What are they testing in a stress interview?

[Abaroth]

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I just had a stress interview where the interviewer actually laughed at one of my hobbies, and berated me the entire time. I'm trying to figure out the point of these interviews... Anyone? (Especially LizzyM)

 

[chessknt]

Honestly? What school was this at?

I guess you could construe that they want to see how you respond to abrasive people, but I dont feel that this is a fair context to test this attribute.

 

[aznb0y129]

I haven't actually had one of those, but I think that some interviewers try to put you in a pressurized situation to see how you handle yourself. If you can remain calm and poised, that reflects very well on you and shows that you can handle pressure situations that you may experience as a doctor in the future.

 

[HeatherMD]

there's stress interviews???

WTF?!

America, get on the MMI train already!

 

[Depakote]

Please refrain from calling out specific users in thread titles.

Thanks.

-The SDN Mod Staff

 

[JackInTheBox]

There are two scenarios for stress interviews:

1. They want to see how you react under pressure.

2. Sheltered pre-meds think they're being subjected to a pressure interview when they're pushed in even the slightest way to explain or clarify something by an interviewer who isn't particularly warm or welcoming.

 

[Abaroth]

Sorry about using LizzyM in the title, didn't know it wasn't allowed... Anyways, the interviewer didn't simply ask me hard questions. In fact, his questions were simple, but he never gave up. Basically, none of my answers were "good enough" to him. (his words). It felt as though all of my answers to these opinion questions were wrong. I dunno if I want to say the name of the school over this but i'll pm anyone interested to watch out. I'll also say that if you look at the interview feedback, I posted on there and so did one other person. I hope that he was testing whether I would stand by my original opinion, because I did. Anyways, I hate stress interviews, and if it wasn't intentionally the way it was, the interviewer was a real (insert negative term here).

 

[Chemist0157]

I was expecting very interview to be stressful, but so far, all of them have been laid back.

 

[goldenwest]

What was the hobby if you don't mind sharing? 😎

 

[Abaroth]

reading theoretical physics..... This is how it went down...

Him: So, what do you do to destress, to relax...
Me: Well, I think of myself as laid back, I like to relax with my friends and play video games, and I also like to read. [Me trying to make a light-humor joke to lighten the mood] I've actually endured the epitome of being made fun of when a librarian made fun of me for what I read...
Him: What do you read?
Me: Theoretical Physics
Him: You actually READ Theoretical Physics...? (laughter ensued)
Me: You can't surpass the librarian... (said with a smile) Anyway, I think the theoretical physics relates to how I constantly like to challenge myself intellectually...

It was just awkward and totally uncalled for in my view.. I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me... I hate this friggan process... Anyway, that's what went down.. and don't think that this theme was a one-time thing. This was the tone of the entire interview. Anyways, I hate this process.

 

[Cujo]

reading theoretical physics..... This is how it went down...

Him: So, what do you do to destress, to relax...
Me: Well, I think of myself as laid back, I like to relax with my friends and play video games, and I also like to read. [Me trying to make a light-humor joke to lighten the mood] I've actually endured the epitome of being made fun of when a librarian made fun of me for what I read...
Him: What do you read?
Me: Theoretical Physics
Him: You actually READ Theoretical Physics...? (laughter ensued)
Me: You can't surpass the librarian... (said with a smile) Anyway, I think the theoretical physics relates to how I constantly like to challenge myself intellectually...

It was just awkward and totally uncalled for in my view.. I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me... I hate this friggan process... Anyway, that's what went down.. and don't think that this theme was a one-time thing. This was the tone of the entire interview. Anyways, I hate this process.

Dude, he was laughing with you, not at you. You said it in a humorous way (you said so yourself), bringing in the librarian and all.

 

[armybound]

I've had a "stress" interview. I really think they're just trying to see how you take people being defiant, or how you handle not being respected in your answer. Most people are probably stressed out and may not be able to stand up for themselves. I think med school will put a lot of pressure on you like that and they just want to see what you'll be like.

 

[aznb0y129]

reading theoretical physics..... This is how it went down...

Him: So, what do you do to destress, to relax...
Me: Well, I think of myself as laid back, I like to relax with my friends and play video games, and I also like to read. [Me trying to make a light-humor joke to lighten the mood] I've actually endured the epitome of being made fun of when a librarian made fun of me for what I read...
Him: What do you read?
Me: Theoretical Physics
Him: You actually READ Theoretical Physics...? (laughter ensued)
Me: You can't surpass the librarian... (said with a smile) Anyway, I think the theoretical physics relates to how I constantly like to challenge myself intellectually...

It was just awkward and totally uncalled for in my view.. I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me... I hate this friggan process... Anyway, that's what went down.. and don't think that this theme was a one-time thing. This was the tone of the entire interview. Anyways, I hate this process.

Yeah...this doesn't really sound like a "stress" interview at all. I think you might have just taken it personally. I've heard stories about other interviews that were much worse than this.

 

[189362]

dude really though, theoretical physics?

 

[JoltOfFuel]

I think you're being too sensitive. I lol'd when I read theoretical physics. I doubt anyone knows someone who actually enjoys reading dense theoretical physics texts.

 

[Abaroth]

dude really though, theoretical physics?

Omg, why didn't I realize that theoretical physics reading isn't allowed as a doctor.... Silly me.😛

Edit: To JoltofFuel: So, I'm supposed to be uber-courteous (and, dare I say, professional) to the interviewer, but they are allowed to mock (is this professional?) my hobbies if they are out of the norm. I reiterate, this process (insert expletive here).

 

[chessknt]

reading theoretical physics..... This is how it went down...

Him: So, what do you do to destress, to relax...
Me: Well, I think of myself as laid back, I like to relax with my friends and play video games, and I also like to read. [Me trying to make a light-humor joke to lighten the mood] I've actually endured the epitome of being made fun of when a librarian made fun of me for what I read...
Him: What do you read?
Me: Theoretical Physics
Him: You actually READ Theoretical Physics...? (laughter ensued)
Me: You can't surpass the librarian... (said with a smile) Anyway, I think the theoretical physics relates to how I constantly like to challenge myself intellectually...

It was just awkward and totally uncalled for in my view.. I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me... I hate this friggan process... Anyway, that's what went down.. and don't think that this theme was a one-time thing. This was the tone of the entire interview. Anyways, I hate this process.

Yea you took this the wrong way and it sounds ridiculous. You relax by reading "theoretical physics"? That is extremely vague, what specifically are you reading about? Where are you reading it? What do you gain from it/how do you use it/why did you start doing this? You need to give more elaboration if you are going to drop something like that because without further explanation that sounds like BS or at the very least a sign of absolute socially isolating nerdom.

 

[tkim]

reading theoretical physics..... This is how it went down...

Him: So, what do you do to destress, to relax...
Me: Well, I think of myself as laid back, I like to relax with my friends and play video games, and I also like to read. [Me trying to make a light-humor joke to lighten the mood] I've actually endured the epitome of being made fun of when a librarian made fun of me for what I read...
Him: What do you read?
Me: Theoretical Physics
Him: You actually READ Theoretical Physics...? (laughter ensued)
Me: You can't surpass the librarian... (said with a smile) Anyway, I think the theoretical physics relates to how I constantly like to challenge myself intellectually...

It was just awkward and totally uncalled for in my view.. I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me... I hate this friggan process... Anyway, that's what went down.. and don't think that this theme was a one-time thing. This was the tone of the entire interview. Anyways, I hate this process.

Answering with 'theoretical physics' sounds like you were grandstanding or bull****ting.

 

[Abaroth]

I think that this process is going to drive me insane.... Let me get this straight...


I legitimately read and enjoy reading theoretical physics. I like being challenged by things outside my curriculum and understanding the big picture. Now, you are telling me that, because some people lie in interviews and make up stuff like this sometimes, I have to add a disclaimer to my hobby? This is like reverse racism. bah... forget it..

 

[JackInTheBox]

Answering with 'theoretical physics' sounds like you were grandstanding or bull****ting.

Not to mention "endured the epitome of being made fun of..."

Does anybody else ever get the feeling that some of the people who think they had a stress interview really have a mild case of Asperger's?

 

[Abaroth]

Yea you took this the wrong way and it sounds ridiculous. You relax by reading "theoretical physics"? That is extremely vague, what specifically are you reading about? Where are you reading it? What do you gain from it/how do you use it/why did you start doing this? You need to give more elaboration if you are going to drop something like that because without further explanation that sounds like BS or at the very least a sign of absolute socially isolating nerdom.

first of all, I didn't "drop something" in my mind, because it wasn't that big of a deal. Also, shouldn't he be asking me these questions if it's questionable whether I'm telling the truth... I truly am not a troll and I am trying to be as respectable as possible, but it is frustrating me that, after years of hard work, it is possible that the reason I will be seen in a negative light by an admissions committee is because I have a hobby that is seen as unbelievable, because it is too amazing. I'm sorry if I'm ranting/bothering anyone, but I am definitely bothered by this interview.

 

[Abaroth]

Not to mention "endured the epitome of being made fun of..."

Does anybody else ever get the feeling that some of the people who think they had a stress interview really have a mild case of Asperger's?

Please elaborate.

 

[aznb0y129]

I think that this process is going to drive me insane.... Let me get this straight...


I legitimately read and enjoy reading theoretical physics. I like being challenged by things outside my curriculum and understanding the big picture. Now, you are telling me that, because some people lie in interviews and make up stuff like this sometimes, I have to add a disclaimer to my hobby? This is like reverse racism. bah... forget it..

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but it is definitely not a traditional response to "what are your hobbies?" If I were an adcom member, I probably would have laughed if you had said that during the interview. Not in a mocking way, but because I thought you were joking.

Plus, people tend to forget that interviewers grade you a lot on your personality. Many applicants who were academically brilliant have been rejected because they lack normal social graces and wouldn't survive well in a profession where you have to interact with people on a daily basis.

So next time you get asked this, answer with something different like video games which I believe you mentioned earlier. As for hating the process, join the club. It's all a matter of playing the game.

P.S. I think you are going to have to develop a thicker skin if you got so upset over something as seemingly innocuous as this.

 

[tkim]

first of all, I didn't "drop something" in my mind, because it wasn't that big of a deal. Also, shouldn't he be asking me these questions if it's questionable whether I'm telling the truth... I truly am not a troll and I am trying to be as respectable as possible, but it is frustrating me that, after years of hard work, it is possible that the reason I will be seen in a negative light by an admissions committee is because I have a hobby that is seen as unbelievable, because it is too amazing. I'm sorry if I'm ranting/bothering anyone, but I am definitely bothered by this interview.

Listen, I don't doubt that you read theoretical physics to relax. I read it because I can't afford Ambien. To each his own.

But, when you present yourself in an interview as something akin to a polymath - reads theoretical physics to relax, bakes 30 min brownies in 17, invented powdered water, you need to back it up in a way that validates your claim and doesn't make your interviewer feel like a *******.

If you can't pull it off then either improve your interviewing skills or don't provide provocative information as fodder for the interview.

Besides, as smart as you may be, you're no Kevin Pezzi, MD.

 

[chessknt]

Dude it isnt that you arent allowed ot say it, its how you say it. This is a good way to breach it if you feel that you want to bring it up:

I know this sounds really nerdy, but I actually enjoy reading about <insert 1-2 concrete examples like fluid turbulence theories, string theory, etc> and other types of theoretical physics in <location you read it, ie Science, journal, website etc>. I started doing this my <freshman, sophomore, etc> year because I always found physics interesting in HS and the bio major at my school doesnt ever involve any, so I try to stay abreast of recent developments so, at the very least, I can bring something interesting up at a coctail party.

Whatever you do, dont get all offended or butthurt when somebody laughs at it because it is oblique. Having people misunderstand you is a part of life, deal with it gracefully.

 

[Abaroth]

I don't think there's anything wrong with it, but it is definitely not a traditional response to "what are your hobbies?" If I were an adcom member, I probably would have laughed if you had said that during the interview. Not in a mocking way, but because I thought you were joking.

Plus, people tend to forget that interviewers grade you a lot on your personality. Many applicants who were academically brilliant have been rejected because they lack normal social graces and wouldn't survive well in a profession where you have to interact with people on a daily basis.

So next time you get asked this, answer with something different like video games which I believe you mentioned earlier. As for hating the process, join the club. It's all a matter of playing the game.

P.S. I think you are going to have to develop a thicker skin if you got so upset over something as seemingly innocuous as this.

I totally agree with you... I'm going to try to roll with this and learn from my mistake. My problem with it is that it is a mistake in the first place. As for the P.S., I want to clarify that what bothered me in this instance was the fact that my interviewer laughed at me. And this matters so much because I, like all of you, would like to get accepted into medical school and become a doctor one day. I don't enjoy being laughed at by the same people that are making that decision.

 

[chessknt]

I totally agree with you... I'm going to try to roll with this and learn from my mistake. My problem with it is that it is a mistake in the first place. As for the P.S., I want to clarify that what bothered me in this instance was the fact that my interviewer laughed at me. And this matters so much because I, like all of you, would like to get accepted into medical school and become a doctor one day. I don't enjoy being laughed at by the same people that are making that decision.

Obviously it isnt enjoyable, but if you roll off it and tactfully redirect his attention elsewhere it is likely to be forgotten. If you start getting pouty and offended, then it becomes an issue that will probably itnerfere with your candidacy.

 

[JackInTheBox]

Please elaborate.

Well for the first comment, the epitome of something is more like the very definition of something general, like "the med school application process is the epitome of pure evil/jumping through hoops/etc." Saying "the epitome of being made fun of" is just a little awkwardly phrased, I guess. I'm not saying you were grandstanding or bull****ting with your response, but there is a nice middle ground between extremely formal speech and unintelligent valley-girl "oh my gawd, like totally" speech.

As for the second comment, it was just a joke, as people with Asperger's often have a hard time reading social cues and take things too literally. I'm not saying I think you have it or anything; it was just a bad joke in poor taste.

This whole process plays with our nerves, and it's definitely easy to take an off-hand comment the wrong way. As long as you realize that and keep it in mind, you'll be fine.

 

[aznb0y129]

I totally agree with you... I'm going to try to roll with this and learn from my mistake. My problem with it is that it is a mistake in the first place. As for the P.S., I want to clarify that what bothered me in this instance was the fact that my interviewer laughed at me. And this matters so much because I, like all of you, would like to get accepted into medical school and become a doctor one day. I don't enjoy being laughed at by the same people that are making that decision.

You will probably endure much worse than that during medical school and your residency.

 

[Cujo]

first of all, I didn't "drop something" in my mind, because it wasn't that big of a deal. Also, shouldn't he be asking me these questions if it's questionable whether I'm telling the truth... I truly am not a troll and I am trying to be as respectable as possible, but it is frustrating me that, after years of hard work, it is possible that the reason I will be seen in a negative light by an admissions committee is because I have a hobby that is seen as unbelievable, because it is too amazing. I'm sorry if I'm ranting/bothering anyone, but I am definitely bothered by this interview.

Dude, unless you split the atom yourself, simply reading about it isn't "amazing," just nerdy.

 

[JackInTheBox]

You will probably endure much worse than that during medical school and your residency.

You mean an attending would dare give anything less than love and encouragement if we get an answer wrong during rounds or have trouble with a procedure?!

 

[aznb0y129]

You mean an attending would dare give anything less than love and encouragement if we get an answer wrong during rounds or have trouble with a procedure?!

See, if I had Asperger's, I would not be able to recognize such heavy sarcasm 😛

 

[Abaroth]

Obviously it isnt enjoyable, but if you roll off it and tactfully redirect his attention elsewhere it is likely to be forgotten. If you start getting pouty and offended, then it becomes an issue that will probably itnerfere with your candidacy.

I will try to redirect this thread back to its original intent after a few clarifications...

1. This comment didn't affect me that much during the interview, I did just "roll off it."

2. This was just one example that stuck with me. Throughout the interview, there were many other, less subjective examples.

3. The interview, to me, was a stress interview, and the intent of this post is to find out others' opinions of the point of these interviews.

For example: I believe they are testing my confidence in my answers and my willingness to stick by my original answer, even when thoroughly challenged.

This is because, in my interview, I was repeatedly(3-5 times) asked the same question in a "really?" skeptical way.

The above "for example" was how I originally intended this post to go. So, to get back on track, What do you guys think the point of stress interviews are/why do they give them?

 

[HeatherMD]

theoretical physics?

No offense, but I would have laughed too (nicely though! it's cute if you didn't say it arrogantly). I agree with the other poster that it does sound like you were BS'ing, but maybe that's only because my answer to the same question would have been perezhilton.com

 

[tkim]

I just had a stress interview where the interviewer actually laughed at one of my hobbies, and berated me the entire time. I'm trying to figure out the point of these interviews... Anyone? (Especially LizzyM)

reading theoretical physics..... This is how it went down...

Him: So, what do you do to destress, to relax...
Me: Well, I think of myself as laid back, I like to relax with my friends and play video games, and I also like to read. [Me trying to make a light-humor joke to lighten the mood] I've actually endured the epitome of being made fun of when a librarian made fun of me for what I read...
Him: What do you read?
Me: Theoretical Physics
Him: You actually READ Theoretical Physics...? (laughter ensued)
Me: You can't surpass the librarian... (said with a smile) Anyway, I think the theoretical physics relates to how I constantly like to challenge myself intellectually...

It was just awkward and totally uncalled for in my view.. I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me... I hate this friggan process... Anyway, that's what went down.. and don't think that this theme was a one-time thing. This was the tone of the entire interview. Anyways, I hate this process.

I will try to redirect this thread back to its original intent after a few clarifications...

1. This comment didn't affect me that much during the interview, I did just "roll off it."

2. This was just one example that stuck with me. Throughout the interview, there were many other, less subjective examples.

3. The interview, to me, was a stress interview, and the intent of this post is to find out others' opinions of the point of these interviews.

For example: I believe they are testing my confidence in my answers and my willingness to stick by my original answer, even when thoroughly challenged.

This is because, in my interview, I was repeatedly(3-5 times) asked the same question in a "really?" skeptical way.

The above "for example" was how I originally intended this post to go. So, to get back on track, What do you guys think the point of stress interviews are/why do they give them?

Listen, you didn't encounter a stress interview.

A stress interview is the interviewer asking you to open a window in the room that's been nailed shut. While the interviewer simply stares back and forth between you and his watch. While taking notes.

A stress interview is when the interviewer challenges something in your profile that you have to defend. And it won't be one of your hobbies. It'll be the two years you spent building mud huts in some third world country, eating grasshoppers, that you used as the cornerstone of your application and PS, that will be airily dismissed as a 'sheer waste of time'.

You say that your encounter was a stress interview. You say the interviewer berated you the entire time. Yet the only snippet of the interview you offer is mild while you do not offer the 'many other, less subjective examples' that would confirm it as being a stress interview.

You say that you let it roll of your back. Obviously it bothers you because you've posted about it. You are full of contradictions.

 

[JackInTheBox]

@tkim:

I love your avatar.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ToNZHG5KHw[/YOUTUBE]

 

[tkim]

@tkim:

I love your avatar.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ToNZHG5KHw[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Uc0grRhv-I[/YOUTUBE]

 

[MilkmanAl]

theoretical physics?

No offense, but I would have laughed too (nicely though! it's cute if you didn't say it arrogantly). I agree with the other poster that it does sound like you were BS'ing, but maybe that's only because my answer to the same question would have been perezhilton.com

Late in my interview, long after learning that I majored in physics, my interviewers made an offhand remark about how awkward and nerdy astrophysicists are. I then proceeded to tell them I'm actually an astrophysics major.

 

[Abaroth]

Listen, you didn't encounter a stress interview.

A stress interview is the interviewer asking you to open a window in the room that's been nailed shut. While the interviewer simply stares back and forth between you and his watch. While taking notes.

A stress interview is when the interviewer challenges something in your profile that you have to defend. And it won't be one of your hobbies. It'll be the two years you spent building mud huts in some third world country, eating grasshoppers, that you used as the cornerstone of your application and PS, that will be airily dismissed as a 'sheer waste of time'.

You say that your encounter was a stress interview. You say the interviewer berated you the entire time. Yet the only snippet of the interview you offer is mild while you do not offer the 'many other, less subjective examples' that would confirm it as being a stress interview.

You say that you let it roll of your back. Obviously it bothers you because you've posted about it. You are full of contradictions.

I was trying to be vague because I don't know who (aka: admissions committees) read these things... but whatever. Under interview feedback of this medical school, there are two interview feedbacks with 😡 negative faces. We had the same interviewer and I wouldn't doubt that the other interviewee agrees with me. He/she said... "This was my worst interview. I had 5 other interviews at this point and 3 acceptances. But my interviewer was so mean and pushy that he make me think that i was the worst candidate. It was a really bad interview." So, I wasn't the only one thinking this. And, as far as the, "challenging [me] on something in my profile that I had to defend," when I mentioned to him that I was a hard worker, this is how it went down....

Him: So, give me a positive and a negative to yourself...
Me: Well, I pride myself on being a hard worker, and I think that my gpa is a reflection of that-- (cuts me off)
Him: GPA doesn't matter. I know your gpa.
Me: Oh, um... I also have worked extensively with people in the hospital I volunteered at.. (and me trying to recover)

I don't know if this would be categorized as a "stress" interview, but it was relatively stressful for me. Again, let me slow down my typing for you.... I let it roll off of me in the interview. After the interview, after having time to reflect on it, I realize that the interviewer was very rude and out of line. I am not contradicting anything. In fact, the quote of me that you used in your post was my attempt to clarify that exact fact. I felt the need to post on a forum to talk with others about their experiences, not to argue whether or not my interview was a stress interview. Again, this is not what this thread was supposed to be about. We are not going to agree. This will be my last post unless this thread goes towards the original goal.

 

[tkim]

I was trying to be vague because I don't know who (aka: admissions committees) read these things... but whatever. Under interview feedback of this medical school, there are two interview feedbacks with 😡 negative faces. We had the same interviewer and I wouldn't doubt that the other interviewee agrees with me. He/she said... "This was my worst interview. I had 5 other interviews at this point and 3 acceptances. But my interviewer was so mean and pushy that he make me think that i was the worst candidate. It was a really bad interview." So, I wasn't the only one thinking this. And, as far as the, "challenging [me] on something in my profile that I had to defend," when I mentioned to him that I was a hard worker, this is how it went down....

Him: So, give me a positive and a negative to yourself...
Me: Well, I pride myself on being a hard worker, and I think that my gpa is a reflection of that-- (cuts me off)
Him: GPA doesn't matter. I know your gpa.
Me: Oh, um... I also have worked extensively with people in the hospital I volunteered at.. (and me trying to recover)

I don't know if this would be categorized as a "stress" interview, but it was relatively stressful for me. Again, let me slow down my typing for you.... I let it roll off of me in the interview. After the interview, after having time to reflect on it, I realize that the interviewer was very rude and out of line. I am not contradicting anything. In fact, the quote of me that you used in your post was my attempt to clarify that exact fact. I felt the need to post on a forum to talk with others about their experiences, not to argue whether or not my interview was a stress interview. Again, this is not what this thread was supposed to be about. We are not going to agree. This will be my last post unless this thread goes towards the original goal.

It's quite clear that you failed to make a connection with this interviewer. That much is obvious. If you want to label it a 'stressful' interview, then fine. I think from the other examples you've listed it's clear that your prepared (canned) response regarding your strength and weaknesses was rejected for a deeper, more personal - more real response. Your interviewer wasn't trying to stress you out, he was trying to get something out of the interview that he couldn't from reading your file. Something that paper could not convey. Something beyond a high GPA.The stress you experienced is that you couldn't provide that.

This might be something to consider - not whether or not it was a stress interview, but how to give the interviewer what he wants.

Good luck in the rest of your interviews.

 

[AdmiralChz]

I was trying to be vague because I don't know who (aka: admissions committees) read these things... but whatever. Under interview feedback of this medical school, there are two interview feedbacks with 😡 negative faces. We had the same interviewer and I wouldn't doubt that the other interviewee agrees with me. He/she said... "This was my worst interview. I had 5 other interviews at this point and 3 acceptances. But my interviewer was so mean and pushy that he make me think that i was the worst candidate. It was a really bad interview." So, I wasn't the only one thinking this. And, as far as the, "challenging [me] on something in my profile that I had to defend," when I mentioned to him that I was a hard worker, this is how it went down....

Him: So, give me a positive and a negative to yourself...
Me: Well, I pride myself on being a hard worker, and I think that my gpa is a reflection of that-- (cuts me off)
Him: GPA doesn't matter. I know your gpa.
Me: Oh, um... I also have worked extensively with people in the hospital I volunteered at.. (and me trying to recover)

I don't know if this would be categorized as a "stress" interview, but it was relatively stressful for me. Again, let me slow down my typing for you.... I let it roll off of me in the interview. After the interview, after having time to reflect on it, I realize that the interviewer was very rude and out of line. I am not contradicting anything. In fact, the quote of me that you used in your post was my attempt to clarify that exact fact. I felt the need to post on a forum to talk with others about their experiences, not to argue whether or not my interview was a stress interview. Again, this is not what this thread was supposed to be about. We are not going to agree. This will be my last post unless this thread goes towards the original goal.

Whew people in this thread have been brutal! It is very possible that your interviewer was contradicting you on purpose to see how you responded. During your interviews, if someone takes an opposite opionion (i.e. on healthcare) try and explain your point of view (without sounding condescending and arrogant). Communication is extremely important in medicine, and being able to speak directly and concisely under fire is a strong attribute.

Also, I would not take it personally. It is also possible that you just got stuck with a crappy interviewer (I know people with experiences like this) who does that to everyone. Just be courteous and respectful and I believe you should come out positively. Hope this helps.

 

[Perrotfish]

For reference, a stress interview generally invovles panal of interviewers asks you a series of questions that asks you questions with either right or wrong answers that you theoretically should but don't actually know. They also call your qualifactions and character into question based on whatever limited information they have. It's the same basic format as a fraternity lineup, it's incredibly immature, and almost no schools do them anymore (just as very few fraternities do lineups anymore). If there was one person, or laughter, it wasn't a stress interview.

What it sounds like happened to you is that your interviewer came in pissed off at something, then got a bad impression of you and got a little bit nasty. Then you got nervous which made you seem akward which made the interviewer like you even less which made him/her even ruder. It's stressful, but he/she probably didn't plan it that way in advance and most of his/her other interviewies probably didn't walk out feeling stressed. There was no plan here, just a bad interview. It happens. If it happened in every interview you might need reevaluate your interviewing skills, but since it only happened once and you have three acceptances chalk it up to a bad day (either for you or your interviewer or both) and move on with your life.

Also, you have three acceptance, why are you stressed about anything? Go enjoy Costa Rica, or something.

 

[NTF]

1)Sometimes you just don't click with an interviewer
2)Sometimes your interviewer is just a jerk
3)Sometimes people take things too personally - being laughed at for reading theoretical physics is not a big deal. It's an unusual hobby. Lighten up. I tell people in interviews that I knit (learned it when I hurt my back once and couldn't walk for a month). 80% of the people I tell laugh. I laugh with them. I understand that there is a certain humor in a man knitting as a hobby. Just like there's a certain humor in a person reading material like theoretical physics to relax when 99% of the rest of world would get a headache reading it. It would have been offensive if your interviewer rolled his/her eyes. Laughing is a very appropriate reaction to your response.
4)Very rarely is a medical interviewer "stress interviewing" you with these exceptions
- ethical questions
- asking you to defend/explain a gap or deficiency in your file

 

[nsx]

I was simply trying to lighten the mood and he mocked me.

dude, I feel bad for you, and here's what you seem to be missing: If the question was simply, what do you read in your spare, that's a little different from the way you set it up (EVEN a librarian etc). Do you see how most people would interpret that as dry, self-deprecating humor? Usually those kind of jokes are hella funny, especially with a straight face. In essence, you set it up for a joke...so don't get mad when people laugh at your jokes 😀 See the difference?

 

[JackInTheBox]

Again, this is not what this thread was supposed to be about. We are not going to agree. This will be my last post unless this thread goes towards the original goal.

I think you getting your panties in a bunch because you didn't get exactly the reaction you wanted says a lot more about what probably happened in your interview than anything you've posted so far...

 

[airplanes]

mountain out of a molehill.

(you can make a joke about yourself but he can't laugh along?? would you rather he just sat there emotionless and continued asking his questions?)

 

[supergirl87]

to the OP: the comments left on this thread by other posters sound harsh, but ultimately they will help you for your next interview. i think what most adcoms are looking for are sociable, intelligent people who they can envision one day working with patients. present yourself as being as real and authentic as possible.

i don't believe any of my interviews have been 'stress interviews' so far. the hardest interview i've had was one where the interviewer was a bit emotionless and asked a few pointed follow-up questions that caught me off-guard (though i didn't show it). i think he just wanted to make sure that i could handle being questioned a little and be able to defend myself. in these kinds of interviews, your goal should be to answer calmly and thoughtfully. they are really not out to get you... some interviewers just act like that to test you out. in fact, right after my interview, my previously emotionless interviewer was now all smiles and joking around. five weeks later... accepted.

 

[bluesmd]

Sorry about using LizzyM in the title, didn't know it wasn't allowed... Anyways, the interviewer didn't simply ask me hard questions. In fact, his questions were simple, but he never gave up. Basically, none of my answers were "good enough" to him. (his words). It felt as though all of my answers to these opinion questions were wrong. I dunno if I want to say the name of the school over this but i'll pm anyone interested to watch out. I'll also say that if you look at the interview feedback, I posted on there and so did one other person. I hope that he was testing whether I would stand by my original opinion, because I did. Anyways, I hate stress interviews, and if it wasn't intentionally the way it was, the interviewer was a real (insert negative term here).

i was at a school known for its 'relaxed interviews' for 45 minutes i was grilled on my personal beliefs and when i answered i was told "that answer if not sufficient" or "haha, that won't do as an answer for me." i would get it if it was an ethical scenario or something but these were questions like "what does life mean to you..." can you really judge that?

and the sad thing was i loved the school apart from the interview ... hope i get in!

 

[dezokitty]

I haven't had a stress interview yet, so I feel pretty lucky about that. However, I have come less prepared to certain interviews, so that kinda sucked... but that's my own fault so I can't complain

I HAVE been part of a lineup before, and it was actually a great experience, but I wouldn't recommend it for everyone 😛

PS: I don't know the details about your own interview, but so I can't really comment on what happened there. However, judging from your reaction to this thread, I do feel as if you are overreacting a bit to the posts in this thread. Granted, some people are a bit on the harsh side, and some posts may seem a bit uncalled for. If you want to be in healthcare, though, you're going to be dealing with quite a few "unique" characters, both patients and coworkers. You're going to need to learn to handle these people without letting it bother you, and the last thing you will want to do is get defensive. There are a good number of jerks out there, and your interviewer could very well have been one of them. But if you go into healthcare, he will certainly not be the last one you meet.

 

[AdmiralChz]

I haven't had a stress interview yet, so I feel pretty lucky about that. However, I have come less prepared to certain interviews, so that kinda sucked... but that's my own fault so I can't complain

I HAVE been part of a lineup before, and it was actually a great experience, but I wouldn't recommend it for everyone 😛

PS: I don't know the details about your own interview, but so I can't really comment on what happened there. However, judging from your reaction to this thread, I do feel as if you are overreacting a bit to the posts in this thread. Granted, some people are a bit on the harsh side, and some posts may seem a bit uncalled for. If you want to be in healthcare, though, you're going to be dealing with quite a few "unique" characters, both patients and coworkers. You're going to need to learn to handle these people without letting it bother you, and the last thing you will want to do is get defensive. There are a good number of jerks out there, and your interviewer could very well have been one of them. But if you go into healthcare, he will certainly not be the last one you meet.

That's pretty on the mark 👍 Keep in mind that in medicine you will be around many people who have dominating type-A personalities - that's often how they got as far as they did. Not everyone will be like that, but you will certainly encounter more than your fair share of them. Just roll with the punches, and don't take things personally (which can definitely be tough) and you'll be just fine!