Now that you have completed your secondaries, it is time to start thinking about the med school interview. The interview for med school is crucial—even though a med school may like you on paper, you need them to like you in person. While you wait, keep up with current events (you may be asked about them in an interview) and spend time researching the schools.
When do schools start issuing interview invites?
Schools typically start sending out invites in mid-August through early March. Some schools send them out in waves, so if you are not in the first group, don’t despair. We have seen applicants not get their first invite until January, and they ended up with excellent choices.
What if I get an email congratulating me for being on the interview waitlist?
More and more med schools are sending out waitlist letters because it is a way of letting applicants know that they were not in the first wave, but the school is still interested. This is a difficult one because it can be difficult to manage expectations. For these schools, definitely send an update letter that addresses why you are interested in the school.
What is the interview format?
This depends on the program. Some schools prescreen and ask the applicant to record a video before the live interview. Interviews are typically either in the traditional format (one-on-one), MMI (multiple mini-interviews), or some combination of both. Use the AAMC's interview procedure document and ChooseDO.org to research the interview format for each school.
How should I prepare?
Practice, practice, practice! The biggest mistake that candidates make is not being sufficiently prepared for their interview. You have worked so hard to get to this point—don’t slack off now. Rehearse your responses so that you don’t ramble and look unprepared. Check out our interview package solely dedicated to interview prep.
I feel uncomfortable talking about myself.
Keep in mind that you do not have to be perfect. Present yourself as someone who is likable and teachable who will make a good colleague. Remember, you do not need to present yourself as a doctor now. They are looking at your potential to see if you have the makings of a future physician.
How do I show enthusiasm without coming across as obnoxious or arrogant?
Demonstrate to the interview committee that you know about their program and showcase your enthusiasm. When you interview, it can be seen as disrespectful if you did not read about the school to prepare. The following is a list (not exhaustive) of what to learn about the program.
What is their curriculum like and how do they approach it? (Do they emphasize active, hands-on learning?) Do you start seeing patients right away?
What kind of support do they offer their medical students?
Is there something unique to this particular medical school?
What are the school’s surroundings like? (City? Major hospitals? Community partnerships?)
Are there other medical schools nearby, that make this a dynamic learning environment? What is the patient demographic?
What is their match rate?
To hear more about how Rosette Pathways can help you prepare for interviews, book a FREE discovery meeting. We offer a specific interview package where we will coach you on how to present yourself as a future professional. We provide interview advice and resources, strategies, and practice questions for both traditional and MMI (multi-mini interviews) that empower our clients to ace their interviews!
Let’s get you into med school!
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