MED SCHOOL INTERVIEW TIPS FROM MAYO MEDICAL STUDENTS

Question Four — What questions did you ask at your interview?

Lauren

“I tried to take whatever unique curriculum component they discussed/pitched on the website and ask more about how it impacted the students’ learning/success and for more details about how that feature is intended to enhance the development of physicians. Additionally, I asked questions about the on-campus culture and level of interaction amongst students of various classes as well as interaction amongst students and faculty.”

Donald

“I love research so I asked them a lot about research opportunities, year-long fellowships, etc. I also asked them, ‘Why do YOU think I should choose this school?’ Interviewers seemed to respond to this question. I think this is because it’s answerable. One thing I learned about asking questions is 9/10 times the interviewer is the worst person to ask. Most are visiting faculty instructors who have very little knowledge of the curriculum or student life. With that in mind, ask questions that a practicing physician would know the answers to.”

Ben

“It depended on the school, but typically I always had a couple questions about each school’s curriculum since they can be quite variable depending on where you interview.”

Valeria

“Since there are so many different reasons to go into medicine, I loved asking my interviewers what brought them to medicine. I also asked why they chose that particular location to work at, as well as if they felt that they were able to get to know the medical students well and form relationships with them (coming from a small liberal college where I had close relationships with my professors, the ability to have these relationships and mentorship in medical school was very important to me).”

Blade

“It may seem bold, but I always asked them ‘What do you offer that other schools may not? Why should I choose you in the end?’ I learned a lot about schools based on their answers. Some talked about research opportunities and others talked about patient exposure. Every school is special in one way or another. Ask about it.”

Tyler

“Two questions I liked to ask were ‘If your son/daughter were interested in medicine, would you want them to come to medical school X?’ and ‘How would you describe a typical student an medical school X?'”