Pre-Interview Suggestions

There are a number of steps that you can take that will help to prepare you for your interview:

1. Read the school's catalog and become familiar with any special facilities or programs is has to offer.

2. Discuss with fellow applicants about their experiences at interviews at various schools.

3. Dress neatly and be properly groomed.

4. Arrive for the interview early, so that you locate the interview site with time to spare for an adjustment to your surroundings.

5. If your interviewer is late, do not indicate annoyance for being kept waiting.

6. Act naturally and avoid looking nervous. To avoid nervousness, focus on your strengths and "know" that you are best candidate for admission!

7. Answer the questions raised without trying to anticipate what you think the interviewer wants to hear.

8. Avoid controversial subjects and don't raise sensitive issues.

9. Be prepared to explain your specific interest in the school you are visiting.

10. If you inadvertently "flub" a question, don't let it upset you for the rest of your interview.

11. Be well rested, alert, and honest. Do not exaggerate your scholastic achievements or activities.

12. If you worked on a research (or other) project, be prepared to discuss it fluently and concisely.

13. If you have had exposure to medicine by working at a hospital, be prepared to discuss it if asked, or work it into the conversation in an appropriate manner.

14. If you can, find out the departmental affiliation of your interviewer in advance from an admissions office secretary, or by checking his or her name in the school catalog. When possible raise a topic of special mutual interest.

15. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the school and its program - or about the interviewer's activities (e.g., how much time does he or she have for research).

16. Talk to a classmate who has had an interview at the school. Get his or her impressions of the school and interview. Remember that it is unlikely that you will get the same interviewer - but it is possible.

17. If the school is of special interest to you, contact an alumnus in attendance or a recent graduate.

18. Bear in mind that the school is trying to get a sense of you as a person - to see what motivates you - to understand why you want to enter their school, and to become convinced that you are a worthy, potential colleague.