Surprising things at interviews?

[KMFDM]

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Salutations dear friends,

So interview season has now really gotten underway, and a few lucky folks might have already had some interviews. I was wondering if anyone has been surprised, pleasantly or unpleasantly, by something on your interview day. It could be anything... the interviews themselves, admissions people, students, med schools, anatomy labs, lunches, faculty, etc.

Or has everything gone as you expected?

 

[KMFDM]

OK well I will go first.

1) By like the second interview, the schools tend to sound very similar, in many cases. All the "unique" 1.5 year preclinical stuff, early clinical exposure, integrated curriculum, and small group work isn't actually unique.

2) Not that I am some awesome outgoing Brad Pitt-looking dude, but the fellow applicants I've met at the interviews have been pretty awkward folks. Some people have been really cool, but overall mostly weirdos. I mean damn, do some of these people look in the mirror before they show up to the admissions office? And it's ok to like talk to fellow applicants, maybe even make conversation. It's like pulling teeth with the majority of people.

 

[flip26]

The interviews themselves have been low key, conversational, pleasant. I guess I expected a little more stress, or a little more in the way of challenging questions.

OTOH, it is hard to gauge what the interviewer is trying to accomplish with the interview. They aren't digging for new info - they, or the school, have all the facts and stats in your app. So they must be looking for personality traits - ability to hold a conversation, etc. Which then makes the evaluation by the interviewer a very subjective thing, which concerns me.

I believe the interview is a key component, but I honestly don't see how any of these interviews would give a clear cut direction to the outcome of the admissions decision absent the interview itself.

 

[KMFDM]

The interviews themselves have been low key, conversational, pleasant. I guess I expected a little more stress, or a little more in the way of challenging questions.

OTOH, it is hard to gauge what the interviewer is trying to accomplish with the interview. They aren't digging for new info - they, or the school, have all the facts and stats in your app. So they must be looking for personality traits - ability to hold a conversation, etc.

I believe the interview is a key component, but I honestly don't see how any of these interviews would give a clear cut direction to the outcome of the admissions decision absent the interview itself.

Yes I feel the same way. Everything has just been a relaxed conversation, so it's difficult to assess how I did. I mean, if it was awful and awkward, that would be obvious. But when you're just having a regular conversation, it's very tough to distinguish between "omg awesome conversation" and "decent."

 

[flip26]

Yes I feel the same way. Everything has just been a relaxed conversation, so it's difficult to assess how I did. I mean, if it was awful and awkward, that would be obvious. But when you're just having a regular conversation, it's very tough to distinguish between "omg awesome conversation" and "decent."

And it seems to me that the interviewer's evaluation is more subjective than objective, and more subjective than I expected or want.

Frankly, I would like some hardball questions to show my agility, but it hasn't happened yet. Some of the interviewers seem much more comfortable conducting the interviews than others - and that bothers me, too, that some of the interviewers seem to be less experienced.

I guess I will find out October 15 on a couple of schools. I thought I would have a better feel for where I stand after a few interviews, but I don't.

I guess what I am saying is that, based on my interviews so far, I really don't see how much these can make a difference in the school's decision unless one performs in the extreme, good or bad.

 

[KMFDM]

And it seems to me that the interviewer's evaluation is more subjective than objective, and more subjective than I expected or want.

Frankly, I would like some hardball questions to show my agility, but it hasn't happened yet. Some of the interviewers seem much more comfortable conducting the interviews than others - and that bothers me, too, that some of the interviewers seem to be less experienced.

I guess I will find out October 15 on a couple of schools. I thought I would have a better feel for where I stand after a few interviews, but I don't.

Yeah for sure. I've read some books on healthcare and bioethics, partially for my own understanding but also potentially for interviews, and I have yet to really make use of the info.

Since most interviews have been "softball" questions, I wonder, are interviews in large part designed to weed out the socially awkward people, those who can't hold a reasonable conversation? That sounds stupid, and maybe, arrogant or whatever, but I don't mean it like that. It's just that 1/2 of fellow applicants at the interviews very well might be THAT socially awkward from what I've seen.

 

[flip26]

I also think that the longer the interview day, the bigger a waste of time it is. My favorite days have been the short ones - maybe a total of 3 hours at the school, versus 4 or 5 hours. Honestly, I could do without the whole lunch thing (although for morning stuff, a continental breakfast spread is a nice way to start the day).

And I don't like the schedule where you show up at 10, sit through the dog and pony show, go to lunch, come back, and then have your interview in the 2 to 4 pm time slot with lots of sitting around waiting your turn...

 

[flip26]

Yeah for sure. I've read some books on healthcare and bioethics, partially for my own understanding but also potentially for interviews, and I have yet to really make use of the info.

Since most interviews have been "softball" questions, I wonder, are interviews in large part designed to weed out the socially awkward people, those who can't hold a reasonable conversation? That sounds stupid, and maybe, arrogant or whatever, but I don't mean it like that. It's just that 1/2 of fellow applicants at the interviews very well might be THAT socially awkward from what I've seen.

This is what I am starting to think is the case, too. I mean, I always assumed it would be part of the evaluation, but it frankly seems to me that it must be the bulk of the purpose of these interviews.

 

[rockaction]

Most of my interviews have been pretty dang chill so far. I'm really glad about that. Some highlights:

1) At my most recent interview, my first interviewer's first question was "what makes you cool?" I proceeded to inform him of how awesome I am and he wrote "Really cool" at the top of my evaluation (true story, I am not lying). This was a faculty interview mind you, and we pretty much spent the whole time talking about Vampire Weekend and reggae.

2) Me and one of my interviewers discussed the media coverage of Michael Jackson's death for like a half hour.

3) One interviewer basically just gave me a tour of his office and all the cool stuff he's collected over the years.

 

[romba]

This is what I am starting to think is the case, too. I mean, I always assumed it would be part of the evaluation, but it frankly seems to me that it must be the bulk of the purpose of these interviews.

At one of the schools I was interviewing at, I was shown the form that the interviewer fills out after completing her interview, and its basically looking for things the student will add to or detract from the general atmosphere of the student body and community of the school. Such as any unique traits, vibrant personality, etc. as well as particular traits the school is looking for. So yes, it is to weed out the awkward among us, but it is also to see who will bring that little bit extra to the table which the school is looking for.

So smile, be charming, don't be afraid to make a joke (if appropriate), and be yourself, aka as relaxed as you can be in such a situation!

 

[Homoochan]

OK well I will go first.

1) By like the second interview, the schools tend to sound very similar, in many cases. All the "unique" 1.5 year preclinical stuff, early clinical exposure, integrated curriculum, and small group work isn't actually unique.

2) Not that I am some awesome outgoing Brad Pitt-looking dude, but the fellow applicants I've met at the interviews have been pretty awkward folks. Some people have been really cool, but overall mostly weirdos. I mean damn, do some of these people look in the mirror before they show up to the admissions office? And it's ok to like talk to fellow applicants, maybe even make conversation. It's like pulling teeth with the majority of people.

Wow.. are you saying most people there were hideous looking creatures? scared..

 

[alibai3ah]

My first interview is coming up. But I'm surprised to hear that you guys meet so many socially awkward people. I mean how do people like that make it to the interview stage????

I thought the personal statement and secondary essays would weed out the crazies...

 

[flip26]

My first interview is coming up. But I'm surprised to hear that you guys meet so many socially awkward people. I mean how do people like that make it to the interview stage????

I thought the personal statement and secondary essays would weed out the crazies...

Not really - people can work on their PS and secondaries, get help with them. The interview is the only test in this process for evaluating sociability, conversational skills, ability to handle questions, etc.

My concern is that the interviews are really not very rigorous, at least not the ones I have experienced.

 

[mannyowens]

one thing I did not anticipate is how exhausted I would be after the interview. Its actually quite draining because you feel like you are fully alert for like 5 hours. The interviews themselves have been really chill

 

[BBender716]

Most of my interviews have been pretty dang chill so far. I'm really glad about that. Some highlights:

1) At my most recent interview, my first interviewer's first question was "what makes you cool?" I proceeded to inform him of how awesome I am and he wrote "Really cool" at the top of my evaluation (true story, I am not lying). This was a faculty interview mind you, and we pretty much spent the whole time talking about Vampire Weekend and reggae.

2) Me and one of my interviewers discussed the media coverage of Michael Jackson's death for like a half hour.

3) One interviewer basically just gave me a tour of his office and all the cool stuff he's collected over the years.

Man after our Case interview, you've got me on a Flaming Lips binge now, lol I could space out to that stuff for hours (no drugs necessary!)

 

[anxiousteen]

most people i met at my interviews are quite normal

 

[Wheee]

one thing I did not anticipate is how exhausted I would be after the interview. Its actually quite draining because you feel like you are fully alert for like 5 hours. The interviews themselves have been really chill

Yeah, I was surprised by this as well. Mostly after my first one, and maybe because of that or maybe because I flew (though a short-ish flight), but the next day I just slept til noon and then took a 3-hour nap. After my second I was less drained but still tired, but fortunately I had a nice long, flat drive to chill out and sing in my car.

Other than that, I'd say I've been surprised by how low-key the ones I've gone to are. Now that I say it I'm sure the next one will be hardcore...full of ethics and reform questions. That's just how it goes.

 

[Telephone]

.

 

[rockaction]

Man after our Case interview, you've got me on a Flaming Lips binge now, lol I could space out to that stuff for hours (no drugs necessary!)

hahaha yesss I totally feel the need to put Soft Bulletin on right now

 

[flip26]

most people i met at my interviews are quite normal

Same here.

I am not encountering this mass of "socially awkward" pre meds that others are reporting.

Not really sure I understand how one concludes that most of the people they are meeting are awkward goofs anyway - your interaction is pretty limited.

 

[dw2158]

one thing I did not anticipate is how exhausted I would be after the interview. Its actually quite draining because you feel like you are fully alert for like 5 hours. The interviews themselves have been really chill

+1. i have been perpetually exhausted for the last month, and i haven't had to travel very far to most of my interviews. maybe i'm just a wuss, but i am really, really tired.

 

[BBender716]

+1. i have been perpetually exhausted for the last month, and i haven't had to travel very far to most of my interviews. maybe i'm just a wuss, but i am really, really tired.

+1, traveling is just plain exhausting and stressful in itself.

 

[jackson1]

+1, traveling is just plain exhausting and stressful in itself.

It definitely is, although I think being so worried about the travel part and getting to my interviews on time made me less nervous for the actual interview. By the time I get there I'm just so relieved and it feels like the hard part is over!😛

 

[stayclassy]

traveling is exhausting. ive been surprised at the amount of outgoing/good-looking people at my interview. sure there's a good group of awkward ones, but not as many as I expected (so far). Definitely good to see

 

[rockaction]

traveling is exhausting. ive been surprised at the amount of outgoing/good-looking people at my interview. sure there's a good group of awkward ones, but not as many as I expected (so far). Definitely good to see

I second this. Almost everyone I've met on the interview trail was been really nice and easy to talk to.

 

[brooklynblunder]

i look forward to meeting ppl at my interviews, i think talking to other interviewees have been the best part


also how friendly some of the admissions ladies were. like all of them. newark will probably drop the ball on that trend, but it wouldnt be jersey if they didnt.

 

[brooklynblunder]

also, the lack of public transportation in certain cities is a pretty big deal. now i know not every place will be like NYC or Philly, but $30 shuttle ride one way to campus? come on

 

[starl3tte]

2) Me and one of my interviewers discussed the media coverage of Michael Jackson's death for like a half hour.

All that time I've spent on the internet reading MJ news instead of healthcare reform would suddenly become very useful...

 

[jd23]

Same here.

I am not encountering this mass of "socially awkward" pre meds that others are reporting.

Not really sure I understand how one concludes that most of the people they are meeting are awkward goofs anyway - your interaction is pretty limited.

Seems like everyone has a different standard for determining if someone they meet is 'normal,' 'socially awkward,' or just plain weird. I mean, not everyone on SDN is a all-around stud-muffin...in fact I think it's more likely that we are on the more nerdy, awkard side of the spectrum, considering how much time we spend in an online forum discussing everything from interview wardrobes to the NFL to freshman class schedules...

In my own experience, the people I meet at interviews who look like nerds or just look strange are often great at carrying on a conversation--it's the tall good-looking jocks who are uptight or just plain mute 😛

 

[MSSM2013]

had an older student at Case first start talking about her amazing transition from a high paying job to medicine, then she proceed to berate me about how I am just going to medicine for money, all because I told her I wanted to be a transplant surgeon.

Transplant surgeons works over 70 hours a week for a yearly pay under 300k.

didn't get in, wasn't my loss.