If you go to an interview and when asked, you have NO questions…you did not prepare enough. There is no way that you know everything about the school. You must prepare and have questions.
- Review your personal statement and know it backwards, forwards, upwards, downward, you get the idea.
- Look at the website of the school and jot down some notes. When asking your questions, reference something you learned about the school. Do this especially if you took a tour of the school with a student before your interview.
- The only way you should not take the tour is if you have a plane to catch. Otherwise, this is your chance to get good information from current students. They are expecting you to ask anything. Remember, you are also interviewing the school to make sure that this is where you want to be.
- You are ON from the moment you step out of your car and onto the parking lot until the time your car leave the grounds. You do not know who is interviewing you but everyone is watching you. From the custodian to the students to the Deans. Always say Please, Thank you, Have a Nice Day, etc.
- If you are going to eat lunch before your interview, stay away from Onions, Garlic, any sodas that are not clear (imagine you spill soda on your shirt, Sprite and water do not show), avoid greasy foods (don’t want to have gas while you are interviewing). The last thing you should worry about it eating, rather talk with the students and other people who are with you at lunch, you can always eat later. But if the lunch is after your interview, eat but stay away from those mentioned above.
- Be confident. Firm handshake (from both men and women), always have eye contact when answering a question. If there are 2 people in the room, do not just talk to one of them. Change the focus every few words to each person so that each of them knows that you are addressing everyone.
- When asked a question, is it alright to think for a few seconds (not minutes). Shows people that you are choosing what you say carefully and have put thought into the question.
- DO NOT TALK ABOUT ANY OTHER SCHOOL AT THE INTERVIEW.
- This is not the time to bring the kids to the school.
- It is alright to talk about your family, it is who you are. But be prepared to answer the question of how you plan on succeeding in medical school with a family (heck, I think there is a presentation around here with that information.hmmmmmmmm)
- Be prepared to answer the question “why now”
- Have a back up plan. It may come up in conversation with the adcomes (it did for me during my interview).
- Did I mention, have questions to ask?
- Ladies: Tasteful makeup. Gentlemen: Do not bathe in cologne.
- Conservative dress. Women, try to keep the skirt at knee length, conservative up top too. Take it easy on the jewelery (not too many earrings. Try just 1 in each ear), a plain necklace, maybe a bracelet. Nothing jingly. Gentlemen: Navy Blue suits are the way to go. A conservative tie either solid or stripes; not the funny tie that you got for father’s day (if you need to, switch it a block from home). Men, make sure you are either clean shaven or your facial hair is neatly trimmed. Men, maybe a good idea to lose the earring if you have one (not the time nor the place).
Good luck and have fun.
Just got invited for my first interview. I am happy and anxious. I already have a suit and comfortable shoes, but will be working days and school at night until the night before! Anyways, this community has always been so great!