Hi! I know this is from last year's post but do you have any advice on the interview?
It's going to be a panel of 3 people, but don't let that intimidate you. There will be a medical doctor, a Ph.D. basic scientist, and a current medical student.
One thing to keep in mind is that the panel of people interviewing you are not the ones deciding who gets accepted. They simply take everything they can from your interview and serve as your advocate to the admissions committee. They WANT you do get in; they're on your side.
There is a myth that there is an interviewer who tries to rile people up by pretending to fall asleep-- it's not true. This individual simply puts his chin down to his chest and closes his eyes as a way to concentrate while listening to someone speak. It is a personality quirk, not a ploy.
-Make sure to wear a proper suit. No heavy makeup, no cologne/perfume, and have your hair neat/tied up. You aren't trying to look like a news anchor.
-Shake hands with everyone upon entering the room AND upon leaving at the end. Sit with good posture.
-Remember their names. If you are nervous about forgetting them, you should get a folder when you check in...inside the folder has the names of your interviewers. Go over their names as you wait for your turn.
-Be nice to EVERYONE from the moment you enter the parking lot.
-If you are not familiar with GF, do a dry run to make sure you know how to find the NEW medical school building, and where to park. GF is awful about sanding/salting roads (ie- not at all) so be aware of how slick the roads are and adjust travel time accordingly.
-Don't worry about acting impressive. Just be cordial and good-natured (but still professional of course).
-Be prepared to answer some off the wall questions, like "if you were a kitchen utensil, what would you be?" The point of the question isn't to see who comes up with the best/most creative answer, but to see if you get flustered when thrown a curve ball. Just relax, smile, and have fun with it.
-Have some questions about the program prepared before you go in. They will ask you, and it will make you look interested. Also, be able to speak to why you think UND is a good program/fit for you.
-Write a thank you note/email within a day or 2 of your interview. Contact Danielle or whoever your main contact is for how to get it to them. Don't write the exact same message to all 3 of them.
-Look over your application the night before your interview. They will ask you about stuff you put on there and you don't want to be caught off guard about something you haven't thought about for a while. Example- can you speak intelligently about a research project you listed on your app?
That's all I can think of right now. We are on break until Jan. 8th, feel free to ask specific questions!
Jk of course! Good for you!
