What is "motivation?"

[mechtel]

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I was recently told at an interview that one of the dimensions on which I would be evaluation was "motivation." I have also seen the word used in the admissions criteria at other schools.

While I do know the meaning of the word, I was wondering what schools mean in this context. Is it whether you have enthusiasm for and dedication to the profession? Or, do they want to know what your intentions are (i.e. altruism, compassion, power, money, etc.) to be a doctor?

Sorry if this seems like a silly question!

 

[Compass]

Both. Whether you are motivated to advance your medical school opportunities or are motivated by reason, be it money, power, or because you feel like it, all are part of your profile.

 

[ChemEngSoonMD]

I was recently told at an interview that one of the dimensions on which I would be evaluation was "motivation." I have also seen the word used in the admissions criteria at other schools.

While I do know the meaning of the word, I was wondering what schools mean in this context. Is it whether you have enthusiasm for and dedication to the profession? Or, do they want to know what your intentions are (i.e. altruism, compassion, power, money, etc.) to be a doctor?

Sorry if this seems like a silly question!

They are obviously asking from your perspective and your meaning of it, not various other people's definition on SDN.

 

[Compass]

I don't think they're asking him to "define it." It sounds like they simply meant "OK, we like you as an applicant, we're going to evaluate you based on your MCATs, GPA, ..., and motivation(s)"

 

[ChemEngSoonMD]

I don't think they're asking him to "define it." It sounds like they simply meant "OK, we like you as an applicant, we're going to evaluate you based on your MCATs, GPA, ..., and motivation(s)"

x2.

Its a behavioral question. Most companies ask you this as well. Typically a good format to answer is the STAR format.

S - Situation
T - Task
A - Action
R - Result

 

[Mattabet]

While it includes elements of both, I think the meaning is somewhere closer to the 'intentions' interpretation.

They want to know why you're going through this horrible process of applying to medical school. What do you think is in it for you? Helping people, money, prestige, your own prescription pad, dad is making you do it, love of white coats? What's driving you to do this?

 

[bamtuba]

I was recently told at an interview that one of the dimensions on which I would be evaluation was "motivation." I have also seen the word used in the admissions criteria at other schools.

While I do know the meaning of the word, I was wondering what schools mean in this context. Is it whether you have enthusiasm for and dedication to the profession? Or, do they want to know what your intentions are (i.e. altruism, compassion, power, money, etc.) to be a doctor?

Sorry if this seems like a silly question!

For some motivation is that feeling that drives you to do your best while progressing toward the career goal of becoming a physician because the thought of working construction (or other hard-working hourly paid position) for the rest of your life just doesn't do it for you.