Is it ok to bring things to the interview? (letters, etc.)

[Polo423]

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So I'm currently on a global health opportunity and I will be returning to the states a few days before an interview. I will have a rec letter from the physicians I am with, as well as a journal I have kept of my experiences throughout the trip. Would it be alright to bring these items into the interview and present them to my interviewers? If not the journal, the letter of recommendation at least? I just feel I won't have time to mail them to the university (or to AMCAS to mail to the university) in time for my interview.

 

[NickNaylor]

You can bring it if you want, but they're not going to stop the interview to read it. I can barely get them to look at a picture that I bring when talking about one of my activities.

 

[Catalystik]

I'd bring a copy of the LOR and ask what you should do to have it added to your file. As for the activities detailed in your journal, I'd try to find an opportunity during the interview to bring up your recent Experience and any insights gained, but its unlikely anyone will read the journal itself.

 

[Dr2B4Ever]

I literally submitted a letter online to a school while at my interview (not during my actual interview, during a down period during the day) and let them know to look for it. I got accepted at the school... so I don't think it really has a major impact. They're probably not going to read it before they interview you but it will be taken into consideration when deciding whether to accept/waitlist/reject you.

 

[oldyogurt]

Your interviewer is likely not going to read anything. Bring your rec letter to give to the admissions committee or staff (assuming this school accepts updates) but it would be useless to give to your interviewer.

I mentioned that I brought my art portfolio to interviews and was asked to take it out on two occasions. My logic for bringing it was that it summarized my artistic accomplishments much easier than any words could, and at the least it verified with my interviewers that I was who I presented myself as in my application. A journal is cool for your personal accomplishments but I reckon you're better off tersely verbalizing your international experiences to your interviewer. So far I've 1 acceptance, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

 

[BurghStudent]

I have a similar question so I thought I'd throw it in.

I started a printed monthly periodical on my campus. It basically has articles related to medicine and pre-health and interviews with med schools and physicians.

Would it be OK to bring an issue to an interview? The thing is, its hard to describe the periodical: when you see the actual printed copy it just looks so much more legitimate and professional.

Thanks.

 

[tabascosauce]

yes bring it

 

[LizzyM]

The letter should be is a sealed envelope. Give it to the interviewer and ask to have it added to your file. At my school at least, these things are scanned and added to the electronic file. Whether anyone reads it is up for grabs.

An alternative is to hold on to it and submit it as an update later when you need to express continued interest in the school.