What to bring to actual interview?

[snitchseeker88]

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Hey guys, sorry if this has already been posted, but I didn't see a recent thread on it. I did read over the thread in the 09-10 stuff about what to pack for OOS interviews, but I'm wondering specifically what you bring with you to an actual interview. As in, if I'm bringing a large bag/purse to keep my stuff in, what essentials do you bring for during the interview? AMCAS primary copy, pen, notebook, wallet? I just want to make sure if anything else that I'm just simply forgetting or not thinking about might be needed during the interview. Thanks for the advice! 🙂

 

[organdonor]

I'm a guy, so the purse thing isnt an issue with me, but...
I brought my wallet, of course you need some ID. A little bit of money doesn't hurt, but I never needed any. I brought a cheap little plastic pocket folder to put some writing paper in, and also directions, a map of campus, and my primary, along with pretty much any material the med school has ever sent me. I did feel out of place with that though. most applicants had a nice leather bound notebook that you could probably get at target.

 

[orthomyxo]

What would the wallet be for? Bribery?

 

[Teneo]

What would the wallet be for? Bribery?

Of course! The faculty interviewers may be well-off, but the student interviewers are probably dead broke.

In all seriousness, though, a wallet is a good idea almost anywhere you go. You never know when you might need your ID or a bit of emergency cash.

 

[Depumcrc]

I didn't bring anything..

 

[MaryLennox]

since you are bringing a purse i can only hope that you are a female . . .

bring extra hose in case you get a run in yours. (if you're wearing a skirt suit.) bring mouthwash/gum/mints or something like that in case your lunch is full of garlic or something. i also bring a little mirror to make sure i dont have anything in my teeth. how horrible would that be!

 

[snitchseeker88]

Thanks guys! I didn't think to bring a campus map, but I'm sure that would be really helpful. And I suppose I should probably get a nice bound notebook/portfolio instead of a regular notebook just in case. I'm wearing a pant-suit so hose shouldn't be a problem, but the mints and mirror definitely make sense. Those are something I would have packed with me in my traveling purse, but would have totally blanked out and forgotten to bring with me to the actual interview! So thanks for the reminder, I guess I will just pack my purse early to make sure I don't forget any of this. Thanks again for the advice! 🙂

 

[bebop224]

contact re-wetting drops/your glasses just in case your contacts act up.

 

[BlueElmo]

Just a pen, maybe a leather portfolio.

 

[trep14]

I've only been bringing a pen to mine and I've been alright. Some people prefer to bring a portfolio...its your call though.

 

[TexasPrincess]

Are you guys bringing anything to show off your past experiences? Copy of published research articles, things from ecs, etc.

 

[7starmantis]

I didn't even take a pen, and every interview I got a little packet which included a pen, map, blah blah blah. Didn't ever use anything in the interview.

 

[willen101383]

I brought a leather bound notebook and a pen. And a little list of questions that I had typed up for each school...so I looked prepared.

 

[dani042]

I never took anything except maybe some cash and my ID. Gum/breath mints though would be the only thing I would say you would need. Definetly DO NOT need to bring your published articles or primary app etc. Almost 100% of the time your interviewers will either have your application and will have read it, or they aren't allowed to see it until after the interview. And I really doubt they will want to take the time during the interview to read your research. The interview is about getting to know you and finding out how you communicate. At every interview I went to I was given a pen, something to write on, as well as any and all recruiting information the admissions office provides.

The list of questions is up to you. It could appear tacky as opposed to prepared if you bring a list of generic questions. I always had two or three questions I asked at each school, but I had them in my head. Any other questions I asked I thought of during the interview/tour/info sessions.

 

[OpalOnyx]

most importantly

your SMILE and A-game!

 

[dukemed22]

What would the wallet be for? Bribery?

How do you carry money, IDs, credit credit/debit cards, etc... if not in a wallet??

 

[TooMuchResearch]

How do you carry money, IDs, credit credit/debit cards, etc... if not in a wallet??

I carry only my ID and one credit/check card. They fit easily in a jacket or trousers pocket.