Hey, everyone! Isaac was nice enough to do an interview on interviewing. He was in the process of applying and has since gotten into med school! Anyways, here’s some info on interviewing! Hope you enjoy the read!
1) Tell me about yourself.
I was born in Cleveland Ohio. At the time, my father had recently immigrated to the US from Ethiopia, and my mother was a math teacher at a local inner city high school. When I was seven, my mother and I moved to Vermont. For college, I attended the University of Vermont (UVM), where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. In addition to academics, I was on the track and field team, and also helped to found my school’s first Minority Association of Pre-medical Students (MAPS) chapter. After graduation, I spent the summer studying for the MCAT, and then took off to live with family in Ethiopia for six months while exploring my interest in global health and underserved communites. Currently, I am working in a pulmonary research lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston while I apply for medical school. Not sure what kind of doctor I want to be yet, but my current interests are primary care, emergency medicine, and public health.
2) Tell me a fun fact!
My fun fact is that I am both a first generation American (my father is an immigrant) and a descendant of settlers that arrived in North America in the 1600’s.
3) What did you do to prepare for interviewing?
What I did:
I talked to as many doctors and medical students as I could and tried to get their perspectives on what they thought about relevant healthcare issues (i.e. single payer healthcare, challenges of being a doctor, etc..). I also tried to educate myself on topics that intersect politics and healthcare, including ethical questions. I also just googled medical school interview questions and printed out ones that I thought were interesting. In addition, I made sure I was knowledgeable about the research I was involved in.
What I would recommend:
Just make sure you know yourself. All of the interviews I’ve had so far have been more casual and conversation centered, rather than testing my knowledge of certain topics (with the exception of the research I’ve been doing). Also, make sure you know your application, and establish some key points you want to convey about yourself during each interview.
4) How should interviewees dress for interviews?
Formal. Men should be in grey, navy, or black suits and ties.
5) How do you give a good first impression?
Smile, make good eye contact, and be respectful. Always thank your interviewer for their time.
6) What are a few things students should definitely do during the interview?
This goes back to question 3. Make sure you have key talking points that you want to get across by the end of each interview. These should include things like your core reasons for wanting to be a doctor, why you want to go to that particular school, and any important areas of yourself that you don’t address in your applications.
7) How should prospective students follow up after the interview?
Honestly, I’ve just been sending emails of thanks.
8) Finally, do you have any general advice for pre-med students preparing for the interviewing process?
Practice with a family member or friends. Watch yourself answer questions on camera or in a mirror, and just be mindful of your body language and how you are portraying yourself.
Thanks, Isaac! Since this interview, Isaac has received multiple acceptances to medical schools, including a free ride to his alma mater. He will be part of the Class of 2022.
Thanks for visiting my blog! Comment below if you have additional questions. Be sure to check out my other posts. More to come soon! Until then be kind and remember tomorrow depends on what you do today. Hope you enjoyed reading! — Taylor ❤
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