"It's cheaper" valid response to a "Why this school?" interview question?

[IrishCalini]

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Hi all~

I was compiling a list of reasons for why I want to go to my in-state med school for my interview that I have coming up with them. There are LOTS of reasons, but one that I definitely am considering is the cost.

Should I bring this up in my interview? I feel its a valid reason because the other schools I've applied to are MUCH more expensive, but I don't want to rub them the wrong way...

 

[anfleisch]

I would say it differently. Say something like, in the current climate, you see how it makes sense to goto medical school within your own state and support the communities that are around where you live. Or that it is maybe a responsible thing to do.

Saying outright that it is just cheaper makes it sound like you making a consolation.

 

[wanderer]

Saying in those words is bad. If you spin it right then I think it's okay. I definitely would have said that had I been asked by any of my state schools why I would go to that school.

 

[Forthegood]

NO.

On some level, these folks still WANT to see you as a bit starry-eyed and naïve. Besides, how many homeless MDs do you know? You'll find a way to make the money thing work, everyone does.

Don't talk about money unless they ask. Then, if they do, be specific.

Surely the school has other merits other than being cheap. If no, perhaps reconsider.

 

[Meerkatology]

the rationale behind that question is to see if you've researched their school and could tell them something you like about it from what you've seen. the question isn't to see which applicant can kiss ass better (although this may actually be the important skill in 3rd year :\ )

mentioning the cost wouldn't necesiarly hurt you but preferably you'd rather say something particular about their school to show that you've researched them.

 

[CaptainSSO]

I actually did mention price in every single one of my interviews, and I got a positive response from my interviewers. Usually they responded with, "Oh, I definitely agree. Cost is a huge factor." In fact my state schools have even played up the relatively inexpensive costs of staying in-state, and they have actually used it as a selling point.

But, as always, YMMV. This is just what worked for me--you may feel totally different about it.

 

[TFS]

.

 

[Musclemass]

I actually did mention price in every single one of my interviews, and I got a positive response from my interviewers. Usually they responded with, "Oh, I definitely agree. Cost is a huge factor." In fact my state schools have even played up the relatively inexpensive costs of staying in-state, and they have actually used it as a selling point.

But, as always, YMMV. This is just what worked for me--you may feel totally different about it.

How do you know it worked for you - it might have had the opposite effect or no effect at all. Ignore comments made in response to what you say, they're throwaways in any event.

OP, not a good idea.

 

[LizzyM]

There are two situations where mentioning the relatively low cost of the school might be a good answer.

1. you want to go into academic medicine
2. you are interested in a career in primary care

Having a relatively low debt gives a grad more choices when it comes to choosing a specialty and a location in which to serve. I think it is completely legit to mention cost as positive if you preface it with an interest in a career path that pays less than average.

 

[IrishCalini]

Thanks everyone! These are some great responses, and they have given me some good points for formatting my interview responses 👍

 

[MilkmanAl]

I don't see why cost would ever not be a valid reason for choosing a school. Screw your future salary. When you're talking about a difference of $50k and up over your four years, it's always a significant issue. Like the others said, you have to phrase it well, but cost of attendance should play a big role in which school you choose unless you or your family is wealthy enough that it doesn't matter.

 

[QuizzicalApe]

Unless you own a waterfowl that pops out a golden omelet now and then, it is entirely legitimate to mention financial concerns as a reason. Just do it elegantly. Consider, specifically, why finances are a concern.

Do you want to go into primary care? Do you just not want to be burdened by a debt-bias when you are being exposed to different specialties in your rotations and need to make a final decision on residencies? Do you already have high undergrad debt?

Don't make statements in a vacuum, have them be well thought-out.

Personally, as a frequent student interviewer, if a student mentioned the price of my school as a factor* (realistically, it would be a minus. Drexel accepts payments in only two ways: sacks of doubloons, or arms and legs) I would be pretty impressed. It would signify that you had done some research into my institution.

Additionally, one of the factors I look for is "does this schlub know what they're getting into?" If you keep something like finances* and quality of clinical rotations* in mind, it gives me the impression that you've thought things out very well.

* - after about 50 interviews over a year and a half, somewhere between zero to no interviewees have brought these things up. It'd be pretty slick if someone did, though.

 

[Barcu]

Additionally, one of the factors I look for is "does this schlub know what they're getting into?" If you keep something like finances* and quality of clinical rotations* in mind, it gives me the impression that you've thought things out very well.

* - after about 50 interviews over a year and a half, somewhere between zero to no interviewees have brought these things up. It'd be pretty slick if someone did, though.

This is a good point. At one of my interviews at a more expensive school, my interviewer literally said it was "stupid" to take on all the debt from that school. Maybe he was just trying to bait me or catch me by surprise (which he did).

As long as you listen to some of the good advice on here (dressing up the answer a bit), talking about cost seems to be a beneficial because it shows the interviewer that you have thought about ALL aspects of the school, good and bad.

 

[equios]

QuizzicalApe: I agree with you on that. I would say having an appreciation of finances and the cost of education in addition to the quality of education received are good sign of maturity on the part of the interviewer. (FWIW: I talked about cost in all my IS interviews too, in addition to many other points)

When IS tuition and board will put you close to $200k in debt, closer to a quarter of a million when you pay it off, it sure as heck needs to be addressed, but emphasis on addressed, not outright mentioned "cuz you're cheap!"

 

[CaptainSSO]

How do you know it worked for you - it might have had the opposite effect or no effect at all. Ignore comments made in response to what you say, they're throwaways in any event.

OP, not a good idea.

The reason I knew it worked for me is because I feel I'm socially competent enough to gauge the reactions of my interviewer. Obviously cost was neither the only nor the most important reason I listed for wanting to attend the school, but I could tell from the reactions of my interviewers that they agreed it was a legitimate point. If he smiles and vigorously nods when I mention how tuition is extremely high at other schools, then I consider that a positive response. If he was in actuality masking his contempt for my response, then he deserves an Oscar for such a genuine looking display of good humor.

Plus, I mean, one school seriously did have a power point presentation on why attending their school would be a wise decision, financially speaking. I believe the cost of a school can be and is a valid concern. But like I said, YMMV so this is simply my own belief on the subject.

 

[Musclemass]

If, in a non-casual setting, someone responds to a question I've asked with what strikes me as a silly answer, I might very well smile and nod. Because it might stop me from laughing. But you may be right.

All I'm saying is that if you can come up with two better answers to the question, you might consider using them instead.