The medical school interview can be one of the most stressful and mentally taxing experiences a student will endure. However, thousands of students before you and many more after you have gone through it and lived to tell about it. While the medical school interview is perhaps the most critical part of gaining acceptance into the institution of your choice, there are many things you can do to get yourself ready for the interview of a lifetime.
Medical School Interview Tips
As you prepare for your medical school interview, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Dress to Impress
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s very important that you “look the part”. The AAMC recommends that interviewees don conservative but tasteful outfits that incorporate non-black or blue hues. Those that interview do appreciate individuality to an extent.
Have a Positive Attitude
While this may appear like another obvious tip, it’s just as important – if not more so – as your attire. Have a pleasant attitude with everyone you meet and smile whenever possible. You’ll be under a microscope, so be cognizant of your body language at all times. A positive attitude and appearance will go a long way towards gaining acceptance.
Be Honest and Forthright
You can expect to be hit with a barrage of questions. Answering them openly and honestly will help gain the respect and trust of the interviewers. Interviewers don’t want to hear excuses; they want to hear the facts.
Be Punctual
Tardiness is one surefire way to eliminate yourself from contention quickly. Have a route and plan in mind and make a practice run to the facility in the days leading up to the interview.
Be Confident and Stay Poised
It’s completely natural to be nervous during the interview and interviewers understand this. But finding a way to overcome nerves through confidence and poise will help you stand out among your peers. Confidence and poise are big parts of your future profession. Putting these attributes on display will in turn instill confidence in you!
Above all, remember during your medical school interview to be yourself! You’ve put in a great amount of work to get to this point and your interviewers realize this. The interview serves as an opportunity to see that work get rewarded!