Questions?

Do you have burning questions about the pre-med, medical school admission, and residency process? Post a comment, and I will happily answer any and all questions.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Medical School Interviews – Why Do You Want to Be a Doctor?

Many premeds worry about the content of the medical school interview. The most important content to conquer is about you. You already know all about yourself but the key is figuring out how to present that to the interviewer.

Start your interview prep by answering this question:

“Why do you want to be a doctor?”

Simple, huh? Go ahead and try to answer it right now.

Harder than it seems, isn’t it?

This question will be asked in some form in every interview. You answered it in the AMCAS primary essay, but interviewers want to hear it again. It is the essential question, right?

Your goal is to answer the question clearly and concisely with no more than three talking points. Tying these three reasons to brief anecdotes will help the interviewer remember your reasons.

Want to practice your medical school interview answers? Mock interview sessions are filling quickly. E-mail info@MDadmit.com for a one-on-one practice session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Medical School Interviews – The First Twelve Inches

To help you pull it all together on your interview day, etiquette experts have a simple rule to ensure you are looking your best. It’s the first 12 inches that matter most (head, hands, feet):

Head
• Hair clean and well-groomed
• Be clean-shaven
• Check nothing is stuck in your teeth

Hands
• Groom the nails short and clean
• No chipped nail polish

Feet
• Polish the shoes
• Guys - be sure your socks match
• Ladies – no runs in panty hose or stockings

Mock interview sessions are filling quickly. E-mail info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 for a one-on-one practice session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Medical School Interviews – Hair and Accessories

The medical school interview season is not the time to experiment with that mohawk you always wanted. Keep the hair clean and simple. Men with long hair do not need to cut it all off, just keep it clean and out of your face. The same rules apply to women.

As for jewelry, earrings in men are always a point of controversy. If your earring is an important part of who you are, leave it in. But if it’s just a piece of jewelry, I would take it out. Body piercings that show (nose ring, tongue ring, eyebrow ring, etc) fall under the same general guidelines as earrings. Wear it if it is a huge part of who you are. Lose it for a day if it isn’t.

Mock interview sessions are filling quickly. E-mail info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 for a one-on-one interview practice session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Medical School Interviews – The Suit and Shoes

All interviews start with a first impression. This means you need to be well dressed and well groomed. Once you are a physician, your patients will want you to look put together. And so do the interviewers. It may seem cliché and shallow, but you need to look good.

The suit is the staple of anyone heading out on the medical school interview trail. Despite popular opinion, it does not have to be black and boring! Yes, dark/neutral color is likely best (blue, grey, camel) but you don’t have to give up all style for interviews. Your goal is to look sharp and professional instead of boring and drab.

Don’t forget the importance of shoes. These shoes need to be incredibly comfortable, work in various climates, and look classy. At some schools, the majority of your interview time will be spent walking. Make sure the shoes are clean and shined. Yes, I mean go out and buy real shoe polish and scrub the shoes before every interview. Shined, well-kept shoes show a person is detail-oriented and dedicated to an overall polished look.

Need help with your interview style? E-mail info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to put a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions expert to work for you!

Check out www.MDadmit.com for more information.