Mistakes Medical School Applicants Make on Campus Tours

Avoid these four mistakes on your medical school interview-day tours:

1. Do not confuse the quality of the education with the aesthetics of the buildings

   Some medical schools and hospitals can be, well, ugly. Compared to undergraduate campuses with neat quads and newly renovated spaces, medical school facilities can seem stark and utilitarian. Instead of focusing on the appearance of classrooms or hospital hallways, ask yourself what these spaces are used for. Determine whether they will be able to accommodate your learning within the specific curriculum offered by the school. Remember that nice buildings do not necessarily reflect a curriculum that will best compliment your learning style. 
   
   

2. Be respectful when touring patient care areas and anatomy labs

   Many medical school tours move through hospital floors or anatomy labs. Being conscious of the emotional climate in these areas is crucial to making a good impression. Avoid staring, move out of the way so that people can pass by you easily in hallways, and remember that you are present as an onlooker, not a participant. Now is not the time to approach a cadaver to try to learn anatomy. Maintain a respectful distance from the daily routine surrounding you. Never take photographs or videos without permission—on any part of the tour. 
   
   

3. Do not dominate the tour with your questions

   Asking questions on your medical school tour is appropriate, but occupying all of your tour guide’s time with your questions is disrespectful to your fellow applicants and speaks poorly of your social skills. Asking questions that are applicable to the group as a whole and are not tailored specifically to your application is a great way to demonstrate your ability to participate on a team. Limiting yourself to four questions or so will give everyone else the space to address their own concerns. Similarly, make an effort not to lag behind your tour group, as this can prevent other group members from fully experiencing the campus. Additionally, inappropriate language and improper dress can also reflect upon you poorly. When in doubt, opt for business casual dress and avoid cursing and the use of slang.
   
   

4. Avoid talking about other schools 

   Though you may be comparing medical schools in your head, talking out loud about how other schools are stacking up either to the tour guides or to other interviewees will not reflect upon you favorably. If important points of comparison arise, consider jotting them down quickly in a notebook for later review. Deliberating about schools aloud will detract from both your and others’ focus on the tour at hand.