Proper etiquette for talking about other schools at interviews

[pinacol]

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Hi everyone,

I know this has been discussed before, and I have seen answers to this question spread around different threads, but I thought it might be useful to have the answers concentrated here, too. I'm wondering about the proper way to discuss other medical schools during interviews.

Is it okay to say how many interviews you have done/been offered?
Is it okay to say where you have applied/where you have interviewed?
Can you say that you have been accepted? Or would that make the interviewer question whether or not you want to go to their school?
If asked what you would do if you didn't get into medical school (and you have already been accepted), should you still list what you would have done if you weren't accepted instead of just saying, "oh, I already got in..."

I'm sure there are more scenarios for talking about other schools, but these are the main ones I am curious about.

Thanks!

 

[futuremdforme]

Congrats for being in this situation!

I answered honestly when I interviewed at one school later in the season, and even said where I was accepted. (Based on my family situation, which I also discussed, it was clear that I had a strong incentive to go to one of the other schools.) I asked the interviewer for factors he would consider in choosing where to matriculate and it was a great conversation. I got accepted there on their next decision day so obviously it was fine.

I'd say the key is to be humble and to make it clear that your interest in that school is genuine.
If you want to be vague, you can say "I have interviewed at several schools. One aspect that stands out to me about (current interview school) is X aspect of the curriculum, which is really unique." You could also use geographic aspects to explain why that school is a better fit.

If asked about what to do if you didn't get in, personally, I would say, "Fortunately I have already been accepted, but if I hadn't been accepted yet, I would work on x, y, z aspects of my application to submit a stronger application next year."

What you don't want to do is say that you've been accepted at these other schools, so therefore it's obvious you should be accepted at this particular school, or make it "so what can you do to get me to matriculate here?" Again, stay humble!

 

[Goro]

It's perfectly OK to volunteer that if asked.

Don't trash other schools, but be prepared to mention good and bad points.


And saying "I've been accepted elsewhere, but if I were shut out this cycle, I'd do x, y and z" is fine.

I always assume my interviewees have been accepted elsewhere, and so ask my question as a better hypothetical.

Is it okay to say how many interviews you have done/been offered?
Is it okay to say where you have applied/where you have interviewed?
Can you say that you have been accepted? Or would that make the interviewer question whether or not you want to go to their school?
If asked what you would do if you didn't get into medical school (and you have already been accepted), should you still list what you would have done if you weren't accepted instead of just saying, "oh, I already got in..."

I'm sure there are more scenarios for talking about other schools, but these are the main ones I am curious about.

Thanks!

 

[OnePunchBiopsy]

Just be yourself, tell the truth, stay positive and don't trash other schools.

 

[Ismet]

Is it okay to say how many interviews you have done/been offered?
- Yes, if you're asked.

Is it okay to say where you have applied/where you have interviewed?
- Yes, if you're asked.

Can you say that you have been accepted?
- Yes, if you're asked.

Or would that make the interviewer question whether or not you want to go to their school?
- No. That's the whole point of applying to med school. You're very likely to get multiple acceptances. Now, if you offer that information without being prompted, or you come off like you're bragging or something like that, then yes the interviewer might wonder if you'd just rather go to that school.

If asked what you would do if you didn't get into medical school (and you have already been accepted), should you still list what you would have done if you weren't accepted instead of just saying, "oh, I already got in..."
- I personally wouldn't say "I already got in" regardless, as it sounds snarky to me, and I was kind of taken aback when an interviewee would say this to me, but I don't think there's anything majorly wrong with it AS LONG AS you still list what you would have done if you weren't accepted.


* Don't trash other schools while you are at an interview. You'd think that would be common sense, but it's not. People let their guard down at lunch, on tour, in the admissions office, and say things about other schools...you're on the interview the entire day, even if they tell you that they have no input on decisions. If you do something remarkable enough, they have input on decisions.

* On the other hand, don't gush about other schools either. If you love that school so much and all the things they offer, then just go there. Again, you'd think that would be common sense....

 

[Dr Tony T. Chopper]

Bring it up if asked. Be respectful always. Be cognizant of meaningful pros and cons.

 

[pinacol]

Thanks for the responses everyone!