The admissions committee interview is very important in getting accepted to health school. Although academic performance and achievement are important factors, the personal interview gives the admissions committee another perspective with which to evaluate and understand other characteristics and competencies necessary for the development of a competent, compassionate, and responsible healthcare provider. The ability to effectively communicate, social consciousness, maturity, personal integrity, tolerance, service to others, and motivation for a career in healthcare are among the characteristics sought.
The interview format may vary from school to school, but it generally consists of one to three interviews, conducted on a one-on-one basis or by a committee, which last from thirty minutes to an hour. There’s an increasing trend by some schools to conduct a group interview and there are variations on this theme. This can be in the format of one interviewee and a panel of interviewers or a group of multiple interviewees and a panel of interviewers. Expect to be assigned a group activity if you’re in a group interview. Some professional schools are using an interview format called Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).
Interview discussions are normally friendly and open, revolving around general questions concerning your academic career, your motive for choosing a career in the health profession, and the basis for that decision. There is usually no formal list of questions, but some topics commonly discussed will probe your knowledge of social, ethical, and political issues affecting the current and future practice of the profession. If there is any particular weakness in your application, you can expect to be asked about it. Near the end of the interview, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the program, so be prepared with at least a couple of questions.
Interview Checklist
Review primary and secondary applications, along with your personal statement. Any information you included is open for discussion. Be sure you can clearly verbalize anything found in these documents.
Make sure you scope out such things as transportation to and from the interview, be sure to bring extra money should you need to take public transportation from the airport to the hotel and interview site.
Arrive early. If possible, locate the room that the interview will be held in the day before.
Bring a snack and water. Your throat may get parched from nerves or talking and water is the best way to fight a dry mouth. You may wish to bring a small package of mints.
Don’t forget copies of your application/résumé (bring at least 3).
Bring a notepad or tablet that can be easily carried throughout the day to jot down notes from the interview or questions you have.
Dress for success. This is not a time for business casual or to be too flashy.
Do a last minute “mirror check.”
Do bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes to walk in should you be invited for a campus tour.
If you have the opportunity, meet with current students. You want to have as much information as possible to make a good decision on whether or not the school is a good fit for you.
During the Interview
Wait to sit until invited by the interviewer. Once seated, try not to make distracting moves like tapping your foot.
Make sure to get your interviewers’ names so that you can send thank you notes later. Write down the names in your notebook before you leave the interview room or very quickly at the beginning of the interview.
Maintain eye contact. Do not look at your feet, the floor, or your hands. This may give the perception that you are less than confident about your talents.
Be careful about your language. THINK before you answer. It is okay to pause before answering. Don’t be too wordy or talk around the questions. Also, be careful about repeating words or phrases (“like,” “you know,” “um”).
Do not be afraid of saying “I don’t know.” It is better than making up a meaningless answer.
Be enthusiastic and consistent in your answers. If asked about information on your application, do not simply repeat what you’ve already listed; use this time to expand upon your experiences.
You may be asked about ethical issues. Remember that ethical decisions are not opinions. They are based on an ethical framework and may or may not be what you THINK should be done. Ethical decisions should be based on what is the right thing to do. You have a right to your opinions but be sure to keep an open mind.
Relax. It is natural and healthy to be a little nervous. Try to be confident, but not overly so.
Answer questions honestly. Do not try to be what they want, be you.
Come prepared to ask questions. It is important to demonstrate an honest interest in the school. Do your homework about the school before the interview. Remember, do not ask questions where the answers can be found on the school’s website.
After the Interview
Soon after your interview, write down your impressions of the school and how your interview went. Are there things you can improve upon? What did you do particularly well? Keep these in the individual files you started for each individual school.
Not all schools want a barrage of thank you notes, but be sure to send one to each interviewer if they are welcomed.
If a decision is not made for quite some time, you may wish to update the admissions office of new activities, new transcripts, etc. Significant events are worth noting but do not bother them with trivial experiences. You want to stand out for the right reasons, not because you’ve repeatedly called to see if you’ve been admitted.
