Quick interview question! Interview tomorrow!

[WanderingGuitarist]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Would mentioning I have an acceptance at another school be bad during an interview?

I wish to convey:

I got into a state school that's located in a town just like this town but I would much prefer to attend this school due to X,Y,Z.

 

[aldol16]

It's not likely to have an impact, so I don't see why you should mention it. You're most likely not going to be asked, "Oh, have you been accepted elsewhere?" The question will be more along the lines of "Why is this school a good fit for you?" and you can launch directly into your reasons there without mentioning your acceptance. I think there are only a few ways of conveying that information in a positive light without sounding arrogant or entitled, so why take that chance?

 

[WanderingGuitarist]

It's not likely to have an impact, so I don't see why you should mention it. You're most likely not going to be asked, "Oh, have you been accepted elsewhere?" The question will be more along the lines of "Why is this school a good fit for you?" and you can launch directly into your reasons there without mentioning your acceptance. I think there are only a few ways of conveying that information in a positive light without sounding arrogant or entitled, so why take that chance?

Yea this was incase they ask why I would prefer this school over a state school or something along those lines. I agree that stating i've been accepted without a segway can be offputting

 

[aldol16]

Yea this was incase they ask why I would prefer this school over a state school or something along those lines. I agree that stating i've been accepted without a segway can be offputting

Yes, but that question does not necessitate your mentioning the acceptance. "So, why would you prefer this school over your state school?" (This is a very unlikely question to begin with). "Well, I particularly enjoy the excellent clinical training facilities offered by your school, etc."

 

[gamieg]

it's not likely to impact whether or not this upcoming school accepts you. instead, if your interviewer detects any hint of entitlement, it can hurt your chances. I recommend just conveying why this school and being humbly genuine.

 

[JB50]

What about if you're asked "What will you do if you're not accepted?" Even if you've been accepted to another school already?

"That's a hypothetical at this point in time"

 

[Goro]

Don't do it unless asked.

Would mentioning I have an acceptance at another school be bad during an interview?

I wish to convey:

I got into a state school that's located in a town just like this town but I would much prefer to attend this school due to X,Y,Z.

 

[gizmoo]

What about if you're asked "What will you do if you're not accepted?" Even if you've been accepted to another school already?

I was in this exact situation at an interview a few weeks ago. I just answered the question as if I hadn't been accepted already. Just think about what they are actually asking with that question-- they're not looking for you to brag about where else you got in, they are looking for you to show your commitment to pursuing a career in medicine despite setbacks.

 

[Endoxifen]

I was in this exact situation at an interview a few weeks ago. I just answered the question as if I hadn't been accepted already. Just think about what they are actually asking with that question-- they're not looking for you to brag about where else you got in, they are looking for you to show your commitment to pursuing a career in medicine despite setbacks.

So do you think that they want to hear you acknowledge the weakness in your application, or hear that you will work hard and try again next time?

 

[gizmoo]

So do you think that they want to hear you acknowledge the weakness in your application, or hear that you will work hard and try again next time?

Both I think, although I would frame it more about what would make your application stronger rather than how it's currently weak. Nobody can be a perfect applicant so I think it's good to acknowledge that you're human and have areas you could potentially improve on while also reiterating your strengths / passion for medicine.


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

 

[Papa Oso]

Like many have said, it most likely won't help you if you mention it. It may hurt you if you come off as full of it. If you are going to mention it. I would phrase it along the lines of: "I have already been accepted to another great school, but I would decline that happily decline that offer for here due to XYZ reason. Be careful with the tone you say this though.

 

[redferrari]

Don't do it unless asked straight up yes or no, and even so, tread lightly. I was in that boat last year, and even after I was asked if I would apply again or give up if I wasn't accepted, my interviewer seemed to change demeanor and ride me as to whether I thought I could see myself there over where I had already been accepted when I did inform them I had an acceptance already.

I mean, I thought me being there was compelling evidence that I had a genuine interest, but it made what had been an awesome experience an unpleasant one. And to be honest, that experience became a major reason I didn't select that school in the end.

If you really want this school, act as if your future hinges on getting accepted there and only there. You have a chance to interview at what seems like a school you really like with about as little stress as possible. That's a luxury most will never experience.