MED SCHOOL INTERVIEW TIPS FROM MAYO MEDICAL STUDENTS

Question Three — What was the most common type of question asked in your interviews?

Lauren

“Personal background and motivation questions (basically follow up questions to why medicine and clarifications from my essays/application).”

Donald

“Why questions were huge. Why should we choose you? Why medicine? Why this school? Why not PA, RN, etc? But I doubt this is a unique response. The one slightly more unique suggestion I have is to connect these common questions into an overlying narrative. Why should we choose you? Tell a story. Why medicine? Tell a story. Why? Story. Interviewers remember anecdotes far more than they remember a generic cookie-cutter response. Find your niche and stick to it. Frame your answers around it and you’ll be remembered come decision time.”

Ben

“By far they were ‘Why medicine?’ and ‘Why our school?’… Plan your answers, but make them genuine!”

Valeria

“I was asked ‘Why Medicine?’ at pretty much every interview. Of course I don’t think there is a single right answer. It seems that what was important when answering this question was showing that you have done a lot self-reflection and can convey a holistic understanding of how your life experiences and competencies may make you suited for medicine. In addition to how it is you, in particular, can bring something beneficial to the medical field.”

Blade

“Beyond the standard questions, I was asked a lot of personal questions about religion and my family because I initially brought up those aspects of my life. The interviewers aren’t really allowed to ask about those topics point blank, but they are allowed to ask follow up questions if you bring it up.  It’s ok to talk about personal things to you (don’t be afraid to do so), but prepare to answer questions if you choose to bring up those aspects.”

Tyler

“I got lots of questions about why I was interested in medicine and about my experience working in teams. I was also frequently asked about my gap year experiences.”