Hey everyone,
Let’s talk about a topic that often causes anxiety for aspiring medical students: medical school interviews. In my experience, these interviews are arguably the most challenging part of the application process. They can feel particularly intimidating because they’re not like traditional exams where you write answers at your own pace. Instead, you find yourself face-to-face with someone who is analysing your responses and pushing for deeper insights. This can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not prepared.
As a third-year medical student at UCL, I’ve been through the interview gauntlet twice. I initially applied in 2020 and received interviews from Cambridge, Imperial, and Plymouth. Unfortunately, I didn’t secure any offers, primarily due to a lack of preparation and misplaced confidence. After reapplying in 2021, I was invited to interview at UCL, BSMS, Barts, and Liverpool. This time, I was fortunate enough to receive offers from UCL, BSMS, and Barts, thanks to extensive preparation and practice. Here’s what I learned along the way:
1. Start Early with Resources
Begin your preparation by investing in an online question bank or a good interview preparation book. Aim to start this around October or November, so you have ample time to familiarise yourself with the types of questions you might face and the overall interview format.
2. Organise Your Materials
Create a digital folder on a platform like Notion or OneNote. This folder should have clear sections, such as:
- Experiences and Reflections
- Questions by Topic
- University-Specific Interviews
- Mock Interview Feedback
3. Reflect on Your Experiences
Under the Experiences and Reflections section, build a table that outlines the key skills required of a doctor. For each skill, jot down specific instances where you’ve demonstrated that quality and how you developed it. If you’re given an article to discuss during your interview, analyse it in this section, highlighting your thoughts in a different color. This preparation will help you articulate your experiences clearly.
4. Categorise Questions by Topic
Your Questions by Topic section should include categories relevant to the medical schools you’re applying to. This might cover personal questions, interpersonal skills, motivation for studying medicine, and interest in science. For each topic, gather a list of potential questions and bullet points of what you want to cover. Highlight model answers that outline the structure and key points of your response. Remember, these model answers should serve as guides, not scripts to memorise.
5. Research University Themes
Research each medical school you’ve applied to and understand the themes they focus on in their interviews. For each school, create subdivisions for these themes and list questions you think might come up, along with points you want to discuss. This will help you enter each interview with a solid understanding of what to expect.
6. Gather Feedback from Practice
In your folder, include a Feedback section. Conduct as many mock interviews as possible with friends, family, and professional services. Collect their feedback, and make it a point to review these insights regularly. Actively work on addressing any weaknesses in your responses, using this feedback as a roadmap for improvement.
Additional Tips for Interview Success
Here are a few crucial strategies that helped me excel during my interviews:
- Signposting Your Answers: This technique is vital for clarity. Before diving into your response, briefly outline what you’ll cover. For example, let the interviewer know that you will discuss points A, B, and C. This helps them follow your train of thought and ensures your answers flow logically.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The importance of practice cannot be overstated. Engage your friends and family for mock interviews and encourage them to provide honest feedback. The more you practise, the more comfortable you’ll become.
- Manage Your Nerves: On the day of the interview, it’s crucial to stay calm and composed. Ensure you present yourself well, and don’t hesitate to do something relaxing the night before, whether that’s watching your favourite movie or playing a video game. Additionally, having something enjoyable to look forward to after your interview—like a meal with friends or a small treat—can help ease your anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for medical school interviews can be daunting, but with the right approach and a solid plan, you can navigate this challenge successfully. Remember, each interview is a learning experience, and with diligent preparation, you can showcase your strengths effectively.
Good luck to everyone gearing up for their interviews! If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to reach out.
