Your medical school interview is one of the most important days of your life. It is a couple of hours that determines your entry into medical school. Good medical school interview preparation is key and we all know that.
But what are you supposed to do on the day of your medical school interview? We will give you 5 tips below.
1. Plan your day
Creating a schedule for your day can be reassuring and give you one less thing to think about on the day of your interview. If the interview is in person then make sure you know your route and how to get to your interview in good time. If the interview is online then make sure that your webcam and microphone works. You must also make sure that you know how to access the online interview and that your laptop is plugged into the mains!
If you have a morning interview then make sure that you get up early - eat a healthy breakfast and have a shower to wake yourself up. Give yourself enough time to test your equipment or get to the interview.
If you have an afternoon interview then I would still make sure you get up early. Eat well and do something to de-stress. For me it would probably be a 5km run or run but it could range from listening to your favourite album to reading a chapter of your favourite book. I am a big believer in getting outdoors so if possible go for a short walk.
If the interview is a long way from home then I recommend booking a hotel and going the day before. This will allow you to look around the city and it will mean that you are not going to be late to your interview.
2. What to wear? Make sure you look the part.
You have one chance to impress so make sure that you look that part. The dress code is formal. For boys I usually suggest a suit. For girls it is not as easy but it can still be a suit or a good formal outfit is some trousers/a skirt, a white blouse, and a blazer. I would recommend removing any big chains or jewellery and keeping yourself looking as simple as possible as the interview should be focussing on what you are saying and not what you are wearing.
It is not just about what you are wearing! If the interview is online then make sure your room is tidy and you have a plain background. You want to make sure you have the best possible lighting and that the view of your camera is clear and shows your full head and shoulders. I recommend putting a light behind your computer or laptop.
3. Have some stress-busting techniques up your sleeves
We all remember our medical school interviews and they were stressful. It is important to recognise this and plan ahead.
Before the interview
Practice as much as you can! Practice in front of a mirror, your parents, and your friends.
Schedule a MasterMedPrep mock interview as close to your real interview as possible.
Limit caffeine.
Get some physical exercise on the day of your interview. You don't have to go crazy... a walk will do!
Meditate or listen to a relaxing podcast.
During the interview
Remember that it is normal to be anxious during an interview.
The interview may be as anxious as your are.
Take a couple of deep breaths if you are feeling yourself getting overwhelmed.
You have practised and been on a MasterMedPrep mock interview so you know that you are well prepared... time to show off!
4. Do not underestimate the importance of body language
I cannot emphasise enough how important this is. We practice this with all of our students. A huge portion of how you come across is based on your body language alone and it is a really important way of communicating as well as verbal communication.
Do
Smile appropriately throughout. You want to look enthusiastic even if you have to fake a smile!
Sit still and upright.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer whether that be in person or online.
Maintain open body language.
Don't
Swing on your chair. I often make students sit on a chair without wheels during online interview so that they are not tempted.
Do not look around the room it looks like you are not concentrating.
5. Write down the top 5 things that you want to get across in your interview
Use Warren Buffet's 5/25 rule to help you succeed in your medicine interview.
Warren Buffet, the famous investor, recommends an exercise to help people focus on their most important aims and objectives. This can be applied to your medical school interview too.
Write down as many things that you have achieved or done during your life whether that be academic or non-academic. Once you have this list, cross off things you consider less important until you are left with 5 achievements. I want you to focus on these 5 achievements in your medical school interview and try to get them across in your answers. I would take these 5 things you are most proud of and prepare answers for them.
I hope that this medical school interview tips will help you to succeed on the day. Remember - you have already achieved a lot just by getting an interview! If you have any questions about medical school interview or medical school interview prep then please get in touch and we will be happy to help!
The best way to prepare for an interview is practice and we highly recommend our mock interview that will be tailored towards your chosen university. We will make sure that you get all the feedback and practice you need.