Med School Interviews: What Kind of Questions Should You Expect?

Applying to medical school is stressful enough on its own. Factor in that there are interviews in the mix, and the process can become even more intimidating. As with most things in life, however, knowing what to expect can significantly improve both your mindset and outcomes. To that end, we’ve rounded up four common types of medical school interview questions you might encounter, along with tips aimed at helping you ace your answers.

1. Scenario-Based Questions

Your grades and test scores speak to your academic strengths. Admissions officers are often looking for something else during the interview: your critical thinking and reasoning abilities. After all, all of the book smarts in the world mean nothing when put to the test in a high-test, high-stress situation.

Enter scenario-based questions, which seek to determine not what you know, but how you would respond when faced with a medical dilemma or emergency. In many cases, these scenario-based questions deal with issues of an ethical or moral nature.

The most important part of answering these types of questions? Understanding that there’s no right or wrong answer. Rather, interviewers are looking for evidence of empathy, trustworthiness, and a patient-first attitude. Also, skip the part where you try to show off everything you know, and instead focus on assessing the knowns and unknowns of the scenario at hand. No one expects you to know everything about everything. Rather, interviewers are looking for insights into your decision-making process.

2. Self-Reflection Questions

Everyone has strengths, weaknesses, perceptions and biases which inform who they are and how they interact with others. These can be both negative and positive. Questions like, “How would your classmates describe you?” and “What biases have you overcome in the past?” demonstrate self-awareness, willingness to grow, humility and transparency. Be specific in your responses and provide examples whenever possible.

Not sure how to answer these questions? Spend some time thinking about them in the days and weeks leading up to your interviews, and check in with friends and family members for their insights, as well. (We recommend starting with a sibling -- the most likely person to offer an honest, take-no-prisoners answer.) And remember: Interviewers aren’t looking for “perfect” candidates, they’re looking for real ones.

3. The “Why Us” Question?

The medical school application process isn’t just about whether schools will choose you; it’s also about which school you will ultimately choose. Common questions in this genre may include, “Why do you want to go to X medical school?” or “If you are admitted into all of the schools to which you apply, how will you make your decision?”

Different medical schools have different qualities. Some may be larger with more research opportunities for medical students. Others may be known for promoting close relationships between students and faculties. The one guaranteed way to provide an impressive answer when faced with this type of question? Do your research in advance.

The more you know about each medical school and its programs, student, faculty and culture, the more you can tailor your answer to match its strengths. Cite an area which isn’t a priority for a particular school, meanwhile, and you risk eliminating yourself from consideration. (Interviewers respond more positively to students who seem inclined to accept an offer.) Not sure which way to go? Don’t be afraid to ask informed questions. Doing so demonstrates both interest and initiative.

One helpful hint? If an interviewer asked you the same question multiple times, he/she may be giving you the chance to offer up a modified answer. Don’t answer the same way. Rather, take the opportunity to clarify or reframe your answer.

You may also be asked what will happen if you don’t get into any of the schools to which you apply. Don’t forget that interviewers aren’t just looking for good students; they’re also looking for committed future physicians. Take this as an opportunity to reiterate your interest by responding that you’ll explore why you weren’t admitted, address any shortcomings, and reapply as a stronger candidate in the future.

4. Ethics and Healthcare Questions

Doctors don’t practice in a vacuum. They practice in the real world -- one which is fraught with contextual elements which can impact how doctors treat patients and deliver care. Factor in the changing political current and its potential impact on managed health care, and physicians today face many uncertainties and ambiguities. Demonstrating not only a grasp of the key issues but also an authentic belief in putting patient welfare first in every situation can help you present yourself in a compelling way -- both as a candidate and future doctor.

One last thing to keep in mind? Interviewers see hundreds if not thousands of candidates over the course of their careers, and they’ve probably encountered plenty of prepped and prepared students. So how can you stand out from a crowded field of qualified applicants? In the most obvious way possible: By being yourself.