Before the Interview
Getting an interview is a HUGE step in the medical school admission process; so if you are there; congratulations! However, the amount of preparation you do can make or break your interview. It is really important to know the school well because they may ask you why you chose to apply specifically to their school. Your answer to that question is important, so make sure you can answer it. Beyond that, know your application well and be prepared to answer questions about anything you have put down on your resume, personal statement, and secondary essays. Try to get key points about yourself across in the interview and be memorable. Whoever interviews you (it can be anywhere from one person to a panel) is going to have to talk in front of the panel of people considering you for admission and tell them why they should or should not admit you. Admitting you is a big investment on their part so they are going to be looking for the following three things: 1. Do you know what you’re getting yourself into (prior medical experience)? 2. Do you have the endurance to make it through medical school? 3. Do you understand the future of medicine? If you can successfully express the answers to these three things, you will do great.
During the Interview
During the interview, (and this may seem obvious) be friendly and kind to everyone you meet. You are essentially being interviewed the entire day. The committee wants to see how you interact with other students. Also, make sure to ask questions. The interview is just as much a time for you to decide whether to school is right for you. Other than that, try to relax and have fun!
