This is SO much easier said than done. You may see good friends getting interviews at schools that you were really hoping to hear back from. On top of that, family and friends are probably going to ask you incessantly why you haven't gotten an interview at Stanford or Harvard yet. Just know that you yourself have put in so much time and hard work to get to this point, and that is something to give yourself so much credit for.
In most job interviews, you would be asked to tell the interviewer about yourself and explain why you would be a good candidate for that specific company. The same applies to medical school! We will show you a few common and important interview questions that you may expect to get.
To preface, here are the two main types of interview styles that medical schools use:
Just like a traditional job interview, you enter a room with one interviewer (or have a few interviewers over the course of the day) that ask you multiple questions. For example, most interviewers will ask you to start by telling them about yourself, and then have a list of questions to ask you. Typically, these interviews will be longer (15 minutes to 1 hour with one interviewer).
Interviews can be open file or closed file. Open file means that the interviewer has already seen your application, while closed file means that they have not seen your application at all. In open file interviews, the interviewer may ask you specific questions related to your application. In closed file interviews, the interviewer will likely need more of a background on you, so be prepared to briefly explain the highlights of your application.
An MMI is a type of interview format that typically consists of 6 to 10 mini interview stations. At each station, an interviewee will be given a prompt a few minutes before entering the interview room. This prompt may ask the interviewee to respond to an ethical scenario, explain an important ideal in medicine, or describe a personal experience.
Upon entering the room, the interviewee will spend the next several minutes discussing their response to the prompt with the interviewer. Once time is up, the interviewee will thank the interviewer, leave the room, and move on to the next station. The number of stations and the amount of time allotted for interviewees to read the prompt and present their responses will vary by school. Therefore, it is important that you read any guidelines sent by schools prior to the interview. In some cases, schools may not release specific information about their MMI structure until you have arrived for the interview.
To prepare for an MMI, it is recommended that you read up on bioethics and keep up with current events (see our suggested readings in the section below). You will also want to familiarize yourself with the general framework of a strong MMI response. MMI questions can be similar to ones you saw on the CASPer. So, it may be helpful to review your strategy for answering ethical questions on the test and translating that for a verbal response. If you need a refresher on CASPer, check our Guide to CASPer under the Prepping for Your Cycle tab. But remember, not all MMI questions will be scenario-based. Below, we provide some links to questions you could be asked in an MMI or a traditional interview.
Here are some helpful links to sample MMI videos and different types of questions:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLltsQb0J9n8vJ69Rlvqyu6chREtdObu8V
Here are links to some medical school interview tips and sample interview questions that you could receive in both a traditional interview and in an MMI interview:
https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/medical-interview
https://capd.mit.edu/sites/default/files/grad/files/sample-med-school-interview-questions.pdf
https://www.missouristate.edu/bms/CMB/InterviewPrep.htm
http://science-student.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2014/01/Sample-Questions-2013-2014.pdf (Sample MMI questions)
While you don't have to brainstorm your answers to all of these ahead of time, start thinking about answers to really common questions. For example, we recommend brainstorming answers to the following questions, as these are questions that are not only common, but also are doable to prepare answers for:
Tell me about yourself.
Why are you going into medicine?
Why would you be a good fit for our school? Why do you want to go to our school specifically?
What are 3 of your strengths? What are 3 of your weaknesses?
What questions do you have for me (the interviewer)?
When brainstorming answers to these questions, avoid coming up with a full paragraph answer that you will memorize word for word. Rather, bullet a list of key points you want to make, and let the answer flow naturally when you practice!
Chances are you may get asked about current events in health and medicine. Usually, they are not super detailed questions, but being aware of general health policy (what is Medicare/Medicaid) and any relevant health issues in society (addiction, shortage of primary care physicians, etc.) will be extremely beneficial.
It is not only important to know about these issues, but also to start thinking about what your views are on these divisive topics. What are some of the most pressing issues in healthcare to you? Knowing those issues inside and out and being able to speak about them in an interview can help you stand out from other applicants.
One great resource for studying bioethics was the University of Washington's bioethics page: https://depts.washington.edu/bhdept/ethics-medicine. This was a simple, easy-to-use resource that covered most of the necessary information for bioethics issues that you may get asked about in an interview.
The best way to practice for interviews is to simulate the real interview as much as possible! Ask a friend that has gone through the application process, or feel free to reach out to a mentor in any aspect of your life. Sometimes it can even help to record yourself answering interview questions, and you can always go back and see what ways you can improve the delivery of your answers!
You may find that interview season is going to get expensive. Here are a couple of ways to save money during your interview trail:
- Stay with student hosts: This is one of the easiest ways to save money on the interview trail. Not only do you avoid paying for hotels for multiple nights, but you also have the opportunity to stay with someone who attends the school and can answer some of your questions about it. You may be able to gauge if your student host likes their school, and if so, you can learn more about what kinds of programs/resources would be available to you. If you have any friends that attend that school, it doesn't hurt to reach out and ask if they can lend a helping hand! Just note that while student hosts usually don't have a say in the admissions process, it is still important to remain professional and respectful. It could reflect badly on you if a host has a really bad experience hosting you.
- Send "In-The-Area" emails for schools in the same general area: For example, if you were offered an interview in New York City during one week in December, reach out to other schools nearby (preferably in the same state, but maybe even slightly farther if you are coming from an opposite coast). Not every school will honor these requests, as some may never send you a response and some may not be able to review your application earlier just for this. However, some schools are receptive (below is a list of schools that seem to be receptive to these emails) and MAY interview you during the time that you are in the area:
https://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/in-the-area-email-compendium.1094852/page-3
- Reach out to the school you are interviewing at for specific recommendations: Some schools may not openly advertise that they have fee assistance programs. If you are having trouble covering costs related to travel or lodging, most schools are really accommodating and will try to offer some help.
As with most job interviews, the way you present yourself is one of the most important factors in determining if you get a position! This does not mean you need be wearing the fanciest, most expensive suit, but it does mean that you should present yourself professionally.
SUIT/BLAZER: Wear a suit blazer with matching color pants or skirt. If you decide to wear a skirt, make sure it goes below the knee and wear the skirt with tan or brown pantyhose that match your skin color. The suit blazer should preferably be black, dark grey, or navy.
SHIRT: The dress shirt or blouse under your blazer should not have flashy patterns or colors. We recommend sticking to plain and simple colors, like white or other light colors like blue or pink. Additionally, pick blouses or shirts that cover cleavage.
SHOES: Wear closed-toe, professional shoes (black or brown) that go with your suit (black shoes with a black blazer, etc.). Make sure they are comfortable, as you will likely have to walk a lot to get to your interview and to go on campus tours. If you prefer to wear heels, you can also change later to flats if that is more comfortable, so keep these in your purse if you have room!
PURSE: You can opt to bring a purse if you would like to. A large, nice purse without flashy logos is often a good choice. You can store multiple essentials like chapstick, basic makeup, oil wipes, an extra pair of shoes (if you want), water bottle, gum/mints, prescription medications, and anything else you may anticipate needing. Typically, you do not need to carry your resumé unless specified by the school, but it is always good to keep a pen and a small notebook on hand just in case.
HYGIENE/MAKEUP: Always make sure you are clean and presentable for your interview! Avoid wearing too much perfume or cologne, as many people have allergies to strongly scented products. A simple deodorant can often do the trick! If you choose to wear makeup, keep it simple. Avoid heavy contouring, colorful eyeshadow, false lashes, and winged eyeliner.
Winter weather tips:
Invest in a pair of nice loafers or boots/booties in case it snows or rains! If it is really cold, you can also buy a pair of gloves and thermal leggings to wear under your interview pants.
Wear or buy a nice coat that you can wear to the interview! You will be able to take it off if you are indoors (most schools have a coat closet) but it is helpful if you have to go outside. If you are having trouble fitting it in your suitcase, wear it on the plane!
Bring lotion and chapstick if you have dry skin, as cold weather can aggravate it!
Along with the way you dress, carry yourself confidently and respectfully! Your body language and demeanor are important ways to demonstrate that you are a professional applicant. Greet interviewers, staff, and other people interviewing with a smile and treat them with the kindness and respect that you would to anyone else!