Dressing for a Med School Interview Comments Off

Filed under Interaction With People, Interview Situation
Written by Fred on 26th Aug -10

It is no secret that the usual advice when it comes to grooming and dressing for med school interviews is to keep it clean, neat, and conservative.

What this usually means in a color-neutral suit for men and the same for women. For women, you have a choice between a pant suit versus a skirt. Any will do as long as you are comfortable and look professional in it. Women may forgo the suit but make sure that your substitute is very personal.

I personally don’t like giving dress codes since a lot of brilliant applicants just have personalities that don’t go with suits and ties. But since this is a one-time thing it is best to just let ones personality shine through via your words rather than as a fashion statement.

As for the accessories make sure not too wear any flashy jewelry. Keep your shoes shiny and clean and if your a woman and comfortable with power heels, then by all means wear them. If you’ll be teetering a tottering as you enter the interview room though, go with a more reasonably-heeled shoe.

Do Comparative Research on Med School Backgrounds Comments Off

Filed under Interview Situation, Medical Schools
Written by Fred on 20th Jun -10

Researching on the background of the med school you are scheduled to be interviewed is not enough. Of course, it is a must but do not stop after learning about its history, thrust, research and academic programs, etc. To make sure you are fully equipped, do research on the med school’s top competitions, especially if you have submitted an application to those as well.

Doing comparative research on the different med schools background is very important because it will help you decide in the end which one you will want to go with, in case you get accepted to several (lucky you!). But before that it will help you fend questions and give more detailed answers for questions like “What attracted you to this med school?” or “What do you think we have to offer that other med schools do not?”. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the med school in comparison with others it will show that you did your homework and the amount of interest you have in really pursuing a career in medicine.

Extraversion A Plus in Applying to Med Schools Comments Off

Filed under Growth Opportunities, Interaction With People, Interview Situation
Written by Fred on 10th Dec -09

A study by the University of Minnesota indicates that personality is a predictor a student’s success in med school. The study showed that students that have some of the key personality factors to success in med school are conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness.

While conscientiousness may have always been a factor that everyone knew contributed to academic success, the level at which extraversion affects academic performance positively came as a surprise since many equated the trait with poor grades.

The study, which is an eye opener, will surely have implication on the admissions process of medical schools with interviewers now noting the extraversion and agreeableness of a person as a positive attribute.

What this means for interviewees is that during interviews it is very important to appear as extraverted as possible. Time to brush up on those interpersonal skills!

What is your greatest weakness? Comments Off

Filed under Interview Situation, Mistake
Written by Fred on 26th Jun -09

One of the most common interview questions is the big old “What is you greatest weakness?”. The surprising thing is that interviewees still find themselves fumbling for an answer, as if the question is an unexpected one.

When answering this question it is best to be honest. However, before doing an interview take stock of your strengths and weaknesses because you need to be able to present yourself in the best light even as you say the truth.

According to most interviewers the worst answers to this question would be “I don’t know” or “I don’t have any.” The next worst would be any weakness that would really affect your performance like being a procrastinator or simply lazy. They may be true but since we all have a long list of weaknesses then better choose the one that you can work and an can even convert to a strength. Answers like being a perfectionist is also not a good one since it shouts “safe answer” and thus, doesn’t ring true.

Work Experience and the lack of it Comments Off

Filed under Growth Opportunities, Interview Situation
Written by Fred on 20th Oct -08

Not everyone aiming to get into med schools have the work experience to back them up, or at least fatten their resumes. What should you do if you are one of these people?

The simplest thing that you can do if you still have time is to make sure you get some experience! Get experience really quick by volunteering your time and services in local nursing homes, hospitals, or even caring for a loved one. Volunteering in an institution will be plus points since you can also use your “boss” their as a reference. As for caring for friends and family you get to at least mention the fact in interviews. Just make sure you also research on the background of their ailment (Are they recovering from surgery/an accident or do they have chronic illnesses or rare disorders?) so that you can explain and show your knowledge of the medical aspect of the care and also how you know that the care you provided was correct.

If by the time the interview is due and you still have no real work experience, then make sure to be honest and just highlight your other strong points as well as your observations and reflections on what you have seen in hospitals and other health care environments, even if just as a visitor or patient.

Answering Ethical Questions Comments Off

Filed under Ethics and Issues, Interview Situation
Written by Fred on 25th Aug -08

Ethical dilemmas are one of the unsavory things that go with being a doctor. As applicants to medical schools, one of the things that will certainly will be assessed during the interview is your tolerance for ambiguity and understanding of ethical issues.

When answering ethical questions, such as your opinion or feelings about abortion, euthanasia, use of animal testing for new drugs, etc., it is important to be able to make a stand and deliver your point clearly.

Making a stand shows that you clearly know what you are talking about and can make a decision when it is critical. Sitting on the fence, on the other hand, will be a clear sign that you are playing it safe and might not have the grit it takes to make the hard decisions that comes with being a physician. However, make sure that as you make a stand you don’t end up coming across as a bigot, who is intolerant of other people’s opinions, especially that of the patient’s.

Prepare yourself for ethical questions by reading on the topics. Look at both sides and really search within yourself to know where you stand.