=== Mayo 2007 ===

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nervous, stuttered, didn't deliver clear answers, etc... it was a disaster. I was at work and in no mood for an interview. Phone interviews are weird.
 
Yeah, I am going to be at work too. I was kind of worried about it that factor. Sorry about the bomb. maybe you didnt do as bad as you think
 
I wish. I'm not even exaggerating, it must have been the worst in history. Oh well, I'll just have to wait for the rejection letter.
 
yea i think it really sucks how most are assigned times during the typical business/school day. for my interview, i had just enough time to run home from school between classes so i could be in a relatively calm environment in my apartment room. but yea, definitely a different experience than a typical "interview day" at a school, where they ease you into the whole interview bit.

ps i loved the "on a scale of 1 to 10 how humble are you?" question; i almost laughed out loud when i heard that one.
 
biggoron42 said:
ps i loved the "on a scale of 1 to 10 how humble are you?" question; i almost laughed out loud when i heard that one.
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yeah, and the worst part is that i actually came up with a number. i feel so ashamed ....
 
I was at a client site the day of my phone interview and was making my way back to the airport to fly back home. I pulled my car into a quiet parking lot and spent the 20-25 minutes for the phone interview. Not the best situation with a cell phone but that's what I had to work with. For days later I kept thinking about the answers I had given. When they say "thought provoking questions" they're not kidding 🙂 But try to relax and know that you did the best you could given the circumstance.

Anyone know what the turn time is from onsite interview -> decision?

Since they are rolling admissions does anyone know how much does it hurt you to schedule your onsite 3 weeks out?
 
cubbbie said:
yeah, and the worst part is that i actually came up with a number. i feel so ashamed ....
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i came up with a number too. when people ask a question, i think its best to answer it and not do one of the "im smarter than the question...this is an invalid question for this, this, and this reasons". i think as long as you were thoughtful about why you answered the way you did, it should be fine.

i say this and they are probably listening to my interview right now, laughing at my answer of 6, and typing up my rejection email. 🙂
 
Y_Marker said:
For days later I kept thinking about the answers I had given. When they say "thought provoking questions" they're not kidding 🙂 But try to relax and know that you did the best you could given the circumstance.
QUOTE]

Yeah I am doing the same thing. I keep on thinking about the questions and my answers. I keep on saying to myself why did i answer that question that way, what I should of said was.... I just need to let it go and wait the ten days to find out.
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I just need to let it go and wait the ten days to find out.
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Yeah, if you're lucky. For me it's 22 days and counting ...
 
Congrats Y_Marker!!!!
 
girlsporty said:
Congrats Y_Marker!!!!
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Thanks girlsporty. Did the admissions lady say anything about scheduling your onsite interview so far out? She was telling me how they are rolling admissions and I'm wondering how much it hurts me to schedule mine on Oct 20th.
 
Y_Marker said:
Thanks girlsporty. Did the admissions lady say anything about scheduling your onsite interview so far out? She was telling me how they are rolling admissions and I'm wondering how much it hurts me to schedule mine on Oct 20th.
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Mine isn't onsite... I have a phone interview on October 5th. I'm not expecting miracles, just thrilled to have a phone interview at all! Of course, I'll graciously accept an onsite interview should one be offered!

But honestly, I wouldn't worry. We're so early in this admissions process. October 20th isn't that far out anyway!

gs
 
I had to schedule mine 3 weeks out too - I'm on Oct 23 - I just couldn't get there before then what with taking an entire week out of the middle of October to interview at a bunch of east coast schools...

I think it'll be okay - it's still early in the season. Seriously though - I think I heard at some point that Mayo lets you know a few days after your onsite if you are a yes or a no or a maybe....

But I might be wrong. Anyone know for sure?
 
biggoron42 said:
i came up with a number too. when people ask a question, i think its best to answer it and not do one of the "im smarter than the question...this is an invalid question for this, this, and this reasons". i think as long as you were thoughtful about why you answered the way you did, it should be fine.

i say this and they are probably listening to my interview right now, laughing at my answer of 6, and typing up my rejection email. 🙂
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I felt pretty silly answering that question as well, and yes, I also gave a number...but I don't think it was wrong for us to actually answer with a number, since that's what they asked for and I think it's generally for the best to give a direct answer instead of avoiding the question.

Though honestly, I still feel weird about answering it...I felt a little awkward and I think it showed.
 
cubbbie said:
Yeah, if you're lucky. For me it's 22 days and counting ...
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I feel your pain. 🙁

If they don't get back to me by tomorrow, I'll give them a call Monday afternoon and try to see what's going on.
 
Waiting
8/8 bucky_badger (verified 6/8)
8/8 Shantster
8/23 MrMet31 (verified 7/7)
8/23 notdeadyet (verified 06/29, but 08/19 MCAT)

Phone Interview
8/8 jdawt (8/10 invite)
8/8 cubbbie (8/10 invite) -- I think I was verified 8/1
8/2 kiwibasket (8/10 invite) -- (verified 7/14)
8/2 Y_Marker (8/10 invite)
8/8 zach1201 (8/18 invite)
8/3 Smokey (8/18 invite)
8/29 dsh (8/31 invite, added mayo to amcas ~8/18)
8/30 twofish (invite received 8/30)
8/2 thewarehouse (verified 6/06, invite 8/24)
8/23 girlsporty (verified 8/05, invite 8/31 for 10/5)
8/1 NovemberWhiskey (verified 7/19, invite 9/6 for 11/2)
9/6 Fugazism (verified 8/5, complete 8/23)
9/6 tch001 (verified 8/8ish, invite for 10/26)
9/7 Severus (verified 8.23, invite for 11/2)

On-Site Interview
ilovehedgehogs (phone interview 8/24 ,interview invite 9/6)
TennisGuju (Fee received 8/2, Phone interview on 9/7, interview invite 9/14)
kiwibasket (phone interview 9/12, interview invite 9/26)
Y_Marker (phone 9/14, interview invite 9/26)
Khanal007 (Phone 8/22, letters of rec in 9/15, interview invite 9/29)



WOOT! I included the date my letters were in to explain some of the time issues. My effin orgo prof took forever to turn in his letter so although I phone interviewed so long ago, I've just had to wait and wait. I think they get back to you in two weeks? seems to be the trend.

Also, my phone interview maybe BARELY reached 20 minutes, and I had gotten in an argument with my mom that morning and thoguht I did horribile in the interview cause of my mood, but it worked out in the end -- so it's possible to get invited even when you think you did poorly. Gluck to everyone else!!!
 
Congrats Khanal007 :clap:

For those that have done the onsite interview already, how long till you hear back a decision from them? Also, at what time was your onsite interview over? I'm trying to make travel arrangements and am wondering if I should spend two nights there.
 
Finally got the rejection from Mayo. For those of you who are still waiting, I suspect a wait of 27 days (my phone interview was on Sept. 5) is a sign of bad things to come ...
 
cubbbie said:
Finally got the rejection from Mayo. For those of you who are still waiting, I suspect a wait of 27 days (my phone interview was on Sept. 5) is a sign of bad things to come ...
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I received my rejection from Mayo today as well, after having my phone interview on September 5th. It's really too bad since I would've loved to have the chance to go on to an actual interview (wouldn't we all? 😉), but as it is, I'm still happy they gave me a phone interview. Believe it or not, even without going on to the next stage, that gives me a bit more confidence with the rest of my applications. 😀
 
Y_Marker said:
Congrats Khanal007 :clap:

For those that have done the onsite interview already, how long till you hear back a decision from them? Also, at what time was your onsite interview over? I'm trying to make travel arrangements and am wondering if I should spend two nights there.
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Expect a long wait. My understanding (from others who applied/interviewed last year) is that they take the top 6-10 people from the interviewed and ranked pool each month and offer acceptances. Therefore if you are not in the absolute top of the heap (rejection or waitlist) you will not hear until March.
 
Also, if anyone needs advice for travelling to Rochester for an onsite interview let me know. I am pretty familiar with the area.
 
Yura said:
I received my rejection from Mayo today as well, after having my phone interview on September 5th. It's really too bad since I would've loved to have the chance to go on to an actual interview (wouldn't we all? 😉), but as it is, I'm still happy they gave me a phone interview. Believe it or not, even without going on to the next stage, that gives me a bit more confidence with the rest of my applications. 😀
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That's a nice attitude to have. Me, I just feel like I failed somehow. Realistically, though, I don't think I would have been entirely happy at Mayo anyways. I'm just worried about my future interviews. Clearly I need to improve how I present myself.
 
Whee I have Mayo tomorrow at 3 - I think I'm going to read the questions still and not write down anything for the responses, that way I can mull around in my head my answers rather than bank on a script that will probably hose me on time and personality
 
NovemberWhiskey said:
Also, if anyone needs advice for travelling to Rochester for an onsite interview let me know. I am pretty familiar with the area.
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How's the drive from MSP airport down to Mayo during rush hour?
 
So, I'm now at the 11 day marker from phone interview to news from such. It looks like I will join the rejection crew. Oh well, at least I feal a sense of belonging, and yet being an outcast at the same time 😉
 
Nixed by Mayo, and so quickly too.
 
zach1201 said:
Nixed by Mayo, and so quickly too.
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i think i got you beat: phone interviewed last monday (9/25) and i got rejected today. i must have been really horrible! (or else my LORs sucked...yes...i think ill blame it on that! :laugh:) anyway, i guess i should be honored to have even got this far, and after mayo fired some of the toughest interview questions of probably any school my way, i think ill be better prepared for some of my upcoming interviews that im a little more anxious about...

best of luck to everyone still in the game!
 
cubbbie said:
Clearly I need to improve how I present myself.
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yea im in your boat too. i think those of us who phone secondaried with Mayo are lucky to have some real interview feedback this early in the process. too bad in our case it was bad feedback....i take solace in the fact that phone interviews are incredibly difficult...
 
biggoron42 said:
yea im in your boat too. i think those of us who phone secondaried with Mayo are lucky to have some real interview feedback this early in the process. too bad in our case it was bad feedback....i take solace in the fact that phone interviews are incredibly difficult...
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Yeah. I have my first real interview this Thursday. I hope it's not as intimidating as the timed, standardized phone interview that Mayo does.

I also think they're looking for something VERY specific. I think one question in particular I completely blew: Would you ever give up hope on a patient? I'm such an idiot, because Mayo is famous around the world for being this last resort for terminal cases. They'll take the patients that no other hospital or doctor in the world would take. They'll offer the patients and their families hope until their last breath. I responded with a more reasoned approach, "yes, it is sometimes necessary to discontinue treatment. i would be responsive to the patient's wishes when it came to end of life decisions, etc." i even threw in some crap like "never giving up hope is a uniquely american aesthetic ..."

so for those of you who haven't done the interview yet. YOU ... NEVER ... give up hope ... on ANY patient EVER!!!

In my experience, Mayo has a really defined philosophy, and they try really hard to make sure that all their students, residents, fellows, and doctors are in sync with that philosophy.

So for those of us who were rejected ... I'm sure it was partly because our applications weren't strong enough and we didn't come off as particularly likeable over the phone (at least that's the case with me ...) -- but I also think it is possible with Mayo to kill yourself on a single question or two. They know what they want.
 
Y_Marker said:
How's the drive from MSP airport down to Mayo during rush hour?
Click to expand...

Did you check prices to RST direct? Most of the time its the same price, cheaper, or only ~$40 more roundtrip to fly in to Rochester (on NWA, the AA flights from Chicago are only on time 40% of the time).

If you're thinking about renting a car, don't bother. Just take the Rochester Direct shuttle from MSP to downtown Rochester for ~$25 each way, no hassle. The drive should take just over an hour, figure an hour and a half from the baggage claim to downtown Rochester. www.rochesterdirect.com
 
Smokey....Are you in Knoxville?? I am at UT and just curious of your location. I have a phone interview on OCT. 24th and see you do also. Good luck to you fellow Volunteer.
 
cubbbie said:
In my experience, Mayo has a really defined philosophy, and they try really hard to make sure that all their students, residents, fellows, and doctors are in sync with that philosophy.
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yea, i agree with you here. and whats really ironic is that the reason that i, and i suspect most others, decided to apply to mayo is that we read the model of care on the website and thought that we really fit with that philosophy. i guess all of us that have been rejected were completely wrong on that point. im only disappointed because it is one of the most admirable practice philosophies ive ever read.

more specifically, on that question about giving up hope on a patient, i too answered similarly. something along the lines of im a realist but an optimist. realistically, with today's medical science, there is only so much you can physically do with a patient, and there comes a point where your labors would be better spent on someone you can actually help. but that doesn't mean you can't always hope for the best outcome possible. if a reasoned answer like this got me rejected, then perhaps i really wouldn't have fit in at Mayo.

it also leads me to question my first statement. if their interview evaluation is so centered around their philosophy, perhaps an answer that came off as "wrong" in this context would be perfectly acceptable somewhere else. maybe this feedback will do nothing but push me in the wrong direction.
 
Anyways I just finished the phone interview seconds ago - whew! It's a toughy to get through - had to rush through answers at the end - but the lady was really nice and aside for the timing issues the interview itself isn't too bad. Good luck to all of you, my fingers will be crossed for the next three weeks 😀
 
biggoron42 said:
if a reasoned answer like this got me rejected, then perhaps i really wouldn't have fit in at Mayo.

it also leads me to question my first statement. if their interview evaluation is so centered around their philosophy, perhaps an answer that came off as "wrong" in this context would be perfectly acceptable somewhere else. maybe this feedback will do nothing but push me in the wrong direction.
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yes, stick to your guns. despite being a great school and all, if you don't jive 100% with their doctrine, you're not going to like mayo, and they're not going to like you.

i think a realistic response like the one you and i had would be perfectly acceptable at any other school.
 
cubbbie said:
yes, stick to your guns. despite being a great school and all, if you don't jive 100% with their doctrine, you're not going to like mayo, and they're not going to like you.

i think a realistic response like the one you and i had would be perfectly acceptable at any other school.
Click to expand...

To my fellow Vol fan, I am actually in Memphis now. GL with your interview and Let's Beat the 'dawgs!

Anyway...

I think that the other alternative (saying that "I would never give up on a patient") is the "wrong" answer. It seems like you are saying what you think they want to hear. "I'll never give up" blah blah blah....Yes you will. There is a time to give up.
 
I answered that I wouldn't give up on a patient and I wasn't saying what I thought they wanted to hear (I had no IDEA what they "wanted" to hear! Don't think you did either - those questions were crazy!!!). I think doctors have a duty to keep trying in whatever way they can. Giving up on someone is sentencing them in an absolute way...even if "not giving up" simply means pain management and emotional support, you must do your best to help in any way you can. And who knows that something down the line you haven't thought of yet will arise?

I'm not saying any of you would yank someone off their meds and shove them out the door saying "Well, I've done all I can do. Best of luck!"

I just wanted to make the point that I answered that question by saying that I wouldn't give up on a patient, and I believe that to be true for myself.
 
kiwibasket said:
I just wanted to make the point that I answered that question by saying that I wouldn't give up on a patient, and I believe that to be true for myself.
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Absolutely. This is a philosophy, and I would argue that a doctor can hold his or her own beliefs about this topic and still be compassionate and good doctor. I do not think there is a wrong answer in a general sense, but there is very clearly a "wrong" answer in the context of Mayo. In my opinion, there are situations when you do a disservice to both the patient and the family by offering glimmers of hope when really there is none. On the other hand, many patients actively seek this, and that's what Mayo is there for. If you answered the question honestly and truly as you did, then you will do very well at Mayo; whereas, others who do not share this belief will not be able to practice medicine the way Mayo expects its doctors to practice medicine. So in that regard, it's probably good that they check you at the door for this very important quality.
 
I had my phone interview this morning! Oh my gosh, they called early, too: 9:30 Central Time instead of 10:00.

I peeked at some of the questions a few months ago, but aside from what we talked about here I tried _not_ to prepare aside from looking at the Mayo website.

When they asked this question about hope, I asked her to repeat it. I believe it was "Would you ever give up hope?" Does anyone else remember? Giving up on a patient is not the same as giving up hope. I thought a lot about this question a few months ago when an immediate family memeber was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. So I taked about that time, and when you aren't sure, for him as a patient, you have anything, it is ALWAYS the doc's responsibility to GIVE hope. Sometimes, it's the only thing a patient has. Even if it sounds hokey, it has saved my family for now.

I am not suggesting that doctors give false hope, only that hope is a key component of a positive mental attitude.

Good luck to everyone!!! 🙂
 
Just had mine. wow. some of those questions are really trying to get into your head. im going to be contemplating my own mortality for the next 7 to 10 days.
 
fugazism said:
Just had mine. wow. some of those questions are really trying to get into your head. im going to be contemplating my own mortality for the next 7 to 10 days.
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Intense, no??? What did you say for the mortality one?
 
I laughed out loud, then I said, "wow, I'm going to be thinking about this for the next couple of weeks." which fed back into my answer for the perfectionist question. then I said, "I don't really think you can ever know something like that unless you are put in a near death situation. It is something that can only be experianced in the drivers seat, not in the passengers."

so intense! i hope we both get really good news in a week!:luck:
 
Are the question this year the same as last year? I plan to sort-of wing it but I don't want to be caught totally off-guard.

If someone has already posted this year's questions, can you point me in the right direction?



confused48 said:
Someone posted earlier that these were the questions on the Mayo phone interview from last year:


Why do you want to be a Mayo Graduate?
Have you ever turned a difficult situation into a positive?
Is it important for a doctor to have humility?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how humble are you?
Is it important for doctors to practice what they preach?
How do you stay healthy?
Have you ever started a new business?
Have you ever improved an organization?
Have you ever made people work harder?
Would you spend more time with a difficult patient or one that follows orders?
How would you handle a patient that does not want to follow your orders?
Would you ever give up hope on a patient?
Have you come to terms with your own mortality?
Do you ever spend time alone? What do you think about when you're alone?
Do you prefer to work alone or lead a group of people?
Have you ever been a patient?
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
:luck:
Click to expand...
 
cubbbie said:
That's a nice attitude to have. Me, I just feel like I failed somehow. Realistically, though, I don't think I would have been entirely happy at Mayo anyways. I'm just worried about my future interviews. Clearly I need to improve how I present myself.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean - I'm still disappointed by it, but I think there's a lot I can take away from it for future interviews...especially in how I present myself! There were a lot of questions that I felt I answered quite poorly - simply choked because of nerves and ended up just trying to get an answer out...which often didn't exactly match up with what I was thinking. :laugh: Oh well, I'll be better prepared the next time. 🙂

Good luck with your upcoming interview!
 
When you take a step back and look at it the phone interview.
Why do you think they do it? And what do you think they are looking for in the responses? I mean, I am sure that if you were granted a phone interview, you probably could answer the questions and to some extent I imagine the responses won't be that varied besides in how articulately they were delivered, what do you think will seperate those who move on and those who don't?
 
fugazism said:
When you take a step back and look at it the phone interview.
Why do you think they do it? And what do you think they are looking for in the responses? I mean, I am sure that if you were granted a phone interview, you probably could answer the questions and to some extent I imagine the responses won't be that varied besides in how articulately they were delivered, what do you think will seperate those who move on and those who don't?
Click to expand...
I don't know. My dad listened to my end of the conversation, and his take was that they seem to be looking for a certain type of person: Humble, articulate, intelligent, self-aware and loyal. I did really enjoy the question about mortality, because even a year ago, I would have not had as good an answer.

I hope we have good news soon, too! Maybe an on-site interview the same day. =)
 
Waiting
8/8 bucky_badger (verified 6/8)
8/8 Shantster
8/23 MrMet31 (verified 7/7)
8/23 notdeadyet (verified 06/29, but 08/19 MCAT)

Phone Interview
8/8 jdawt (8/10 invite)
8/8 cubbbie (8/10 invite) -- I think I was verified 8/1
8/2 kiwibasket (8/10 invite) -- (verified 7/14)
8/2 Y_Marker (8/10 invite)
8/8 zach1201 (8/18 invite)
8/3 Smokey (8/18 invite)
8/29 dsh (8/31 invite, added mayo to amcas ~8/18)
8/30 twofish (invite received 8/30)
8/2 thewarehouse (verified 6/06, invite 8/24)
8/23 girlsporty (verified 8/05, invite 8/31 for 10/5)
8/1 NovemberWhiskey (verified 7/19, invite 9/6 for 11/2)
9/6 Fugazism (verified 8/5, complete 8/23)
9/6 tch001 (verified 8/8ish, invite for 10/26)
9/7 Severus (verified 8.23, invite for 11/2)

On-Site Interview
ilovehedgehogs (phone interview 8/24 ,interview invite 9/6)
TennisGuju (Fee received 8/2, Phone interview on 9/7, interview invite 9/14)
kiwibasket (phone interview 9/12, interview invite 9/26)
Y_Marker (phone 9/14, interview invite 9/26)
Khanal007 (Phone 8/22, letters of rec in 9/15, interview invite 9/29)
eazye
 
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