real interview question

[Barin]

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...Why should we pick you over younger
students of equal qualifications?

Indeed, why?

 

[Jessica]

I would say that maturity and life experiences would be to your advantage.

 

[SnudgeMuffin]

Because you are mature, more life experiences, etc. Also, you were doing something else before you decided to apply, which means that you have given some time on your decision to become a doctor...
Hope that helps!

 

[SocialistMD]

Turn the question on them. Tell them there is no way for them to be "equal" in qualifications because they do not have the experience that you have. Make them qualify their question; if they mean equal in terms of stats, then tell them you have much more experience with life (that is, unless you do not).

 

[twesting2173]

i've read so much that schools look for those people who know WHY they want to practice medicine. THe best way to know that medicine is meant for you: experience--life experience. You've got it, younger folks (like myself) need to pretend like we've got it. articulte that thought well, and i'm sure you will be well recieved.

 

[md2be06]

I would say that maturity and life experiences would be to your advantage

Why do people assume younger applicants are lacking in the maturity department? Beyond a certain age, I don't think there's a great correlation between how old you are and how mature you become. I've met extremely immature adults, and very mature and focused college students, and of course vice versa. I think most college students who are applying are mature enough to become physicians; therefore, I don't think stressing maturity is going to put an older applicant over the top. Just my $.02

 

[lilninja]

I agree about the maturity part - it really depends on the individual - but the life experiences really do come with age. (even if you think you've done it all, there's something about time that gives a new spin to things)

 

[csgirl]

Originally posted by SocialistMD:

Turn the question on them. Tell them there is no way for them to be "equal" in qualifications because they do not have the experience that you have. Make them qualify their question; if they mean equal in terms of stats, then tell them you have much more experience with life (that is, unless you do not).

I don't mean to pick on you socialist... but I think that such an approach would only make the interviewer roll his/her eyes. Interviewers don't like legalistic tic for tac kind of bantering back and forth... which is what such an approach could easily end up as.

I would stick with the... "I have more life experiences" answer.

 

[SocialistMD]

Originally posted by csgirl:
•I don't mean to pick on you socialist... but I think that such an approach would only make the interviewer roll his/her eyes. •

Maybe, but if you get accepted with this approach then you must be doing something right, right?

 

[csgirl]

Socialist: Not necessarily... you could get in for a variety of reasons even if you screw up your interview... MCAT scores, gpa, and ECs all come to mind. Besides, if you mess up one question out of 10, that's not so bad.