"Why should we NOT accept you?"

[Oculus Sinistra]

---

Members don't see this ad.

To those who got this question: did you actually answer (you don't have to tell me what your answer was, I'm not here looking to copy your homework) or did you just say you couldn't think of anything?

I really don't know what to make of this question. On one hand, your answer could demonstrate honesty, modesty, and fallibility. On the other hand, it could sink your application altogether.

I imagine the best way to handle it is to say something slightly negative and then explain how you are improving it -- much like "What are your weaknesses?"

Thoughts?

 

[Bluntman]

To those who got this question: did you actually answer (you don't have to tell me what your answer was, I'm not here looking to copy your homework) or did you just say you couldn't think of anything?

I really don't know what to make of this question. On one hand, your answer could demonstrate honesty, modesty, and fallibility. On the other hand, it could sink your application altogether.

I imagine the best way to handle it is to say something slightly negative and then explain how you are improving it -- much like "What are your weaknesses?"

Thoughts?

lol...have you actually been asked this before?! I find it hard to believe that an interviewer would be that much of a bitch. I can deal with the cliche jump-through-the-hoop premed question (ex: how would you fix u.s. healthcare?) every now and again, but I think I'd just laugh at someone if they asked me this. It annoys me when interviewers ask lame questions...like honestly, don't they have a real question that they could actually use to actually learn something about me instead of wasting both of our time?!

 

[Risa]

To those who got this question: did you actually answer (you don't have to tell me what your answer was, I'm not here looking to copy your homework) or did you just say you couldn't think of anything?

I really don't know what to make of this question. On one hand, your answer could demonstrate honesty, modesty, and fallibility. On the other hand, it could sink your application altogether.

I imagine the best way to handle it is to say something slightly negative and then explain how you are improving it -- much like "What are your weaknesses?"

Thoughts?

I was asked this at Penn... my first response was to laugh. Then I did answer it, although I don't remember exactly how. Honestly, using actual negative qualities, but definitely also somewhat lightheartedly. My interviewer seemed impressed that he couldn't make me nervous. I got in.

 

[noonday]

i was asked something similar at one interview, it was something like "you're really impressive and i can't find any reason we shouldn't take you. so, what's wrong with you that i've missed?"

and i laughed, and i said, well, sometimes i'm so busy that i don't get enough sleep and then i get grumpy. and, though it's something i work to get better with, i hold grudges."

she laughed. i got in.

whatever. it was honest.

 

[Messerschmitts]

i was asked something similar at one interview, it was something like "you're really impressive and i can't find any reason we shouldn't take you.

You're really that awesome, eh? 😛

 

[noonday]

You're really that awesome, eh? 😛

she and i really hit it off. the interview was supposed to be 20 min, and we talked for an hour and a half. a relative had issues like some of my clients, and i kinda ended up doing a mini counseling session with her about it unintentionally.

but whatev's. it was a unique experience. didn't get that treatment at all my interviews ;-).

 

[abcehmu]

To those who got this question: did you actually answer (you don't have to tell me what your answer was, I'm not here looking to copy your homework) or did you just say you couldn't think of anything?

I really don't know what to make of this question. On one hand, your answer could demonstrate honesty, modesty, and fallibility. On the other hand, it could sink your application altogether.

I imagine the best way to handle it is to say something slightly negative and then explain how you are improving it -- much like "What are your weaknesses?"

Thoughts?

I got asked a variation of this at HMS (what are some of your worst qualities?). I smiled, thought about it for a while (this was actually kinda awkward) and then turned the question into "what are some of the weaknesses in your application" and answered that. I talked about some of the things I wished I had been more involved in at college, etc. but then tried to turn it into a positive by saying that they were things i was aware of and would hope to rectify in med school. as soon as i started mentioning some of the specific things he starting scribbling notes away on a piece of paper associated with my app.

HMS is the only school I have been rejected at out of 12 (all top 50 and 5 top 15)! To be perfectly honest, I don't think this is the reason- they have thousands of amazing applications to choose from every year, but just another story to consider.