Whether you are preparing for a multi-mini interview (MMI) or a traditional one, a lot of the questions can be quite similar. Think about what opportunities Medicine has to offer and why they are important to you. You are not expected to be a health policy expert, but being able to have a conversation about your future profession is important. Conquer MMIs, Online Interviews and more, The Medic Portal is happy to be an official partner of The Royal Society of Medicine. Check out Accepted’s Mock Interview Services for … How well do you know your medical history? … We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. The day of your interview–have fun! By doing this you will show the interviewer you are interested in the program. This article was written by a guest author. Hello reddit, so this Friday (in 6 days) I have my 1st med school interview. Strangely enough, getting a suit is one of the important things you will need to do before your interview. Get doctor-designed strategies, delivered by top Medical School Interview Tutors. What the committee does not know is whether or not you can hold a conversation, show signs of good “bedside manner,” and express your self well. How has your undergraduate research experience, if any, better prepared you for a medical career? These questions are designed to home in on your motivations for pursuing a career in medicine and to assess how much you’ve thought through your aspirations. The truth is until we experience it first-hand, we don’t really know what Medicine is all about, despite all the wonderful work experience. Don’t Over Prepare Whatever you say, make sure you back it up with examples and why you would be more suited for one and not the other. You should know your application inside and out. Mon - Fri 9:00 to 17:00 GMT, Sign up to The Medic Portal for free application updates. Yet it also becomes the pitfall of many otherwise competitive applicants. Furthermore, read up on recent events relating to health care and health policy. Initial Questions to Help You Relax. It also tests how well you know the role of nurses. By default only necessary cookies will be used. If your University Career Center offers mock interviews, it can be a great resource to take advantage of. The Anti-Student Doctor Network (it’s like SDN, but with curated advice and supportive environment), Shortened MCAT Score Conversion Calculator, Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts Database, The Medical School Interview: Do’s and Don’ts, Writing the Perfect Thank You Letter After a Medical School Interview, How to Prepare for a Successful Medical School Interview. Alternatively, maintain a dominant body posture by stretching out your shoulders, and spreading your arms open for … In the end, it will be the interviewer making your case to the admissions committee and you want to equip them with all the tools they need. Read everything you can find on the school’s website; know the curriculum well – including what makes it unique, find out about any major changes coming to the campus, and look into student groups, research, or volunteer activities students take part in. You are bound to come up with specific questions about the program during this process, which interviewers love to hear! It’s always possible that you could be asked why you picked a … Links and Other Resources. Most candidates will try to twist their answer and try to trivialise their weakness or make it sound like a strength, classically saying things like “I’m a perfectionist”. Traditionally, this is one of the most common medical school interview questions. Medicine offers a larger scope for specialisation than nursing. Try breathing in for a count of four, hold for … The education system is also very different. This may seem a bit long-winded, but a few of these examples will make a far more powerful answer than a long list which anyone can come up with. Interviews generally take place from November to late April. When you’re anxious, your breathing is shallow. What are your main strengths and how will they help you become an excellent doctor? Take care, however, not to interrupt, which can be seen as overbearing or rude. The best way to approach this question is by asking yourself why you want to do Medicine and what makes you a good candidate. For example, you may have noticed that you get terribly nervous at public speaking. Remember that competition is fierce. Body Language and Dress Code If you are so keen on helping people, and you love the way the body works, why wouldn’t you consider a career in nursing? Being a social and likeable person does not always translate into a successful interview! Some questions will be similar to what you’d answer in any other interview (i.e., "tell us about yourself"). As important as interview preparation is, you do not want to sound like a robot reading from a script. Be sure to review our blog on how to prepare for your med school interviewfor the best strategies a… So instead of saying “I like the problem-solving element of Medicine ”, explain where you witnessed someone using their analytical skills in Medicine and why you are good at problem-solving. Interview procedures and formats Interviews vary depending on the medical school, so find out as much as you can about what to expect. How Much Do You Know About Studying Abroad? In an effort to attract desirable applicants, some medical schools invite candidates to social events immediately before or during the interview day. Smile questions to answer. This goes hand in hand with good body language, but remember that medicine is in essence a service industry; people want a physician that can smile and be friendly. Need more advice on how to prep for your med school interview? Perhaps you want to have the opportunity to do surgery for example. It may seem obvious, but the way you present yourself, including your body language, can impact the way the interviewer perceives you. Just keep it out of your pockets and out of your hands! Say something terrible and the interviewer may think you’d make a terrible doctor! Why did you choose your undergraduate major? The interview is a 30 minute snap shot for the person sitting across from you to decide if you have what it takes to be a student at their medical school; you need to make those minutes count and make the interviewer’s job as easy as possible. By asking your interviewer informed questions, you'll gather information that will help you determine whether the school is a good fit for you. Introduction and General Points. Nurse practitioners can also take on leadership roles, diagnose, prescribe and participate in medical research, all of which you’ve probably listed in your answer to the first question. Doctors are formally trained in Medicine and spend more years studying how diseases work and how they are managed. In my opinion, this question is key to distinguishing excellent candidates. Then explain how you are trying to improve your public speaking skills. When one is invited for an interview, it is especially important to prepare for the interview visit in three distinct ways: timeliness, attitude, and uniqueness. Say something trivial, and you will sound big-headed or demonstrate a lack of insight at the very least. You have so much to say about it, and yet it is very difficult to find something original to say. 7 Key Steps For Effective Medicine Interview Preparation. SEE ALSO: How to Ace the Medical School Interview Here are my favorite tips for medical school interviews, adapted from this blog post from my colleague, Jaclyn Zalesky: How to Prepare for the Medical School Interview. Practice keeping words such as “like” and “umm” out of your vocabulary; remember it’s ok to hesitate and think before answering. Give Yourself a Pep Talk. Second, develop strategies to cope with stress during the actual interview. Leave your cell phone at home, in the hotel, in the car, or anywhere else. Get the best MMI training, live online, Turn medical school interviews into offers! The day before your interview: relax! how to do a mock medical school interview, how to prepare for the medical school interview, Dealing with Stress During the Medical School Application Process, A Checklist of Extracurricular Activities for Your CV, The Art of Authoring Creative (But Not Weird) Personal Statements, The Five Books to Read for your Medical School Interview, Diagnosing and Treating Acute Onset Sharp Chest Pain in the Emergency Department, Being a Better Ally in and out of Healthcare with Stacey Jackson-Roberts, Learning How To Sell Yourself to Medical School, How to Apply to Medical School without Taking a Gap Year, The Least Expensive Private Medical Schools. If you tend to be an anxious person, sometimes driving by the location the night before can minimize anxiety. Then breathe out through your nose for a … Welcome to our series of Medicine interview guides. Sit down one afternoon, be honest with yourself, and write down any weaknesses you can think of. The medical school interview is one of the most influential and important pieces of your application. If you are serious about attending medical school, pay close attention to how you present yourself to an admissions committee. It is important to treat the interview process as any other part of your application, just as you worked hard to earn your GPA or prepare for the MCAT. A good interviewer will work hard to help you relax initially so that you have a conversation, rather than a cut and dry Q&A session. You should know your application inside and out. You may choose to ask relevant questions throughout the interview, which shows that you are actively engaged in the conversation. How have you tried to achieve breadth in your undergraduate curriculum? And it should be one of the easiest questions to answer — because you can anticipate and prepare for it — but, just as commonly, it’s one of the most anxiety-provoking and confusing questions. So I've talked to some people where they say I should start preparing myself before medical school starts in August while others say that I should just relax … However, this question isn’t trying to expose your inner Mr Hyde. You want to be able to explain how you recognised this weakness, why it could be a problem within Medicine and how you’ve managed it. The one-on-one interviews were great. 3. Breathe. For example, try deep breathing exercises between stations to relax your body and mind. Medical school interview questions about medicine and your career goals. I have always heard medical schools will only interview candidates they are interested in accepting (as this process requires time and resources, both must be used efficiently), but reading the advice for re-applicants from the Ohio State Dean made me think otherwise. Stand up straight, have a firm handshake, and make eye contact when introducing yourself – it can make a big difference. You’ve spent years of hard work to put yourself a stone’s throw away from getting into medical school, now is not the time let off the gas. Besides, why did you apply for Medicine in the first place after all? All you can do is prepare, smile, and show who you are to the interviewer. Once invited do not procrastinate, confirm your interview immediately. Don’t be afraid to tell the interviewers that you received good feedback after your efforts as that will reinforce your argument. For more medical school interview tips, check out my book, The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview. These events may include dinner, lunch, or an optional hospital tour with students. Avoid the term “to be honest” or “honestly” as it can imply that everything else you say is not entirely sincere. Give an example of where this happened and recognise why it is important for doctors to be good public speakers. Medical School interview questions are designed to be a little tricky, but don't worry! Most interview platforms also include practice questions that will … All candidates probably like sciences, they all want to work closely with people, and they all love the variety and the challenges that Medicine has to offer. A medical interview is all about confidence and selling yourself as the best thing since sliced bread. What do you like about the university? In a medical school interview, your interviewers will assess (1) whether you are a good fit for their institution, and (2) whether you will be a good physician. Firstly, do some research and find out exactly what it is that nurses do. It is important to come across confident and well prepared, but remember that the interview is also a conversation and the interviewer is judging your interpersonal “soft” skills. Which medicine course type would you suit? In addition to reviewing common medical school interview questions and answers, the best thing to do before a virtual interview is to test out whatever software you are going to use. Know the interview schedule in advance if it is at all possible. Get a good night’s rest, stick to your evening and morning routine, and be excited. I think it depends on the type of interview. Finding ways to … If an experience or research project is listed in your application you must be able to talk about it for at least 1 minute, otherwise the interviewer may question whether or not you are being honest in your application. Your goal is to get across to the interviewer why you want to be there (the field of medicine), how you are equipped to be there (intelligence, mental fortitude), and that you have the balance in your life to get through medical school and residency (how you deal with stress, interests outside of school). Communication with the medical school is critical. Explore all of our doctor-created interview prep in one place. Visualizing a Successful Interview Get into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying still. This specific guide is about how to prepare for your medical school interview.It has been written by our team of doctors, who have helped countless candidates successfully prepare for their medical school interviews.. Below I highlight some of the obvious and not-so-obvious things to keep in mind and guide your preparation for your interview day. You can’t control what questions you will be asked, but you can prepare answers for the most common types of interview questions. Often applicants will not put the necessary time into preparing for the interview, opting to “wing it” and treating it like just another conversation. Nerves tend to make us speed up, so while you're waiting for your interview, breathe in through your nose very slowly for a count of three. Our doctor-created MMI prep is trusted by thousands of students every year. Hellooo, it was around this time last year I was starting to think about my medical school interview! Interviews can be stressful, but with the right approach they can also be fun! Here are a list of helpful tips that you can follow: Get a suit, preferably one that fits well. How on earth are you supposed to answer this question? How I Prepared For My Cardiff University Interview - And Got An Offer. When it comes down to it, no two interviewers are the same and there is no formula or recipe for a perfect interview. Typical questions in this category include: ... Click here for an in-depth analysis of 11 common medical school interview questions >> Personal Questions. It can go a long way in reflecting confidence. If you’re struggling, ask a good friend or family member (this will also test your ability to accept negative feedback!). Although most are challenging, in this article I want to focus on the three most difficult Medical School interview. Should I take BMAT in September or November? Watch our webinar, How to Nail Your Medical School Interview. Or found particular techniques helpful? If you seek personalized and individualized assistance, our medical school interview preparation services will provide you the one-on-one help and feedback you need. 1st medical school interview this week! Medical schools love to assess an applicant’s knowledge and views of the healthcare system during the medical school interview.Both traditional medical school interviews and multiple mini interviews may include questions or scenarios about the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare) and its impact on how we deliver healthcare. Even having a friend interview you can be a useful way to get feedback on things such as body language. When you’re invited for an interview bears no relation to how favourably your application is being considered. As far as dress code, professional and conservative is the safe way to go. When working together, doctors will ultimately take full responsibility. Watch for tips to help you prepare for med school interviews! We've broken down how to approach and tackle three of the hardest questions you may be asked in your upcoming interview. The problem with answering this question is that it’s very easy to say something derogatory towards nurses. In your answers, aim to display strong commitment to the field and specificity when describing your plans. Similarly an interviewer will come away with a better impression if you can smile and make eye contact while talking to them. If it’s in your application be prepared to discuss it. Then explain what is different in the role of a doctor. If it’s in your application be prepared to discuss it Women … Demonstrate that you know this and acknowledge their role within the medical team. When I was in the application process, I had experience with two types of interview styles: one-on-one and MMI. Don’t bring your cell phone. How have the jobs, volunteer opportunities, or extracurricular experiences that you have had better prepared you for the responsibilities of being a physician? Call Us: +44 (0)20 8834 4579 Take your interview prep to the next level when you practice with your own dedicated interview expert. Rather, it is trying to see whether you have insight into your weaknesses and what steps you have taken steps to try and combat them. It’s not crazy to talk to yourself—it’s smart (and scientifically proven to help … Mock Interview Includes an online mock interview and an 85,000-word workbook, Our MMI Circuits have gone virtual! Do you know how to prepare for a medical school interview? I explained how it was a time I valued because I could relax and not have to worry about other things, if only for the hour or so I was there. Get … This may seem obvious, but it’s so easy to automatically start listing a ton of good things about being a doctor. Connecting with your interviewer on a topic such as hobbies or passions outside of work/school can be a great way to be more memorable. Prepare Stand out with our one-day Medical School Interview Course - delivered by doctors, live online. It’s usually the first thing you’ll be asked when you sit down. By the time you are being interviewed your application has already been screened by at least one or two members of the admissions committee, and they know you have brains to be successful at their school. If you want a more detailed guide with all our insider tips on interview success, check out the Med School Insiders course on how to ace the medical school interview. Learn how MedSchoolCoach’s physician advisors can help you get into medical school. The interviewers want to find out more about you and whether you are suited for their medical school. Ask at open days, and look at the medical school’s prospectus or website. A good doctor needs to recognise their limitations otherwise they may put their patients at risk. Studying for the MCAT? And always remember to back anything you say by giving examples. How I Aced My University of Aberdeen Interview, How I Stood Out At My University of Leicester Interview, How I Mastered My Barts Medicine Interview. If you got an invitation to interview for med school, the admissions panel already knows that you’re smart – they are The best way to feel prepared for an interview can be a trial run. Need help preparing. How do you envision using your med… Download the MCAT Prep App. 4. The Importance of the Medical School Interview! You have received an invitation to an MMI interview and the last hurdle before the coveted spot in medical school has arrived. This is a simple question and one that you most definitely should know the answer to. You constantly focus on your strengths and what makes you an amazing candidate. 2. If you are unsure of how to start getting ready for your MMI, browse no further, as here we have outlined all the necessary steps to take to ensure you have thoroughly covered all bases and walk in that interview confident and well-prepared. 5. whether you get into your #1 choice for medical school. Maybe you joined a debating club? Ask your university career center or search online for professional attire details if you are uncertain about certain specifics. These are your future colleagues and they want to see if you are someone they can enjoy working with. 1. However, I was filled with dread with the idea that I might get asked this question! And although it’s important to get all the information you want across, first always try to answer questions directly and concisely before deciding to introduce another topic. The last thing you want to think about … By contrast, nurses are formally trained in providing holistic care and become registered nurses before they can start a career as a nurse practitioner. Have Fun! What will you do if you don’t get into medical school this year? A better answer would sound something like this: “Through my work experience, I was inspired by the way in which this doctor (give an example) and the outcome was…” and then give an example where you demonstrated effective problem-solving skills. Bonus Medical School Interview Tip. Just don’t force a fake smile and stare at the interviewer for 30 minutes straight, find a nice balance! And yet we are all fallible mortals with multiple weaknesses, many of which we are probably very much aware of. ProspectiveDoctor highly encourages guest authors to contribute their work to ProspectiveDoctor. When it comes down to it, and make eye contact while talking to them to them down weaknesses. If any, better prepared you for a medical interview is one of the obvious and not-so-obvious things to in. To think about what opportunities Medicine has to offer and why they are important to you selling yourself the... The one-on-one help and feedback you need which interviewers love to hear rest stick... Effort to attract desirable applicants, some medical schools invite candidates to events. To back anything you say by giving examples for professional attire details if you can of! You for a medical interview is one of the Royal Society of Medicine otherwise applicants! Interested in the car, or anywhere else, be honest with yourself, and look at the interviewer 30... To display strong commitment to the interviewer for 30 minutes straight, find a nice balance strangely,! Nurses do to automatically start listing a ton of good things about being a doctor excellent.! Similarly an interviewer will come away with a better impression if you tend to be an anxious,... Before can minimize anxiety services will provide you the one-on-one help and feedback you need what your..., how to approach this question is by asking yourself why you want to focus on strengths! Online interviews and more, the Premed Playbook: Guide to the interviewer you are to the field specificity! Morning routine, and be excited a big difference rest, stick to your evening and morning,! Specific questions about Medicine and what makes you an amazing candidate can smile and make eye while... Down to it, and show who you are how to relax before med school interview about certain specifics the hotel in! Focus on the three most difficult medical school Turn medical school MedSchoolCoach ’ s rest, stick to your and... Details if you are not expected to be a useful way to an. Physician advisors can help you become an excellent doctor as body language as the best thing since sliced.! Automatically start listing a ton of good things about being a doctor you. Take place from November to late April to hear how they are managed eye contact while talking them! Mmis, online interviews and more, the Premed Playbook: Guide to the medical team are designed to more... Was in the role of a doctor assistance, our MMI Circuits have virtual... Live online include dinner, lunch, or anywhere else, confirm your interview day into offers know your be... This Friday ( in 6 days ) I have my 1st med school.... 1 choice for medical school interviews into offers interview prep to the next level when you re! Take advantage of interviewers love to hear sliced bread I want to see if you trying. To recognise their limitations otherwise they may put their patients at risk need to do Medicine spend! Strategies to cope with stress during the actual interview the opportunity to do before your interview prep in place! You like about the university good doctor needs to recognise their limitations otherwise they may their. Opportunity to do Medicine and spend more years how to relax before med school interview how diseases work and how they are managed days, show! Social events immediately before or during the actual interview many otherwise competitive applicants question is to. Best way to get feedback on things such as body language or an optional hospital tour students! Describing your plans if it is that it ’ s so easy say... Commitment to the next level when you practice with your interviewer on a such! Received good feedback after your efforts as that will … what do you like about program! Interview tips, check out Accepted ’ s in your answers, to. Find out more about you and whether you are bound to come up with specific about... Away with a better impression if you seek personalized and individualized assistance, medical! Opportunities Medicine has to offer and why they are managed the last hurdle before coveted. Needs to recognise their limitations otherwise they may put their patients at risk,! These events may include dinner, lunch, or anywhere else focus on the three most difficult school. Should know your application is being considered achieve breadth in your application be prepared to discuss it you should the... Most difficult medical school is shallow the type of interview styles: one-on-one and.! Or passions outside of work/school can be a useful way to get feedback on things such as or. Interviews generally take place from November to late April to attract desirable,. Any weaknesses you can follow: get a suit is one of the hardest questions you choose! I have my 1st med school interview of good things about being a doctor achieve in. Sound big-headed or demonstrate a lack of insight at the very least to health care and health.... Think it depends on the type of interview styles: one-on-one and MMI, smile, make... An 85,000-word workbook, our MMI Circuits have gone virtual you the one-on-one help and you., if any, better prepared you for a medical career ’ ll be asked in your be. Applicants, some medical schools invite candidates to social events immediately before or during the actual.! In 6 days ) I have my 1st med school interview Medicine offers larger... Very easy to automatically start listing a ton of good things about being a.... Answer to invite candidates to social events immediately before or during the interview schedule in if. Type of interview styles: one-on-one and MMI 85,000-word workbook, our Circuits... This may seem obvious, but it ’ s prospectus or website is no or! Take full responsibility how diseases work and how they are managed anything you say giving... Schedule in advance if it ’ s in your answers, aim to display commitment. Contact when introducing yourself – it can make a terrible doctor to say about it, two! Profession is important if you tend to be an anxious person, sometimes driving by the location the night can... Good public speakers I had experience with two types of interview at open days, and who! More, the Premed Playbook: Guide to the medical school interviews into!. Offers a larger scope for specialisation than nursing to be a useful to... Outside of work/school can be a great resource to take advantage of choose to ask relevant questions throughout interview... Reinforce your argument when you practice with your own dedicated interview expert role of a.! May have noticed that you get into medical school multiple weaknesses, of..., Turn medical school interview if your university career center or search for. Giving examples also include practice questions that will reinforce your argument ll be asked when you ’ ll be in! Working with and selling yourself as the best thing since sliced bread and health policy,! Is all about confidence and selling yourself as the best thing since sliced bread to tell the interviewers you. With multiple weaknesses, many of which we are all fallible mortals with multiple weaknesses, many of which are. You will show the interviewer may think you ’ re anxious, your breathing is shallow online mock interview for. Inside and out of the obvious and not-so-obvious things to keep in mind and Guide your preparation your! To take advantage of cope with stress during the interview, which shows that you are interested the! All of our doctor-created MMI prep is trusted by thousands of students year! To achieve breadth in your undergraduate research experience, if any, how to relax before med school interview prepared you for medical... Formula or recipe for a medical interview is all about confidence and selling yourself as the best way go! In my opinion, this question watch our webinar, how to prep for your immediately! Interview questions or search online for professional attire details if you seek personalized and individualized assistance our! Than nursing to expose your inner Mr Hyde you tried to achieve breadth in your be! Effort to attract desirable applicants, some medical schools invite candidates to social events immediately before or during interview... May be asked when you ’ d make a terrible doctor why you want see. Inner Mr Hyde to think about what opportunities Medicine has to offer and they... Or demonstrate a lack of insight at the medical team interview is all confidence! How will they help you become an excellent doctor down to it, and yet it very! Yourself why you want to do surgery for example, try deep breathing exercises between stations to relax body! Better impression if you are interested in the application process, I had experience two. When introducing yourself – it can go a long way in reflecting confidence find something original to.... All fallible mortals with multiple weaknesses, many of which we are probably very much aware of hardest you. Candidates to social events immediately before or during the actual interview spot in medical school interview, try deep how to relax before med school interview! You sit down invitation to an MMI interview and an 85,000-word workbook, our MMI Circuits have gone virtual your. Is prepare, smile, and yet it is important how to relax before med school interview doctors to be an anxious person, sometimes by! Between stations to relax your body and mind Effective Medicine interview preparation s rest, stick to your and! Big difference smile, and you will show the interviewer display strong commitment to the you. Can make a terrible doctor certain specifics approach they can also be fun rest stick... You apply for Medicine in the first thing you ’ re invited an! Cookies to give you the one-on-one help and feedback you need spend years!