Please help- Laundry list of questions (IIs)

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Firephoenix938

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So, I received my first II last week but had a few questions to calm my neuroticism.

1. How much does interview date matter? I had my wallet stolen an hour before i got the email, so I was busy cancelling my cards and getting new student ids (medcenter and student and drivers license) that I waited till nighttime and was left with november 13th. It wasnt the latest but most got october. This school starts acceptance waves in January (Neomed).
2. How important is interview? If u kill an interview, is it like the cherry on top or will someone with an average interview but a better application have a better chance?
3. Can anyone give me advice for interviews?
4.piggying off that anyone have tips for NEOMED specifically? I have some good info about them from students and someone who graduated a few years back but need help.
5. Maybe the former adcoms/the members who are very prominent in here tell me how to not let the weight of an interview get to me and how I can shine? I’m asking this because I remember this premed thread really adamant I shouldnt apply with my low hours (even if my story explained why to schools with secondaries that asked for that; family care was the reason). I was told not to expect much, but actually somehow receiving something has me feeling imposter syndrome. Feels like I shouldnt have gotten this II. I’m grateful for this chance, but I’m truly treating this like the only Interview I will receive this cycle (cant shake the opinions of people I have heard and seen), so i want to not mess it up. If this is my only chance I need to make it count.

Truly any advice would help. Not trying to be neurotic or ungrateful. Just trying to manage the weight of how this II could be my only one. Thank you all for any help and advice. I really need it
 
1) It doesn't
2) Very important. Everyone who gets an interview is good enough on paper. A great interview can get you to the top of the list, a bad or even mediocre one might bury your app.
3) Practice and get feedback
5) Relax. Imagine your crush just asked you on a date. All you have to do now is put on a smile, project confidence, and be your authentic self. Easier said than done, right? But my point is, you DON'T have to "win" them over or prove you're worth it. Attraction doesn't work like that, and neither does admissions. You're already 90% of the way there: you got the date. Just show up and be normal (and don't give bad vibes).
 
My mentor told me this: "The interview is the last hurdle that is in your way to becoming a physician." Once you're in, they will do everything in their power to help you succeed. That being said, it's on you not to fumble at the finish line. If they like you enough to extend an II, they can see you going there. Show that you are a fit at their program and get a feel as to whether they are a fit for you as well. Best of luck my friend!!
 
Read for the staircase analogy


NEOMED just welcomed their inaugural class of dental students. I'd get as much insight about their clinical rotation system and how the pre-clerkship curriculum sets their students up for success. They don't have a single "academic hospital." Embrace the campus.
 
Your interview date is not particularly important, but the interview itself is. To prepare for your interview, make sure that you are intimately familiar with every activity on your application; think deeply about your movitations and experiences and then outline your answers to common questions (e.g., tell me about yourself, why medicine, why this school, what are your strengths and weaknesses, etc.); prepare for all interview formats (e.g., MMI, traditional, multiperson, etc.); practice interviewing several times on film (you want to evaluate your background, wardrobe and lighting; your demeanor, confidence, and speech habits; and, last but not least, the substance of your answers); and then when it's time to go, take a few deep breaths, smile, and trust your preparation.
 
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2. It truly depends on the school, but an early II means they liked you a lot to consider you for an early spot. That being said, I have heard of people crushing the interview and not getting in (personal experience lmao) and people who did horrible but still were granted an A. Staircase analogy as other people have already mentioned, but obviously try to do your best.
3. Look at past SDN interview information from the school, they will have some example questions but best thing I can say is know your application (primary and secondary) and have at least an outline of what you plan to say for some 50+ basic interview questions (why medicine, tell me about yourself, a time you failed, etc).
4. Look at past SDN threads
5. You earned the interview and you got an early spot. Don't let imposter syndrome get to you. They saw something they liked and schools do not send pity interviews, especially not this early in the cycle. Just go in being yourself, don't try to be something you are not, because being you is what has gotten you here. Don't forget that.
 
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