The "why this school?" interview question

[gettheleadout]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

ok dude. I think lizzy may give you a hug if you keep this up...????

I don't think sharing the identity verification policy of the site is too brown-nosy.

 

[EBTrailRunner]

.

 

[410322]

In the Spring, the shoe will be on the other foot and schools will be hoping to be chosen over all the other schools by candidates that hold more than one offer. So, some schools want to know if you understand the school's mission and educational philosophy and why you feel you'd be a good match for that school, why it would be a good fit for you.

If you did not have a stellar undergrad record, be careful about stating that you are attracted to the school's extracurricular offerings as it could be interpreted to mean that you will put extracurriculars over academic work.

Likewise, if you lived home or close to home for college, don't list location as the reason you are most interested as it appears that you are unable to cut the apron strings. Furthermore, if there is more than one school in the area, you should have some reason besides geography, that attracts you to the school that is interviewing you today. On the other hand, if you are a state resident interviewing at a state school and you really want to practice in that state, it is a good thing to say so.

That bolded statement is so un-nuanced I'm awestruck. Would you rather students who are interested in pursuing medicine add another $40,000+ in undergraduate living expense loans (dorms, apartments, some mix) to any tuition/etc loans they already have? On top of this, the cost of med school, which averages loans of $150,000 for graduates? These aren't paltry sums. Frankly, unless a student explicitly says something, it's highly presumptuous of you to assume that a person who wants to live near, or at, their home is going to end up being the family errandboy.

 

[LizzyM]

That bolded statement is so un-nuanced I'm awestruck. Would you rather students who are interested in pursuing medicine add another $40,000+ in undergraduate living expense loans (dorms, apartments, some mix) to any tuition/etc loans they already have? On top of this, the cost of med school, which averages loans of $150,000 for graduates? These aren't paltry sums. Frankly, unless a student explicitly says something, it's highly presumptuous of you to assume that a person who wants to live near, or at, their home is going to end up being the family errandboy.

What part of "don't make it your number one reason for choosing that school" don't you understand? It is fine to want to attend a school close to home and it is fine to save some cash by living home but you should choose the school you choose because of its curriculum, research opportunities, clinical facilities, teaching faclities (simulation labs, etc), and so forth.

This thread is how to answer the question "why this school?". I am trying to help you nuance your answer to make the best impression on your interviewer. Lead with something about the curriculum, etc if you want to make the best impression.

 

[JHU 2010]

I think this question was one of the tougher ones for me to wrap my head around. In fact, when I was asked at NYMC "Why NYMC?" I told my interviewer two things, which were both brutally honest.

1. that I applied to over 40 schools, and at the end of the day I just wanted to be a physician.

...

I say the same thing in every interview! I completed 45 secondaries, and I always say that medicine is just what I was meant to do, and I have no plan B. This also covers the "what would you do if you didn't get in med school?" question, because I just respond with "there is no plan B."
---- though if they really pursue the question, I admit that I'd probably try and be an army medic or an EMT.

And to OP:
I've found that a great time to think of things to say to answer that question is during the interview day! Some schools throw you right into the interview first thing, but most give you a presentation on the resources, opportunities, and curriculum, and they tell you what makes them special and different. If you're really lucky, you'll have a chance to talk to a current student or even get a tour before your interview. Because of all this exposure, there have been times that I radically changed how I was going to answer the "why this school" question over how what I thought based on my research the night before.

Still prepare, still do background research, but you might find that the school does a good job selling itself once you get there for your interview!

 

[Narmerguy]

I don't understand why this is so difficult for people to accept. That's like telling a school that the #1 reason you like it is because of its low tuition. If they want to know your #1 reason for applying to the school, make it something about the school that makes them unique academically/philosophically.

 

[liveoak]

This thread is how to answer the question "why this school?". I am trying to help you nuance your answer to make the best impression on your interviewer. Lead with something about the curriculum, etc if you want to make the best impression.

you serve your robotic role quite well, and we all thank you for it. Seriously.

 

[Slowpoke]

I say the same thing in every interview! I completed 45 secondaries, and I always say that medicine is just what I was meant to do, and I have no plan B. This also covers the "what would you do if you didn't get in med school?" question, because I just respond with "there is no plan B."

Hahaha, do you really? Marvelous, I am glad I am not the only one that feels the same way. Have you had any success anywhere with your honesty?

 

[alexandertg6]

Juicec has a point...

I know, I just like making the 😡 face

 

[soundnin]

Sorry for coming after you, but this does hit close to home. I really do think we are talking about different issues. When I was a caregiver, the doctors who recognized my work and gave nothing more than a pat on the back literally made my day. Doctors are role models to many patients/their families. Looking down at caregiving as a "nuisance" sets a bad example to set a crucial part of healthcare. So, when I talk about medical students/residents caring for sick familiy members, i don't view it as a detriment to their education. I'm not talking about 24/7 care, I'm taking about learning to be empathic to the people who are giving everything up to make the health care system go smoother. It makes you a better doctor.

... lolwut...

WAY OFF TOPIC

you misinterpreted something someone else said because of your soap box agenda. i think it's time to call it quits

 

[liveoak]

... lolwut...

WAY OFF TOPIC

you misinterpreted something someone else said because of your soap box agenda. i think it's time to call it quits

plz let me see your mdapps 😍

(i don't disagree though. i did go nuts for no reason.)