Questions to ask the interviewers

[DoctaFuture]

Hey guys. I tried looking for some threads, but had a difficult time. I'm just curious what questions you guys asked/ what do you think I should ask the interviewers. I have a few questions, but I'm not sure if they're good. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks guys.

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[Mr Hippopotamus]

Some suggestions, which either I've used or people I know have used:
1. How do students at this school prepare for the USMLE tests? Do they form study groups? Does the school provide any assistance in this?
2. How collaborative is the student body?
3. What percentage of students got one of their top 5 choices for a match?
4. What is the average debt load of graduating students? How much financial aid assistance does the school provide?
5. Do students have the opportunity to participate in research at nearby institutions?

Before asking a question, make sure the answer isn't on the website. For extra points, phrase a question in a way that shows you've read the website thoroughly, such as "On the website it mentions that many students are involved in research at (whatever). Does (school) offer any support in finding these research positions, or do students do it on their own?"

Hope it helps. Good luck.

 

[Stewie32]

Perhaps you could ask about some of the specifics of the school's program. For example: "What makes this school's education unique or especially interesting?"

Also, this site might have some good questions to ask.

 

[Ponger]

Some suggestions, which either I've used or people I know have used:
1. How do students at this school prepare for the USMLE tests? Do they form study groups? Does the school provide any assistance in this?
2. How collaborative is the student body?
3. What percentage of students got one of their top 5 choices for a match?
4. What is the average debt load of graduating students? How much financial aid assistance does the school provide?
5. Do students have the opportunity to participate in research at nearby institutions?

Before asking a question, make sure the answer isn't on the website. For extra points, phrase a question in a way that shows you've read the website thoroughly, such as "On the website it mentions that many students are involved in research at (whatever). Does (school) offer any support in finding these research positions, or do students do it on their own?"

Hope it helps. Good luck.

Wow. At my interviews most of my interviewers were clinical faculty who rushed back to their office to interview me and didn't/wouldn't have a clue how to answer any of those questions. Those aren't bad questions but I seriously think those would be best left for the admissions staff or an interview panel.

Asking questions isn't a bad thing, but try to not come off like a cheesedick by citing the website.

 

[tr0gd0r]

Heh, cheesedick.

This probably sounds super lame and suck-up-y, but if an MD (or a 4th year med student) is my interviewer I like to ask him how/why he chose to go into his field. I wouldn't ask if the interviewer hadn't already shared things about himself, and maybe it's not appropriate because it's not about the school, but I think it's an interesting and relevant question.

 

[Musclemass]

Some suggestions, which either I've used or people I know have used:
1. How do students at this school prepare for the USMLE tests? Do they form study groups? Does the school provide any assistance in this?
2. How collaborative is the student body?
3. What percentage of students got one of their top 5 choices for a match?
4. What is the average debt load of graduating students? How much financial aid assistance does the school provide?
5. Do students have the opportunity to participate in research at nearby institutions?

Before asking a question, make sure the answer isn't on the website. For extra points, phrase a question in a way that shows you've read the website thoroughly, such as "On the website it mentions that many students are involved in research at (whatever). Does (school) offer any support in finding these research positions, or do students do it on their own?"

Hope it helps. Good luck.

I don't think these are very good questions.

Remember you're trying to make a good personal impression. Have a personal conversation and ask personal questions. Questions like "What were the important factors you considered in choosing to come here", "what do you like best about....", etc., make people comfortable and give the message that you appreciate their time and their views. Appropriate for both students and faculty. Just don't do that with everyone, and be sure to ask everyone non-personal questions too.

 

[TFS]

.

 

[chrisoc13]

I don't think these are very good questions.

Remember you're trying to make a good personal impression. Have a personal conversation and ask personal questions. Questions like "What were the important factors you considered in choosing to come here", "what do you like best about....", etc., make people comfortable and give the message that you appreciate their time and their views. Appropriate for both students and faculty. Just don't do that with everyone, and be sure to ask everyone non-personal questions too.

Yup. This is what I do. It really depends on who is interviewing. If its a student I'll ask them about student life, why they chose the school etc. I'll generally ask what makes their school unique. I'm really interested in international opportunities so if they have a program about it I like to ask about it, if I am unsure I simply ask them if they have one.

Also most of the faculty and students have no idea what is on their website, so as long as it isn't a question like "hey is this a state school?" most questions are fine to ask. Don't freak out and memorize the website so you won't mention something on it. All of my interviews have been very conversational so I don't go in with any questions prepared, I just ask what naturally comes up for the most part. In my last interview we talked about skiing for around 20 minutes so i asked about his favorite places to ski etc.

Anyways don't fret, just be yourself.

 

[Evergrey]

Some suggestions, which either I've used or people I know have used:
1. How do students at this school prepare for the USMLE tests? Do they form study groups? Does the school provide any assistance in this?
2. How collaborative is the student body?
3. What percentage of students got one of their top 5 choices for a match?
4. What is the average debt load of graduating students? How much financial aid assistance does the school provide?
5. Do students have the opportunity to participate in research at nearby institutions?

Hope it helps. Good luck.

I would disagree with this approach, although I think it's fine. In my opinion, the interview is about getting IN, and once you have multiple acceptances, then these questions become relevant. Fortunately, once you become accepted, it's very easy to talk to current students about their school and get those types of answers from them.

 

[DoctaFuture]

thx guys. any other suggestions?

 

[QuizzicalApe]

Ask them what clinical years are like at that school. If you have clinical faculty, ask specifically what sort of experience 3rd/4th years would have while rotating with them.

 

[Melomare17]

bumping for new cycle!