pros and cons of both open-file and closed-file interviews

[jccalalafc]

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thoughts?

 

[ParacrineAgent]

I like closed file interviews because the interviewer has to make a decision based on YOU. One of the schools I interviewed at said they did open file for a while and found things like, "would make a great clinician, but low MCAT" written in the notes. So they switched to closed file to make sure they were picking good doctors and not just brains who lack personality.

That being said, open file interviews will be likely to get questions asked about your application. That's like taking a test about you. I can get an A on a test about me without even studying.

 

[user3]

I totally prefer closed file. Much less pressure, no worries about being interrogated about your application.

 

[MedPR]

i like closed file interviews because the interviewer has to make a decision based on you. One of the schools i interviewed at said they did open file for a while and found things like, "would make a great clinician, but low mcat" written in the notes. So they switched to closed file to make sure they were picking good doctors and not just brains who lack personality.

That being said, open file interviews will be likely to get questions asked about your application. That's like taking a test about you. I can get an a on a test about me without even studying.

+1.

 

[angldrps]

from what I have read, most schools have open file interviews. not sure if its correct or not.

 

[Goro]

As an interviewer, I prefer the open file. It's easy for people to bluff their way through any interview if one doesn't know anything about you. With the open file, I can tailor my questions to you specifically, and not the run of them mill "why DO, Why here blah blah blah."

Keep in mind the interview is to see if you would make a good student and doctor. You can't be the latter without being the former.

thoughts?

 

[UrshumMurshum]

I'd prefer the open file myself.

Closed file sounds like territory for mind games. Bring out the ethics, healthcare reform, and random off the wall questions.

 

[angldrps]

I'd prefer the open file myself.

Closed file sounds like territory for mind games. Bring out the ethics, healthcare reform, and random off the wall questions.

same here. I would be much better at answering questions that are application specific to me.

 

[psychgirrrl]

I don't know, I liked closed file because it's up to you to make a good impression.

But I guess if they invited you for an interview it's because they liked your file so just be confident and don't make excuses for yourself if they ask questions about bad grades/low subscores.

 

[MedPR]

I'd prefer the open file myself.

Closed file sounds like territory for mind games. Bring out the ethics, healthcare reform, and random off the wall questions.

I'd love an interview with 100% ethics questions.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Closed file is great because the interviewer has nothing known about you. You are there to impress him/her with the answers to the questions asked.

Open file is great, but if you have a weakness about your application, they will definitely know about it. Better come up with great responses to those weaknesses in your app.

Me personally, I liked the closed file.

 

[dntke1518]

I'd love an interview with 100% ethics questions.

No, no you wouldn't. Been there, done that... makes for a long interview. You think you have all your arguments and points down, but then you get in a room talking about it and you blow through everything too fast, blah blah blah.

 

[oms2]

med schools don't waste time inviting people who are not qualified to handle the curriculum.
open file gives you a chance to explain your weaknesses or turn them into strengths, but then your weakness must not be too bad otherwise they wouldn't have given you an invite. there is a chance of your interview rating being influenced by your low/high stats.
closed file allows more time for testing your soft skills. stats are irrelevant and you don't have to defend your grade in archaeology or analytical chem or whatever.

 

[qwerty2012]

They going to ask questions they don't know or want to elaborated on, regardless.