What to Bring to a Medical School Interview: 5 Essential Things

Medical school interviews are a significant milestone on the path to becoming a doctor. Each year, we get a number of questions about what to wear to your medical school interview and what to bring to interview day. Being prepared with these 5 things to bring to a medical school interview will make interview day A LOT less stressful! They provide an opportunity for admissions committees to gauge an applicant’s suitability for the rigorous and demanding profession beyond what can be seen in grades and test scores.

1. Directions to the Medical School Interview Site

Be sure to bring directions to the exact med school interview site. The med school interview site might be different than the medical school admissions office. For example, some interviews take place in the main medical school center, a medical school dorm, or a medical school library. If there are several options of transportation, know how to get there using all modes. These modes of transportation include:

• Car
• Taxi (or Uber/Lyft)
• Public transportation (train, subway)
• Walking

Know where the parking structure is, and how to walk from the parking structure to the med school interview site. Parking structures can be far from the interview site, so take into account extra walking time. If you have a smart phone, bring it so you can check your phone in case you get lost. But remember to turn your cell off throughout the med school interview. Medical school admissions committees may view you negatively if you are checking your phone throughout the interview day.

2. Interview Folder + Pen

Get one at your college bookstore or you can buy one online. Buy a black interview folder (ideally a nice leather one, which may have your school logo embossed). Interview folders can help store your abstracts, resume, notepad for writing notes, pens, and business cards you collect. Make sure there aren’t random notes from other med school interviews written on the top page. Additionally, bring a pen, and bring an extra pen. Make sure your pens are black or blue.

3. Resume and CV

Make sure your resume is updated. Have multiple copies, in case your interviewers want to keep your resume for reference. Put the activities you want to discuss on the first page of your resume. For example, if you want to discuss your research, make sure the first section of your resume after the “Education” section is “Research.”

4. Abstracts, Articles, and Books You Wrote

If you have additional exhibits, have 2 copies in case one of your interviewers want to keep a copy. Practice when you will present your additional exhibits (abstracts, articles, pictures, books). You may not want to tell all your interviewers about a book that you wrote or an abstract/poster you presented.

5. Questions for the Interviewer

Have questions for your interviewers and tour guides. Show your excitement about the school by having very specific questions tailored to the school. Try to tease out what makes this medical school different than other medical schools you are interviewing at. Keep in touch with people you meet! Ask students and professors for their contact information, in case you have additional questions after your med school interview. And remember to send thank you emails to your interviewers.

Essential Interview Day Checklist

The following table summarizes the key items you should prepare for your interview day:

Topics to Discuss with Your Med School Interviewer

Sometimes, your interview day – through the people you meet – will give you a general “gut feeling” of whether you like a medical school or not. To help get a good feel for the school, consider discussing these topics:

• Culture of the medical school
• Curriculum and learning styles
• Clinical exposure and volunteer work
• Student life and support systems

Types of Interview Formats

In the changing realm of medical school admissions, the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) approach is becoming more prevalent, contrasting with the Traditional Medical School Interview. The MMI involves several brief, structured interview segments designed to evaluate qualities like cultural awareness, maturity, collaboration, empathy, dependability, and communication. Conversely, traditional interview questions delve into personal motivations, past experiences, and an applicant’s path to pursuing medicine.