So what IS your greatest weakness? How do you handle this question?

[unikz]

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😉 a great site!!😍

 

[stellastarr]

I didn't really look too much into this question. My weaknesses are that I'm shy and I'm messy.

About the shyness: I don't necessarily think you have to elaborate in how you're "fixing" it, because it's an inherent personality trait. I just said that I have to make an extra effort not to let it hold me back. In situations where shyness could be a problem I still make it through okay, but I have to make a conscious effort whereas non-shy people can do it more easily.

I'm messy. I turned this into a joke-"I have an unconventional organizational style'. It truly is a weakness, but I've managed to make it work for me. I don't look "outwardly" disorganized (I came into the interview very well groomed) and I've learned how to work with it. I know my lip balm is in the kitchen drawer, my hole puncher is under my table, etc. Again, it's usually an inherent trait.

I agree you shouldn't pick a weakness that's really a strength in disguise, but lots of weakness have complimantary strengths. Messy people are usually creative. Shy people are usually thoughtful etc.

They're both weaknesses, but neither one would make me a bad doctor. Yes, it could be harder to talk to patients if I'm shy, but I've had plenty of clinical experience so it hasn't held me back yet. And messy...well it just shows that I'm not a Type-A personality. I'm human. I have flaws, I accept them, I learn to work with them, and I move on.

 

[inaminute]

my weakness is that I have a hard time taking people seriously when they are too serious---I cannot resist a joke at their expense

and those of you struggling with this question are just narcissists, pure and simple. Give that as your answer and you're golden.

 

[Revenant]

Plenty of arrogant premeds out there.

Truth. It's pretty insane how many there are.

 

[Creightonite]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, there have been some good ideas thrown around here.

Here is one brief synopsis of a weakness that I am considering writing about (let me know if you think this would be too much information or a good response):

I have a hard time trusting people; in other words, I have become somewhat cynical over the years. This cynicism stems from life experiences. When was young my parents always avoided fighting in front of my brother and me, and it appeared that they had a wonderful and loving relationship. Then they divorced, and used me as a weapon to attack one another by telling me stories, etc. about the other. Also, one of my best friends in my neighborhood as a child was this old man. He seemed like one of those goofy old guys who sits around on the porch telling jokes, and he was a really likeable person. Then one day he disappeared from the neighborhood: apparently he had coerced my nine year old female neighbor into his house and forced her to touch his genetalia. I also watched neighbors who abused their wives (and still the wives stayed), male and female friends who severely emotionally abused those they were in relationships with, tons of hypocritical people who preach love and live hate, and people who I loved and respected that turned out to be bitterly racist or anti-homosexual. All of this has understandably made me a bit cynical about trusting in people. I can then talk about how I am working on being more trusting.

So... there it is. That is the gist of what I think would be my most honest answer, and maybe it is a bit too honest. What do you guys think, especially those who have been through the process or know what adcoms are looking for?

that's freaking so true.

 

[qtpai]

i'm also super messy. i cna't be bothered by such trivial things as the material world. therefore it is my ambition to someday have a butler. he will call me sir kevin and clean up my messes.

 

[Vera18]

All kinds of chocolate.
All kinds of chocolate.

LOL - I was totally going to use that as a weakness too! j/k j/k

 

[BlackSails]

Its probably best to say that your weakness is you hate sleeping. This way you are a perfect fit for medicine.

 

[Textuality]

Yeah, I have NO sense of direction....I've gotten lost and turned around in malls, in parks, in people's freakin houses...(I can't tell you how many times I've tried to leave a room, only to find myself facing a closet). This will probably lead to me getting lost in the hospital for the first 2 weeks I'm in it, but that's what maps are for right?

On a more serious note, I'm a little too sensitive to criticism from people who matter to me. I get embarassed and pissed off and defensive. It's bad, I know.

 

[xpinchx]

When they ask you to give them 3 weaknesses just say "I'm indecisive" and don't say anything else.