Open-file interview and sub-par applicants

[Delilah]

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So I received an invite from MSSM, leaving me floorlessly geeked. However, I just found out that it was an open file interview, and my academic record has its share of dips and blemishes. So i'm kinda bummed.

Do open file interviews really crush an academically sub-par applicant? Shouldn't I only look fwd to closed file interviews so the interviewer can favorably comment on my application?

 

[aaj117]

So I received an invite from MSSM, leaving me floorlessly geeked. However, I just found out that it was an open file interview, and my academic record has its share of dips and blemishes. So i'm kinda bummed.

Do open file interviews really crush an academically sub-par applicant? Shouldn't I only look fwd to closed file interviews so the interviewer can favorably comment on my application?

I've found i fear closed file more; with open file, the interviewer can ask why my gpa is low if they feel it matters, and then i can try to explain it. With closed file, there's always the question of should i bring this up? should i explain it so that my reason is on the record, or should i just not bring up my weaknesses?

 

[Delilah]

interesting.
congrats on all your interviews

 

[chickenlittle84]

I've found i fear closed file more; with open file, the interviewer can ask why my gpa is low if they feel it matters, and then i can try to explain it. With closed file, there's always the question of should i bring this up? should i explain it so that my reason is on the record, or should i just not bring up my weaknesses?

I agree completely...I have now had one open file, one closed file, and one partial open file (had access to everything except for my grades and MCATs). At the open file interview, I was asked about my science grades and I was able to be very upfront and honest about what changed for me as I progressed during my college career. My interviewers explained that the committee would likely ask questions about it and that they really wanted to be able to present me in the best light possible...it seems to have satisfied them since I got an acceptance! The closed file interview was a little bit weird because they should not have known anything, but one of my interviewers asked about all of my numbers, and then wanted an explanation for the science gpa when I said what it was...again, I was honest, and he seemed completely satisfied with my answer, though I have not yet heard from the school...in the partial open file interview, it did not come up in any significant way...

 

[aaj117]

I agree completely...I have now had one open file, one closed file, and one partial open file (had access to everything except for my grades and MCATs). At the open file interview, I was asked about my science grades and I was able to be very upfront and honest about what changed for me as I progressed during my college career. My interviewers explained that the committee would likely ask questions about it and that they really wanted to be able to present me in the best light possible...it seems to have satisfied them since I got an acceptance! The closed file interview was a little bit weird because they should not have known anything, but one of my interviewers asked about all of my numbers, and then wanted an explanation for the science gpa when I said what it was...again, I was honest, and he seemed completely satisfied with my answer, though I have not yet heard from the school...in the partial open file interview, it did not come up in any significant way...

I had similar experiences; i've now had open files, closed files, and partial open files. I thought that open file were the easiest to make that decision, because they made it for you. Then the partially open file were good interviews, even though it was hard to decide whether or not to bring it up; at least they were still leading the interview by askign about activities. Finally the closed file ones were a little strange because the balance of who is leading the conversation is changed, and you have to make a lot more decisions about what to bring up. I have tried different things (mentioning it or not) at different interviews. it's interesting because a lot of people tell you not to bring up your weaknesses, but like you said, the adcom WILL notice and be talking about it when they decide on you, so doesn't it make sense that they should have all the info possible on why? Good luck with what ever you decide to do Delilah, and thanks for the support!

 

[LizzyM]

An interview invitation means that the blemishes on paper are not so horrific that the med school has written you off. Keep in mind that only a small minority of all applicants to any school get interview offers. Your grades may not be the strongest part of your application but something else made up for it (essays, LORs, activities, MCAT). Your interviewer may have been asked to explore the weaknesses on your application for an explanation, or what seems horrible to you is not a major concern to the med school, or perhaps there is an explanation in one of your LORs (sometimes the committee LOR will provide information about family tragedies and the like if you've discussed this with the pre-med office).

 

[Delilah]

An interview invitation means that the blemishes on paper are not so horrific that the med school has written you off. Keep in mind that only a small minority of all applicants to any school get interview offers. Your grades may not be the strongest part of your application but something else made up for it (essays, LORs, activities, MCAT). Your interviewer may have been asked to explore the weaknesses on your application for an explanation, or what seems horrible to you is not a major concern to the med school, or perhaps there is an explanation in one of your LORs (sometimes the committee LOR will provide information about family tragedies and the like if you've discussed this with the pre-med office).

Thanks for the feedback, LizzyM. That said, is the common SDN school of thought that an interview "can't make, but CAN break" your application valid?

 

[ADeadLois]

Open-file interviews are your friend. Trust me.

 

[armybound]

4 interviews so far, only had to explain myself twice, and neither interviewer seemed to doubt my ability. I explained myself easily, they understood, and we moved on quickly.

 

[TheRealMD]

If you are getting an interview, there is a reason they would like to investigate you more. I'd say the difficult part is figuring out what that is so you can play it up during your interview!

 

[Jolie South]

i like the open file better. the 2 schools i've gotten acceptances at have been open file.

the interview is more directed and it's easier for me to tell them what they want to know. i've felt like i easily explained any faults in my app.

let's hope that the open file trend continues for me at UT Houston!!

 

[LizzyM]

Thanks for the feedback, LizzyM. That said, is the common SDN school of thought that an interview "can't make, but CAN break" your application valid?

A disasterous interview can certainly kill your chances at a given school. A great interview can boost your chance though, too.

You might be an average applicant except for something unusual that catches someone's eye. You get invited for an interview because of this "something special" (otherwise, "average" applicants tend to be passed over in favor of the super applicants) and you impress the interviewer(s) so much with your wit, charm, maturity, sincerety, knowledge, wisdom, humility, and/or good looks (or is it the suit?) that you hopscotch over the applicants with the more impressive credentials and are a lock for an offer. And you live happily ever after.