Question for those who have interviewed before

[indeed]

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Hey, I'm trying to prepare for an interview I have this week...

Is OK for me to write down in a nice professional notebook some general points highlighting what I want to address when asked the usual questions? e.g. why medicine? or why this school? I was also thinking of writing any questions I get from the school tour in there and then having those to look at during the interview. Is that alright?

Thanks for your input!

 

[funkydrmonkey]

Hey, I'm trying to prepare for an interview I have this week...

Is OK for me to write down in a nice professional notebook some general points highlighting what I want to address when asked the usual questions? e.g. why medicine? or why this school? I was also thinking of writing any questions I get from the school tour in there and then having those to look at during the interview. Is that alright?

Thanks for your input!

No. You can make the list, but it looks too rehearsed and toolish to do so. Memorize the list.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Hey, I'm trying to prepare for an interview I have this week...

Is OK for me to write down in a nice professional notebook some general points highlighting what I want to address when asked the usual questions? e.g. why medicine? or why this school? I was also thinking of writing any questions I get from the school tour in there and then having those to look at during the interview. Is that alright?

Thanks for your input!

What funkmonk said. The school wants to see that you really prepared and put a lot of thought into getting ready to interview there, so you should be ready with your answers to the "stock questions" (e.g. why medicine, why here, what would you do if you don't get in, etc) as well as your questions about the school (and make them specific, not just the usual "how are the board scores," or anything that would be obviously covered in the presentations from the administration, or anything that the interviewer obviously wouldn't know- for example, don't ask your 70 year old interviewer about the night life in the city! 😛). These really have to come from memory in order to look professional.

 

[Bacchus]

If you forget every single question one will always exist: Why did you choose XXX? While the interviewer is telling you, granted its positive, think of a closing statement you can make based off of what the interviewer told you.

At PCOM all of my interviewers hinted to supportive atmosphere/family. I made my final statement how this is important to me and how I would contribute.

Now, don't lie if none of the reasons are your reasons, but definitely try to work the interviewer's reasons in.

I did this at two other interviews and I'm sure it made me leave with a good impression.

 

[Bacchus]

Just to make my post more complete, here's me commenting on the same thing:

The best question, IMO, to ask is "Why did you choose XYZ SOM?" Everytime I have asked it I have been told its a good question. Since this occurs at the end of the interview, you can then feed off of what the interviewers say and make a closing statement whether it be on geography, programs, opportunities, or the sense of family and why XYZ is a good fit for you. It also creates a parallel between you and the interviewer(s), something that doesn't usually exist.

This is a superb question to ask.

 

[indeed]

Just to make my post more complete, here's me commenting on the same thing:

The best question, IMO, to ask is "Why did you choose XYZ SOM?" Everytime I have asked it I have been told its a good question. Since this occurs at the end of the interview, you can then feed off of what the interviewers say and make a closing statement whether it be on geography, programs, opportunities, or the sense of family and why XYZ is a good fit for you. It also creates a parallel between you and the interviewer(s), something that doesn't usually exist.

This is a superb question to ask.

Yeah, I think that's a great question to ask during a 1v1 interview, but mine is going to be 3v1, so I think the questions have to be more focused on the school/program...

 

[Bacchus]

At PCOM I had a 3 on 1. At VCOM I had a 2 on 1. I asked the question both times. Everyone answered. You get different perspectives. You have more to tie into your final statement.

 

[Law2Doc]

Hey, I'm trying to prepare for an interview I have this week...

Is OK for me to write down in a nice professional notebook some general points highlighting what I want to address when asked the usual questions? e.g. why medicine? or why this school? I was also thinking of writing any questions I get from the school tour in there and then having those to look at during the interview. Is that alright?

Thanks for your input!

The goal is to have the interview be a fluid conversation. You destroy this when you read from or take notes. Additionally, it makes you seem less prepared when you have to consult notes. And further, med schools want folks who can keep multiple things in their heads at a time (in a few years when you are on rounds, you will find that some attendings are sticklers for having med students present their patients without consulting notes, so the expectation is that folks who get into med school can do this and aren't paper dependant). So no, do not bring notes to use in the interview. You want to maintain eye contact and not use any props. If you cannot remember a question, then email the school later to ask it.

 

[202781]

I wrote down like 4 questions on a small piece of scratch paper and pulled it out from my pocket.

I got into the school
Boom.


I think as long as you are not looking at the notebook during your interview you will be fine.

Game on