Your Medical School Interview
When preparing a medical school interview, think about and practice answers to these questions.
Personal Characteristics and Motivation: Questions in this area are designed to evaluate the candidate's personal characteristics, motivation, and fit for the program. Sample questions might include:
What qualities do you possess that make you an excellent candidate for medical school?
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
How have you demonstrated your commitment to the medical profession?
What qualities do you think are essential for a successful physician, and how do you embody those qualities?
Academic and Professional Experience: Questions in this area are designed to assess the candidate's academic and professional background and how they have prepared them for a career in medicine. Sample questions might include:
How have your academic and professional experiences prepared you for medical school?
What was the most challenging course you took during your undergraduate studies, and how did you overcome the challenges?
How have you gained clinical experience, and what did you learn from those experiences?
What research experience have you had, and how has it influenced your decision to pursue a career in medicine?
Ethical and Moral Reasoning: Questions in this area are designed to evaluate the candidate's ethical and moral reasoning skills, which are critical for a career in medicine. Sample questions might include:
How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with a colleague or supervisor regarding patient care?
What would you do if a patient refused a necessary treatment or procedure?
How would you handle a situation where you discovered that a patient was being mistreated or neglected?
How do you approach decision-making when faced with an ethical dilemma?
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Questions in this area are designed to assess the candidate's communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for effective patient care. Sample questions might include:
How would you approach communicating with a patient who speaks a different language than you?
What strategies do you use to ensure that patients understand their medical conditions and treatment options?
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with patients or their families?
What do you think are the most important qualities for building strong relationships with patients?