Open file interview vs. Closed file interview

[ChippyChad]

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Hi guys, which one U think it is better? Are there different strategies for each one?

Personally, I like the closed file interview better, b/c the interview committee will not know how many classes u dropped, how much your PCAT score, GPA, ect. The interview result will all base on your performace.

 

[Namishin]

Definitely diff strategies for each. I died a little inside during my open file interview.

I feel like the majority of open file is spent trying to explain away peculiarities in undergrad and how you've grown academically while with closed file, you can just focus on the type of person you are.

 

[monkieez]

There's also the in-between in which schools don't see your gpa/grades but have access to your essays/supplementary application. IMO, I think that's best.

 

[hammomk]

In my experience with interviewing applicants, I like closed-file. What I will say, though, is that the people who interview you most likely are going to see everything in your file after the interview, so if there is something big (like, you failed three classes in undergrad, you were denied admission last year, etc.) it's better if you mention it in the interview. Honesty gets you a long way. I have been in more than a couple of admissions committee deliberations where someone has said "I can't believe they didn't even mention that in their interview." It's better to go on and tell us if there is something bad in your record while you are there with the opportunity to explain it than to not say anything and let us just see it afterward.

Just my opinion though. 🙂