Why God? Why??

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Guy was an dingus. It was out of your control and it didn't go bad because of things you said. Don't worry about, it's not your fault you got a dirtbag for an interviewer.
 
That is BullCrap!!! What a DB.

Sorry that it went so bad. Good luck though, and keep your chin up. It all turns out.
 
if i were you i would write the school and tell them what happened. that is unacceptable behavior.


em783 said:
I had the misfortune of experiencing perhaps THE worst medical school interview known to mankind. And all my previous experiences have been pretty positive in comparison.

So I'm waiting for my interviewer (who is running late) outside of the admissions office, and he comes running in about 15 minutes late. First, he proceeds to have some kind of hushed, heated discussion with one of the secretaries and the only thing I can distinctly hear from their conversation is my interviewer saying "don't you dare disturb me again!!!" So clearly I'm already thinking, great....just great.

He turns to me, and I stand up and say hi and start to reach my hand out for a handshake, and he rolls his eyes and really exasperatedly says 'follow me'. He doesn't even introduce himself or bother to say hello, and I have to walk behind him to his office.

Then we get to his office and he unlocks the door and walks in, and naturally I follow him, when he turns around and goes 'excuse me, excuse me, young lady...did i give you permission to enter my office?' And I'm just completely taken aback at this point, ready to cry. So I just stand in the hallway while he rummages around and does God knows what. I just figured it wasn't wrong for me to assume I could sit in the chair in his office while he 'got settled'.

So then he comes to the doorway while holding my file and DOESN'T let me in, and starts with the questions as I'm standing in the hallway, and he's leaning against the doorway. His questions weren't particularly difficult or involved, and it was obvious he was in a really bad mood and did not care to really listen to my responses. There were people walking through the hallway, for God's sakes, while he was asking me about a grade from my first semester Orgo class. It was beyond humiliating.

And then the last thing he says after our 15-20 minutes so-called interview is, 'well, I can't tell you that my gut reaction says that you'll be joining us in the fall, but good luck to you.' ...... the worst part? That's probably the nicest thing he said to me all interview.

I don't know what I'm feeling right now, but I could use a hit of Zoloft.
Click to expand...
 
i saw a similar interview start to happen... i'm sorry! that really really sucks... have you had other interviews?? maybe you should contact the admissions office? it seems like that secretary would understand.
 
You are in. I don't think it should turn out that bad since he told you you'll be joining them in the fall.
 
Sahmbo said:
if i were you i would write the school and tell them what happened. that is unacceptable behavior.
Click to expand...

I definitely agree. If you still have any desire to go to the school (which after your interview, maybe you don't), contact the admissions office and explain--they'll probably offer you another interview.
 
What school was this at?
 
when i interviewed at ETSU, the admissions dean told us that if we felt we had a really bad interview that was beyond our control, we could request another interview that day. even if they can't do anything for you, you should definitely let the school know about your experience.
 
Snowboarder said:
I agree.
Click to expand...

👍 👍 👍
Let's face it- at this point, you don't really have anything to lose! Also, if you happen to remember the secretary's name, it might help to ask to speak with her when you make this call.
 
that sounds unbelievable, i also would suggest telling the admission person about how rude the person was, also, if this school houses professors with an attitude like that, you wouldnt want to be there anyway, you don't need this school, hope you feel better
 
docbest said:
You are in. I don't think it should turn out that bad since he told you you'll be joining them in the fall.
Click to expand...

'well, I can't tell you that my gut reaction says that you'll be joining us in the fall, but good luck to you.'

It's not a "I can't tell you, because it's a secret/against the rules!"; it's a "I can't tell you because it's not true."
 
I really wanted to tell someone on the staff right after that nightmare ended, but I was so incredibly shaken up and disturbed that the only thought on my mind was 'get to the parking garage'. Plus, I was afraid I would run into him again.

I've heard of some bad experiences, but never anything this bad. It's amazing how you never think it'll happen to you, but I guess we all have our bouts of bad luck. I understand that these interviewers are only human and have bad days, but I find it hard to believe that all of that was the result of just waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Why does he choose to be a part of the admissions process???

Oh, and just to clarify, he didn't tell me I'd be joining them in the fall. He pretty much said he didn't think I had a shot at joining them in the fall. Hah. If it was the other way around, I could probably overlook the abuse.
 
Think positive. Maybe later in the day, after he calmed down, he realized what an dingus he was with you and will give you a decent write-up.
 
oh I see. That really sucks.
 
Definitely contact the school, preferably speak with the dean or director of admissions. An interview such as you described is unacceptable and most certainly unfair. You have a strong case for a re-interview.
 
NervousNed said:
that sounds unbelievable, i also would suggest telling the admission person about how rude the person was, also, if this school houses professors with an attitude like that, you wouldnt want to be there anyway, you don't need this school, hope you feel better
Click to expand...

Weellllllll, you cant relaly judge the hen house by a bad egg.... but I agree, inform someone in the admissions process. That individual is disruptive to the purpose of the interview, which is to garner more personal characteristics of the applicant, not piss all over the walls in a hissy fit.
 
I had one very similar to that. It actually happened to be the last interview of my season, after a series of very excellent interviews. The guy was so extraordinarily mean to me that in my mind, I had a successful interview with him by virtue of the fact that I managed to not break down in sobs in front of him.

Afterwards, other people in my interview group told me about similar experiences with their interviewers. I'm thinking this school might have a "stress interview" strategy. It's stupid, and very rarely employed, but maybe that's what that was.
 
Hi em783. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. As others have suggested, call or write to the dean of admissions. They should definately care about what happened and hopefully will arrange a re-interview for you. I mean, leaving you in the hallway and expecting you to answer questions? Craziness!

I hope everything turns out well for you. Best of luck.
 
wiki23 said:
What school was this at?
Click to expand...

I'm kinda hesitant to say the school's name, but I'll tell you that it was in Texas....and considering how nice the rest of the people were the interview day, I was really very shocked with this man.

Thanks for the support, people, I really needed to vent and hear that, yes, this man is a lunatic. I'm debating whether to write a letter, email, or phone them? Time is an issue, so I'm guessing email or phone call, but I don't want it to seem too informal.

Also, what if this Dr. decides to deny any wrongdoing? What then? Am I pretty much going to be blacklisted from this school? I should add that I know another girl who interviewed with him and she claims he was normal. Not friendly, but normal. Even let her sit down in his office, if you could imagine that level of kindness.
 
cubbbie said:
I had one very similar to that. It actually happened to be the last interview of my season, after a series of very excellent interviews. The guy was so extraordinarily mean to me that in my mind, I had a successful interview with him by virtue of the fact that I managed to not break down in sobs in front of him.

Afterwards, other people in my interview group told me about similar experiences with their interviewers. I'm thinking this school might have a "stress interview" strategy. It's stupid, and very rarely employed, but maybe that's what that was.
Click to expand...

I highly doubt this case has anything to do with a planned "stress test" If it were, the school would almost certainly inform you at the end of it (Like, "Hey, sorry I was just a dick to your for the bast 30 minutes but here is why....you did well....etc.) If not, the interviewer just totally messed up and represented the school horribly. You need to tell someone about it ASAP and make sure you he never interviews another med student again.

A lot of schools I interviewed at have very open policies about suggestions for improving the interview experience. NYU was a great example. They told us right of the bat "If your interviewer sucks, tell us and we will make sure they never interview again. Period" Definitely pay him back with a nasty complaint. You are the customer here. You and your hundreds of thousands of dollars. For god's sake, you are not even a student yet and they have no right to treat you like that,
 
em783 said:
Also, what if this Dr. decides to deny any wrongdoing? What then? Am I pretty much going to be blacklisted from this school? I should add that I know another girl who interviewed with him and she claims he was normal. Not friendly, but normal. Even let her sit down in his office, if you could imagine that level of kindness.
Click to expand...

Same thing happened to me!!!

The student tour guides couldn't say enough about my interviewer -- what a sweet guy he was and all. That, to me, is further evidence that yours and mine COULD be a stress interview. I'm not saying it was, but I wouldn't rule it out.

And that's not to say that you shouldn't write a complaint. One may be warranted, even if his rude behavior was intentional.
 
cubbbie said:
Same thing happened to me!!!

The student tour guides couldn't say enough about my interviewer -- what a sweet guy he was and all. That, to me, is further evidence that yours and mine COULD be a stress interview. I'm not saying it was, but I wouldn't rule it out.

And that's not to say that you shouldn't write a complaint. One may be warranted, even if his rude behavior was intentional.
Click to expand...

You know, I can almost guarantee you that this wasn't a stress interview. Just because, if it was, I would think that the guy would consistently be harsh to everyone. Not only that, but do schools really resort to those gimmicky, good cop/bad cop interview techniques? Lastly, the fact that he came in and had a little argument with the secretary and went so far as to verbally berate me and not let me into his office makes me feel like this was just a random occurrence.

I know you were saying the place you interviewed at does employ the stress interview technique, but I've never heard anything about that happening from this school. Ohh I can't wait to hear what the adcom says about this one. Hopefully the interviewer doesn't show up at my house with a shotgun.
 
the same thing happened to me too! (and it was a texas school as well) I really liked it to but now I'm hesitant about where to put it because of the interview that went so badly. Mine happened along time ago otherwise I would have let the school know but i didn't even think about that option
 
em783 said:
I really wanted to tell someone on the staff right after that nightmare ended, but I was so incredibly shaken up and disturbed that the only thought on my mind was 'get to the parking garage'. Plus, I was afraid I would run into him again.

I've heard of some bad experiences, but never anything this bad. It's amazing how you never think it'll happen to you, but I guess we all have our bouts of bad luck. I understand that these interviewers are only human and have bad days, but I find it hard to believe that all of that was the result of just waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Why does he choose to be a part of the admissions process???

Oh, and just to clarify, he didn't tell me I'd be joining them in the fall. He pretty much said he didn't think I had a shot at joining them in the fall. Hah. If it was the other way around, I could probably overlook the abuse.
Click to expand...

First of all, with every difficulty there is ease! May you be accepted to a MED school so that it would alleviate your pain that you went through.👍

Second of all, I assume you are a female, and that it might be quite uncomfortable in approaching a man in this circumstance. The only options are: Write to them and to the DEAN of Admissions about what transpired. It would be best to write to them after this application process is through, and more notably after your first acceptance, as then it can be seen as "cherry on the top!"🙄

Thirdly, you can bear this all out. Be patient. It could have been purposely done to break or make you. You may be accepted by your demeanor and state at this interview. This takes an incredible and noble person to be of this character.

If what you stated occurred to me, then I would have admonished him right there. I would have spoken my mind, and if he continued more by explicitly stating so, then surely I would have embarrassed him, and that school. Though this latter step is harsh, but the moral of the story is: Never make compromises between right and wrong.
 
AdroitDarkHorse said:
First of all, with every difficulty there is ease! May you be accepted to a MED school so that it would alleviate your pain that you went through.👍

Second of all, I assume you are a female, and that it might be quite uncomfortable in approaching a man in this circumstance. The only options are: Write to them and to the DEAN of Admissions about what transpired. It would be best to write to them after this application process is through, and more notably after your first acceptance, as then it can be seen as "cherry on the top!"🙄

Thirdly, you can bear this all out. Be patient. It could have been purposely done to break or make you. You may be accepted by your demeanor and state at this interview. This takes an incredible and noble person to be of this character.

If what you stated occurred to me, then I would have admonished him right there. I would have spoken my mind, and if he continued more by explicitly stating so, then surely I would have embarrassed him, and that school. Though this latter step is harsh, but the moral of the story is: Never make compromises between right and wrong.
Click to expand...

Some of the worst advice I've ever seen on SDN.
 
BellyDancingDoc said:
Let's face it- at this point, you don't really have anything to lose!
Click to expand...

Not necessarilly. What if, notwithstandng the uncomfortable interview, after thinking about the situation and calming down after whatever had him PO'd, he actually gave the OP a decent review? People are sometimes funny that way, particularly the eccentric types. In that case, the OP's complaint, and getting this dude in trouble, could actually cost him.
At any rate, I actually agree with BBatchelor that OPs best window of opportunity to complain probably lapsed when he left campus.
OP, you probably didn't want to go to that school anyhow -- that dude would probably be one of your professors or mentors.
 
I know I'm being redundant but you certainly have the right to contact the Admissions Office about your experience. Most actually encourage that you do so under these circumstances.

At most institutions, being on the admissions committee is voluntary. It's not your fault that he's an dingus in general or even if he had a bady, it's not his right to take it out on you.

MEAN/RUDE PEOPLE SUCK and even though we're vulnerable in this process, we still have the right to be treated like human beings. I'm sure you put a lot of time, money, effort into attending this interview, you deserve a fair shake.
:luck:
 
"I would have admonished him right there. I would have spoken my mind, and if he continued more by explicitly stating so, then surely I would have embarrassed him, and that school."

Extremely immature response. To get into an arguement with the interviewer would have been childish and pointless Adroit. He would not care and there is nothign any of us as applicants and undergrad students could possibly do that would cause any harm whatsoever to the school or interviewer. How on earth do you think you could "embarrass him and the school?" We are insignificant undergrad medical applicants, there are thousands of us applying to each school. This would have been a very very childish response. Would you have stomped your feet in a hissy fit and stormed off too? Disrespectful people are a part of life. Have fun in med school and residency throwing a temper tantrum at every person who talks down to you.

The best process would be to explain politely, as soon as possible, in writing (Im guessing dean of admissions would be difficult to get on phone around this time) exactly what happened leaving out any emotion, insult, threat, etc... Be polite, be respectful. We have a right to a fair interview and most schools will accomodate if you feel that yours was not.
 
Thanks for all the advice, everyone. Unless you've experienced a similar situation at an interview, I don't think anyone knows how bad it feels to be treated like this at a school you really put up on a pedestal. Honestly, I might have felt about the same if the interviewer just slapped me in the face. That sounds like a gross exaggeration, but given his tone and treatment, I may have had the same reaction.

So, basically, does everyone think that the time frame for my having said something has lapsed?? Should I just cross my fingers with the hope that the interviewer thought about the unfair interview and I'm somehow granted admission? Or should I risk writing the letter/email/phone call, and possible screw myself in the process?
 
TPROrgoTutor2 said:
To get into an arguement with the interviewer would have been childish and pointless Adroit. He would not care and there is nothign any of us as applicants and undergrad students could possibly do that would cause any harm whatsoever to the school or interviewer. This would have been a very very childish response.

The best process would be to explain politely, as soon as possible, in writing (Im guessing dean of admissions would be difficult to get on phone around this time) exactly what happened leaving out any emotion, insult, threat, etc... Be polite, be respectful.
Click to expand...


It may appear as "childish" or "pointless", but to each his own I believe. If someone continues to be an "dingus", then like I stated, I would rebuke him for that. Bear in mind that I have interviewed at other professional schools and have gotten accepted, and I am speaking from experience.

I would caution restraint and patience, but if that person continues, then admonish him, and forget about that school and move on to another on your list. There is dignity, honor, values that we should uphold, and to sacrifice these would mean very little in living.
 
I am sorry to hear of your negative experience.

By any chance was your interview with an immunologist at UT Houston?

A few cycles ago, I had a very unpleasant interview with an older PhD approaching retirement there. From start to finish, he behaved like a complete dingus. To this day I would like to write a letter to this individual informing him of his numerous shortcomings both intellectual and biological. In addition, I would like to inform him that I secured admission to med school in state so his misrepresentation of my credentials had no lasting effect.

I am an older non-traditional student. By chance while looking at profiles on MD Applicants, I later found a candidate who was accepted to UT Houston on the same application cycle in my age range. This person did not have any graduate work and had the red hot MCAT score of 27. I came with a hard science PhD and a MCAT score of 36. That is a standard deviation and a half above the individual chosen instead of me. This interviewer was a clown.

Sorry to hear of your experience but chalk it up to the distasteful and unpleasant med school application process.
 
The fact that he did not let her enter, or sit down, is completely disrespectful. No one should be put through that. I agree with adroithorse( i dont remember your name). We are human beings, and deserve a level of respect as well, it clearly was not a stress interview as she has described it, and how he was even angry with the secretary, not a single applicant should be treated in that manner, and if something like that happened to me, i as well would stand up for myself instead of be treated like that
 
Sahmbo said:
if i were you i would write the school and tell them what happened. that is unacceptable behavior.
Click to expand...

I would do the exact same thing...a strong and heated letter--yet dignified. It's your right as an applicant, and I'm sure they wouldn't want to convey their school in the way this person did. I don't think it would count against you if you write a well-written, thoughtful letter. In any case, this person needs to be confronted about this.
 
TPROrgoTutor2 said:
The best process would be to explain politely, as soon as possible, in writing (Im guessing dean of admissions would be difficult to get on phone around this time) exactly what happened leaving out any emotion, insult, threat, etc... Be polite, be respectful. We have a right to a fair interview and most schools will accomodate if you feel that yours was not.
Click to expand...

OK, thanks. Guess I can't expect to hold out to speak to the Dean himself. But this advice makes sense.
 
AdroitDarkHorse said:
I would caution restraint and patience, but if that person continues, then admonish him, and forget about that school and move on to another on your list. There is dignity, honor, values that we should uphold, and to sacrifice these would mean very little in living.
Click to expand...
"Admonishing" an interviewer is a bad idea. True for med school, true for job interviews, pretty much true for life in general. You come across as immature and arrogant, two death blows to any applicant.
 
Law2Doc said:
LOL - If you think this is bad, wait till med school/residency.:laugh:
Click to expand...

This is what I was thinking at first. But the more I think about it, I realize that this situation is just totally uncalled for and can't even be compared to med school or residency. As of now, the OP is not a student or a resident and really has no affiliations with the school. She isn't anything at this point other than another civilian really. More importantly, she is a potential "customer" of this school. Sure, we are all priviledged to have interviews and all that jazz, but I am pretty shocked that someone would be treated this way at an interview. Students. Residents. They are supposed to be treated like crap. But people who don't even go to the school? Ridiculous and uncalled for.

I do agree with what your saying so im not trying to refute you in any way. It only gets worse from here. But let's save that for then. I just think this sounds like horse****. To stress someone out like that, make them feel like **** when they aren't even in at the school. It's just ridiculous in my opinion.

Anyway, OP, find that interviewer and egg his house or something.
 
notdeadyet said:
"Admonishing" an interviewer is a bad idea. True for med school, true for job interviews, pretty much true for life in general. You come across as immature and arrogant, two death blows to any applicant.
Click to expand...

Remember admonishing is with the intent of not going to that school in the first place since the offense has already taken place. There is lucidly no arrogance in that.
 
Eric Lindros said:
Students. Residents. They are supposed to be treated like crap.
Click to expand...

?!? No. They are not supposed to be treated like crap. Nobody should be.

To anyone reading this thread who hasn't interviewed yet and is freaking out, remember that this is a very rare instance. The vast majority of applicants will go through the entire interview season without a freak thing like this happening.
 
Learfan said:
I am sorry to hear of your negative experience.

By any chance was your interview with an immunologist at UT Houston?

A few cycles ago, I had a very unpleasant interview with an older PhD approaching retirement there. From start to finish, he behaved like a complete dingus. To this day I would like to write a letter to this individual informing him of his numerous shortcomings both intellectual and biological. In addition, I would like to inform him that I secured admission to med school in state so his misrepresentation of my credentials had no lasting effect.

I am an older non-traditional student. By chance while looking at profiles on MD Applicants, I later found a candidate who was accepted to UT Houston on the same application cycle in my age range. This person did not have any graduate work and had the red hot MCAT score of 27. I came with a hard science PhD and a MCAT score of 36. That is a standard deviation and a half above the individual chosen instead of me. This interviewer was a clown.

Sorry to hear of your experience but chalk it up to the distasteful and unpleasant med school application process.
Click to expand...


Wow, that's really funny because mine was not from UT-Houston, but he was a somewhat older MD and professor of Immunology. Hmm. I'm really sorry to hear about your experience, although you clearly came out a winner.

God, it just kills me to think that a bad interview experience mixed with great stats (your MCAT score is amazing! As is PhD) could result in no acceptance. If I had a stellar MCAT/strong stats then I wouldn't dwell so much on this experience. But every interview counts tenfold for me since I'm probably really lucky to even get interviews, so this is just such a huge disappointment.

But I will take everyone's advice, and keep everyone posted on the outcome.

Should I choose to egg his home I'll let you know if he chased me off his property waving his fists and yelling, 'But young lady, did I give you permission to egg my hoouuuuse!!!'
 
em783 said:
Wow, that's really funny because mine was not from UT-Houston, but he was a somewhat older MD and professor of Immunology. Hmm. I'm really sorry to hear about your experience, although you clearly came out a winner.

God, it just kills me to think that a bad interview experience mixed with great stats (your MCAT score is amazing! As is PhD) could result in no acceptance. If I had a stellar MCAT/strong stats then I wouldn't dwell so much on this experience. But every interview counts tenfold for me since I'm probably really lucky to even get interviews, so this is just such a huge disappointment.

But I will take everyone's advice, and keep everyone posted on the outcome.

Should I choose to egg his home I'll let you know if he chased me off his property waving his fists and yelling, 'But young lady, did I give you permission to egg my hoouuuuse!!!'
Click to expand...

Somewhere in the west, by any chance?
 
Neuronix said:
?!? No. They are not supposed to be treated like crap. Nobody should be.

To anyone reading this thread who hasn't interviewed yet and is freaking out, remember that this is a very rare instance. The vast majority of applicants will go through the entire interview season without a freak thing like this happening.
Click to expand...
Exactly, and I hope not.

And obviously the threadstarter is a very smart and well rounded applicant (ANYONE who gets an interview ANYWHERE is, IMO) - there's a reason why they take you on tours, roll out their most charismatic professors, etc. they're trying to sell you the school because they know if they accept you, there's a good chance you'll get into a multitude of places.

If she calls the school they will not be pleased with that guy in the least. 👎
 
Agreed. Every school has bad eggs for faculty. Admissions job is to try to keep them away from applicants. I'm sure they'd like to know about this guy. You could even write them anonymously, though the details of your interview might give you away. Maybe after a decision has been made on your app you should report him. I mean, it may help someone in the future who doesn't have to go through that idiot.
 
baylormed said:
Somewhere in the west, by any chance?
Click to expand...

Let's just say it's in TX and very,very close to UT-Houston. Yeah I'm probably screwing myself by talking so openly about this, but I'm slowly losing the will to exhibit discretion. Haha ok I'll leave it at that, I promise.
 
em783 said:
Let's just say it's in TX and very,very close to UT-Houston. Yeah I'm probably screwing myself by talking so openly about this, but I'm slowly losing the will to exhibit discretion. Haha ok I'll leave it at that, I promise.
Click to expand...

Haha, okay. You could have also said it is the school that is farthest away from Lubbock, which is the other school I was thinking of. :laugh: I interviewed there with a prof of Immunology as well, but he was very very nice.

And I don't think whatever you say on here would really make things any worse...if any, it can only improve them. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
SGU why bad rep?
Replies
5
Views
4K
Splenda88
S
vex10
Question about Additional Info Essay (hobby vs. why us)
Replies
8
Views
666
vex10
vex10
Z
Appropriate "why us" answer?
Replies
9
Views
1K
LizzyM
LizzyM
A
Why us essay feedback
Replies
5
Views
1K
LunaOri
LunaOri
Mayajae
  • Locked
Why are schools not accepting urm's in the 2024 msar data?
Replies
24
Views
2K
wysdoc
wysdoc
Top