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Medical School Interview Tips: What Do Admissions Officers Really Want?

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Congratulations to those who have already been invited for medical school interviews. It’s early in the season, so if you’re an applicant who hasn’t been invited yet, don’t be dismayed.

Getting into medical school has gotten so competitive; the interview is critical. But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?

1. They are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he wants to help people or is hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it with their pre-professional achievements.

2. They want to ensure you’re committed to medicine and that you have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Medical school is tough; the institutions are not seeking someone who is ambivalent and might quit. Giving examples of your clinical experience can help.

3. The schools want to ensure you’re reasonable. They want to see that you don’t have a problem personality, aren’t going to harass your colleagues, aren’t going to cause them embarrassment or extra work. Being professional during the interview day and having strong letters are important.

4. They want to hear you’re particularly interested in their institution. You can convince them of your interest by knowing specifics about the school and city.

One would never take the MCAT without practicing first and yet, countless applicants go to medical school interviews without preparing. If you are interested in working with me, please hire me soon, as I’m booking up for September. 

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Accomplished, Not Lovely

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Pre-pandemic, I went to hear the author Nicole Krauss speak about her novel Forest Dark. I’m a big fan of Krauss’ writing. The day I heard the author speak, she had published an opinion piece in the NYT Sunday Magazine called “Do Women Get to Write with Authority?” In the article, Krauss highlights the lack of power women writers have compared to men, and specifically, how female artists’ work is often characterized as “lovely,” a word she describes as lacking in “independent power.”

I must admit that I sometimes use the word “lovely” (both for women and men) when I like someone. But Krauss made me think about the word in the context of achievement – not personality – and her point is well-taken.

With medical school interviews starting soon, you should keep in mind that you want the faculty member you’ve met to leave saying you were “accomplished,” not “lovely.” Many applicants miss this point: You don’t want to simply be liked; you want to be seen as worthy. It’s critical that you focus on that important goal as you practice for interviews, crafting strategic, substantive responses to potential questions. 

I would strongly recommend Krauss’ History of Love (her best book in my opinion), Great House, Forest Dark and To Be A Man.

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Your Residency Interview: What Do Program Directors Really Want?

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Imagine you’re a program director (PD) going through scores of ERASes and interviews. What questions would you ask yourself as you assess each residency candidate to avoid big headaches?

1) Can this person do the job? Is s/he competent?

2) Will this person “play well with others” and not create complaints from patients, faculty, or other services.

3) Will this person stick with the program and not leave prematurely? (A PD does not want to scurry around to fill an open call schedule/ residency slot.)

As you approach your interviews, consider how you can demonstrate your competence and collegiality, as well as your commitment to the field and the residency program. For the former, ensure you showcase academic successes, extracurricular activities that demonstrate teamwork, and – if asked – hobbies and reading materials that demonstrate your agreeable personality. For the latter, highlight research projects in the specialty, sub-internships, and knowledge about the program and city.

Simply making sure the PD knows you’re not going to cause him/her trouble is at least half the battle.

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Don’t Let Other People Freak You Out

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I started Insider Medical Admissions over 15 years ago, so I’m pretty good at spotting trends. Every year about now I start getting emails from premed clients saying they’re worried about their lack of (or minimal number of) interview invitations. Yes, even as early as late August folks are concerned. They say they have a classmate who says he’s gotten multiple interview invitations or they read online that others are being contacted with many invites.

Sure, it’s possible some people are getting tons of early interview invitations. But, it’s rare and should not affect your confidence. After all, according to Amy Cuddy, whom I’ve referenced before, confidence is the name of the game when it comes to interviews.

So, simply stop checking online and minimize conversations about interviews with others. If you are in the thick of the season and you still haven’t gotten any interviews, then you’ll need to reassess and act. But for now, put in ear plugs. This process is so very stressful; you certainly don’t need to seek out more anxiety-provoking information (and who even knows if it’s accurate anyway!).

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Medical School Interviews: Preparing for your Virtual MMI

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While the majority of medical school interviews are traditional, an increasing number of institutions (including dental schools) are using the MMI platform. The MMI (multiple mini interview) is a format that uses several timed stations to assess applicants’ interpersonal skills and judgment. Despite the virtual approach, a number of schools are still using MMI. A few things to note about MMI interview questions:

1) They are not always medically related. You may be asked to manage an everyday problem (e.g. a disagreement at the supermarket).

2) They are not always situational. You need to be prepared for conventional questions too (e.g. What are your three greatest strengths?).

3) Schools are trying to assess whether you can skillfully employ important techniques and demonstrate professionalism. Underlying topics might include your ability to offer effective counseling, your understanding of patient-doctor confidentiality, your ability to diffuse a heated situation, or your capacity to admit wrongdoing, etc.

4) Make sure you know what structure the school is using and employ the right mindset: Working with an actor is different from executing a group project (especially remotely!), which is, in turn, different from answering questions about your opinions. 

5) Practice MMI questions before you “go” to your interview. Even if you have excellent social skills, there are techniques you should hone to expertly manage the challenging MMI format. 

Contact me for help. 

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital. She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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