The Professional School Interview

1. The Professional School Interview Lorenzo Foster, MS I Gretchen Gillyard, MS II Sharhonda Ansley, MS I Tomasina Parker, MS II Margo Thomas, MS II Christina Edwards, MS III LSUHSC Shreveport School of Medicine SNMA Chapter

2. How do you get an interview? • Undergraduate work: GPA • MCAT • Activities outside of the classroom: research, community service, organizations • Complete AMCAS application • Send in secondaries • Wait for invitation to interview • Expenses

3. Why do I have to be interviewed? • Purpose is to match a face with the name on paper and to see what kind of personality you have. • Medicine is not just about science. You must be able to communicate to other people well and the interview tries to see if you are able to do that. • Sale yourself because the school is trying to sale itself to you. • The people who interview you will be the people to speak up for you during the admissions committee so show your best face.

4. Kinds of interviews • Blind Interviews: only read your personal statement • One on One • Group interviews • Being interviewed by a fourth year medical student • Exit interviews

5. Day before the interview • If out of town, arrive the day before the interview and stay in the hotel • Be familiar with the school and why you want to attend that school • Have everything lined up to get to the interview on time. Tardiness is not a good first impression.

6. Day of the interview • Be aware that everything you say and do that at the medical school you are interviewing at can be a factor in you getting in or not. • In other words: Be yourself but do not be too loose.

7. Expected Questions • Why do you want to be doctor? You should be able to answer this question in 2 minutes or less • Ethical Issues • Current events • How do you describe yourself? • What motivates you? • If you get a tough question, answer it the best your can

8. Attire “What do I wear for the interview?”

9. Nails • Avoid extremely long or uncut nails • Avoid Flashy nail polish colors • Keep nails neat and groomed

10. Jewelry • No more than 2 rings per hand or one earring per ear • Avoid flashy and gaudy jewelry • No tongue rings, nose rings, eyebrow rings etc.

11. Shoes • Avoid open toe and backless • Mules are a No No!

12. Short Skirts • Skirts should be no more than 3 inches above the knee • Capris and Leggings are a definite NO NO!

13. Tatoos • If you have one that is visible when wearing your suit, cover it up!!!

14. Bare Legs • Wear stockings even in summer, humid weather • Wear nude tone stockings

15. Handbags • Avoid printed or trendy handbags

16. Men • Avoid turtlenecks • Strong Cologne • Leather Blazers

17. Hair • Cornrows ? • Dreads ? • Braids ?

18. Proper Attire

19. Ladies

21. Men

22. Men

23. Resources • www.studentdoctor.net • www.aamc.org

24. Preparing For the Professional School Interview

25. Resources • Questions • Research • Current Events

26. STEP 1: RESOURCES

27. Websites • www.studentdoctor.net • Right hand corner of screen --- “jump to” • Scroll down to BIG GUIDE • Look at Undergraduate Section • Things to do each undergraduate year • Study Tips • MCAT • Application process • INTERVIEWING

28. Univ. Of Louisville • http://www.louisville.edu/a-s/biology/aed/interview.htm#Preparing

29. STEP 2 Interview Questions

30. Get a list of questions before the interview • Think About and Answer all the questions HONESTLY • MOCK INTERVIEW

31. MEMORIZE YOUR AMCAS APPLICATION

32. STEP 3RESEARCH • Purpose • Technique • Conclusion

33. CURRENT EVENTS

34. SPECIFICS • What do interviewers look for and assess? • What turns interviewers off? • What kinds of questions are asked? • What kinds of interviewing approaches do students encounter

35. ANY QUESTIONS ?????