The Interview

All programs' interview process is different.  Some do one-on-one interviews, some do panel interviews, some do group interviews.  Some use a combination of all three or use other formats altogether.  You may be able to find out more specific information on what to expect from the admissions coordinator or other candidates who have interviewed at that institution before you.   Regardless of the format, here are some things to remember.

1.  BE PROFESSIONAL.  And by this, I mean...wear a suit!  And by this, I mean wear a conservative, dark or muted-colored suit.   Casual dress is never, ever acceptable for an interview.  Remember, the goal is to present yourself in  professional manner.  Act in a mature, polite manner.  Appropriate humor is acceptable, but do not be silly, goofy or obnoxious.  Below are some gender-specific suggestions for appropriate interview attire.

Men, a nice tie is recommended.  Character ties may or may not be advisable.  Sometimes I think they're kind of funny and they help me remember someone.  Sometimes they're way over the top.  It's best to make an impression by other attributes rather than by your tie.  Wear nice shoes which are clean and in good repair.  Nothing ruins a "look" like a ratty, beat-up pair of shoes.  Hair should be clean and styled in a professional manner.  Short hair tends to create a more professional image, however, I have never believed that we should be in the business of telling someone how long their hair should be.  Depending on what geographical region you're in, longer hair on men may be more or less acceptable. 

Ladies...I cannot stress this enough....I DO NOT WANT TO SEE YOUR CLEAVAGE!  Wear a nice  blouse under your suit which does not show inappropriate amounts of your real estate.  Do not wear dangly or obnoxious jewelery which makes noise.  Wear heels if you want, but if you wear high ones, please make sure you can WALK in them.  Often the interview process includes a tour of campus.  If you're clacking and stumbling around in stripper heels and holding the rest of the group up because you can't walk in them, it will be very, VERY annoying to all involved.  Wear makeup, but do not apply it with a trowel or a spray gun.  Perfume should be used sparingly, if at all.  Some people find perfumes to be overwhelming and off-putting.  Wear your hair in a conservative style.  Crazy, teased up-do's piled on top of your head do not send a professional message.

2.  BE PREPARED.  Research the profession (which you've hopefully already done, ad nauseum), the educational institution, and the program.  Have some questions formulated about the school or the program in case you're given the opportunity to ask them.  There are well-known interview questions that are almost always asked in medical programs.  Google them and formulate YOUR general answers to them.   So much of what is asked in most interviews can be anticipated, so don't be caught without answers.

3.  BE YOURSELF.  Interviews are nerve-wracking, to be sure.  Try, to the extent possible, to relax and answer questions honestly and as naturally as possible.  We want to see what your personality is like...we want to see the "real you".  Interact with other applicants while you wait.  These may be your classmates.  This is a good chance to make a first impression on them, get to know them and forge some early friendships.  Also, staff from the program will likely have an eye on you as you wait.  They make note of people who interact well with others, those who annoy everyone else, and those who sit alone and refuse to interact. 

4.  BE ON TIME.  Punctuality is non-negotiable.  Last year we had an applicant who was near the top of the applicant pool with regards to grades, GRE's and other application criteria.  He showed up late to the interview and was also late to several portions of the interview processess because of poorly-timed restroom visits, etc.  At one point no one knew WHERE he was.  Needless to say, regardless of his competitive application, he did not get in based solely on this display of unreliability. 

5.  BE POSITIVE!  A positive attitude is engaging and infectious.  Embrace the interview as an opportunity to shine and to show us what you're made of.  This is the admissions committee's only opportunity to see you and our decision will be based on this encounter!