interviewing for medical school office of career services, harvard university
TRANSCRIPT
Interviewing for Medical School
Office of Career Services, Harvard University
Why do medical schools interview?
Advice from a Dean
Stanford Dean of Admissions’ instructions to interviewers:
Does your interaction with the candidate conform to the expectations you derived from reading the application?
If not; what are the discrepancies? What is missing? Do you detect any characteristics that cause you to question
the candidate’s suitability for a career in medicine or the ability to think logically and critically?
Does the candidate have a realistic expectation of life as a physician?
Advice from a PeerThe interview was the least stressful and most enjoyable part of the application experience.
Preparation: Travel arrangements
TravelLodging—student hostsScheduling
What to Wear—Business Attire
What to Wear—Business Attire
What to Wear—Business Attire
Beyond Your Clothes
Silence your phoneBring breath mints Remove facial piercings, tongue
studs if possibleCover large tattoos
Preparation: Specific School Info
Review the school website
Know what makes them special
Preparation—OCS and your house
House mock interviews Workshop materials Interview stream Alumni evaluations
http://www.ocs.fas.harvard.edu/students/careers/medicine.htm
Preparation: Preparing yourself
Know your own application
Take a copy of your application with you
Practice in front of a mirror
Prepare answers
Interview day: tips
1. Be yourself2. Be nice to everyone3. Be prompt4. Be confident5. Be prepared but do not over rehearse. Be
flexible.
Interview day: tips
6. During the interview: Non-content areas Smile. Shake hands. Eye contact. Actively engage. Be positive and upbeat. Posture and body language Expect the unexpected Give direct, thorough answers. Do not ramble. Take your student interviewer seriously Do not over analyze or second guess the
questions.
Interview day: tips
Problems in your record? BE ready
Anything else you want me to know?
Do you have any questions for me? (Sadly, yes, there are stupid questions!!)
Interview Format
Traditional Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) GroupSkype/VirtualOpen vs. Closed FileWho are the interviewers? Google is a
wonderful thing.
Interview Format
How can I learn more about each school’s interview format?
School websites
MSAR
OCS website
Studentdr.net—Approach with Caution!!
the MD-PhD Interview
Come see us!House mock interview Elevator Speech
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
6-10 stations, 2 minutes to read, 6-8 minutes to answer/execute (120 min.)
Scenario based questions
What you are being evaluated on may not always be obvious
Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)--formats
Some MMI mixed with traditional Actors Partner work Rest stations
Sample MMI
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOVbDD9lNjE
• What do you think?
Practicing a Group Activity
• Volunteers???
Let’s PRACTICE!
Post-interview Follow-Up