Mastering Medical School Interviews
So, you’ve landed a medical school interview—congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment. But now comes the real challenge: standing out in a sea of equally qualified candidates. The interview is your opportunity to distinguish yourself and make a lasting impression. Excelling in the interview requires effectively answering questions while showcasing your unique journey, communication skills, and readiness for the field. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a guide to prepare, impress, and follow up like a pro.
In our previous blog All About 2024 Medical School Interviews, we explored the different interview formats used by Ontario medical schools and shared essential strategies for success. Today, we will expand on that by diving deeper into the types of interview questions you can expect and how to handle them with confidence.
Common Medical School Interview Questions
Knowing the kinds of questions to expect is the foundation of solid preparation. Medical school interview questions often fall into three main categories: behavioural, motivational, and ethical/situational. These questions assess who you are, why you’re here, and how you think.
Behavioural Questions
These are designed to understand how you’ve handled real-life situations and what that says about your character. Expect questions like:
Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it.
Describe a situation where you worked in a team to achieve a goal.
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a tried-and-true technique borrowed from professional interviews. It helps you organize your thoughts and communicate effectively.
You would begin by describing the context (Situation), the problem or goal (Task), your approach (Action), and the outcome (Result). This approach allows you to highlight qualities like resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving—traits that set you apart.
Motivational Questions
These questions dig into your "why." Examples include:
Why do you want to be a doctor?
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
To stand out, avoid generalizations like “I want to help people.” Instead, share specific, personal stories that demonstrate your passion for medicine, such as a meaningful volunteer role or personal encounter Use these stories to craft a compelling narrative that shows not just your motivation but also the depth of your commitment.
Ethical & Situational Questions
Ethical dilemmas and situational questions test your ability to think critically and navigate complex issues. For example:
How would you handle a patient refusing life-saving treatment?
How would you approach a situation where a colleague’s personal beliefs are affecting their professional judgment in patient care?
Approach these questions with empathy and balance, showcasing your reasoning process rather than trying to find the “perfect” answer. Professional interview strategies like staying calm, composed, and reflective under pressure can help you deliver thoughtful and measured responses. Brush up on the four ethical principles (autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice) and current healthcare issues to add depth to your answers.
Preparing for Your Medical School Interview
Once you know what to expect, it’s time to strategize. Excelling in your medical school interview is about more than just answering questions—it’s about using the opportunity to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression.
Research the Medical School
Tailor your answers to the medical school by researching its mission, values, and curriculum. Highlight academic projects for research-focused schools or volunteer work for community-driven schools. Explore the school’s websites, attend virtual open houses, and connect with students through forums or LinkedIn to gain deeper insights and align your responses with the school’s priorities.
Practice Makes Perfect
Mock interviews are the ultimate preparation tool. Practicing with a mentor, friend, or career coach helps you refine your delivery, body language, and tone. Borrow techniques from professional interviews, like recording yourself to review your responses. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact, sitting up straight, and speaking clearly. These small details can make a big difference in how you’re perceived. Keep reading below where we'll highlight some great tools and resources to take your preparation to the next level!
Distinguish Yourself
The interview is your stage to showcase what makes you unique. Think of it as your personal elevator pitch. Start strong with a concise, engaging introduction that highlights your background and passion for medicine. Throughout the interview, weave in your personal narrative—your journey, challenges, and defining moments. Use examples that emphasize qualities like leadership, empathy, and curiosity to make a lasting impression.
Stay Engaged and Enthusiastic
Body language matters. Smile when appropriate, nod to show you’re actively listening, and maintain eye contact to convey confidence and interest. Non-verbal communication can reinforce the enthusiasm you express in your answers. Remember, your energy is contagious—if you’re excited about the program, your interviewer will feel it too.
Helpful Resources
Having the right tools can make all the difference when prepping for your med school interview. Here are some of the best resources to help you nail it:
Books
The Medical School Interview by Dr. Jessica Freedman: This book is a go-to because it’s packed with practical advice and tons of sample questions to help you prepare for anything they might throw your way.
Cracking Med School Interviews by Ryan Gray: This one’s a quick read with solid tips and strategies to keep you sharp and confident.
Forums and Peer Advice
Student Doctor Network (SDN): Think of this as your insider’s guide. It’s full of real experiences from other students, so you can learn what worked for them—and avoid common mistakes.
Mock Interview Tools
Check with your school’s career center! Many offer mock interviews specifically for med students, and you’ll get feedback on everything from your answers to your body language.
Online platforms like Big Interview are also great. They let you practice, record yourself, and tweak your delivery so you’re ready to impress.
Pick what works for you and mix it up - mock interviews, forums, and a good book or two can go a long way toward helping you nail your big day.
Asking Thoughtful Questions
An interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s also your chance to show genuine interest in the program. Asking thoughtful, specific questions demonstrates that you’re engaged and curious about what the program can offer
Consider asking questions like:
What opportunities are available for interdisciplinary learning or global health initiatives?
These types of questions show that you are interested in how the program connects to broader fields and how it prepares you to approach healthcare on a global scale.
What resources and support does the school offer to help students maintain work-life balance and mental wellness?
Medical school is intense, and demonstrating that you care about mental health and balance speaks to your long-term well-being and readiness for the demands of the program.
How does the school incorporate patient-centered care into its curriculum?
Questions about unique aspects of the curriculum, such as early clinical exposure or research opportunities highlight your interest in practical, hands-on learning and show that you’re eager to take full advantage of what the program offers.
Avoid generic questions like “What’s the average class size?” Instead, reference something specific about the program to show you’ve done your research. Thoughtful questions make you memorable and help you decide if the school is the right fit for you.
Following Up After the Medical Interview
The interview isn’t over when you walk out the door. Following up is an essential part of the process that can set you apart from other candidates.
Thank-You Letters
Send a personalized thank-you email within 24-48 hours. Mention specific topics you discussed during the interview, reiterate your interest in the program, and express gratitude for the opportunity. A well-crafted thank-you note reflects professionalism and leaves a lasting impression.
Reflection on Performance
After the interview, take time to reflect. What went well? What could you improve? Borrowing from professional practices, self-evaluation helps you refine your approach for future interviews, ensuring continuous growth.
Final Thoughts
Your medical school interview is more than just a conversation—it’s your chance to stand out and show why you’re ready to succeed in medicine. By preparing thoroughly, using professional strategies like tailoring responses and practicing non-verbal communication, and following up thoughtfully, you’ll position yourself as a standout candidate.
Need extra help? At I Got In, we specialize in preparing students for medical school interviews. From mock interviews to personalized coaching, we’ll help you tackle every question with confidence. Get in touch today, and let’s make your dream of getting into medical school a reality!
