Is it wrong to say this??

[Adam638]

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I'm interviewing at my top choice on Friday. I've been accepted to other schools. If they ask me what I will do if I don't get accepted to medical school can I tell them that I have been accepted, but their program is my first choice, dream school, etc? Or should I give them the standard "Retake courses, keep working hard, get more experience" answer. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.🙂

 

[Jwalker9]

I would be honest and forthcoming about your situation. Tell them that you are highly impressed by their program and that if you had it your way, you would like to spend your medical school years on their campus. But if that doesnt pan out, you have other windows open that you will provide you with the means to do what you want. Honesty is usually the best policy in interviews, plus it doesnt hurt to plug how interested you are in their school.

 

[gasapple]

I would be honest and forthcoming about your situation. Tell them that you are highly impressed by their program and that if you had it your way, you would like to spend your medical school years on their campus. But if that doesnt pan out, you have other windows open that you will provide you with the means to do what you want. Honesty is usually the best policy in interviews, plus it doesnt hurt to plug how interested you are in their school.

Yea, this is an easy one... what jaywalker9 said.

 

[BCLumas]

Aww.. I like to "/agree" first.. darn! Gasapple beat me to it!

Oh well ^.^ Do what they agreed to do.. if that.. makes.. sense.. yah...

 

[t-funk]

When I was asked this during my interviews, even though I already had another acceptance, I said I was planning on doing a year of Biochemistry and then studying and retaking the MCAT bc I believed my low Bio score was due to not having enough biology and that I was planning on getteing more clinical experience. I believe the standard answer to this on the forums is to act as if you do not have an acceptance already and tell them how you want to improve you application regardless of whether or not you have an acceptance. I personally would never tell another interviewer that I already had an acceptance elsewhere unless they asked straight-up, whcih they never did. At my allopathic interview, the interviewer asked me where all I had applied and when I mentioned 'several osteopathic' schools, he replied that he would just leave that out when talking to the admissions comittee, so I really don't think they want to know that you have other avenues you are pursuing.

 

[pakbabydoll]

Be honest..

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I'm not sure it matters. At this point, a lot of people have been accepted, so it would hardly be a surprise to them.

 

[t-funk]

I just wanted to clarify if I wasn't clear enough. I would be honest and tell the truth, I always told the truth in my interviews, but you also need to appear humble. Telling them that you already have an acceptance will appear arrogant as if there is no need for you to actually answer that question. In my opinion, that question if really just the same as asking in what ways do you need to improve your application to be more competitive and are you honest enough with yourself to realize that there are weaknesses in your application. Saying that you are already accepted kind of bypasses the question.

 

[Bond8204]

I just wanted to clarify if I wasn't clear enough. I would be honest and tell the truth, I always told the truth in my interviews, but you also need to appear humble. Telling them that you already have an acceptance will appear arrogant as if there is no need for you to actually answer that question. In my opinion, that question if really just the same as asking in what ways do you need to improve your application to be more competitive and are you honest enough with yourself to realize that there are weaknesses in your application. Saying that you are already accepted kind of bypasses the question.

...That's a disconnect though. If you already have acceptances then clearly you don't have to improve your application...

I'd say something along the lines of "I'm very fortunate to already have a few acceptances under my belt, but that doesn't change that I am very interested in this school and would love to have the opportunity to go here."

Edit: I think seeing this question as "What are your weaknesses and how will you improve on them?" is reading too much into the question. If they want to know that you are honest with yourself and know where you need improvement, they will ask "What do you think are your weaknesses?"

I think this question much more is a test of how committed you are to medicine (something I didn't realize until I read SDN regularly). If you don't have an acceptance, I think you need to say "I will continue to improve upon the weaknesses in my application until I AM accepted." If you have an acceptance, no need to go into a schpiel about your applications weaknesses. I think the only wrong way to go into this question would be to talk about alternative careers you've considered--unless the interviewer forces you to by saying something along the lines of "Assume the occupation of a physician does not exist."...In which case the best response I've heard has been "I would be a mortician."

 

[gasapple]

I'm not sure it matters. At this point, a lot of people have been accepted, so it would hardly be a surprise to them.

I agree. (BCLumas)

Seriously, I think it bodes well if you've already been accepted AND you are still interviewing at "their" program. By default, you are ranking - or are at least seriously interested in their program and second, they haven't overlooked anything detrimental with regard to your app - basically, you're not a "risk" because you've already been accepted somewhere.

Let's qualify this: If you're asked if you've already been accepted, be honest. I think it looks good that you've been accepted and are still visiting other programs; there's no doubt you take the process and your future seriously.

 

[superfan56]

I just wanted to clarify if I wasn't clear enough. I would be honest and tell the truth, I always told the truth in my interviews, but you also need to appear humble. Telling them that you already have an acceptance will appear arrogant as if there is no need for you to actually answer that question. In my opinion, that question if really just the same as asking in what ways do you need to improve your application to be more competitive and are you honest enough with yourself to realize that there are weaknesses in your application. Saying that you are already accepted kind of bypasses the question.

i don't think so. you'd still be telling the truth. Too many people get really down about trying too hard, to impress the school of their choice. Almost as if you are begging them to go to your school. It should be 2 ways, use the leverage you have. I made it known at my first choice that I would drop any other acceptances and go there if offered a spot.

 

[146233]

I agree that a little humility can go a long way. The question isn't meant to probe for information, but to see how well you've thought through this process. They want to know if you've put all your apples in the med school basket (somewhat irresponsible) or if you have a plan (reapply, use college degree to get a job, etc.) showing some forethought.

Naturally, you may allude to your acceptance, but I don't think it should be the first thing you say in response. Good luck! 🙂

 

[t-funk]

Even though SDN is good at skewing perspective, the truth is most people applying this year do not have an acceptance yet and the majority of people will not get one this year. A lot of people will be ecstatic just to get one and a few will be lucky enough to have multiple acceptances. In my opinion, this is a hypothetical question, "What would you do if you didn't get accepted this year?", not "Did you already get an acceptance this year?" I'm not saying there is one right way to answer this question but being cocky and announing to the interviewer that you have leverage over them will get you nowhere. I think it would be OK to gently demonstrate in some way that you have been accepted but I would still talk about how your application needs improvement.

 

[Bond8204]

I agree that a little humility can go a long way. The question isn't meant to probe for information, but to see how well you've thought through this process. They want to know if you've put all your apples in the med school basket (somewhat irresponsible) or if you have a plan (reapply, use college degree to get a job, etc.) showing some forethought.

Naturally, you may allude to your acceptance, but I don't think it should be the first thing you say in response. Good luck! 🙂

You guys are overanalyzing this question and worrying wayyy too much about being humble. I don't feel this question is loaded so much that you need to talk about weaknesses in your application that you would improve upon in this ridiculous hypothetical world in which you don't have multiple acceptances. An interviewer shoulnd't be offended that you tell him you already have a few other choices as long as you don't come across as an ass when saying that. If the interviewer, after you saying that you're happy you already have a few acceptances but are very interested in his school, followed up with "Well hypothetically, what would you have done?" I think you can delve into this. But doing otherwise is just unnecessary.

 

[146233]

You guys are overanalyzing this question. I think you can say what I said above and appear humble enough. As long as you're not an ass, saying you're happy you've already been accepted somewhere doesn't make you cocky.

I'm really not overanalyzing. 🙂 Being "not an ass" == "a little humility". 😎

 

[Bond8204]

I don't think stating that you've already accepted to a school and leaving it at that = being an ass either.

 

[superfan56]

Even though SDN is good at skewing perspective, the truth is most people applying this year do not have an acceptance yet and the majority of people will not get one this year. A lot of people will be ecstatic just to get one and a few will be lucky enough to have multiple acceptances. In my opinion, this is a hypothetical question, "What would you do if you didn't get accepted this year?", not "Did you already get an acceptance this year?" I'm not saying there is one right way to answer this question but being cocky and announing to the interviewer that you have leverage over them will get you nowhere. I think it would be OK to gently demonstrate in some way that you have been accepted but I would still talk about how your application needs improvement.

I think you're right then, the hypothetical question is answered not considering you already have an acceptance. If asked straight out, then yeah, I'd say it. I was asked that question the other day and never mentioned that, i just said I'd improve my app, and try again. The last thing you want to do is give up that quickly.

With all this talk of humility, I think humility and confidence can co-exist. There is never a point where you want show that you are unsure about this decision.

 

[IDBasco]

Even though SDN is good at skewing perspective, the truth is most people applying this year do not have an acceptance yet and the majority of people will not get one this year. A lot of people will be ecstatic just to get one and a few will be lucky enough to have multiple acceptances. In my opinion, this is a hypothetical question, "What would you do if you didn't get accepted this year?", not "Did you already get an acceptance this year?" I'm not saying there is one right way to answer this question but being cocky and announing to the interviewer that you have leverage over them will get you nowhere. I think it would be OK to gently demonstrate in some way that you have been accepted but I would still talk about how your application needs improvement.

Actually, one of my interviewer's first question was what would I do if I didn't get accepted. I told him that I had an acceptance already, but wouldn't have traveled half way across the country if I wasn't at least as interested in their program. I didn't flaunt it, but its the truth and I'm wasn't going to hide from it. I made no mention of any improvement I needed to make to my application. That would indicate that you aren't ready or aren't a worthy applicant to me. I almost think it would sound like bs anyway, if you were already in somewhere. No offense, but the last thing you want to do (IMO) is make the interviewers think you are BSing them.

His follow up was to ask where I was accepted. No big deal.

 

[gasapple]

I'm not saying there is one right way to answer this question but being cocky and announing to the interviewer that you have leverage over them will get you nowhere. I think it would be OK to gently demonstrate in some way that you have been accepted but I would still talk about how your application needs improvement.

Sheesh. Chicks. Just kidding Funky. 😀

No one ever suggested that the OP should be cocky about it or "use it as leverage". Let's not misconstrue the advice. I think it's OK to mention it if you're asked (as I posted above) and for the reasons I mentioned. In all seriousness, be yourself and be honest with the interviewer, it sure won't hurt to mention that you have acceptances for the simple and most important reason that you are sitting at their school! That says something in my book, albeit understated.

I've actually done it and it hasn't backfired in the least so if you need to sound "less cocky" or be spoon fed interview prowess, drop me a PM. I guess I just assume most people have business/communication savvy and are as smooth an operator as I across the board. I could have saved you at KCOM, T-Funk. Ha-ha. You know I'm just razzing you! Crappy interviewers happen. 😀

Started to sound like the "40-yr-old virgin forum" here for a sec, didn't it? I can't spend too much time over there like I have this AM, it sucks the life out of me.

 

[146233]

I don't think stating that you've already accepted to a school and leaving it at that = being an ass either.

Tomato, tomahto. 😉

 

[Lokhtar]

Tell them that you already have an acceptance, and that it would be an honor for the university to accept you, but that will only happen if you get a free ride.

Your confidence will inspire them and you'll get what you want.

 

[BCLumas]

I agree. (BCLumas)

Seriously, I think it bodes well if you've already been accepted AND you are still interviewing at "their" program. By default, you are ranking - or are at least seriously interested in their program and second, they haven't overlooked anything detrimental with regard to your app - basically, you're not a "risk" because you've already been accepted somewhere.

Let's qualify this: If you're asked if you've already been accepted, be honest. I think it looks good that you've been accepted and are still visiting other programs; there's no doubt you take the process and your future seriously.

/agre... DAMN! You beat me again Gasapple. I am never going to class again! I am gonna sit and lurk these threads so that I beat you with the agreement.

Well. I'm off to Physics 4. I hate Quantum T_T

 

[gasapple]

/agre... DAMN! You beat me again Gasapple. I am never going to class again! I am gonna sit and lurk these threads so that I beat you with the agreement.

Well. I'm off to Physics 4. I hate Quantum T_T

I'm the forum "agreement" gunner. Look out.

Haha. Physics 4?! Are you doing Schrodinger theory and some Dancing Wu Li?

AND you're Penn State? I can say the only other Penn State person I've seen 'round these parts comes across as a pretentious douche. I'm going to have to re-evaluate my assessment based on your level of awesomeness! 👍

 

[t-funk]

I guess I just assume most people have business/communication savvy and are as smooth an operator as I across the board. I could have saved you at KCOM, T-Funk. Ha-ha. You know I'm just razzing you! Crappy interviewers happen. 😀

Thanks, that is so thoughtful.🙂 Actually, he never asked me this question. Instead, he decided to make me feel like I had the worst application ever and that no one in their right mind would ever accept me with the snide comments that he made. I honestly feel sorry for people going to KCOM next year who have to have him as their first year professor. This is the type of person you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Seriously. Actually, I'm really glad now that I got him as an interviewer in hindsight.

 

[gasapple]

Thanks, that is so thoughtful.🙂 Actually, he never asked me this question. Instead, he decided to make me feel like I had the worst application ever and that no one in their right mind would ever accept me with the snide comments that he made. I honestly feel sorry for people going to KCOM next year who have to have him as their first year professor. This is the type of person you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. Seriously. Actually, I'm really glad now that I got him as an interviewer in hindsight.

Well, I didn't think he would since he probably assumed, mistakenly, that it would be virtually impossible for you to have an acceptance. You need to forget that guy. As the Budweiser frog once said, "Let it go, Louie".

By chance, are you Scorpio? I'm not sure I believe in that stuff but I can say this, I have a short list of people that have crossed me who I plan on revisiting someday. My wife asked what I was doing one evening as I sat on the deck sipping on my Crown and Sprite. I replied, "working the top ten on my **** list". She knows to steer clear when I'm hatching future retribution plans. 😀

It's not wrong, it's therapeutic. Unfortunately, I'm relentless, believe in justice, and always follow through to the end.

 

[t-funk]

Well, I didn't think he would since he probably assumed, mistakenly, that it would be virtually impossible for you to have an acceptance. You need to forget that guy. As the Budweiser frog once said, "Let it go, Louie".

By chance, are you Scorpio? I'm not sure I believe in that stuff but I can say this, I have a short list of people that have crossed me who I plan on revisiting someday. My wife asked what I was doing one evening as I sat on the deck sipping on my Crown and Sprite. I replied, "working the top ten on my **** list". She knows to steer clear when I'm hatching future retribution plans. 😀

It's not wrong, it's therapeutic. Unfortunately, I'm relentless, believe in justice, and always follow through to the end.

That's funny. No, I'm actually a Leo. And I usually don't hold grudges very long. But if I had a list, this guy would be there.

You're a pimp and you have a wife. Interesting. JK.

 

[gasapple]

That's funny. No, I'm actually a Leo. And I usually don't hold grudges very long. But if I had a list, this guy would be there.

You're a pimp and you have a wife. Interesting. JK.

It CAN happen if you've got what it takes. I'm a busy man. Please schedule future correspondence through Cinnamon, my executive assistant.

 

[doinmybest5840]

When asked this question in an interview, I told the interviewers that I'd already been accepted somewhere, but if I hadn't been, I'd take some courses to improve my grades and look for some sort of research job. I was accepted at that school, so I don't think being honest is a problem.

 

[ShyRem]

The only wrong answer is the one that is not honest.

 

[Powdermonkey]

Just tell them that they have the best Pre-Ninja program and you would be honored to learn the time honored traditions of Ninja water healing at their school. You'll be a shoe in.

 

[scpod]

It's a hypothetical question...so, give them a hypothetical answer.

"I made plans early on to [insert random answer here] in the event that I didn't get accepted to medical school. While doing [re-insert random answer] I also planned to improve my application by [insert 2nd random answer here]. It's always good to have a backup plan, don't you think?"

In this scenario you're totally honest, you don't give anything away and you make it sound like you are well-prepared.

 

[BCLumas]

I'm the forum "agreement" gunner. Look out.

Haha. Physics 4?! Are you doing Schrodinger theory and some Dancing Wu Li?

AND you're Penn State? I can say the only other Penn State person I've seen 'round these parts comes across as a pretentious douche. I'm going to have to re-evaluate my assessment based on your level of awesomeness! 👍

I am always on the lookout As for physics 4, I really have no idea what the heck we're talking about (or why I have to take Quantum as a Pre-Med in the first place), so it really doesn't matter. We just learned today that there are actually things smaller than Protons and Neutrons and Electrons that are the basic components of them: Quarks. And these quarks.. well I really don't care. That part just blew my mind.

As for the "pretentious douche" idea, there are plenty of them to go around up here, and there are A LOT of them who are stuck up. I think highly of myself only because I know that it isn't true. In reality, I just try to have fun. Being a douche and hurtful towards others gets you nowhere. "May no act of ours bring shame to one heart that loves thy name. May our lives but swell thy fame Dear Old State, Dear Old State." <--- Penn State Alma Mater. Remind him of that then kick him in the groin. ^.^ If you so choose.

I will win the next time, Gasapple ^.^

 

[Dr JPH]

I'm interviewing at my top choice on Friday. I've been accepted to other schools. If they ask me what I will do if I don't get accepted to medical school can I tell them that I have been accepted, but their program is my first choice, dream school, etc? Or should I give them the standard "Retake courses, keep working hard, get more experience" answer. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.🙂

Tell them you have been accepted other places but would gladly turn them down to come there.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Sometimes, these questions have the most simple answers...

 

[Sarikate]

Cut the B.S. and give 'em the answer - you've been accepted elsewhere. If you really want to go to their school, say so. They'll appreciate your honesty, in most cases.

 

[CA0708]

I'm interviewing at my top choice on Friday. I've been accepted to other schools. If they ask me what I will do if I don't get accepted to medical school can I tell them that I have been accepted, but their program is my first choice, dream school, etc? Or should I give them the standard "Retake courses, keep working hard, get more experience" answer. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.🙂

You're 24 years old...use a little common sense.

 

[Powdermonkey]

You're 24 years old...use a little common sense.

Wow. Thanks for that insightful tidbit. 👍

 

[RockfordWF]

I'm interviewing at my top choice on Friday. I've been accepted to other schools. If they ask me what I will do if I don't get accepted to medical school can I tell them that I have been accepted, but their program is my first choice, dream school, etc? Or should I give them the standard "Retake courses, keep working hard, get more experience" answer. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.🙂

Just do what I did:

"I've already been accepted to another school, so I'll just go there even through your program is my first choice."

They called me the next week with an acceptance.