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?

By asking these types of questions, medical school admissions committees can get a better sense of a candidate's strengths, weaknesses, and overall fit for the program.