By Jeremiah Fleenor, MD, MBA, author of The Medical School Interview: Secrets and a System for Success
This is a column dedicated to providing resources for success in the medical school interview.
There is precious little information on the subject of the medical school interview. This is unfortunate, because the data we do have indicates that the #1 factor for admission to medical school is the interview. I’d like to help change the lack of information.
This column has one main focus: to provide useful information that will help you accomplish your goal of getting into medical school. Far too many good applicants land an interview only to perform poorly and ultimately be rejected. I hate to see someone miss out on his or her dream simply because they lack the right information.
The entire admissions process is challenging at best; at worst it is downright cryptic. There is plenty of information about submission deadlines and application requirements. But when it comes to quality information about the inner workings of an admission committee or the interview, it’s tough to find. This poses a huge problem for the applicant. You’re giving everything to gain acceptance into medical school but have little guidance along the way.
At the beginning, you likely have many more questions than answers. Things like:
- What’s the best way to distinguish myself?
- How do I handle a failed course or a low GPA?
- How do I prepare for the thousands of different questions they may ask?
- Should I be completely unique?
- How do I handle ethical questions if I have strong opinions?
- Do I really have to wear the traditional blue or black suit?
Not only will I provide answers to these questions, but I’ll respond to questions readers send me. This column will provide you with some of the freshest information available. You’ll find a combination of research data, anecdotes and tons of experience-based advice.
My approach is simple: I can relate. I’ve been through the interview maze and sat on both sides of the desk. I am currently involved in the admissions process, witnessing the daily challenges applicants face. More important, as a resident, I am still actively pursuing my own dream of becoming an excellent physician. Ultimately, you and I are on the same path; we’re just at different places. I’d like to share some of the information I’ve gained during the journey.
Please email your medical school interview questions to jdfleenor@gmail.com.
Pants or skirts for women, and does it matter?
What is the first thing you notice about a candidate?
How much of the application should I speak to in an open-file interview?
Thank you so much!
whats the answer to the skirt or pants question? im having problems with that myself.
i also need help with the pants or skirt question
During my interview I am having trouble with the most basic question: Why do you want to be a doctor? Of course I want to help people, and thats the truth, but EVERONE under the sun uses that as a backup answer if he or she gets too nervous to think. How can I but a spin on it to make it my own and not sound so cliche? Thanks.
I am also wondering the answer on the proper attire? Pants of Skirt? Low Heels or Flats?
thanks
Tyler, I was having the same dilemma about the “I want to help people” answer. And then one of the doctors I work with gave me a good piece of advice: You have to love the science and the detective work of medicine, because when you’re having a bad day, you sometimes just don’t give a damn about helping people. So that’s what I’m going to say (minus the last part, of course). I have my interview in a few days, so I’ll see how it goes.
And I have the clothes question, too.
Pants and non-high heels. Dress up as a professional. Remember Medicine is not business. The admission office is not looking for sexy. If you look clean you are all set in the appearance department! Let your intelligence lead the rest of your way!!
I’m also wondering how to put a spin on the question of, “Why do you want to be a doctor?”.
I know I have it in me to be a great doctor, and I know why I want to be a doctor. I want to help people, and I like exploring the concept of medicine and the physiological process of the body. I like having relationships with people and I want to get to know them so I can help them when they cannot help themselves. All the answers I have though seem so cliche. What’s a unique way to put a spin on this question and truly make me stand out from the crowd?
Thanks, Thalia Douglas
Is this the school on hunting park
Just wanted to actually answer the questions being asked in these comments…
SKIRTS VS. PANTS: It really doesn’t matter as long as it’s not a short skirt. Both can look very professional. Keep in mind that you will do quite a bit of walking on interview day so painfully tall heels are obviously a bad idea from what I’ve seen at the end of interview days. Judge for yourself what suit you look best in, ladies. There is no hard-and-fast rule here.
WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A DOCTOR: This is an involved question that has answers as varied as the people reading this post. I actually podcast and wrote a FREE eBook related to this subject at MedicalMastery.com. In short, make a list of these topics in a brainstorm format – what are the highlights of your life? the low points? what do you like the most and least? what type of medicine do you want to practice? did you have an experience that got you interested in medicine? if so, describe it.
In summary, the essay and interviews are personal interviews – grades don’t matter here. They want to hear who you REALLY are as a person.