When they ask you "Do you have anything to add?"

[ofthesun]

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At the end of every interview, it seems, the interviewers will inevitably ask if you have anything to add or if there is anything that wasn't covered adequately in the interview.

In the past, I have taken such inquiry as a necessary courtesy on their part, but not something that they actually expect a reply from. I have figured that any last minute, "Well one other activity we didn't talk about is ____" or "Another strength I didn't mention but can offer is ___" might come off as desparate or the result of over-preparation/scripting.

However, after just completing an interview that went rather quickly due to pacing (and I realized there were several key experiences I did not get a chance to discuss), I am reconsidering.

What is your typical response when they ask if there is anything else to add? Have you had good responses rehashing questions they asked before and you want to elaborate on? What about bringing up other experiences?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[ashabee4]

The first time I was asked this question was at my first interview. I felt like I HAD to say something, at least something to conclude the interview, so I stumbled over some pathetic words about how I felt the school was a great match for me. I wish I didn't say anything because I sounded ridiculous. At all the other interviews I had that asked me this question, everything important was already discussed. Had it not been discussed, I definitely would have added it here. But if you really have nothing left to say and the rest of the interview went well, I would just tell them that all the bases were already covered. If you felt rushed or felt that the interview didn't go very well, you might want to plan a few words that would attempt to get things back on track.

 

[QofQuimica]

It's a good time to tell them about things that happened after your AMCAS was submitted. For example, if you win an award, or start a new EC that's not on your app., or submit a paper for publication. But if you don't have anything to add, then you can just thank them and say that you think you've covered all of the important points. I also liked asking interviewers about their experiences at the school. Sometimes they were alums themselves, but even if they weren't, their perspectives were interesting.

 

[ofthesun]

Ya thanks guys.

I have gone with a similar route saying something summary about thanks for the interview and how I like the school and would be honored to be selected etc.. Also, I've definitely done well asking questions, but they usually ask "do you have any questions?" to address that right after this.

Specifically, then, what I meant was what if you wanted to backtrack and re-answer or re-add to a question or describe a critical experience that didn't come up in the interview but you had hoped to. ie. a certain volunteer or work position?

So far I'm inclined to stay away from doing so. I think it might sound insecure. Confidence means feeling like (unless the interview went completely to hell) you did your best and you're happy with what you conveyed in the end. I think that's what I'd want to convey.

Any further thoughts?

 

[Law2Doc]

At the end of every interview, it seems, the interviewers will inevitably ask if you have anything to add or if there is anything that wasn't covered adequately in the interview.

In the past, I have taken such inquiry as a necessary courtesy on their part, but not something that they actually expect a reply from. I have figured that any last minute, "Well one other activity we didn't talk about is ____" or "Another strength I didn't mention but can offer is ___" might come off as desparate or the result of over-preparation/scripting.

However, after just completing an interview that went rather quickly due to pacing (and I realized there were several key experiences I did not get a chance to discuss), I am reconsidering.

What is your typical response when they ask if there is anything else to add? Have you had good responses rehashing questions they asked before and you want to elaborate on? What about bringing up other experiences?

Thanks for any feedback.

I've known several folks who are med school interviewers who have said that someone who shows up without any questions about the school clearly has no interest in the school. Are you saying that you are thinking of committing 4 years of your life to a program and you have zero questions? You should always have a few questions ready for such situations. Obviously if the interview runs long, then just use the best 1 or 2. But it's a mistake to consider it a courtesy. This is especially the case when the interview runs briskly and you didn't get a chance to sell yourself.

 

[ashabee4]

I've known several folks who are med school interviewers who have said that someone who shows up without any questions about the school clearly has no interest in the school. Are you saying that you are thinking of committing 4 years of your life to a program and you have zero questions? You should always have a few questions ready for such situations. Obviously if the interview runs long, then just use the best 1 or 2. But it's a mistake to consider it a courtesy. This is especially the case when the interview runs briskly and you didn't get a chance to sell yourself.

This is a whole seperate issue...I'm pretty sure the OP was just referring to addressing additional topics at the end of an interview that were left out when asked "do you have anything else to add." Asking questions is obviously important. As the OP said, you usually have the opportunity to do this at some other point.

 

[Risa]

I give an honest answer: If we've really covered all the facets of my application, I say "I think we've done a pretty good job of covering everything, so if you think so too..." If there's something important that we haven't touched on (most often my unschooling background, which isn't on my AMCAS), then I take that opportunity to bring it up. I just try to have a natural, friendly conversation, and so my honest answer naturally fits best into that framework.