Worst/Funniest Interview Experiences

[Old&InTheWay]

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Is there a bad answer to that? Maybe too cliché? My friend said a famous scientist and her interviewer responded with "You just don't want to pay for dinner" ...uhhhh lol

Let's just say a bad answer would be someone trivial.

So does that mean I shouldn't have answered "Taylor Swift"?

I suppose Jeffory Dahmer might be a red flag too. Especially if he's cooking.

 

[mehc012]

Let's just say a bad answer would be someone trivial.

I dunno...I'm just not much for celebrity. And that would be all it is, let's be real, whether it's a historical celebrity or an intellectual one. Unless I'm insanely well-studied on the subject matter they specialize in, it's doubtful that we could have a meaningful conversation about that, so then it's all fangirling and "I cannot believe that I am eating dinner with Marie Curie" or whoever. That's just awkward/embarrassing for everyone involved.

What I'd really like to do is find some of the great minds of the past, bring them up to speed on our current knowledge/theories/resources (so I guess send them through a crash-course college?) and let them tackle our current puzzles. That would take a bit more than dinner, though.

As for dinner? I'd take a good friend over a random stranger any day, because when it came to casual dinner interaction, that's all any historical figure would be - a random stranger.

 

[Old&InTheWay]

I dunno...I'm just not much for celebrity. And that would be all it is, let's be real, whether it's a historical celebrity or an intellectual one. Unless I'm insanely well-studied on the subject matter they specialize in, it's doubtful that we could have a meaningful conversation about that, so then it's all fangirling and "I cannot believe that I am eating dinner with Marie Curie" or whoever. That's just awkward/embarrassing for everyone involved.

What I'd really like to do is find some of the great minds of the past, bring them up to speed on our current knowledge/theories/resources (so I guess send them through a crash-course college?) and let them tackle our current puzzles. That would take a bit more than dinner, though.

As for dinner? I'd take a good friend over a random stranger any day, because when it came to casual dinner interaction, that's all any historical figure would be - a random stranger.

Why would anyone pick a scientist? For dinner you should be looking for fun and exciting people (i.e. artists). I think it would be pretty awesome to have Oscar Wilde or Mark Twain, or Hunter Thompson over for a dinner party with my wife and some friends.

 

[mehc012]

Why would anyone pick a scientist? For dinner you should be looking for fun and exciting people (i.e. artists). I think it would be pretty awesome to have Oscar Wilde or Mark Twain, or Hunter Thompson over for a dinner party with my wife and some friends.

I'd still rather hang with my friends than random strangers. I know fun people in the present, why do I want to steal fun people from the past? I know my friends are fun in a way I appreciate, I don't actually know that about historical figures. They could be giant bores. The only plus they have is celebrity status...which I don't find particularly appealing.

And yeah, I'd go scientist over artist. If I don't hang out with many current artists, what are the odds that famous ones are magically a good fit for me? Since when did 'artist' = 'fun and exciting' anyway? That's definitely not a given. In all honesty, though, my focus on scientists was less of a conscious 'scientists are more fun' generalization of mine and more that I am simply more familiar with historic scientists than authors or artists. I don't even know the authors of some of my favorite books.

As to the specifics, I can hardly stand another Wilde quote, nevermind the real deal. And Hunter Thompson would probably get me arrested, lol! Though let's be real, anyone historically known for being 'fun' probably runs that risk...

 

[Overanxious]

Why would anyone pick a scientist? For dinner you should be looking for fun and exciting people (i.e. artists). I think it would be pretty awesome to have Oscar Wilde or Mark Twain, or Hunter Thompson over for a dinner party with my wife and some friends.

If there was a dislike button i'd be clicking on it. Scientists can be fun and exciting people too... Artists can be bland as **** in person as well...

 

[Old&InTheWay]

If there was a dislike button i'd be clicking on it. Scientists can be fun and exciting people too... Artists can be bland as **** in person as well...

I agree with you: scientists can be fun and exciting and artists can be bland. My experience is that creative people are typically the most interesting to socialize with (this is obviously subjective).

If I asked this question though, I'd be looking for someone who displays interest in having a good time over dinner rather than demonstrating their commitment to medicine and science by picking someone brilliant but perhaps not the best dinner guest.

 

[mehc012]

I agree with you: scientists can be fun and exciting and artists can be bland. My experience is that creative people are typically the most interesting to socialize with (this is obviously subjective).

If I asked this question though, I'd be looking for someone who displays interest in having a good time over dinner rather than demonstrating their commitment to medicine and science by picking someone brilliant but perhaps not the best dinner guest.

I'd rather just avoid the whole question altogether...it's one of those ones which is supposed to be 'fun!' and then you feel awkward for not finding it as 'fun!' as the interviewer.

 

[Overanxious]

I agree with you: scientists can be fun and exciting and artists can be bland. My experience is that creative people are typically the most interesting to socialize with (this is obviously subjective).

If I asked this question though, I'd be looking for someone who displays interest in having a good time over dinner rather than demonstrating their commitment to medicine and science by picking someone brilliant but perhaps not the best dinner guest.

🙁 But scientists are creative, the good ones anyway. They have to be, or they don't make it very far. But i know what you are saying...it's more about excitement (regardless of field/expertise i hope).

I met my all time favorite author (science fiction) a while back. He was really nice but also one the most introverted people i've talked to. On the other hand i imagine what a convo with Timothy Leary would be like...

 

[Whatsinthebox]

First interview and could not fall asleep the night before. Had two interviews at this school and the first went really well. Second, not so much.I told the interviewer about a family member and mentioned they really enjoyed working with kids.

Interviewer: Do you like kids?
Me: (Depends on the kid, but just say yes, what kind of maniac does not like kids?) No.
Me: (o_o Pardon me mouth but WTF ...must justify answer) Well, I wouldn't want to be a pediatrician because I would not want to deal with the parents of kids all of the time.
... Deafening silence...

 

[girlofgrace7]

First interview and could not fall asleep the night before. Had two interviews at this school and the first went really well. Second, not so much.I told the interviewer about a family member and mentioned they really enjoyed working with kids.

Interviewer: Do you like kids?
Me: (Depends on the kid, but just say yes, what kind of maniac does not like kids?) No.
Me: (o_o Pardon me mouth but WTF ...must justify answer) Well, I wouldn't want to be a pediatrician because I would not want to deal with the parents of kids all of the time.
... Deafening silence...

Coming from a pediatric resident, that answer is 100% fair. Even those that go into the field dislike dealing with parents the large majority of the time... and we know that's why a lot of people don't go into the field.

 

[millerowns]

Let's just say a bad answer would be someone trivial.

I feel like it's kind of sad that interviews require you to remember a laundry list of question answers to gauge your personality. Challenge questions on morality should mean a whole lot more than who you could come up with on the top of your head to eat dinner with.

For instance, I am really big into film, and I have seen a lot of movies. If you asked me my top 3 favorite films, it would be difficult to answer. Some people have these lists in their head of all of their favorite things, whereas others just don't. The interview isn't entirely conducive to different styles of thinking.

 

[Whatsinthebox]

I could name my top three shows,movies, or books easily. People I would have dinner with? Would take me at least a couple of minutes which is probably too long.

 

[AllThatRacket]

I asked an obviously British interviewer (by name and accent) if he was originally from Philadelphia. Immediately felt like an idiot as he got very confused by the question.

Result - Accepted.

 

[Goro]

Interviews aren't for the display of how smart you are; they're for seeing how you think on on your feet, how you deal with pressure, to see how you can listen and articulate, and you can relate to your interviewers, and to gauge what makes you tick. Most interview questions have no right or wrong answers.

Anyone who tried to memorize what is a good answer vs bad is a fool.

I feel like it's kind of sad that interviews require you to remember a laundry list of question answers to gauge your personality. Challenge questions on morality should mean a whole lot more than who you could come up with on the top of your head to eat dinner with.

For instance, I am really big into film, and I have seen a lot of movies. If you asked me my top 3 favorite films, it would be difficult to answer. Some people have these lists in their head of all of their favorite things, whereas others just don't. The interview isn't entirely conducive to different styles of thinking.

 

[millerowns]

Interviews aren't for the display of how smart you are; they're for seeing how you think on on your feet, how you deal with pressure, to see how you can listen and articulate, and you can relate to your interviewers, and to gauge what makes you tick. Most interview questions have no right or wrong answers.

Anyone who tried to memorize what is a good answer vs bad is a fool.

I understand what the thinking is behind it. My point is only that there are some things where "thinking on your feet" and answering these questions is not the same. Having to make a quick, informed decision for moral, ethical, or professional reasons is something that SHOULD be evaluated. I have doubt that the best way to judge a person's ability to do that is to ask them to think of an engaging answer to a fairly random question. It is more troubling that you have said you would hold it against them if they couldn't come up with something good. I bet there are people who would make excellent doctors who would struggle to come up with a compelling answer to that question in the moment.

 

[pluto101]

I understand what the thinking is behind it. My point is only that there are some things where "thinking on your feet" and answering these questions is not the same. Having to make a quick, informed decision for moral, ethical, or professional reasons is something that SHOULD be evaluated. I have doubt that the best way to judge a person's ability to do that is to ask them to think of an engaging answer to a fairly random question. It is more troubling that you have said you would hold it against them if they couldn't come up with something good. I bet there are people who would make excellent doctors who would struggle to come up with a compelling answer to that question in the moment.

Nobody ever said it was a GOOD question. All they're looking for is if you've got a good head on your shoulders. It's a bad question for the reasons you've mentioned, but as a conversation starter it's not terrible.

I think if you're calm and have something of a personality, you can come up with some kind of answer. And if you say Edward from Twilight or something silly like that, but otherwise demonstrate that you're a competent individual, only a real d-bag of an interviewer would care what your answer was.

 

[millerowns]

How is that a great question? It's like "what's your name"?

"Name one person in history you'd like to have dinner with and why?"...now THAT'S a great question!

Actually, he did say it was a good question. But yeah, I hear you. And I agree. I'm just a little troubled that there's really much weight at all placed on questions like these.

 

[Goro]

One has to be a good medical student before becoming a good doctor.

I understand what the thinking is behind it. My point is only that there are some things where "thinking on your feet" and answering these questions is not the same. Having to make a quick, informed decision for moral, ethical, or professional reasons is something that SHOULD be evaluated. I have doubt that the best way to judge a person's ability to do that is to ask them to think of an engaging answer to a fairly random question. It is more troubling that you have said you would hold it against them if they couldn't come up with something good. I bet there are people who would make excellent doctors who would struggle to come up with a compelling answer to that question in the moment.

 

[osteohack10]

Interview topic got into MCAT 'fairness'.

Interviewer: what do you think?

Me: (without thinking) if I'm being honest during my studying I thought it was complete bulls***. Now that it's over I see how it can be considered a fair metric.

Mortified. Not sure why or how I let that slip...

Accepted a week later.

 

[mehc012]

One has to be a good medical student before becoming a good doctor.

OK, but that question has even less relevance to being a good medical student than it does to being a good doctor.

 

[miamiheatfan]

I think I have one! This is just awkward haha

Interviewer: how would you rate yourself on communication from a 1-10 scale?
Me: probably an 8😎
Interviewer: Ok, how about interpersonal skills?
Me: That's probably a 9
Interviewer: So you're better interpersonally than with overall communication?
Me: Nooo I actually think they are the same!
Interviewer: So you think that 8 and 9 is the same number?😕
Me: No no no no Ummm 8 and 9 are different numbers of course, I just think that both are actually similar to each other, so I actually would combine them to both be 8.5, or both 9
Interviewer:
Me:
Interviewer🤣🙄 Alright lets keep going!

Accepted😀

 

[Goro]

Again, read what I wrote.

OK, but that question has even less relevance to being a good medical student than it does to being a good doctor.

 

[mehc012]

Again, read what I wrote.

I did...and I stand by my read, with a close second being that you were simply pointing out that you need to jump through the annoying interview hoops to become a med student in the first place - something which is also not relevant to whether that is a 'good' question. I'm having a hard time choosing between possible interpretations because, from where I stand, none of them is remotely relevant to what is being discussed.

Maybe I missed something entirely, but in that case I'm afraid I don't understand why you couldn't elaborate instead of sending me back to the other sentence again. I'm not sure why you insist on implying that poor reading comprehension is the problem every time that people don't get exactly what you intend from one of your posts. Language is imperfect, especially online where there are fewer cues to back things up. Come on, Goro, we've had plenty of discussions elsewhere - if you still think I'm a complete idiot who is incapable of reading a sentence, that stings a little bit.

 

[Goro]

I do apologize, but you seem to be missing this:

Interviews aren't for the display of how smart you are; they're for seeing how you think on on your feet, how you deal with pressure, to see how you can listen and articulate, and you can relate to your interviewers, and to gauge what makes you tick. Most interview questions have no right or wrong answers.

You need to think on your feet AND display grace under pressure as a doctor. You don't have time to ponder what to do when you're dealing with an acting out psychotic, or a massive bleed in a MVA victim.

You don't have time to ponder when your preceptors ask you a question on rotations, either.

Your motivation is crucial for selecting the types of students we want.

How you relate to us and others is key to differentiating you as an altruistic, humanistic person, and a 4.0 automaton.

And yes, we can gain all this by asking you some goofy (to you) questions. That's why we ask them, and not stuff like "What are the six hexoses?" We read your apps and tailor those questions to you. I have a ten page bank that I use, many of which were stolen right out of SDN.

Capeesh?

I did...and I stand by my read, with a close second being that you were simply pointing out that you need to jump through the annoying interview hoops to become a med student in the first place - something which is also not relevant to whether that is a 'good' question. I'm having a hard time choosing between possible interpretations because, from where I stand, none of them is remotely relevant to what is being discussed.

Maybe I missed something entirely, but in that case I'm afraid I don't understand why you couldn't elaborate instead of sending me back to the other sentence again. I'm not sure why you insist on implying that poor reading comprehension is the problem every time that people don't get exactly what you intend from one of your posts. Language is imperfect, especially online where there are fewer cues to back things up. Come on, Goro, we've had plenty of discussions elsewhere - if you still think I'm a complete idiot who is incapable of reading a sentence, that stings a little bit.

 

[mehc012]

I do apologize, but you seem to be missing this:

Interviews aren't for the display of how smart you are; they're for seeing how you think on on your feet, how you deal with pressure, to see how you can listen and articulate, and you can relate to your interviewers, and to gauge what makes you tick. Most interview questions have no right or wrong answers.

You need to think on your feet AND display grace under pressure as a doctor. You don't have time to ponder what to do when you're dealing with an acting out psychotic, or a massive bleed in a MVA victim.

You don't have time to ponder when your preceptors ask you a question on rotations, either.

Your motivation is crucial for selecting the types of students we want.

How you relate to us and others is key to differentiating you as an altruistic, humanistic person, and a 4.0 automaton.

And yes, we can gain all this by asking you some goofy (to you) questions. That's why we ask them, and not stuff like "What are the six hexoses?" We read your apps and tailor those questions to you. I have a ten page bank that I use, many of which were stolen right out of SDN.

Capeesh?

OK, the above was not at all the point that was being argued against. The person you were quoting agreed with that point, stating:

I understand what the thinking is behind it. My point is only that there are some things where "thinking on your feet" and answering these questions is not the same. Having to make a quick, informed decision for moral, ethical, or professional reasons is something that SHOULD be evaluated. I have doubt that the best way to judge a person's ability to do that is to ask them to think of an engaging answer to a fairly random question. It is more troubling that you have said you would hold it against them if they couldn't come up with something good. I bet there are people who would make excellent doctors who would struggle to come up with a compelling answer to that question in the moment.

At that point, the discussion had moved on from 'why do you ask interview questions' to 'does this accomplish what you say you want from it?' By quoting that, it seemed as if that was the issue at hand when you replied

One has to be a good medical student before becoming a good doctor.

...which was confusing as all get out. I wasn't missing your earlier explanation, it was just a non sequitur considering where the conversation had meandered to since it was posted.

At any rate, I appreciate your more in depth description. I still consider the 'invite to dinner' question a frustrating annoyance, but at the end of the day, whether I like it, or even whether it tells you anything useful, doesn't matter. It's just another hoop to jump through. I'm sorry for dragging this out, and thanks for your time!

 

[ridethecliche]

Dammit Goro. How am I supposed to remember orgo/biochemistry!

 

[reaperx58]

I do apologize, but you seem to be missing this:

Interviews aren't for the display of how smart you are; they're for seeing how you think on on your feet, how you deal with pressure, to see how you can listen and articulate, and you can relate to your interviewers, and to gauge what makes you tick. Most interview questions have no right or wrong answers.

You need to think on your feet AND display grace under pressure as a doctor. You don't have time to ponder what to do when you're dealing with an acting out psychotic, or a massive bleed in a MVA victim.

You don't have time to ponder when your preceptors ask you a question on rotations, either.

Your motivation is crucial for selecting the types of students we want.

How you relate to us and others is key to differentiating you as an altruistic, humanistic person, and a 4.0 automaton.

And yes, we can gain all this by asking you some goofy (to you) questions. That's why we ask them, and not stuff like "What are the six hexoses?" We read your apps and tailor those questions to you. I have a ten page bank that I use, many of which were stolen right out of SDN.

Capeesh?

I really don't want to keep this back-and-forth going because it's not the point of this thread, but how do questions that, by your own admission, are online for us to look at and prepare answers for beforehand test our ability to think on our feet?

 

[Goro]

Do you really think that every interviewee is on SDN?

Are you going to go to the X SOM interview feedback site and memorize every interview question asked?

Keep in mind that many questions have no correct answers. There can be wrong answers, however.

BTW, I don't ask the "who would invite to dinner?" question, but have a sort of similar one that I like using to weed out the self-centered, or the very unimaginative. And no, I'm not sharing.

That's all for tonight; I have a turkey to brine. Y'all have safe and happy Thanksgiving!

I really don't want to keep this back-and-forth going because it's not the point of this thread, but how do questions that, by your own admission, are online for us to look at and prepare answers for beforehand test our ability to think on our feet?

 

[mehc012]

Do you really think that every interviewee is on SDN?

Are you going to go to the X SOM interview feedback site and memorize every interview question asked?

Keep in mind that many questions have no correct answers. There can be wrong answers, however.

BTW, I don't ask the "who would invite to dinner?" question, but have a sort of similar one that I like using to weed out the self-centered, or the very unimaginative. And no, I'm not sharing.

That's all for tonight; I have a turkey to brine. Y'all have safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Let us know how it turns out...I'm dry-brining this year for the first time, pretty excited!

 

[Whatsinthebox]

.

 

[Goro]

We've been brining turkeys for about 5a decade now. They turn out great! This year we're trying avariant using soy sauce along witht he rest of the brine (rock salt + sugar + herbs).
Happy T-day!

Let us know how it turns out...I'm dry-brining this year for the first time, pretty excited!

 

[Final_stretch_med]

Now that my interviews are over, I think it's time that I posted a few:

1. At my first interview I had nailed mine, this wasn't something I said, but I kind of caught on to what the med students were doing, and kept quiet through this part until they asked me specifically.

Med Student: So how did interviews go?
Interviewer: Really well! I know I'll get in.
MS: Where else have you applied.
I: Everywhere in state X.
MS: Any other interviews?
I: Yeah, next week.
MS: Where?
I: UofM!
MS: Oh well obviously if you get accepted go there, not here! It's UofM!
I: Oh yeah! Of course! (everyone else except myself agreed and said yeah, yeah) I don't really want to go here, but I thought it could be good practice and a back up!
MS: What about you?
Me: Yeah, I do, it's this Friday.
MS: Ah, UofM!?
Me: No!
MS: Well obviously if you get in there, go there! Ha! It's UofM!
Me: Not necessarily. I don't want to go to some school just because of the name, I want to make sure that it's a good fit for me. After all, I'm the one that has to live there for the next four years of my life. Why make myself miserable?
MS: I think that's the most honest answer I've heard all day.

Rule: Just because your interview is over with the interviewer you were assigned, until you are driving home, your interview is NOT over!

Same interview, during the tour:
Girl: Wait, so do we actually see the cadavers? Like for anatomy lab? Do....do...like, we actually see them? All of them?
MS: You know you're at a medical school interview right?

Next Interview

MMI format...
*Walk in and greet him!*
"Did you have time to read the prompt?"
Me: yes sir I did!
"Nothing like a little racism in the morning, huh!?" *Laughs*
Me: (nervous laughter) Ha ha, yeah....
Him: *Blank stare, stopped laughing*

Same interview day
Best room of the MMI rotation!

It ended and I thanked them! I really connected with the people in this room and made them laugh and had a great time. As I was leaving, the door kind of stuck. I pulled, but continued to walk...*smack* My face hit the door frame. I turned around and looked at them, they had died laughing!

Me: Can we possibly leave that part out? Especially when making a decision?
Interviewer: Oh...oh no, I'm DEFINITELY putting that part in.
Me: (Thinking: thanks bitch....)

A guy I was with during an MMI kind of had a meltdown...okay, had a COMPLETE meltdown. After doing the task they asked some questions
"What do you think you could improve on?"
Him: Nothing..Wait!....yeah, nothing....wait, is there something I could improve on?...No. No there isn't.
"Okay."
Him: WAIT! What's the correct answer?!
"There isn't one. It's just an open ended question"
Him: Yes there is. There is always a correct answer. What is it?
"There isn't one. Again, it's just a...
Him: WOULD YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID!?!?
"Mr. X. Can you tell me something that he should have worked on?"
Me: In my opinion, he spent too long on ones he didn't know how to do, and should have skipped a few, but it's a learning experience. It might also be a good idea for him to practice staying calm in stressful situations, as we may score more points for the game. Other than that, he had great communication and articulated clearly.
"Thank you."
Him: Whatever, this school isn't even my top choice.
Interviewer2: (Hasn't said a word this whole time) That's okay, you're not our first choice either.

Last one: It should be noted that I have Crohn's disease....
Student interviewer was asking questions. It started out going extremely well! We were both laughing, and having a great time.
"How does the mission statement resonate with you? That is, what part(s) of the mission statement make you a good fit for our program?"
Me: The mission statement about diversity and inclusion was the first part that really resonated with me because....I'm so sorry, may I please go to the bathroom?
"Can it wait?"
Me: I'm so sorry, but no it can't.
"Uhm, sure."
Me: *Ten minutes later*
"Are you okay? Do you need some water?"
Me: No thank you, yes I'm fine.
"Are you in pain? Is that why your face looked like that?"
Me: Not anymore.
"What took you so long?!"
Me: I promise, you don't want to know.
"Yes, yes I do."
Me: I have crohn's disease, and of all the times it could have flared up, it did it in the middle of the interview. I couldn't hold it at all anymore, and absolutely needed to go to the bathroom. Otherwise, we would have had a giant mess on our hands......
"BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA........I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. Crohn's disease is not funny at all. I understand it's a very horrible disease, but you just said.."
Me: No it's perfectly fine. It is funny sometimes!
"I'm so glad I let you go, I would have been really embarrassed if you sat there and **** your pants instead of just leaving."
Me: You're telling me. The first thing I did this morning was scope out bathrooms because it's an all day event.
"I can only imagine....now back to the question"
The interview questions were asked and answered. At the end we just laughed and talked. I think it kind of worked to my advantage by lightening the air and making it very laid back. 🙂

 

[Doug Underhill]

It turns out Med-MAR is not, in fact, where you go to register for medical marijuana.

 

[AlteredScale]

We've been brining turkeys for about 5a decade now. They turn out great! This year we're trying avariant using soy sauce along witht he rest of the brine (rock salt + sugar + herbs).
Happy T-day!

How'd that turkey come out Goro? We had sushi instead of turkey 😳

 

[mehc012]

I've gotta say, dry brining seems like the way to go to me. I've never had such a flavorful, moist, delicious bird in my life! And the skin...

 

[Goro]

Wonderful! Best ever!

We used this recipe, but all you need to do is scale it up for turkeyma nd cook the turkey according to the bird's instructions. This works for chicken as is, but cook for 90 mins at 350 degrees.

How'd that turkey come out Goro? We had sushi instead of turkey 😳

 

[AlteredScale]

Wonderful! Best ever!

We used this recipe, but all you need to do is scale it up for turkeyma nd cook the turkey according to the bird's instructions. This works for chicken as is, but cook for 90 mins at 350 degrees.

Good to hear! Pretty happy to get not only med school advice but cooking advice as well; I will need it for my first thanksgiving next year with classmates and the lady!

 

[karayaa]

A guy I was with during an MMI kind of had a meltdown...okay, had a COMPLETE meltdown. After doing the task they asked some questions
"What do you think you could improve on?"
Him: Nothing..Wait!....yeah, nothing....wait, is there something I could improve on?...No. No there isn't.
"Okay."
Him: WAIT! What's the correct answer?!
"There isn't one. It's just an open ended question"
Him: Yes there is. There is always a correct answer. What is it?
"There isn't one. Again, it's just a...
Him: WOULD YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID!?!?
"Mr. X. Can you tell me something that he should have worked on?"
Me: In my opinion, he spent too long on ones he didn't know how to do, and should have skipped a few, but it's a learning experience. It might also be a good idea for him to practice staying calm in stressful situations, as we may score more points for the game. Other than that, he had great communication and articulated clearly.
"Thank you."
Him: Whatever, this school isn't even my top choice.
Interviewer2: (Hasn't said a word this whole time) That's okay, you're not our first choice either.

Daaaang...this gives me hope, if schools actually interview people like this 😱

 

[RedPhys]

Daaaang...this gives me hope, if schools actually interview people like this 😱

Well, before the interview stage, they could have just been someone who, on paper is well-articulated but, in a stressful situation, can't control themselves.

 

[karayaa]

Well, before the interview stage, they could have just been someone who, on paper is well-articulated but, in a stressful situation, can't control themselves.

exactly. makes me feel better about my chances lol

 

[StayCoolIceCube]

Me: (Thinking: thanks bitch....)

A guy I was with during an MMI kind of had a meltdown...okay, had a COMPLETE meltdown. After doing the task they asked some questions
"What do you think you could improve on?"
Him: Nothing..Wait!....yeah, nothing....wait, is there something I could improve on?...No. No there isn't.
"Okay."
Him: WAIT! What's the correct answer?!
"There isn't one. It's just an open ended question"
Him: Yes there is. There is always a correct answer. What is it?
"There isn't one. Again, it's just a...
Him: WOULD YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID!?!?
"Mr. X. Can you tell me something that he should have worked on?"
Me: In my opinion, he spent too long on ones he didn't know how to do, and should have skipped a few, but it's a learning experience. It might also be a good idea for him to practice staying calm in stressful situations, as we may score more points for the game. Other than that, he had great communication and articulated clearly.
"Thank you."
Him: Whatever, this school isn't even my top choice.
Interviewer2: (Hasn't said a word this whole time) That's okay, you're not our first choice either.

Well these two things were horrifyingly cringe-inducing to read.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

Now that my interviews are over, I think it's time that I posted a few:

1. At my first interview I had nailed mine, this wasn't something I said, but I kind of caught on to what the med students were doing, and kept quiet through this part until they asked me specifically.

Med Student: So how did interviews go?
Interviewer: Really well! I know I'll get in.
MS: Where else have you applied.
I: Everywhere in state X.
MS: Any other interviews?
I: Yeah, next week.
MS: Where?
I: UofM!
MS: Oh well obviously if you get accepted go there, not here! It's UofM!
I: Oh yeah! Of course! (everyone else except myself agreed and said yeah, yeah) I don't really want to go here, but I thought it could be good practice and a back up!
MS: What about you?
Me: Yeah, I do, it's this Friday.
MS: Ah, UofM!?
Me: No!
MS: Well obviously if you get in there, go there! Ha! It's UofM!
Me: Not necessarily. I don't want to go to some school just because of the name, I want to make sure that it's a good fit for me. After all, I'm the one that has to live there for the next four years of my life. Why make myself miserable?
MS: I think that's the most honest answer I've heard all day.

Rule: Just because your interview is over with the interviewer you were assigned, until you are driving home, your interview is NOT over!

Same interview, during the tour:
Girl: Wait, so do we actually see the cadavers? Like for anatomy lab? Do....do...like, we actually see them? All of them?
MS: You know you're at a medical school interview right?

Next Interview

MMI format...
*Walk in and greet him!*
"Did you have time to read the prompt?"
Me: yes sir I did!
"Nothing like a little racism in the morning, huh!?" *Laughs*
Me: (nervous laughter) Ha ha, yeah....
Him: *Blank stare, stopped laughing*

Same interview day
Best room of the MMI rotation!

It ended and I thanked them! I really connected with the people in this room and made them laugh and had a great time. As I was leaving, the door kind of stuck. I pulled, but continued to walk...*smack* My face hit the door frame. I turned around and looked at them, they had died laughing!

Me: Can we possibly leave that part out? Especially when making a decision?
Interviewer: Oh...oh no, I'm DEFINITELY putting that part in.
Me: (Thinking: thanks bitch....)

A guy I was with during an MMI kind of had a meltdown...okay, had a COMPLETE meltdown. After doing the task they asked some questions
"What do you think you could improve on?"
Him: Nothing..Wait!....yeah, nothing....wait, is there something I could improve on?...No. No there isn't.
"Okay."
Him: WAIT! What's the correct answer?!
"There isn't one. It's just an open ended question"
Him: Yes there is. There is always a correct answer. What is it?
"There isn't one. Again, it's just a...
Him: WOULD YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID!?!?
"Mr. X. Can you tell me something that he should have worked on?"
Me: In my opinion, he spent too long on ones he didn't know how to do, and should have skipped a few, but it's a learning experience. It might also be a good idea for him to practice staying calm in stressful situations, as we may score more points for the game. Other than that, he had great communication and articulated clearly.
"Thank you."
Him: Whatever, this school isn't even my top choice.
Interviewer2: (Hasn't said a word this whole time) That's okay, you're not our first choice either.

Last one: It should be noted that I have Crohn's disease....
Student interviewer was asking questions. It started out going extremely well! We were both laughing, and having a great time.
"How does the mission statement resonate with you? That is, what part(s) of the mission statement make you a good fit for our program?"
Me: The mission statement about diversity and inclusion was the first part that really resonated with me because....I'm so sorry, may I please go to the bathroom?
"Can it wait?"
Me: I'm so sorry, but no it can't.
"Uhm, sure."
Me: *Ten minutes later*
"Are you okay? Do you need some water?"
Me: No thank you, yes I'm fine.
"Are you in pain? Is that why your face looked like that?"
Me: Not anymore.
"What took you so long?!"
Me: I promise, you don't want to know.
"Yes, yes I do."
Me: I have crohn's disease, and of all the times it could have flared up, it did it in the middle of the interview. I couldn't hold it at all anymore, and absolutely needed to go to the bathroom. Otherwise, we would have had a giant mess on our hands......
"BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA........I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. Crohn's disease is not funny at all. I understand it's a very horrible disease, but you just said.."
Me: No it's perfectly fine. It is funny sometimes!
"I'm so glad I let you go, I would have been really embarrassed if you sat there and **** your pants instead of just leaving."
Me: You're telling me. The first thing I did this morning was scope out bathrooms because it's an all day event.
"I can only imagine....now back to the question"
The interview questions were asked and answered. At the end we just laughed and talked. I think it kind of worked to my advantage by lightening the air and making it very laid back. 🙂

That guy in your 2nd to last story clearly has issues.

 

[bamf324]

Interviewer (first question of the interview after seeing that my undergrad is BYU): Are you Mormon?

Me: Yep.

Interviewer: Have you ever read A Study in Scarlet? (This was the first Sherlock Holmes novel in which the villains are a fanatical group of Mormon assassins who chase this guy to England to kill a guy and take his girl back to Utah to join a polygamous harem.)

Me (thinking): F--k!

Fortunately, I do not take Mormonism seriously at all, so I didn't get super awkward or offended and I could just play it off. I don't think he meant anything malicious by it and he was just naming the first association he had with Mormonism to break the ice. I did spend much of the rest of the interview sending signals that I'm pretty much Mormon in name only just to make sure though. Haha.

Same Interview:

Interviewer: What do you like to do for fun?

Me: I like to listen to classical music.

Interviewer: Which composers?

Me (thinking): Oh. He's just trying to see if I am one of the million posers who doesn't really like classical music or know anything about it, but wants to impress people.

Me: I like Arvo Part, Philip Glass, Gustav Mahler, Dmitri Shostakovich, Igor Stravinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Bedrich Smetana.

Interviewer: What about Mozart?

Me: Umm... Yeah. I guess he is good too... Haha.

Result: Accepted!

 

[Whatsinthebox]

Interviewer (first question of the interview after seeing that my undergrad is BYU): Are you Mormon?

Me: Yep.

Interviewer: Have you ever read A Study in Scarlet? (This was the first Sherlock Holmes novel in which the villains are a fanatical group of Mormon assassins who chase this guy to England to kill a guy and take his girl back to Utah to join a polygamous harem.)

Me (thinking): F--k!

Fortunately, I do not take Mormonism seriously at all, so I didn't get super awkward or offended and I could just play it off. I don't think he meant anything malicious by it and he was just naming the first association he had with Mormonism to break the ice. I did spend much of the rest of the interview sending signals that I'm pretty much Mormon in name only just to make sure though. Haha.

Same Interview:

Interviewer: What do you like to do for fun?

Me: I like to listen to classical music.

Interviewer: Which composers?

Me (thinking): Oh. He's just trying to see if I am one of the million posers who doesn't really like classical music or know anything about it, but wants to impress people.

Me: I like Arvo Part, Philip Glass, Gustav Mahler, Dmitri Shostakovich, Igor Stravinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Bedrich Smetana.

Interviewer: What about Mozart?

Me: Umm... Yeah. I guess he is good too... Haha.

Result: Accepted!

-_- those were good answers.

 

[StayCoolIceCube]

-_- those were good answers.

Sometimes we need to let the #humblebrag out, it's cool!

 

[Doug Underhill]

Interviewer (first question of the interview after seeing that my undergrad is BYU): Are you Mormon?

This sounds like a really illegal question to me

 

[ridethecliche]

At an interview I argued that altruism wasn't necessary for medical students and that empathy could be taught.

Honest answers, but epic fails.

 

[masaraksh]

At an interview I argued that altruism wasn't necessary for medical students and that empathy could be taught.

Honest answers, but epic fails.

... Ouch. I don't know what I think about the importnatce of altruism but I think some amount of empathy for those around you is pretty important.

We were shown this video at one of my interviews and I really like it.

 

[ridethecliche]

I didn't say that I didn't think it was important, but yeah definitely don't think I recovered from that one...

 

[Ace Khalifa]

At an interview I argued that altruism wasn't necessary for medical students and that empathy could be taught.

Honest answers, but epic fails.

I disagree with your statement, and I can see why your interviewer may not have liked your answer. To me, medicine is first and foremost a service profession, so every great physician needs some level of empathy and altruism to succeed. It's not just about having the medical knowledge and clinical skills; you need to be able to connect with patients too. One awesome quote from Sir William Osler that kinda ties into this is: "The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease."