HOME

THE INTERVIEW
Discussion
General
Before
Flying to
The Day of
What to wear
Sample Q/A
What to ask
The End

SOON TO COME
TIPS FOR MCATS

LINKS

CONTACT ME

DISCLAIMER

SAMPLE Q/A:

One common question is "why do you want to be a doctor?"

The admission committee knows that you have a preplanned answer for this question. Even if you don't, after a few interviews, you will have developed your own unique answer. You should think about what a good physician possesses; i.e., he needs to be intelligent, compassionate, hard working, etc.

In formulating your answer, include some of these qualities as qualities which you posses and like to put to good use by being a physician. For example, my response was "I like the intellectual challenge of being a physician. I have always looked forward to a career that would allow me to make a difference in other people's lives." This answer incorporates compassion and desire to help with your search for an intellectually fulfilling career.

Spend some time in developing your answer to this as a poorly stated answer can really demote you in the ranks.

Other questions within the same category would include:

1. Did anyone you know influence your choice of career?
2. Do you have family members who are doctors? What do they think of the field? How has their lives changed over the past few years with the changes in medicine? Do you want to follow in their footsteps? (be careful with this one. This question may be a disguised way to ask you "what specialty you are interested in?" In answering this type of questions, you should keep in mind that many medical schools are having a push towards primary care. This does not mean that you should be dishonest and lie about what you want to do. Always say the truth. If you are uncertain about what you will want to do, say the truth: I am not certain which field of medicine I will be best suited for; I hope to find the answer during my clinical rotations!)
3. Which field of medicine are you interested in? Again, keep in mind that many schools have been pressured into graduating more students interested in primary care specialties!
4. What kind of experiences do you have in the medical field? This is an excellent opportunity to discuss some of the strong points in your application. Keep in mind that some interviewers do not have time to read all of your submitted information (but some will read everything in detail and will ask you questions to double check some of your statements!)
5. Where do you plan to practice? If you are a foreign student, stating that you want to return to your country will unquestionably count against you. The state/federal government (depending on the school you are applying to) is partly funding your medical education. Certain programs will prefer to train physicians who will work in the undeserved areas of the country.
6. What are your goals in medicine? Answer this one in a similar fashion to why you want to be a doctor.
7. Where do you see yourself in 15 years? (what specialty will you be in/ where do you plan to practice) are all the same questions!

More Questions