What should I wear and bring to an interview?

Dress as you would for any professional job interview. A neutral or dark colored suit or a dress with a blazer would be appropriate.  Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes since your interview will likely include a campus tour. In general, it’s best not to wear any distracting patterns, accessories, or strong scents, and to make sure nails and any facial hair is well groomed. It’s also a good idea to bring a water bottle, and a padfolio to take notes and stay organized with any papers or business cards you may receive.  Keep your phone turned off and inside your pocket or bag.

What are some typical medical school interview questions?

Each interview is different, but it’s common to be asked, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” To answer, you may want to tell a story about an experience or series of experiences that have led to your decision. You also may be asked, “Why do you want to attend our school?” Make sure you’re ready to explain why that school is a good fit for you and your goals. Another question could be "Tell me about yourself".

How can I prepare for an interview?

It’s a good idea to practice answering interview questions with a friend or mentor, but be careful not to memorize answers to the point where they sound rehearsed and no longer genuine. Be sure to ask your advising office if they offer interview training or mock interview sessions.You should review your application so what you wrote is fresh in your mind, and do your research on each school and their mission. Be sure not to ask any questions that are easily answered by reading the school’s website, their Medical School Admission Requirements profile or in materials already provided to you.  It’s okay to bring notes with you so you remember what you wanted to ask and also to keep information for later to help you differentiate one school from another.

Example questions to ask your interviewer:

After the interview is over, should I send a thank you note?

It’s always a good idea to email or write to your interviewers to thank them for their time. A legible, handwritten note is a nice personal touch that makes a good impression. It is also a good way to keep you fresh in their memory and differentiate yourself from other applicants. Read  Prospective Doctor’s Key Components of a Proper Thank You Note for tips on how to write your thank you notes. Remember to stick to whatever contact information you were given.