Blog Archives

Getting Into Medical School: Medical School Interview Advice

Getting into medical school has become increasingly difficult, in part, because of the poor economy: Competitive candidates who used to target other graduate schools are turning toward medicine, a less volatile field. Consequently, stronger candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making the medical school interview critical.

But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?

First, 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. Read more ›

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Medical School Interview: Quick Tips

Once your AMCAS and secondary essays have been submitted, getting into medical school kicks into high gear with the interview season. Because medical school admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy –
the medical school interview has become critical.

Here are a few quick tips – medical school interview advice – that I offer my clients: Read more ›

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Medical School Interview: Writing Thank You Notes

Once your AMCAS and secondary essays have been submitted, getting into medical school kicks into high gear with the interview season. Because medical school admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy –
the medical school interview has become critical.

Thank you notes can be good ways to alert institutions of your interest. They can also serve as reminders to your candidacy. Read more ›

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Residency Admissions

Matching to a residency program through the NRMP® (National Resident Matching Program) is a competitive endeavor. Even strong candidates – especially IMGs (international medical graduates) – can have difficulty getting PGY-1 (post graduate year one) positions in many specialties. Those that do match may not get their first or second choices, leaving them in suboptimal locations or programs. Consequently, professional residency admissions’ consulting has become increasingly important in optimizing residency applications and ensuring that candidates get into the programs they desire. Read more ›

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Medical Residency Interview Advice

Matching to a residency program through the NRMP® (National Resident Matching Program) is a competitive endeavor. Even strong candidates – especially IMGs (international medical graduates) – can have difficulty getting positions in many specialties. Those that do match may not get their top choices, leaving them in suboptimal programs.

Consequently, optimizing your performance during the medical residency interview is critical. But what are residency directors looking for during the interview process?

First, 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 is compassionate or hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it. Read more ›

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Receive FREE Insider Medical Admissions Tips.

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: