Interview

toc =Overview= The medical school interview is your opportunity to convince a school that what they find interesting and compelling on paper is the person you present to the interviewer. Schools take the interview component as a very important part of the application process so it is essential for you to prepare well for the interview. Based on your performance the interview will either boost you to acceptance or doom you to a wait-list or rejection. At YU you can prepare best by visiting the Career Services Office where you can practice techniques that will polish your interviewing techniques. And remember, first impressions are lasting!

=Useful Links= To learn more about the interview process for medical school interviews visit the AAMC site here

=Mixed Mini Interviews (MMIs)= The mixed mini interviews is a new format of an interview developed by McMaster University and used by many Canadian and several American Medical schools. The MMI consists of 6-10 stations which present the student with a question or scenario they must answer within a fixed time. MMIs are very different than the traditional interview, and if you are invited for a school that uses the MMI it is important that you prepare in advance. More information about MMIs can be found here and here. A full list of schools (as of Fall 2013) who implementing the MMI method can be viewed here: =Interview Tips= While more tips and mock interviews can be obtained by visiting the YU Career Development Center, below are some important tips you should be aware before going to any interview (this includes interviews for research, volunteer positions, and other similar positions) 1. Sit up straight; 2. Shake hands with EVERYONE who you come in contact with (this includes women); 3. Get rid of chewing gum and stay away from cigarettes—nothing worse than filling someone’s office with the smell of an ashtray! 4. Make eye contact but do not stare; 5. Rehearse questions you know every school will ask: why a doctor? Why our school? What have you accomplished that you are particularly proud of as a student/person/leader/etc. What will you do if not accepted? The answers cannot sound rehearsed—they should sound like a conversation; but this requires practice! 6. Smile and be pleasant even if there is a mix-up! And be kind and respectful of everyone—from the janitor to the secretary to the Dean! 7. Listen to the questions carefully and be sensitive to the body language of the interviewer—if they start looking at their watch you have gone on too long and should gracefully ask if you’ve answered the question and move on quickly! If they keep asking you the same question (or that is how it seems to you), then try to answer it differently – they are not stupid, they are looking for more from you. 8. Be confident; you got this far for a reason—but arrogance and defensiveness will destroy your chances. 9. Answer all questions regardless of whether or not you think they are appropriate—you can complain to me later and I can investigate if needed. 10. Have several questions to ask—not questions that are easily found on a website. EX: Why did you (the interviewer) decide to come to X institution? Or, are there any plans in the immediate future to add/change the curriculum? Or, are the hospital affiliations being changed/expanded? These are questions that one would not expect you to know about. 11. Ethics—you will want to have answers for questions regarding “hot” topics: abortion, racism, gay rights, Obama care. You MUST have well thought out and balanced answers. If possible, avoid taking one point of view—present both sides so that the school sees that you are thoughtful and you are aware and sensitive to the opposing side’s values and views. 12. Write thank you notes to each interviewer!