what to bring to an interview itself

[ialwayslose]

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I searched and didn't find if there was anything an applicant should be bringing to an interview itself.

ie should I bring a folder with some paper?
copy of my AMCAS application?
a CV?

Thanks

 

[Barcu]

Something to take notes on, a pen. That's it really.

I brought along my primary app and secondary app when I traveled just to read before the interview (though you don't need to bring them to the interview with you). Re-reading what you wrote is a good idea because that's what they will ask you about.

 

[LifeTake2]

I had my apps in the car and read over before I went in. All I took was myself; the school gave a packet with a logo pen.

I did see some people with a notepad/pen to take notes; but I'm not sure of what? The presentation is just propaganda, mostly from their website so not much new information and I doubt there will be a test 🙂

 

[alexandertg6]

I searched and didn't find if there was anything an applicant should be bringing to an interview itself.

ie should I bring a folder with some paper?
copy of my AMCAS application?
a CV?

Thanks

Dear ialwayslose,

bring yourself and a healthy level of confidence.

love,

Alex

 

[kpcrew]

your suit and a picture if they ask you for one
also maybe a map and detailed directions since you never know what might happen

 

[DVolle]

I brought a professional looking case with my AMCAS app, CV, school secondary and a copy of my itinerary along with a pen. I reviewed my info during down time and kept business cards in it.

 

[aSagacious]

...also maybe a map and detailed directions since you never know what might happen

This! Finding the right building / parking is 100 times easier with a campus map.

 

[kexy]

The phone number of the admissions office. A folder with paper for jotting down notes during the presentations (NOT during your interview!) and your impressions once the day is over. A copy of your AMCAS if you want to read it over before your interview (probably a good idea). Floss/mints, if your interviews are after lunch.

If you're a girl: an extra pair of pantyhose and/or clear nail polish to stop a run, safety pins, possibly a pair of comfortable (but still appropriate) flats for the tour.

 

[235009]

one thing others forgot to mention was an updated copy of your transcript if applicable. a few schools asked for one

 

[Morzh]

I had the same question before I had some interviews. Most schools will give you some kind of folder loaded with info on the school. So if you bring your own you'll be carrying a lot of stuff in your hands all day.

They may not give you a pen, though, so bring your own. Instead of a large portfolio with paper to carry around all day I got a small notebook (like this moleskin thing) that could fit in my suit coat pocket. After all my interviews so far I've had some downtime while waiting and have used it to jot down who I interviewed with and my impressions and a list of what we discussed while it was still fresh.

Beforehand I wrote in my notebook the admissions office phone number just in case I got lost/delayed. I had maps but left those in the car. If you take a cab/shuttle most places will let you leave your luggage in a room somewhere for the day. Of course if they school says to bring anything specific like passport photos or transcripts, don't forget that.

 

[ncrassa]

Everyone says there's a lot of down time during interviews. Is it OK to bring a book?

 

[Midwestern Blot]

Everyone says there's a lot of down time during interviews. Is it OK to bring a book?

I'm going to say no because it will make you look antisocial.

 

[Nomdeplume]

Everyone says there's a lot of down time during interviews. Is it OK to bring a book?

I don't advise it. The amount of down time is really variable between schools; at some, you'll have perhaps an hour or two with the other applicants and maybe some med students who are hanging out, with no specific task. At other schools, you'll only have the occasional 10-15 minutes between stuff, if even.

You'll probably find that at most interviews, you can easily occupy yourself by talking to the other applicants. On the real, they're usually pretty interesting people.

 

[aSagacious]

you'll probably find that at most interviews, you can easily occupy yourself by talking to the other applicants. On the real, they're usually pretty interesting people.

+1

 

[NickNaylor]

Everyone says there's a lot of down time during interviews. Is it OK to bring a book?

No, and don't play on your phone or anything like that. You don't want to give the impression that you're bored. Not a good idea.

As someone else mentioned, you'll have time to talk with other applicants. You might even be able to walk around the campus depending upon the schedule.

 

[mauberley]

Everyone says there's a lot of down time during interviews. Is it OK to bring a book?

Piling on to ask, who's "everyone"? I never had "a lot of down time" during my interviews.

Like the previous posters said, don't bring a book. You're not waiting to catch a flight.

 

[pkwraith]

I just normally bring a small notebook and pen to take notes during the interviews and presentations. The posters saying to not take notes during interview is a little odd. Coming from a professional/business background, it's perfectly acceptable and encouraged.

Most places give you folders for your interviewing material, so I didn't bring one of the fancy leather folders with emblems that everyone seem to tote around.