Admissions officers typically finish reviewing all applications before they send interview invitations to the applicants whom they believe have the strongest qualifications. Being invited to an interview indicates a medical school is very interested in you! They want to learn more about you, the person behind the application and your characteristics that are valuable to the medical profession.
We have created the Interview Resources for Medical School Applicants webpage to help you navigate the medical school interview process with confidence. This page includes interview prep materials, advice from admissions officers and current medical students, and the Medical School Applicant Interview Preparation Guide. This guide will show you what to expect, how to prepare, and what questions you should ask to find the school that is the best fit for you.
The guide’s key features include:
- Interview types and formats: Learn about the various interview types you may encounter, including live in-person, virtual, hybrid, and asynchronous virtual interviews, and understand what to expect from each format.
- Effective interview preparation: Gain insights into common interview structures, question formats, and how to respond confidently using the STAR method (situation, task, action, and result) for behavioral-based questions.
- Common interview topics, applicant rights and responsibilities: Explore the essential topics often covered during medical school interviews and understand your rights and responsibilities as an interviewee.
- Virtual interview etiquette: Learn how to prepare for virtual interviews, set up professional environments, and project confidence through online platforms.
- Professionalism and best practices: Discover the importance of professionalism throughout the application process and learn tips on how to make a lasting impression during interviews.
Remember, this is your opportunity to show admissions officers your "why" and what makes you a holistic applicant ready for medical school. Why are you passionate about medical school? What motivates you? What obstacles did you overcome and how have you grown from these experiences? Use this opportunity to express yourself in ways that your application couldn’t convey; this is your moment to shine!
View the Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR®) Report for Applicants and Advisors 2024: Interview Procedures resource as well as the AMCAS® Choose Your Medical School Tool for more information on medical school interviews and key steps involved in the medical school admissions process.