers mock interviews, but we're only allowed to request one after receiving an II (not sure if I'll be matched with a mock interviewer in the <1 week before my interview).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Actually, I just checked my work schedule to confirm and it looks like I'm off on one of the available interview days thankfully. If you don't mind me asking, do you think doing a mock interview is necessary to do well during the actual interview? My undergrad offers mock interviews, but we're only allowed to request one after receiving an II (not sure if I'll be matched with a mock interviewer in the <1 week before my interview).

Did you take the MCAT without a practice test?

Why not take advantage of what your undergrad offers you? Many independent counselors would be happy to charge you a few hundred to do a mock interview. If you have never interviewed for a job before, you should practice.

The majority of med school applicants get just one interview. Don't blow your shot by being underprepared.

 

[triedtowalk]

Did you take the MCAT without a practice test?

Why not take advantage of what your undergrad offers you? Many independent counselors would be happy to charge you a few hundred to do a mock interview. If you have never interviewed for a job before, you should practice.

The majority of med school applicants get just one interview. Don't blow your shot by being underprepared.

Sorry, I think I worded my question wrong. I definitely want to do a mock interview prior to my actual interview, but I’m concerned that I may not have enough time to do one through my undergrad, as it takes at least 5 days to be matched with a mock interviewer.

 

[AJS59]

Sorry, I think I worded my question wrong. I definitely want to do a mock interview prior to my actual interview, but I’m concerned that I may not have enough time to do one through my undergrad, as it takes at least 5 days to be matched with a mock interviewer.

What might be worth doing if you can't have someone from your pre-health office do it is compile a list of questions/scenarios (you can find these online) and give them to a friend/family member to practice with. While you may not be able to get very specific med school advice, you can at least get some advice and feedback on how your answers felt, how your delivery was, etc.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Use Pay-What-You-Can Advising (see below).

 

[karaya]

Sorry, I think I worded my question wrong. I definitely want to do a mock interview prior to my actual interview, but I’m concerned that I may not have enough time to do one through my undergrad, as it takes at least 5 days to be matched with a mock interviewer.

I was in your shoes last year. II in a very short window. I asked a close friend to mock interview me. Even this simple roleplay helped me to acclimate to the nerves and stress of the real thing, as well as polish some of my answers. It's a good stopgap if you can't meet with a professional right away.