"What will you do , if you don't get in " question?

[arsenewenger]

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Who else got this mind numbling question and does it signify rejection?

any success story(ies) ?

 

[whyadoctor]

i got this question...but sorry to say it wasn't followed by any good news. but in your case maybe it's different...so don't lose hope 🙂

 

[degoo_]

regarding it being indicative of a rejection, I disagree. Its a really good question in that you have to address something that you don't want to, and you have to address it well. But if the answer is too definitive and solid, it may appear that you are all setup to do that, and if you have no answer, it shows you have no backups.

I'd probably end up saying something like: Assess myself and determine where the weaknesses that prevented acceptance lie, and work darn hard to rectify them to reapply.

 

[LIRRfriend]

I wouldn't go as far as saying that this is a standard question, but it has come up in several interviews for me, including in acceptances. Your answer shows that you have other interests, although I think it is best if you try to spin your answer in a way that expresses that practicing medicine is what you really want to do even though you like these other things.

 

[gerido]

Who else got this mind numbling question and does it signify rejection?

any success story(ies) ?

No, it doesn't signify rejection at all. They just want to get a idea of what your back up plans are and whether or not it coincide with your application. I can see how it would make a difference in admission b/w the two response.

1) Forget med school, become a money hungry venture capitalist 👎
2) work for a year and apply again until I get in 👍

 

[Mr. Tee]

They wanna see where your passions are. In my situation, I said that I would take a year off, do research (I applied MD/PhD) and would reapply again. In this instance, this question can be translated into: "Are you committed to medicine? If so, what aspect(s) of medicine?"

 

[dutchman]

I wouldn't go as far as saying that this is a standard question, but it has come up in several interviews for me, including in acceptances. Your answer shows that you have other interests, although I think it is best if you try to spin your answer in a way that expresses that practicing medicine is what you really want to do even though you like these other things.

I agree with this. I was asked a question along those lines and I simply replied with --"well I have a masters in computer engineering".
Got accepted BTW.

 

[notdeadyet]

For folks who go with the "improve my app and try again" answer, be prepared for them to follow up with explaining that they want to know what you would do if you hypothetically were unable to become a physician at all, what would you pursue.

 

[voirlesetoiles]

wow. that's an intense question. ^I suppose staring blankly into space on that one would get me kicked out? haha

my backups all lead to med school, if that option wasn't there - i honestly don't know 😕

do they expect people to have no other careers in mind or is it better to state another career idea?

 

[notdeadyet]

do they expect people to have no other careers in mind or is it better to state another career idea?

Knowing in your heart of hearts that one day, one way, you'll become a physician shows confidence. But considering alternatives shown that you've thought things through.

Personally, I think no answer is a bad answer.

 

[etf]

dude, one of my interviewers asked me what i would do WHEN i don't get in. naturally i expressed my shock, and then he backtracked, but in the end, he was right.

 

[Amemus]

Your answer to this question also might reveal what kind of doctor you might be. I've read that sugeons typically answered that they would do research, whereas primary care doctors typically answered that they would teach. So relax; they're just trying to get to know you better.