To Address or Not to Address (Deficiencies in Your Application): That is the Question

Whether to address weaknesses in your application during the interview is a difficult topic. Generally, what I recommend is as follows:

1. If you have a mild weakness (one mediocre grade/evaluation), there is no need to bring it up with the interviewer.

2. If, on the other hand, you have a major weakness (very low MCAT/failed the USMLE, large chronological gap, etc.) then you are better off addressing the issue head on. Think of the politicians who are caught in scandals: Those that ‘fess up early manage their problems. Those that don’t let the press interpret them. (I’m not saying that a weakness in one’s application is equivalent to some politicians’ misconduct; I’m just using this as an analogy.) If you have a glaring problem, go ahead and confront it head on. It will demonstrate integrity and will allow you to mold the admission committee’s perception.

For individualized mock interview assistance, contact me. I am booking 2-3 weeks in advance, but I try to squeeze in clients sooner when I’m able.

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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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