Early this year I launched the Insider Medical Admissions Guru on the Go© stop motion video series. These super speedy videos, offering expert admissions advice, give great tips in under a minute. Now, as medical school and residency interview seasons approach, I’m posting three original Guru on the Go© videos over the next few weeks. Keep your eye out for the first one, “No Ring, No Thing.”
Blog Archives
Medical School and Residency Interview Social Events: Dine but Don’t Whine
In an effort to attract desirable applicants, some medical schools and residency programs invite candidates to social events immediately before or during the interview day. The events usually include dinner, lunch, or even drinks with the students or residents.
It’s in your interest to attend these events: They show institutions that you are serious about their programs, afford you the opportunity to score social points, and allow you to gain valuable information about the students’ or residents’ satisfaction.
One insider piece of advice, however: Ensure you act professionally even if you are told that what you say will not affect your candidacy or get back to admissions. Even if everyone has good intentions, information garnered from these events can make its way to decision-makers. If you had a bad experience at the interview day, have a significant other who doesn’t want to move, or know your first choice is a different program, these social events are not the time to reveal that information.
For insider help with medical school or residency interviews, contact me.
Medical School Interview Tips
Congrats to those who have already been invited for med school interviews.
Getting into medical school has gotten so competitive; the interview is 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.
Second, they want to ensure you are committed to medicine and that you have an idea of what you are 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. Read more ›
The Medical Residency Interview: Quick Tips
Once your ERAS has been submitted, getting into residency kicks into high gear with the interview season. Because residency admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in certain specialties – the residency interview has become critical.
Here are a few quick tips that I offer my clients: Read more ›
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
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on The Visible Voices podcast:
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:
Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the FeminEm podcast: