Not accepted in med school?

Question

what if I get an extremely high GPA and ace the MCAT's, can I really not get accepted into med school because i screwed up in some interview?? and if i dont, what do i do then? I have been working so hard for it & I really want it...

Answer 1

Contrary to what any lay person says, the medical school interview IS important.  You could be the smartest person in the world, but if you come off as selfish or uncommitted to medicine, you will not get into medical school.  On the other hand, there are more people who want to be doctors than there are positions in medical schools, so there will always be rejected people.  These people can reapply and continue to beef up their applications by taking more coursework or getting more life or medical experience.

Answer 2

While interviews aren't a required component of all the applications, be prepared for the possibility.

Make sure you come off as highly self-motivated, compassionate,  a quick decisive leader, and being able to work long hours under pressure. It also helps to be a strong decision-maker and a good communicator. You must be perceived as especially calm and cooperative since they work so closely with a team and always a potentially tense situation.

Patients will depend upon you to enhance and save their lives by making critical decisions -- quickly and under pressure. And nurses, surgical technicians, and others in the operating room will look to you for leadership.

What You'll Be Asked:

Why do you want to be a doctor?

What will you if you aren't accepted to medical school?

What makes you special?

What are your 2 best points?

What are your 2 weakest points?

What do you think will be your greatest challenge in completing medical school or learning how to be a doctor?

In your view, what is the most pressing problem facing medicine today?

How will you pay for medical school?

If you could do anything different in your education, what would you do?

Where else are you applying?

Have you been accepted anywhere?

What is your first choice?

Tell me about yourself.

What do you do in your spare time?

How did you get here?

Why would you be a good doctor?

What are your strengths?

What do you feel are the most important qualities in being a good doctor?

What are your hobbies?

Are you a leader or a follower? Why?

What exposure have you had to the medical profession?

Discuss your clinical experiences.

Discuss your volunteer work.

What do you think you will like most about medicine?

What do you think you will like least about medicine?

Expect questions concerning what you think about ethics and healthcare (e.g., abortion, cloning, euthanasia).

Be prepared to discuss managed healthcare and changes in the US healthcare system.

How are you a match for our medical school?

Would you perform abortions as a doctor? Under what conditions?

What are three things you want to change about yourself?

How would you describe the relationship between science and medicine?

Which family member has influenced your life so far and why?

Mke sure you ask intelligent questions that you are concerned about the interview.

Similiar questions to Ask During a Graduate Admissions Interview:

What characteristics distinguish this program from others in the same field?  

Where are recent alumni employed? What do most students do after graduation?

What types of financial aid are offered?  What criteria are used for choosing recipients?  

Are there any scholarships or fellowships available? How do I apply?

Are there teaching opportunities, such as teaching assistantships and adjunct positions, for current students?

Do most students publish an article or present a paper before graduation?

What planned practical experiences are included in the program (e.g., internships)? Ask for examples of internship placements.

What is the relative importance of admissions test scores, undergraduate grades, recommendations, statements on applications, experience, and other requirements?

Does the department prefer applicants immediately out of undergraduate programs or do they prefer applicants with work experience? If they prefer or require experience, what kind of experience are they looking for?  

Answer 3

I'd imagine if you had a great GPA and score on your MCAT's, the interview wouldn't matter all that much. They probably get a ton of students who blow the interview because they're so nervous. I think the interview is just to get a feel for who you are and your personality to see if you would fit well into their program.

Answer 4

If you have the GPA and MCAT, you'll get into some med schools.