most bizarre interview moment?

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taylor92107 said:
My interviewer was an old Marine who is a Vietnam Vet. No nonsense kind of man.

Interviewer: So what's it like to grow up poor?
Me: It sucks.
Interviewer: I bet.
Me: I don't let it limit me.
Interviewer: Good. Want a cigarette?
Me: Um, no thank you.
Interviewer: Don't be polite, you're in. Now, do you want a cigarette?
Me: If you insist.

I got in, went, and he's still one of my friends!

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I almost fell out of my chair
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wow. i would be to scared to take it thinking hes trying to test me. :laugh:
 
So my intervview at NJMS (which happened to be my first) was a nightmare... If you interview with anyone with the initials JP, be warned!!! I was ridiculed for my activities, I was yelled at for the sunlight coming into my eyes through the windows, I was taken on an extra hour-long tour and made to ask med students and residents questions by the interviewer, I was physically moved around in the hallway, when the interview asked if I had any questions and I said yes, the response was "Good because I'm not answering them..." though at the end they did... and at the end of the day, I was told that I shouldn't have listened to anythign the resideents or med students said...and that the interviewer will not wish me luck because they didn't believe in it........

And despite all of this, I got in. But still!!! Talk about a migraine.... I had half the desire to just get up and leave... so bewarned u upcoming premeds who apply to NJMS.... everyone else had great interviews but me... but then again, a really critical interview may show that u are worthy of handling it... just be prepared for anything!
 
I heard a story of this guy who interviewed at Drexel. His interviewer asked him "Do you want to go into research?" and he said "No, I find research way to isolating and anti-social" anyhow, towards the end of the interview she asked him if he had any questions for her in which he asked her about her position. She replied "Yes I am actually co-ordinate 'isolating' research in this department" . After she said that he totally fliped out! poor guy hope he gets in! Poor guy he was really nice....
 
davincicode said:
So my intervview at NJMS (which happened to be my first) was a nightmare... If you interview with anyone with the initials JP, be warned!!! I was ridiculed for my activities, I was yelled at for the sunlight coming into my eyes through the windows, I was taken on an extra hour-long tour and made to ask med students and residents questions by the interviewer, I was physically moved around in the hallway, when the interview asked if I had any questions and I said yes, the response was "Good because I'm not answering them..." though at the end they did... and at the end of the day, I was told that I shouldn't have listened to anythign the resideents or med students said...and that the interviewer will not wish me luck because they didn't believe in it........

And despite all of this, I got in. But still!!! Talk about a migraine.... I had half the desire to just get up and leave... so bewarned u upcoming premeds who apply to NJMS.... everyone else had great interviews but me... but then again, a really critical interview may show that u are worthy of handling it... just be prepared for anything!
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Your story is hysterical :laugh: . Maybe they were just testing your ability to handle constant ridicule.. Congrats on your admission though!
 
Doc Martins said:
Your story is hysterical :laugh: . Maybe they were just testing your ability to handle constant ridicule.. Congrats on your admission though!
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Handling constant ridicule is def. required for future surgeons. Did you say you wanted to be one?
 
this was an interview for a private high school when I was like 16 years old...

I was being grilled on some very tough questions by 2 interviewers. Both of them were old men, one of them was a chemistry teacher and the other a history/english guy. All of a sudden the history/english teacher starts feeling sleepy and stops talking...in the meantime the chemistry guy picks up the slack by asking me questions.

As I finished answering the question from the chemistry guy, I looked and saw that the history/english teacher was fast asleep on his chair. The interview abruptly ended and I was fortunate not to be asked any more tough questions. I got in anyway.
 
this thread is now 2 years old ...............
 
I walked into an interview and as the guy (MD) was shaking my hand he said, "Hi, I know all about you," and he did. He knew things that weren't anywhere on my application, like that I had been accepted at another school already. As it turns out, he was a coworker with a physician friend of mine who had been talking me up. It was weird.
 
Although it was many many years ago, I had an interesting experience during my med school interview at Harbor-UCLA.

First, I got stuck in LA/Orange country traffic. Moved about a mile in 2 hours. Worst traffic I'd ever seen. Luckily, I had left early enough that I got threre only 40 minutes late. Turns out the interviewer, a surgeon (I think ENT), was running late as well so I ended up waiting anyway.

Now the interview. First he asked me about some social issues such as the effects of HMOs (they weren't as well entrenched back then), preventive medicine, lack of insurance, etc. Whatever answer I gave, he challenged me. ON EVERY ISSUE! That was all fine and well. I expected it a little bit.

Then came the worst part. I had mentioned in my personal statement that I admired my family doctor in NJ and he had influenced my decision to enter medicine. He asked me what his name was. I told him. He proceeded to whip out the AMA member directory and look the doctor up. Just my luck, he didn't find him (he was either retired or wasn't an AMA member). Soon after that the interview ended. Did he think I just made up a doctors name to put in my PS? Or maybe he planned on calling him to see if he knew me. Pretty unnerving. I didn't get in by the way.
 
Some time ago, we went shopping for suits and shoes...we were in the men's department and I just fell in love with the same pair of men's Kenneth Cole shoes my husband planned to buy. So I bought a pair.

This happened to my husband on the day of his interview (job, not med, but funny nonetheless): The guy never likes to wear closed shoes so he brings them along and wears some kind of flip flop or sandal until he arrives at whatever destination and then puts on the dress shoes.

The day of his interview was no different, and upon parking the car, he reaches for his shoes. Right foot, on, good, left foot...what tha? Left shoe doesn't fit? "Ah-ha!" he thinks to himself, 'I remembered the shoe horn!' - all proud of having remembered to bring it along just for emergencies like this. He grabs the shoe horn and sits there for like, 10 minutes trying to get the damn shoe on. He must have been outside of his head or nervous because it did not occur to him that THIS WAS JUST NOT HIS SHOE. No, he fought with it and fought with it, until finally, he just had to go into the office. So he limps in, one shoe on, the other shoe half on with his heel flattening the back part of MY shoe. Naturally, it got some attention and he proceeded to explain it away as an "ankle injury" ~ which got him loads of sympathy from his interviewers in the end 🙂
 
I had an interviewer at Loyola who spent a lot of time complaining about the medical profession. Too bad they don't let you choose who interviews you. I think my interview suffered from his bad day.

I also had a panel interview where the applicant next to me said that he would not treat an injured patient who had committed a crime. He said it was against his morals. I was shocked. I still wonder if he was accepted. He didn't seem interested in medicine. He was much more interested in world politics.
 
All my medical school interviews were normal. But some of my job interviews were pretty bizarre. Two examples of some of the questions from interviewers were:

"Do you like jazz? Cause if you don't like jazz, you won't fit into our group."

"Do you like to sweep?"

Some of the interviewers did pretty odd things like:

One guy slept during my group interview because he was so tired. Another guy picked his nose and raised his chair higher than mine. It seemed like he wanted to feel superior to me or something. Another guy used the f-word around 5-8 times.
 
HIm: lets see here...12 verbal, C+ in chemistry.... shouldnt you be writing a book and not applying to medical school?
Me: Oh yea, but I needed subject matter for my book...Youre gonna be in the first chapter

PS... I got in
 
1. I was interviewed by a head and neck Surgeon and all he said was

"I read your file. I don't like interviews much. Put on that white coat and come see a patient."

I was there with his patients for an hour and half. I got in 🙂


2. A million questions on the War, patriotism, Islam, and " Do you support our troops in Iraq? Yes or No." (i was pissed off during my interview, and felt really antagonized)


3. Doctor: "Why did ou do poorly on your SATs?"
Me: "umm, I didn't -- i got a 1420, and I don't recall submitted these scores for medical school"
Doctor: "No you did poorly"
Me: "well i don't really think so"
Doctor: "okay, that's your opnion"

(I got in, but didnt go there)


4. At Rush this guy was like a machine gun--i answered everything, but i knew this stuff bc i am an epidemiologist (but how would someone still in school know this stuff) : "List 3 causes of Preterm labor/IUGR, Cancers, now CVD, now Stroke, now Diabetes, now what are the effects of alcohol on the brain, etc. He just kept checking off a sheet as i gave him answers. I got into Rush, but decided not to go for financial reasons. I talked to other students and they got the EXACT same questions at Rush.
 
I know some people have interviews coming up already (good luck!), and this thread is hysterical!
 
I posted this elsewhere...but here it is again...

A friend of mine was interviewing at Case and was asked "what unique qualities do you think you bring to the incoming class." The interviewer was an anesthesiology resident who had just lost his first patient 20 minutes earlier....he was not in a good mood, and he did not like my friend. His name...I can't make this up....was Dr. Gno (pronounced Dr. NO!! ).

My friend answered by saying, "well I like to think that I take things just seriously enough"

Dr. No didn't crack a smile, or even change his expression, he just coldly said "ok, I guess I'll put down sense of humor"

OUCH!!!
Needless to say he didn't get in at Case...so no Cleveland for him, boohoo.

He got in at USC, here's a little story from THAT interview (interesting friend)
He was doing the student interview with an M4....

M4: "So how would your friends describe you if I were to ask them?"

Friend: "Well, some people find me really funny and some people find me offensive....but ya know what? *leans in* **** em if they can't take a joke"

M4: *bursts out laughing* That's awesome! I think you'd fit in great here."
 
My friend also got in at USC, here's a little story from his interview (interesting friend)
He was doing the student interview with an M4....

M4: "So how would your friends describe you if I were to ask them?"

Friend: "Well, some people find me really funny and some people find me offensive....but ya know what? *leans in* SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE!!!!" He then starts rolling around on the floor screaming as if some invisible opponent is strangling him.

M4: *bursts out laughing* That's awesome! I think you'd fit in great here."
 
ha, that's weird! what are you trying to say?
 
OK I'm scared of interviewing now. I'm just now applying to med school, but I sucked at interviews when I was applying for jobs last year.

My first interview was with a bank, and it was a full day of interviews - 6 half-hour blocks. That was awful. One of the guys asked me to fix his computer, and I couldn't. I'm a programmer so it wasn't a strange question, but I'd never used that particular program, plus I don't think it actually supported what he wanted to do. I actually researched the issue later, thinking it'd make me look good if I could point him to the solution in my thank-you note, but no dice. I didn't get the job.

Then I interviewed with a consulting company, and the first question was "tell me about yourself." I totally blanked and couldn't think of anything besides what was on my resume, which the guy had in front of him. In the second interview, I got asked all sorts of business questions (they gave a situation of a drugstore facing bankruptcy) even though I was interviewing for a programming position. I was totally clueless. Didn't get that one either.
 
Insy said:
I know you may think this is a stupid question...what is the bump for ?
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bring up my post
 
I had an interview at Florida where the doc started asking me about the speech and debate team. When I told him that the speeches and 10 minutes long and memorized, he said, "How can you memorize a speech that long?"

ME: It's not that hard. Humans have had oral cultures for a long time. Just look at Homer, he could memorize a poem that lasted for three days.

DOC: It's arrogant to compare yourself to Homer.
 
deuist said:
I had an interview at Florida where the doc started asking me about the speech and debate team. When I told him that the speeches and 10 minutes long and memorized, he said, "How can you memorize a speech that long?"

ME: It's not that hard. Humans have had oral cultures for a long time. Just look at Homer, he could memorize a poem that lasted for three days.

DOC: It's arrogant to compare yourself to Homer.
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you do sound arrogant. A better answer would have been "....alot of coffee and practice..."
 
okay it took me a whole day to read this from start to finish, but i enjoyed it.

i would really love to hear more stories, keep it up guys, its just phucking hysterical.
 
Our pre-prof advisor was telling us about interviews and how you should always watch what you say because you don't know who is around....Well here is a story he gave us to support this piece of advice:

On the day of an Texas A&M interview, you first interview in College Station and then drive to Temple for the next interview. One guy was making his way to Temple rather speedily and got pulled over. When asked why he was speeding he told the officer that he was a doctor and that he was rushing to the med center for an emergency. The cop let him go. When the guy got to Temple, he started bragging to other interviewees about how smooth he was to say he was a doctor to get out of a ticket and supposedly his interviewer heard the story either through the grapevine or was out of sight.

I'm not sure if this is just an urban legend for pre-meds in Texas or if it indeed actually happened. It's pretty funny if it did happen!
 
BUMP!

gotta keep this thread alive...keep the funny posts comin!
 
I was at my Vanderbilt interview and I found out that I was supposed to be interviewing with the chair of the Gynec dept there. When the MS2/3's that were taking us around found out who I was interviewing with, they told me that I should ask this guy about his 'research.' When I asked why, they wouldn't tell me. Anywyas, my interview went really well and the doctor even said he really liked me and hoped to see me at Vandy next year. As I was about to leave, I asked him about his research. The guy got this huge grin over his face. It turned out that his research was on the G-Spot. We then spent the next 15 min talking about it, he pulled out journal articles and everything. I spent the plane ride from Nashville reading all about the Gspot, getting disapproving looks from some old lady's sitting next to me. I got into Vandy 2 months ago so I guess our little chat helped a lot. :laugh:
 
docmemi said:
My interviewer was an old Marine who is a Vietnam Vet. No nonsense kind of man.

Interviewer: So what's it like to grow up poor?
Me: It sucks.
Interviewer: I bet.
Me: I don't let it limit me.
Interviewer: Good. Want a cigarette?
Me: Um, no thank you.
Interviewer: Don't be polite, you're in. Now, do you want a cigarette?
Me: If you insist.

I got in, went, and he's still one of my friends!
Click to expand...

That is badass. Period.
 
WillHague007 said:
As I was about to leave, I asked him about his research. The guy got this huge grin over his face. It turned out that his research was on the G-Spot.
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Something tells me that he might not be the right man to be studying vaginas.....😉
 
**BUMP**

There has to be more entertaining stories!
 
Adcadet said:
Two years ago I interviewed at the University of Minnesota. I got the info on who I'd be interviewed by, and got his basic info. A radiologist, older (~70 years old), did his undergrad, med school, and residency at the U of MN. I had friends who had interviewed at the U of MN, and all said that it was pretty laid back.

So, after the basic questions about my research and volunteer stuff, he asked if I had any questions.

Me: "I noticed from your website that you did most of your training at U of MN, and you've come back to be on the faculty...why did you go to MN and why did you stay?"

Him: "because it is here"

Me: blank look

Him: blank look

Me: how has the program changed since you were a student? Do you think it's better, worse, or just different

Him: I don't know.

Me: blank look

Him: blank look

Now, at the time I was in a serious relationship and almost ready to propose (I later did - we're getting married in May of this year). So I had some questions about family life and all...changing gears a bit

Me: "I noticed the ring on your finger...are you married?"

Him: no

Me: blank look

Him: blank look

Me: I'm going to be marrying my girlfriend in the next few years...I know that medical school is challenging and requires a lot of time...how do people balance their academic and professional obligations with their personal life?

Him: I don't know

Me: blank look....

Him: well, is there anything else?

Me: not that I can think of

Him: well, I really have nothing to do with your admission. I just fill out these forms. I really have no idea what your chances are, but I wish you the best of luck.
</interview>
AHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
I interivewed late in the season (I took the August MCAT), and I interviewed in January. The U of MN was very late processing my app (the interviewer was slow getting my info back to the admissions office), and then they put me on "hold" for a month and then finally rejected me. Since them I found out that they had a really good reason for rejecting me (let's just say MAKE SURE YOU AKS FOR GOOD LORS...PM me if you have questions), and perhaps the interviewer knew that I was DOA to begin with.
Click to expand...

What are "LOR" and "DOA"?
 
Ajay said:
What are "LOR" and "DOA"?
Click to expand...

Letters Of Recommendation
and
Dead On Arrival
 
stoleyerscrubz said:
LOR - Letter of Recommendation
DOA - Dead on Arrival
Click to expand...

Thnx!
 
Approx 2 hrs to read the whole thread, and thoroughly enjoyed it...

bumpitty bumpp. !
 
Interviews will be starting soon. 😀
 
I thought this article was pretty useful, at least something to think about that could happen to you. I found it on this morning's MSN website. It's about job interviews, but can be applied to other interviews as well.
Good article for interviews :laugh:
 
I've read over most of this thread. I'm amazed at the amount of people that went to interviews late and actually were accepted. If you go to job interview late, you might as well kiss that job goodbye.
 
The whole "Get your app in early" thing is only of modest importance compared to stats and other things. Many schools accept people off the wait list AFTER SCHOOL HAS ALREADY STARTED. They still have spots all the way up to the very last day!

Having an early interview is good, but the majority of interviews for the class of 2009 will happen in 2005, not late 2004.
 
i think he meant people that go to their interview late, as in your interview starts at 8AM and you show up at 8:30AM.....not people that have an interview later in the application cycle.

UseUrHeadFred said:
The whole "Get your app in early" thing is only of modest importance compared to stats and other things. Many schools accept people off the wait list AFTER SCHOOL HAS ALREADY STARTED. They still have spots all the way up to the very last day!

Having an early interview is good, but the majority of interviews for the class of 2009 will happen in 2005, not late 2004.
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