The Application Process
> The Interview Process| Interview Preparation |
| During the Interview |
| After the Interview |
Interview Preparation
Be sure to prepare for your interviews! Know when, where and at what time your interview will take place. If you are unfamiliar with the area, be sure to leave enough time to find the school, find the building where your interview will take place, and then find parking and walk back to the interview site. These little details can eat up a half hour's time quickly and leave you arriving late for your interview.
You should plan on dressing formally and conservatively for your interview. If you do not own an appropriate set of clothing this might be a good time to update your wardrobe!
Note that professional behavior is expected from all interviewees. This means that you should be courteous and respectful towards everyone you encounter on your visit regardless of their position (i.e. faculty member, administrator, receptionist, medical student, custodian, etc.) Never assume that any one person you encounter during your visit for an interview is more or less important than anyone else! Negative interactions with anyone during your interview visit can hurt your chances of admission!
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| Do some research about the school at which you will be interviewing. What special programs do they have? What is that school's specific mission? Are there any members of the faculty conducting research that is interesting to you? You can research the schools you have interviews at by looking through their admission materials in the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. Another great source of information is Brandeis alumni at medical schools all around the country. A list of alumni willing to talk to current Brandeis students applying to medical school is available in the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. |
| Be prepared to answer the question, "Why do you want to come to this medical school?" |
| Have a good grasp of current issues in health and medicine. You may be asked what you consider to be some of the serious problems facing healthcare professionals today, and in the future, and why. If you begin to discuss a topic, be careful not to overstep your knowledge of the area. Remember, you are speaking with professionals who are well versed in these subject areas. If you are uncertain about something, say so; don't dive in with personal theory! You will find yourself with your foot in your mouth very quickly! |
| Any information you have given to the schools about yourself is fair game for an interview! Hence, you should review your personal statement, activities list, and other application materials; be prepared to talk about your reasons/motivations for aspiring to your chosen health profession as well as any special circumstances you might have discussed in your application materials. |
| Have a list of your own questions for the interviewer. This is your opportunity to gather information that will assist you in choosing the proper medical school later. Questions about residency, affiliated hospitals, financial aid, etc. may be particularly important to you. |
During Your Interview
Once the interview begins it is important to remember that the interviewer is trying to learn more about you. He or she is interested in why you aspire to a career in health care and the depth of your commitment, your interests beyond academics and the medical profession, how you communicate your enthusiasm and how you express your ideas. Anything that you have listed on your application is fair game for a question. Make every effort not to sound defensive--you have good reasons for wanting admission; be confident! Answer questions concisely, honestly and briefly. Be sure you are answering the question that is being asked, not what you expected was going to be asked. If you don't know an answer, say so, and then be inquisitive.
After Your Interviews
Following your interview(s) you should always send your interviewer(s) a thank you note. Very few students do this, and it will make a good impression. If you must miss or wish to cancel your interview, be sure to notify the Admissions Office. If you plan to withdraw your application, cancel your interview. It will allow the school the opportunity to offer your slot to another student--perhaps a classmate--who is desperately waiting for an interview. No news from you means a delay in the application process and more anxious waiting for deserving students.