Evelyn V. Gopez M.D.
Professor of Pathology
Associate Dean, School of Medicine
Inclusion and Outreach
Medical School Applicant
Interview
Do’s and Don’ts
Goals
• Be Prepared!
• Be Confident!
• Be Yourself!
Be Prepared!
Mock Interviews
• Prepare for questions
– Know your application
– Rehearse your answers
• Prepare your interview outfit
– Wear IT!
• Sit in it
• Stand in it
• Walk in it
Before You Arrive
• Make sure they have received your:
– Personal Statement
– References
– Transcripts
• Make sure you know:
– Where to go
– Where to park
– Name and Number of a contact person
Personal Statement
Present information in chronological order
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What do you know about medicine?
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Include personal experiences
How have you explored your interest in
medicine?
What unique qualities would help you succeed?
Have at least 3 people read your 1st draft
(at least one physician)
Personal Statement Checklist
• Have as many people critique it as possible
(especially physicians)
• List information in chronological order
• Be original and specific –
• Include personal experiences, activities, and
inspirations
Social Media
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Appearance
Hair “Don’ts” for Men
Hair “Do’s” for Men
Hair “Don’ts” for Women
Hair “Do’s” for Women
Make-up Errors
(Keep It Simple!)
Apparel
Don’ts For Men
Do’s for Men
Don’ts for Women
Do’s For Women
Appearance Check List
• For Men:
For Women:
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Neat hair away from face
Low–med heel, close-toed shoes
Neutral stockings
Simple jewelry
No low-cut blouses
light make up
Well-groomed hair (long hair tied back)
Good, polished shoes
Dark, coordinating socks
No flashy jewelry
Solid white or light-colored shirt
Coordinated tie
For Everyone:
• Remove piercings (1 earring in each ear ok)
• Pay close attention to personal hygiene!
The Bottom Line
• Stand out from the crowd.
• BE YOURSELF.
• Be your BEST self.
The night before the interview
Too late for last minute #@*#&%$*#
Do NOT go out partying!
Make sure your wardrobe is ready
Relax..Relax..RELAX!
Get a good night’s sleep
Night Before Checklist
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It is too late to worry.
Relax!
Don’t party
Prepare your wardrobe and documents
Get a good night’s sleep
Set the alarm. Set 2 alarms. (just in case).
INTERVIEW DAY
Have a good breakfast
Scrupulous Personal Hygiene
Take a GOOD look in the Mirror
Leave plenty of time to arrive
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“On time” = 15 minutes early
Take Everyone Seriously
• Medical students are often asked to interview
applicants.
• Their opinions count.
• EVERYONE is watching and listening, including:
– Other students
– Office staff
– Escorts
Before the interview Checklist
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Eat a good breakfast
Pay careful attention to hygiene & wardrobe
Check yourself in a full length mirror
Know where you are going and where to park
Leave plenty of time to arrive
Plan on being 10-15 minutes early
Have confident body language
THE INTERVIEW
Be Prepared
Stand until the interviewer sits
or asks you to sit
Shaking hands
(optional)
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Don’t make comments about the office or
personal effects of the interviewer
Be Confident – NOT Arrogant
Be sincere in your answers
Be prepared to discuss what you’ve
written in your application
– Research
– shadowing
– other meaningful experiences
– Be enthusiastic – not over-eager
– Be positive – not desperate
– Be memorable
– Be YOURSELF
NO BAD LANGUAGE!!!!
Challenge Questions
Used to discover your thought processes –
There are
NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWERS
ASK QUESTIONS:
• Show the interviewer you are interested.
• Ask about:
– The school
– Board pass rates
– Residency positions
– Community service activities
– Research opportunities
Leaving
• Leave on a positive note
Lasting Impression
• Make eye contact
• Shake hands
• Say “Thank You” to everyone!
It’s OVER!
Congratulations!
Now What?
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What did you learn?
How will you answer in the future?
How did you feel in your clothes?
What worked? What didn’t?
How can you improve “you”?
FOLLOW UP
Website:
• WWW.MEDICINE.UTAH.EDU/OUTREACH