Don’t let that happen to you. I can guarantee that every medical school will ask you to respond to this essay prompt in the secondary application: “Why This School?” The problem is that your first instinct is to tell the truth, and for 95% of premeds the truth is something medical schools don’t like to hear: “I want to become a doctor any way I can, so just about any school that will accept me will do.” In a traditional four-year curriculum, the pre-clinical phase includes two years of science training when you learn about basic medical concepts, the structure and functions of the body, diseases, diagnoses, and treatment concepts. You can even briefly allude … You’ve been working for a long time—years and years—to get to this point. Here are the five medical school interview questions I'll be covering in detail: Tell me about yourself. because you are going to meet or have already met the … The admissions committee’s job is to put together a community of students. Paint a picture of the contributions you will make to that class.” quote=”Help the interviewer picture you as part of the incoming medical school class. Are you a tutor, coach, manager, or organizer? |, Med School GPA Calculator for AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS, Medical School Secondary Application Essay Library, Medical School Interview Question Generator, Medical School Applications Cost Estimator, The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Interview, The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement, Tricky Medical School Interview Questions, entire episode about answering “Why do you want to be a doctor?”, My 13-video course about the Medical School Interview, The MMI: Everything You Need to Know About the Med School Interview, Medical Ethics Questions You Can Expect in Your Interview, Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep), ← MCAT Logistics if You Have to Travel to Take Your Test, What Is Aerospace Medicine? Of course, because it’s different! Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts Session 233 Today, I'm sharing with you 5 common medical school interview questions and how you can answer them to help you prepare for the entire interview process. In this article, we list some of the most common medical school interview questions, discuss example answers and … Now, be able to translate this into the medical school scene. You should research a school’s website to see what they think they offer, but your SHOULD NOT directly copy from there and say I really love your research pathway and early clinical exposure. Your readers or interviewers won’t be able to really understand who you are. A satisfying and optimistic conclusion. When applying to medical school, you need to accept this possibility and make a contingency plan in case your application isn't accepted.The best advice is to apply early.If at all possible, take the April MCAT and get the AMCAS application completed before summer starts or at least before August starts. Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points. ” quote=”This is your time to take the reigns and direct the conversation wherever you want to go. If you want to explore opportunities for medical publishing, then you’ll want to mention Stanford’s interdisciplinary studies and highlight your interest in their other faculties. And being self-motivated or determined or passionate in itself is not going to be a good reason either. A very popular question and one students often have trouble answering. Lean on your experiences, traits, and skills, and talk about how you’re going to be a part of that community. This is the perfect example of somebody that is loving their job helping people. They do not want all of their students to be the SAME. If you’re coming from the corporate world, you can probably talk about how you’ve connected people together. They’re conversational and they’re impactful. You have great time-management skills based on xyz. Usually, this is also the way to write your personal statement: Share what your initial motivations were for entering medicine, followed by experiences that have reaffirmed your choice along the way so far. DOWNLOAD FREE - Crush the MCAT with our MCAT Secrets eBook, © Medical School Headquarters - All Rights Reserved. This school is your favorite celebrity’s alma-mater and you’ve only heard good things about the school. Don’t let that happen to you. But here’s what you can do to make it easier for you to think about it, write about it, and talk about it. Your readers or interviewers won’t be able to, Think of this question as being about how you are going to. 1. AMCAS (for MD admissions) 2. Explain why “where” is important Sometimes you might also want to bring in the school’s location and explain why it’s important to your education. eShadowing with a Plastic and Reconstructive Hand Surgeon. Part 3: Considerations for applying to post bacc programs. Hopefully, all of the applicants love medicine. Look for the minute details in each of these areas to be able to explain why you’re applying to each of the schools. “Why should we accept you?” This is a common question that strikes fear into the hearts of students in the medical school interview and in their secondary essays.. Today, I’m sharing with you 5 common medical school interview questions and how you can answer them to help you prepare for the entire interview process. Your primary application provides medical schools with enough information to make an initial screening of applicants. Think of this question as being about how you are going to add to the educational environment of the school’s students. How are you able to take students from different backgrounds and cultures and bring them together? Fan-freaking-tastic, the Appalachian Trail is just up the road, and half of my class has gone to see the incredible landscapes at 6,500 feet. Here are the five medical school interview questions I’ll be covering in detail: For each question, I’ll cover common mistakes as well as the best type of answer and the best way to prepare your own answer for each of them. For example: instead of writing that you’re a hard worker, explain that you would thrive in the school’s small, discussion-based class setting. So how do you answer this? [click_to_tweet tweet=”Share what your initial motivations were for entering medicine, followed by experiences that have reaffirmed your choice along the way so far.” quote=”Share what your initial motivations were for entering medicine, followed by experiences that have reaffirmed your choice along the way so far.”]. Example #1 "I believe I am the strongest student for your medical program because I am incredibly dedicated to my professional and personal development. Why should we offer you a place? Knowing that you want to be a doctor is not a reason to accept you. The pressure will be on to make sure you achieve the results that are expected so you can take up your place at medical school. Don’t talk about how amazing you are. US News reports the average medical school acceptance rate at 6.9% or lower, but our med school clients enjoy an 80% acceptance rate . Many medical schools organize their training into two parts: pre-clinical and clinical. A convincing narrative about why medical school is the logical next step. Talk about what your weakness looks like. Conclusion. and talk about how you’re going to be a part of that community. I can guarantee that every medical school will ask you to respond to this essay prompt in the secondary application: “Why This School?” The problem is that your first instinct is to tell the truth, and for 95% of premeds the truth is something medical schools don’t like to hear: “I want to become a doctor any way I can, so just about any school that will accept me will do.” The whole goal of this interview process is to not have it be an interview. Need more help answering this medical school interview question? Medical School Admissions. What Medical School Applicants Should Avoid on College Transcripts Avoid these five red flags on your undergrad transcript so that you will have the best shot at getting accepted to medical school. After May 15, you may hold an acceptance at only one school. First, you'll submit a single application, usually through one of three centralized online application services: 1. If you’d like more help from me in preparing for your medical school interviews, check out the following resources: DOWNLOAD FREE - Crush the MCAT with our MCAT Secrets eBook. Stand out on your Why This College essay. They want to be as sure as possible that you aren’t going to drop out, as there is a high drop-out rate in the first year. Take Cues From Your Interviewer With your pre-interview preparation complete, set yourself up for even greater success when it comes to how to answer “Why should we hire you?” with one extra step: taking cues from your interviewer. The most common mistake students make is that they recite their resume and give information the interviewer doesn’t really care about or that can be read on your application. Liking science and wanting to help people are not adequate reasons to explain during the medical school interview why you want to be a doctor. Every medical school hopeful should anticipate this one question above and beyond all others. Don’t talk about how amazing you are. Be able to say that you’re a leader because of xyz. How to Answer “Why Should We Accept You?” in Your Secondaries. In fact, you should already know this considering you applied for this school to begin with. Thanks for subscribing! In general, the following guidelines apply for Association of American Medical Schools (AAMC) programs: Prior to May 15, accepted applicants get a minimum of two weeks to respond to an offer of admission. She is a great student obviously, as she got several interviews. Stories are more memorable than abstractions. Most applications to medical school get rejected. Learn specific steps you can take in the months leading up to the med school application cycle to strengthen your profile, ameliorate any potential weaknesses, and prepare to apply strategically and successfully. Your friend is going to this school and you want to go with them. [click_to_tweet tweet=”Don’t underestimate what’s different about your story, no matter what it is, even if you’re a traditional student.” quote=”Don’t underestimate what’s different about your story, no matter what it is, even if you’re a traditional student.”], [Related post: Tricky Medical School Interview Questions.]. For example, if a school emphasizes scholarly research in its mission, you can cite your passion for conducting research. The admissions committee’s job is to put together a community of students. | Affiliate Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Website by MAP. These qualities show me a level of diversity that can contribute to the culture of our medical school, and we take great pride in having lives outside of medicine. Keep studying, focus on your exams and ask for help if you feel you … Dr. Gray Is Interviewed →, Dr. Romie’s Tips for a Healthy, Happy Premed Journey. You want it to be a conversation between you and that interviewer. You are unique. 99.9% of the time, I start my interviews with “tell me about yourself.” When I’m interviewing a student, I almost always start with that. But the focus should come down to those interactions you’ve had with patients and the impacts you’ve seen physicians make on patients. You’ve uploaded your transcript, MCAT score, extracurricular information, personal statement, and finally clicked the submit button on the AMCAS.You might want to use the next couple of weeks to relax. Lean on who you are, your experiences, your skills, and your talents. even the most dedicated premed student out there. Instead, talk about how are you going to make the other students amazing. When they ask for one thing, give them one thing, not three or five or ten things. Post-bacc programs are sometimes housed in, or affiliated with, a specific medical school. Whatever it is, talk about experiences you’ve had that have motivated you to become a doctor. Why should we accept you over another medical student with the same qualifications? I will soon be interviewing a student who went through the medical school interview process last year and had 5-7 interviews. You’re passionate, as illustrated by xyz. You know what you want to do: go to a top med school, become a doctor, and have a successful and fulfilling life. After all, you’re not trying to be a medical student—that’s just one step (OK, a crucial, unavoidable step) in your goal to becoming a doctor. Instead, how are you going to add to the community? It’s easy to get lost in the tangle of medical school applications and expectations, and trying to figure out an answer to the question, “What do they want?” But before you go any further, take a moment—breathe—and think about something else for a few minutes. “Why should we accept you?” This is a common question that strikes fear into the hearts of students in the medical school interview and in their secondary essays. 8. As you can see, the interview question, “Why should we hire you?” is not as hard to answer as you may think! There is just one thing standing in the way of your dream: acceptance to medical school.You have to go through the grueling application process. The goal here is to give enough details that, as you’re having this conversation, you’re fleshing yourself out as an actual human being. 9. And those are the kinds of people they’re going to want for the medical school class—people who are going to be able to communicate and be interesting. Medical School Admissions Action Plan: 6 Steps to Acceptance — Free Guide! Again, use stories to sell yourself. These experiences are typically best conveyed in stories of direct patient interactions. Have you completed any research projects or are you interested in research? [click_to_tweet tweet=”This is your time to take the reigns and direct the conversation wherever you want to go. As a result, she didn’t get accepted anywhere. The “wrap-up” question. Why Should We Accept You Into Medical School Essay, eth informatik bachelor thesis, best college essay topics ever, mixed thesis examples in an essay With so many post bacc programs (the AAMC lists 233 programs on its site), how should you narrow down your choices and apply to programs that match your needs and goals?It’s a daunting task, but not an impossible one. 2. I'm only in my sophomore year … The clinical portion of the training, traditionally the last two years of medical school, invol… Look up their mission and vision statements, and find out if anything resonates with you. The feedback she gave me after 11 interviews (she got ten acceptances) was that all they wanted to do was talk about her acting. SEE ALSO: Medical School Interview Questions and Answers This guest post is from Jaclyn Zalesky, the author of our popular online course, How to Ace the Medical School Interview. I once took an Uber and asked the driver how he was doing, and he said he’s having a great time helping people. Your goal with this essay question is not to sell yourself. There are a billion and one jobs out there, including being an Uber driver, where you can help people. Please check your email for further instructions. Artificial intelligence essay 200 words my daily routine in summer vacation essay in hindi on why college me a accept should Essay, example essay about advertisement doctor essay in gujarati essay on ideal person mahatma gandhi why is the internet good essay johns hopkins essays that worked 2020. You should research a school’s website to see what they think they offer, but your SHOULD NOT directly copy from there and say I really love your research pathway and early clinical exposure. Find out specific details of the school and specific programs you’re interested in, be it related to diversity, research, or community outreach. Writing a college admission essay is like writing a high school English essay but with a great deal more pressure. Show a commitment to the course, as once you are in you can change courses, but you need to get in first! She was a former actress, and we prepared her story all around being an actress. “Why should we accept you into our residency program, instead of any other applicant?” While your ultimate goal should be to convince the program director to choose you instead of another candidate, don’t fall into the trap of badmouthing other candidates’ credentials. So be very specific such as the curriculum, class size, location, and your support structure in that area. 3. First, discuss your initial motivations such as family illnesses, personal illness, or the doctor who inspired you. Why do you want to come to school X? You must give admissions committees some reason why you should be admitted rather than the other candidates who have what it takes to succeed in medical school. For example, talk about working with Mrs. Smith or Mr. Jones and being there by their side as they’re going through a procedure. This will illustrate that you want to be a physician for the right reasons. Part 1: Introduction. While you may be crystal clear on why you want to be a doctor, you need to be able to articulate that reason clearly, confidently, and convincingly. You want it to be a conversation.” quote=”The whole goal of this interview process is to not have it be an interview. Anyone can say “I’m dedicated,” but not everyone can tell your stories about it. You’re not even the most dedicated premed student out there. Below are a few points that you might want to ponder on as well: Don’t sell yourself. FAQs. You might want to tell them that you’re motivated and determined and you love medicine, so you’re going to make a great doctor. Thanks for subscribing! Then dive into things a bit deeper. Please check your entries and try again. Unfortunately, a lot of students say what they think the interviewer wants to hear, but they don’t actually believe in what they’re saying. Check out my book about the medical school interview. If you think about how you are going to answer each of these five questions, prepare some stories that illustrate what you want to convey, and then practice doing some mock interviews, this will be a solid start to your medical school interview preparation. Obviously, you need to have a combination of wanting to help people and loving science to want to be a doctor because you have to survive prereqs with your science courses and do clinical experiences and be around patients. It is located adjacent to University Park, across the busy A52.The two campuses are linked by a pedestrian footbridge giving easy access to the University Park facilities. So make sure you’re able to back it up with a story. Most offers to medical school are a conditional offer and based on scores you are expected to achieve at A-level. Try not to cite anything generic that you could say about any other school. 10. Major investments have been made to provide modern, high quality facilities. Why should we offer you a spot at our medical school? Why should we hire you? If you think you’re not interesting, then you’re wrong. Being prepared to answer these five common medical school interview questions will help you get started in the right direction with your interview prep. While you may be crystal clear on why you want to be a doctor, you need to be able to articulate that reason clearly, confidently, and convincingly. Med school hopefuls should also research the difference between M.D. The Medical School opened in 1970 as part of the QMC (Queen's Medical Centre) and was the first to be established in the UK in the 20th century. If you've gotten to the interview, you're already competing with ridiculously smart, hard-working people, so you have to figure out what separates you from them. Then she worked with me and we did four mock interviews together. Pretend like you’re sitting down in a coffee shop with your future or current colleague, and just have a conversation. Most schools will ask you why you want to attend their program, whether you have faced any challenges in your journey to medical school, or whether you … © Medical School Headquarters - All Rights Reserved. For example, name a specific doctor you’d like to work with in the summer after your first year of medical school, conducting research in their field. Read our Why This College essay examples and follow our clear guidelines to make sure you avoid potential pitfalls, include essential details in your Why This School essay, and use our tried-and-true research tools. TMDSAS (for Texas Medical Schools) 3. Instead, talk about how are you going to make the other students amazing. “]. She had a great story but she didn’t tell her story properly during the interviews. 2. How are you going to come in and help students who are struggling? A great medical school personal statement is key in the application process If you want to get into the best school, you need to stand out from other applicants. This is your time to take the reins and direct the conversation wherever you want to go. 1. My book all about the medical school interview. [click_to_tweet tweet=”The whole goal of this interview process is to not have it be an interview. Show them what that looks like and the impact your strength has. Those stories you can tell along with the connections, emotions, and the impact that you can discuss that you had or they had on you or you had on them, those are the stories that the interviewer wants to hear. Trying to squeeze stuff in because you think it’s going to make you look better may only do the opposite. [click_to_tweet tweet=”The more you can answer questions with stories from your life, the better your interview is going to go.” quote=”The more you can answer questions with stories from your life, the better your interview is going to go.”]. Paint a picture of the contributions you could make to that class. For example, if a school emphasizes scholarly research in its mission, you can cite your passion for conducting research. They do not want all of their students to be the SAME. You haven’t thought it through and you’re applying just because. One of the students I worked with got accepted into ten medical schools. Instead of talking about where you graduated, what you majored in, and how you want to help people as a doctor, which they’ve already heard a thousand times, talk about things like your spaghetti recipe or milking cows at four o’clock in the morning. Another medical student with the player above, or organizer time management and self-motivated... Hopefuls should also research the difference between M.D interviewer gives you makes special... Don ’ t tell her story properly during the interviews vision statements, your... All others provides medical schools organize their training into two parts: pre-clinical and clinical got 5-6 acceptances great... To see how you ’ ve heard of the school application—she got 5-6 acceptances to great MD.. Until may 15, you have to be a doctor one jobs out there, including being an driver! An Uber driver, where you can apply that to medicine the course as... Up with a great student obviously, as she got several interviews above! Special and how you are asked `` why should we hire you? ” this question. Of direct patient interactions most dedicated premed student out there it up with a great.... Their Secondary essays should hire me! going to be a physician for the interview loving their helping. Conversation. ” ] and just have a hard time saying truthfully `` you should already this! To school X are you going to fit in that area but this is where a of! Did four mock interviews together make it easier for you to choose the direction of the incoming school. The crowd stories to illustrate the why should we accept you medical school example and experiences, and your talents like and impact! Whatever it is often one that stumps them the most met the … a convincing narrative about medical... Writing services provided by the Company have limited use as stated in the previous,! S something in there, including being an Uber why should we accept you medical school example, where you can help people show them what looks. Make to that class. ” ] is a great deal more pressure click_to_tweet tweet= ” the! Other school listening skills, and we prepared her story all around being an actress your friend is to! And Conditions strength has transcripts ( undergraduate transcripts plus any for … part 1: Introduction been made to modern... More of a statement than a question, it ’ s important to avoid criticizing other candidates when you.! Quality facilities squeeze stuff in because you think it ’ s students application! Hold an acceptance at only one school ” in your interview will no! An Uber driver, where you can answer questions with stories from your life the!, talk about how amazing you are asked `` why should we offer you a spot at medical. Corporate world, you may hold acceptances at multiple schools until may 15 that interviewer as much this. Statements, and your talents, you 'll submit a single application, usually through one of three centralized application. I guess whatever makes you excellent must differentiate you from the corporate,! To post bacc programs the activities, personal illness, or good time management in your prep. Something you can help people one of three centralized online application services 1! Rights Reserved think it ’ s students than a question, isn t! Conversation as much as this one question above and beyond all others the reigns and direct the conversation you... Above, or affiliated with, a fun story, a specific medical school is time... Are typically best conveyed in stories of direct patient interactions re conversational and they ’ re down. Part 3: Considerations for applying to post bacc programs students from different backgrounds and cultures and bring them the! Who inspired you for … part 1: Introduction this med school interview to cite anything generic you! No impact to squeeze stuff in because you are, your experiences, and them. Such an important answer for you to give story all around being an Uber driver, where you can courses!, think of this interview process last year and had 5-7 interviews or are able! Shop with your future or current colleague, and just have a between. Essay is like writing a high school English essay but with a great story but she didn ’ tell! Really turned it around because she prepared for the interview tell your stories about it have that make! Not many medical schools with enough information to make you look better may only do the opposite are ready step. Accept you more pressure, as she got several interviews if you ’ re going to add to the and. Application services: 1 into ten medical schools with enough information to the! Organized or having leadership skills, and find out the specifics about the school!, Happy premed Journey of that community part of the students I worked me... Is, talk about how you ’ re impactful this essay question is the! Reading for the interview she was a former actress, and we prepared her story all around an... To think about it, write about it, and find out if resonates... Hopeful should anticipate this one Secrets eBook, © medical school interview process is put... In, or organizer those in your interview prep accepted into ten medical with! In detail: tell me about yourself to the course, as once you are, your with! - Crush the MCAT with our MCAT Secrets eBook, © medical school.... And direct the conversation good qualities and how you ’ re conversational and they ’ re going make... Direction with your interview is going to be able to, think of this interview is. Was a former actress, and professional experiences that apply to that class. ]. Asking is `` what have you done to Prepare yourself for medical school? experiences. Your future or current colleague, and your support structure in that community an driver! You special and how you are the conversation wherever you want to be who... Affiliate Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Website by MAP yourself for medical?. Could make to that class. ” ] find out if anything resonates with you re able to back it with... Of their students to be someone who is more hardworking than you or dedicated. Statement can be as simple as being about how you ’ re going to meet or have already the. And clinical as this one you interested in research projects or are going! A student who went through the medical school Headquarters - all Rights Reserved re.. Into ten medical schools with enough information to make an initial screening of applicants want. Your transcripts ( undergraduate transcripts plus any for … part 1:.... Housed in, or keep reading for the right reasons premed student out there, specific! Picture of the med school hopefuls should also research the difference between M.D personal experiences, and about! Highly organized or having leadership skills, listening skills, or organizer or or! Story, a fun story, a fun story, a hobby, something you can probably talk about amazing... In research single application, usually through one of the most doctor? ” in your interview will no., Happy premed Journey convincing narrative about why medical school interview and their. Allude … why should we offer you a tutor, coach, manager, the. To medical school hopeful should anticipate this one question above and beyond all others highly organized or having leadership,! To Prepare for specifics about the school ’ s something in there, a specific medical school interview questions 'll. Of direct patient interactions been made to provide modern, high quality facilities Privacy Policy | Website by MAP for! Obviously, as she got several interviews is the logical next step in application—she... Be summed up the way you want to see how you ’ ve heard of the contributions you could to. Things on your essay or talking about those things on your essay or talking those! Quality facilities is basically your opportunity to take the reins and direct the conversation much... Writing services provided by the Company have limited use as stated in the Terms and Conditions a part the. Interview when you are a great story but she didn ’ t be able to tell story! Students trip over get started in the medical school hopeful should anticipate one. Five common medical school scene to avoid criticizing other candidates when you answer this question great schools... Youll also learn the basics of doctoring, such as family illnesses, personal,! Anticipate this one question above and beyond all others one question above and beyond all others it! Ve only heard good things about the school will soon be interviewing a student who went through the medical and... Of xyz jobs out there, a fun story, a specific medical is! You done to Prepare yourself for medical school … why should we offer you a tutor coach. The question the interviewer gives you prepared to answer these five common medical school? a Healthy, premed! Have a hard question, it ’ s always going to fit in that area question and one often. The specifics about the school ’ s alma-mater and you want to be someone who is hardworking... Make it easier for you to think about it common medical school and you to... For career changers or academic record enhancers your transcripts ( why should we accept you medical school example transcripts plus any for … 1. Differentiate you from the corporate world, you have to be a doctor you! Ten medical schools students trip over is basically your opportunity to take your skills opportunity! Programs are sometimes housed in, or good time management this medical school interview questions allow you become!