Career Services, University of Pennsylvania

Interviewing for Medical School

The interview is an extremely important part of the medical school application process. The invitation to interview generally means that you are academically qualified to be admitted; however schools cannot admit all those who are qualified. The school wants to take a closer look at you and determine if you have the personal qualities they consider important: good communication skills; integrity; leadership ability; decision-making skills; interpersonal sensitivity; etc. The interview provides the school with a chance to evaluate you. It also provides you with a chance to learn about the school. Your interview should be a conversation in which you both answer and ask questions, as opposed to a firing line where you wait for the interviewer's next question.

Remember that the interview consists of more than just your time in the "hot seat." From the moment you step onto the medical school campus, to the time to leave it, you are under inspection. You must be "on" at all times. The way you interact with your fellow interviewees, the level of engagement that you show during the campus tour, the manner in which you speak to support staff-all of these things make an impression and can be scrutinized. Some guidelines to follow:

Since you are seeking admission to a profession, you should appear comfortable in that role. You should dress and act professionally. For men, that means a suit or a sports coat with dress slacks; for women, a suit, dress, or skirt with a blazer. Make sure your clothing is of an appropriate color (black, navy blue, and gray are very safe bets) and of appropriate styling (beware of short skirts and plunging necklines). Being clean and well-groomed is of great importance. Avoid excessive perfume or cologne-it can be off-putting. Remember that body language is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. Start and end the interview with a good handshake, and maintain eye contact throughout the interview. Gestures and movements can give as much information, if not more, than words. Be conscious of slouching in a chair (boredom?), playing with a pen or paper clip (nervousness?), and crossing your arms (hostility?). Try to look relaxed and poised. It's very important to smile-you're not attending a funeral or execution. And don't get flustered if unexpected things happen.

In most cases, you will be interviewed by a physician. Emergencies arise; sometimes your interviewer will be held up. You must be patient. Any hint of annoyance will be read as arrogance.

Have a cell phone on hand, and the number of the admissions office, just in case you get held up on your way to the interview. However, once you are on campus, TURN THE CELL PHONE OFF!! Before the interview day, consult the school's web page for a campus map, so you know where you're going. It is useful to carry a small notepad and pen, to jot down questions or information as needed. And it may sound silly, but also be sure to carry tissues or a handkerchief.

You should prepare to discuss: (1) yourself; (2) the school, and (3) general issues about health care.

1. The most common first question is, "Tell me about yourself". This is not an opening to discuss the place of your birth, your age, or other basic information that your interviewer can glean from your application. This question is an opportunity to tell the interviewer about your strengths, interests, and/or values. It is an opportunity to take a little control over the interview and guide your interviewer toward topics that you would like to discuss.

2. Think about your goals and your background. What leads you to apply for this program? How have you prepared yourself, both academically and in other ways? What strengths do you bring to your application? Reread your application. Be prepared to discuss your research in terms that anyone can understand. If you find any inconsistencies or problems in your record (low MCAT score, poor grade in organic chemistry, etc.), how would you explain them?

3. Consult the school's web page before your interview, so that you are aware of its curriculum, affiliated hospitals, etc. Another good source of information is the AAMC Curriculum Directory, which is available at Career Services.

4. Be aware of the major issues and current events in health care. Questions concerning AIDS, abortion, the right to die, national health insurance, the high cost of health care, and genetic engineering are all issues of concern to health professionals. Your stance on a particular issue is not important as long as you can discuss it intelligently and articulately. If you do not already do so, read the newspaper regularly. You may also want to look at important journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine.

The key to success in an interview is to relax and be "yourself." Answer questions honestly, and do not try to second-guess the interviewer. Maintain a positive attitude and use the opportunities given to you to point out your accomplishments and strong points. Make eye contact and establish a rapport with your interviewer. Assume that your interviewer is on your side and do not get defensive at every question that is asked of you. For a web source of feedback on interview experiences see www.studentdoctor.net/interview/index.asp.

Tell me about yourself?
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Why have you chosen medicine as a career?
What field of medicine most appeals to you?
Why did you choose to go to Penn? Did you enjoy your experience at Penn?
What has been the most rewarding (or challenging) experience of your life?
What have you read recently?
Why do you want to go to this medical school?
Why do you think you are a good candidate for medical school?
What do you consider your greatest weakness?
What would you do if you did not get into medical school?
What do you see as the greatest problem facing the health care delivery system today?
How will the restructuring of the health care system change your medical practice?
Tell me about your research; tell me about your contributions to community service projects.
What was your most valuable course in college?
What extracurricular activity have you found most rewarding?
Why didn't you take more science courses?
Why didn't you take more liberal arts courses?
What is your opinion of managed care?
What do you think about physician-assisted suicide?
Should the Supreme Court vote to legalize it?
What do you think of the recent scandal at Penn's Institute for Human Gene Therapy?
The interviewer might provide a hypothetical situation in excruciating detail and ask you how you would respond if, as a physician, you were in that situation.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it may give you some idea of what to expect.

Remember, the interview is a two-way street. You will be asked if you have any questions about the school you are visiting-be prepared to ask intelligent questions that go beyond the basic information you can access from the school's web site.

Some questions are illegal. Interviewers are prohibited from inquiring into your religion, sexual orientation, marital status, family plans, and other personal issues unrelated to your professional credentials. However, if you introduce such a topic (in your application essay, for instance), then it's fair game.

When you leave the medical school campus, there is still one more part of the interview that you will need to complete: the thank you note. Write a note to every person who interviews you, and do so in a timely fashion (within a couple of days after the interview). Beyond thanking the interviewer for his/her time and attention, use the note as an opportunity to reiterate the reasons for your interest in the school. You also might want to point to specific hings that you learned from the interview day, or clarify a point raised in the interview itself. Good luck with your interviews! If you have any questions or problems, be sure to contact your pre-health advisor.

Career Services • University of Pennsylvania
Suite 20, McNeil Building • 3718 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6209