So what is the concensus on regional interivews?

[Ramoray]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Ok well i have heard drastically different opinions as of late regarding regionals and im curious what the deal is.. are they good bad or equal? I got a regional at my top choice and i was siked but now im kinda having doubts its for anything but a waitlist if that.. hmm enlighten me pls

 

[GoBigRed03]

way to suck

 

[Mike59]

Originally posted by GoBigRed03
way to suck

You seem to be an expert on that subject, start your own thread buddy. 🙄

Hey Ramoray,
For your top choice, definitely don't do a regional. I'm no expert on them, but adcoms do want applicants to see the school in person and meet faculty/other applicants. Just go in person and keep your fingers crossed. Best of luck, props to ya!
😉

 

[gower]

It seems to be widely overlooked, but interviews are a two way street. Interviews are designed for the medical school to see and evaluate the person, as opposed to simply evaluating the application. Reciprocally, going to interviews is an opportunity for applicants to evaluate the medical school, as opposed to simply reading about it in a catalog, brochure or word of mouth (akin to asking for opinions on SDN). Otherwise, medical school application is kissing cousin to going on blind dates. You pay your money and take your chances. If you like surprises, blind dates, going to interviews and skipping out without doing your homework, then save your valuable time and money and accept a regional interview.

I can understand if the cost of going to an interview is really beyond your means, but look at it this way: its the quality of your future at stake here, and a little extra investment (and debt) may be worth while. Otherwise, you should have taken this into account when you were applying to medical schools: was it essential that you apply to this distant medical school?

 

[DW]

gower knows what he/she is talking about. especially if you're very interested in the school, bite it financially and go see it physically, couple hundred dollars for travel expenses is a drop in the bucket compared to going to a school you wish you hadnt for four years. Your opinions of schools can and mostly will change wildly after visiting. 😀

 

[Ramoray]

Hey let me rephrase a bit, indeed i totally agree, but in this case i have lived in the city before, its GW im talking about and i have been to the school many times so its not a matter of me liking or finding out its a matter of me wondering if to them a regional is worse off, meaning are my chances lower. I love the school and would love to go there.. im just worried about them wanting me here! thanks much for the info any more advice would be great. The other thing is their regular interviews are into march already so this date is much earlier which is good.. ok thnx

 

[Medical123]

Originally posted by Ramoray
Hey let me rephrase a bit, indeed i totally agree, but in this case i have lived in the city before, its GW im talking about and i have been to the school many times so its not a matter of me liking or finding out its a matter of me wondering if to them a regional is worse off, meaning are my chances lower. I love the school and would love to go there.. im just worried about them wanting me here! thanks much for the info any more advice would be great. The other thing is their regular interviews are into march already so this date is much earlier which is good.. ok thnx

I don't think it would make any difference in your case, whether you do a regional interview or go to the school. I don't know how they do their regional interviews, but about everyone who has interviewed at the school was asked "Why GW?" I would definitely tell them about my experiences in the DC area and how you are familiar with the school.

I would think that a school that is willing to spend the dollars to come to your area and interview people is definitely interested in you.

Good luck. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[TroutBum]

I was under the impression that regional interviews were really just for folks who had a really compelling reason not to go to the school to interview. Unless you had a really good reason for doing regional interviews I would just bite the bullet and go visit the actual school. Regardless of circumstances, I think adcoms really tend to look unfavorably on regional interviews.

I'm sure people will disagree, but that's my understanding. . .