Is it safe to assume...

[ivorypearls]

---

Members don't see this ad.

If you received a flat out rejection to a medical school post-interview, is it safe to assume that it is because of your interviewing skills?

My stats for the school are above average and I was in the first batch to be interviewed.

I was thinking it may also be due to a bad letter of recommendation, but I wouldn't get 9 interviews to other medical schools if that was the case right?

Other potential "red flags" are that I am a Texas applicant and my ECs are on the lower end of the school. But if these led to a quick rejection, I wouldn't even have a chance at the interview in the first place.

The earliest I can reach their admissions commitee to discuss my application is next month, however most of my interviews are scheduled before that time. I honestly thought this was my best interview so far, so I'm not sure what I can do to improve at this moment

 

[Glazedonutlove]

No they look at your whole app again
At least this is what I was told at my interviews

 

[piii]

Probably a decent chance it was the interview but idk if it is "safe" to assume that. Could very well be a bad LOR that wasn't caught before, or you didn't fit the mission of the school.

 

[WedgeDawg]

No

 

[xc_stallion92]

Just looking at the title, no, probably not.

 

[Fastrada]

I interviewed at a school that said they only flat-out reject people post-interview who they felt wouldn't fit-in with the school (or did really poorly in the interview). Another explanation could be that they did think you fit with the school's mission/vibe?

 

[claduva94]

It depends on the school too.

 

[Goro]

Based upon real life examples from LizzyM and gyngyn, IF you were a real life a-hole who yelled at the staff, or expected them to fetch you coffee or hang up your coat, then being a great interviewer wouldn't save you.

But in general, at my school, flat out post-interview rejects are due to very poor interview skills, or a red flag in the app (we don't pre-screen), but your school might have wanted to take a look at you to see if it was worth the risk.

You can always call the admissions dean and ask for feedback on the rejection. Some schools will do this and some will outright tell you that
"you interviewed poorly".

 

[ivorypearls]

I interviewed at a school that said they only flat-out reject people post-interview who they felt wouldn't fit-in with the school (or did really poorly in the interview). Another explanation could be that they did think you fit with the school's mission/vibe?

This school is apparently really picky about people they choose, and they specifically look at people who fit their mission to interview. There is a high post-interview acceptance rate (almost 70%)... Which terrifies me because I am now thinking it's because of my interviewing skills. Honestly I'm not sure what went wrong. It also scares me because this is 6/10 of my interviews and has been my best interview experience by far....

 

[jestum55]

If you received a flat out rejection to a medical school post-interview, is it safe to assume that it is because of your interviewing skills?

My stats for the school are above average and I was in the first batch to be interviewed.

I was thinking it may also be due to a bad letter of recommendation, but I wouldn't get 9 interviews to other medical schools if that was the case right?

Other potential "red flags" are that I am a Texas applicant and my ECs are on the lower end of the school. But if these led to a quick rejection, I wouldn't even have a chance at the interview in the first place.

The earliest I can reach their admissions commitee to discuss my application is next month, however most of my interviews are scheduled before that time. I honestly thought this was my best interview so far, so I'm not sure what I can do to improve at this moment

I am in exact same situation! Your situation mirrors mine almost identically (except for the Texas part)! Can't decide if I would rather have it be poor interview skills (although I was accepted at another school and I was the same person in both interviews) or if I would rather have it be a red flag (and I have had five other II). Not sure which one would be worse! Either one is depressing to think about 🙁
I agree, it would be nice to know how to improve. I definitely thought the interview went better at the school in which I received a rejection than the one in which I was accepted. Very thankful for the acceptance I have though. Thankfully that came before my rejection to soften the jolt just a bit! Best of luck to you for your upcoming interviews!

 

[ivorypearls]

I am in exact same situation! Your situation mirrors mine almost identically (except for the Texas part)! Can't decide if I would rather have it be poor interview skills (although I was accepted at another school and I was the same person in both interviews) or if I would rather have it be a red flag (and I have had five other II). Not sure which one would be worse! Either one is depressing to think about 🙁
I agree, it would be nice to know how to improve. I definitely thought the interview went better at the school in which I received a rejection than the one in which I was accepted. Very thankful for the acceptance I have though. Thankfully that came before my rejection to soften the jolt just a bit! Best of luck to you for your upcoming interviews!

I remember you from the previous thread! My worse fear is getting rejected to all 10 schools flat out.. I'm mean not the most charismatic but I also don't think I'm a terrible person. I showed enthusiasm and courtesy during each interview. I assumed people having even lukewarm interviews would at least be waitlisted.. Anyway I hope other medical schools criteria doesn't mirror this one. Wishing the best for you too this cycle! Although holding 1 acceptance and 5 interview invited, you are already sitting really well 🙂

 

[Fastrada]

This school is apparently really picky about people they choose, and they specifically look at people who fit their mission to interview. There is a high post-interview acceptance rate (almost 70%)... Which terrifies me because I am now thinking it's because of my interviewing skills. Honestly I'm not sure what went wrong. It also scares me because this is 6/10 of my interviews and has been my best interview experience by far....

Maybe you didn't come off as the same character in person as you were in writing. Are you saying that you have 10 IIs? You've got this in the bag! Chalk it up to a bad day, practice a little (with someone to make sure your answers sound they way you think they do), and rock it. Second guessing your interviewing skills will just trip you up.

And good luck!!

 

[jestum55]

I remember you from the previous thread! My worse fear is getting rejected to all 10 schools flat out.. I'm mean not the most charismatic but I also don't think I'm a terrible person. I showed enthusiasm and courtesy during each interview. I assumed people having even lukewarm interviews would at least be waitlisted.. Anyway I hope other medical schools criteria doesn't mirror this one. Wishing the best for you too this cycle! Although holding 1 acceptance and 5 interview invited, you are already sitting really well 🙂

Thanks! Keeping my fingers crossed for you. I am sure one of those schools will come through for you 🙂

 

[ivorypearls]

.

 

[tenblackalps]

They look at your whole app again (see page 2):

https://www.aamc.org/download/261106/data/aibvol11_no6.pdf