Medical School Interview Format
· Generally, medical school interviews are comprised of one interview with a faculty member and one interview with a current medical student; however, this may vary by school. You can look up specific interview formats by school in the MSAR (https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/requirements/msar/) or ask the admissions office.
· Interview questions vary by school; however, most follow a similar format to a job interview while also including questions relevant to the medical field. Interviewees should demonstrate why they are good candidates for the program and why they are passionate about medicine.
· Behavioral interview questions are often used in interviews and are used to help interviewers determine past behaviors and experiences since past behavior often predicts future behavior. It allows interviewers to hear concrete examples of actions that candidates took and the impact of your action.
· The STAR technique should be used to formulate an answer for behavioral interviewing questions.
S – situation, T – task, A – action, R – result
· Ethical and moral questions relating to medicine are often asked in medical school interviews. Candidates are encouraged to answer based on their beliefs not based on what they think the interviewer wants to hear. Answers should provide a thorough explanation.
· Questions regarding the healthcare trends and/or current issues are often asked. To be prepared for these questions, interviewees should read newspapers and magazine articles, and watch the news, as well as other ways to stay informed and knowledgeable regarding these topics.
· Interviewees should be prepared to discuss why they are interested in each specific medical school and the specific program (research faculty, research, reputation, program specialties, program achievements, etc.).
· In addition to a formal interview, candidates may be provided with a tour of the facility, shadow a course, talk with current student(s), taken to lunch, and/or provided with question and answer periods. Candidates should understand the itinerary for the day and feel free to ask questions regarding details.
Interview Tips
· Research and read all materials provided by the school and review their website prior to your interview.
· Dress appropriately depending on the occasion/event. For interviews, wear business formal attire; for informal events, wear business casual attire.
· Be aware that evaluation occurs throughout the entire visit not just the formal interview. Be professional and courteous to all staff and faculty members.
· Be enthusiastic about the program and express interest in the program even if it is not a first choice school. If not a first choice school, do not share this in the interview.
· Understand that all schools are different and follow different deadlines and procedures.
· Candidates should introduce him/herself to each interviewer with a firm handshake, a smile, and good eye contact. Be aware of nonverbal as well as verbal communication.
· Be aware that some interviewers may not have read candidates’ applications recently or at all, so be prepared to share information that is included in personal statements and applications as well as additional information and qualifications.
· Based on individual research and knowledge of the school and the program, determine questions prior to the interview that can be asked at the end of the interview. Questions should show familiarity with the school and program. Be sure to ask what the next steps are in the process. This shows interest in the program and preparation.
· Send a thank you note/email after your interview. You can ask the admissions office how thank you notes are handled at that school. OVER
Potential Medical School Interview Questions
· Why do you want to be a doctor?
· What do you hope to gain during your medical education?
· Why did you choose our specific program?
· What do you think will be your greatest challenge in completing medical school or learning how to be a doctor?
· In your view, what is the most pressing problem facing medicine today?What other schools are you applying to?
· Tell me about yourself.
· What do you do in your spare time?
· What qualities do you possess that would make you a good doctor?
· Discuss your clinical experiences.
· Tell me about your research experience.
· Discuss your volunteer work.
· What do you think you will like most about medicine? What do you think you will like least about medicine?
· Expect questions concerning what you think about ethics and healthcare (e.g., abortion, cloning, euthanasia). Examples: Would you perform abortions as a doctor? Under what conditions? What is your view of euthanasia/cloning?
Be prepared to discuss managed healthcare and changes in the US healthcare system
· What do you think about the health care system and which way should it go?
· What do you think is wrong with the current health care system in the U.S.?
· Why are you a good candidate for our school?
· Think back on your undergraduate experience; what would you change about it?
· Which of your college courses interested you the most?
· Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
· What interests you outside of medicine and getting into medical school?
· What are your strengths and weaknesses?
· What do you know about our program?
· How would your professors describe you?
· Explain a situation in which you had a conflict and how you resolved it. What would you do differently? Why?
· Describe your greatest accomplishment.
· What are your career goals? How will this program help you achieve your goals?
Potential Questions to Ask Medical School Interviewers
· What characteristics are specific to this program and that distinguish it from competitors?
· Where are recent alumni employed? What do most students do after graduation?
· What types of financial aid are offered? What are the criteria for choosing recipients?
· Are there any scholarships or fellowships available? How do I apply?
· What planned practical experiences are included in the program?
· Where are places that students have been placed in the past?
· How are mentoring and advising relationships established? Are advisors assigned?