"Why US school?" Interview Question

[Novus39]

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[ShoTyme]

Apply somewhere warm and say how much you hate snow and are looking forward to a tan. 👍

 

[Mithril]

No, don't say you'll be attending another school, regardless if it's Canadian or American, when you're interviewing at a particular school. I don't know why you would say that. Just flatter them.

 

[O2Doc]

I asume you've done some background on the schools you've applied to. Instead of answering "why a US school" in general, answer what specifically you like about their particular school and why you think it's a good match for you and you for it. You can always say that it's the program that's attractive to you, regardless of country.

 

[b05010445]

You like the american paradigm of learning and align more closely with whatever school's mission statement. You feel you are a better fit in the environment of american schools you find them more personal and that the school's really want you excel and there are better resources available to students at whatever university this is. You would like to see the world and feel your diversity would be an asset to other students in your class.

 

[Law2Doc]

Hello,

I've been fortunate to get a couple of interviews in the US as a Canadian applicant. I would like to stay in Canada for medical school primarily because of cost... Canadian schools, however, are very competitive and I'm increasing my chances by applying to American schools as well.

Given that, I'm having trouble answering "Why a US school vs a Canadian school". Should I be upfront with the adcoms and say I'll be choosing a Canadian school over an American school if accepted? But I don't think that they would look favourably on this. Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated

Short simple answer. If you cannot with a straight face give a compelling reason why the school interviewing you is your dream school you aren't going to get in. That's going to be true whether we are talking about US or Canadian schools. Don't get hung up in US vs Canadian schools. Med schools aren't going to accept you simply because you are interested in US schools. You have to be interested in THAT specific school.

 

[blizzah]

They've asked me at every interview. I had an easy answer since I didn't apply in Canada.

Like other posters said, just hammer home why you like that particular school the best.

 

[candav]

As a Canadian applicant, I went to a number of interviews and was never once asked this question. But if I were you, I'd avoid saying something vague about the "environment" or "culture" of American schools. Reframe it to something like "I'm looking for more opportunities in research/academic medicine" and segue into a gushing tribute to the school you're interviewing at. Good luck! 🙂

 

[crazycooljoel]

I agree with O2Doc on this one, excellent advice.