In this post, we’ll break down the 4 common types of interviews you might experience during the medical school admissions process. As an application consultant, I can tell you that it’s extremely important to be thoroughly prepared for medical school interviews so you feel confident and capable going in.
The Traditional Interview:
- Runs 45-60 minutes
- Generally with one faculty member, MD student at the school, or alum of the school.
- You should be able to demonstrate knowledge of current issues in medicine.
- Questions may run the gamut of traditional, creative, ethical, and sensitive:
- Why should we accept you?
- Which section of the newspaper do you read first?
- Are there circumstances under which you would think it acceptable for your terminally ill grandmother to end her life?
- Is this your first choice school? (Don’t lie if it isn’t, but answer in a positive manner).
- Be prepared for the typical final question: “Is there anything else you want me to know?”
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI):
Many medical schools now emphasize team-based learning and practice; this type of interview is found to help predict interpersonal, social, and cultural competencies. At least 12 schools use this format, including Stanford, Duke, UCLA, UC Davis, SUNY Upstate, University of Arizona, Virginia Tech Carilion.
- Generally runs about 2 hours long.
- 6-10 station stations, 8 minutes at each station, and a 2 minute break between each one.
- A single rater will be at each station, who will observe you, or with whom you will interact.
- You are scored based on how you answer the question, not on scientific knowledge:
- Communication skills
- Strength of arguments displayed
- Consideration of more than one perspective
- Expression of balance and sympathy for more than one position
Group Interviews:
Fairly common for osteopathic medical school interviews, and but a few allopathic schools conduct these as well.
- Generally, a few candidates are interviewed together for ~1.5 hours.
- Panel interview is interactive, and sometimes include a collaborative group activity.
- Candidates are evaluated on maturity, professionalism, and empathy (as in traditional interviews). The group format also allows for evaluation of cooperativeness and attention to others.
- Speak up, but don’t try to dominate the discussion or undercut points made by fellow applicants.
Post-interview Follow-up:
- Be sure to send a note to your student host and your interviewer(s) thanking them for their time.
- Convey your enthusiasm about the school, without recapping your personal statement for them.
- Proofread! Don’t write the wrong school name, or misspell someone’s name.
- The note may or may not become part of your file, but will strengthen your interviewer’s impression of you.
- Send notes as soon as possible.
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