Strategies for answering medical school interview questions

Always remember that the interviewer controls the direction of the interview by his questions; you control the content of the interview through your answers. In other words, once given the opportunity, you should speak about the topics that are important to you; conversely, you should avoid volunteering information which renders you uncomfortable. You can enhance the atmosphere in which the answers are delivered by being polite, sincere, tactful, well-organised, outwardly oriented and maintaining eye contact. Motivation, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude must all be evident.

As a rule, there're no right or wrong answers. However, the way in which you justify your opinions, the topics you choose to discuss, your mannerisms, and your composure all play important roles. It is normal to be nervous. It'd be to your advantage to channel your nervous energy into a positive quality, like enthusiasm.

Do not spew forth answers! Take your time; it's not a contest to see how fast you can answer. Answering with haste can lead to disastrous consequences. For example:

Q: Have you ever doubted your interest in medicine as a career?
A: No. Well....ah....I guess so. Hmm....I guess everyone doubts something at some point or the other....

Retractions like that are a bad signal but it illustrates an important point: there're usually no right or wrong answers in an interview; however, there're right or wrong ways of answering. Through the example, we can conclude the following: listen carefully to the question, try to relax, and think before you answer.

Keep on track! Unfortunately, some students become so nervous they entirely forget the question and begin discussing a topic passionately which is completely irrelevant. Keep your mind focused. Practice should help prevent you from veering off topic and appearing disorganised.

Don't sit on the fence! If you avoid giving your opinions on controversial topics, it'll be interpreted as indecision which is a negative trait for a prospective physician. You have a right to your opinions. However, you must be prepared to defend your point of view in an objective, rational, and informative fashion. It's also important to show that, despite your opinion, you understand both sides of the argument. If you have an extreme or unconventional perspective and if you believe your perspective will not interfere with your practice of medicine, you must let your interviewer know that.

For example, imagine a student who was against abortion under any circumstance. If asked about her opinion on abortion, she should clearly state her opinion objectively, show she understands the opposing viewpoint, and then use data to reinforce her position. If she felt that her opinion wouldn't interfere with her objectivity when practising medicine, she might volunteer: "If I were in a position where my perspective might interfere with an objective management of a patient, I'd refer that patient to another physician."

Carefully note the reactions of the interviewer in response to your answers. Whether the interviewer is sitting on the edge of her seat wide-eyed or slumping in her chair while yawning, you should take such cues to help you determine when to continue, change the subject, or when to stop talking. Also, note the more subtle cues. For example, gauge which topic makes the interviewer frown, give eye contact, take notes, etc.

Lighten up the interview with a well-timed story. A conservative joke, a good analogy, or anecdote may help you relax and make the interviewer sustain his interest. If it's done correctly, it can turn a routine interview into a memorable and friendly interaction.

It should be noted that because the system is not always standardised, a small number of interviewers may ask overly personal questions (e.g., about relationships, religion, etc.) or even questions which carry sexist tones (i.e., What would you do if you got pregnant while attending medical school?). If you don't want to answer a question, simply maintain your composure, express your position diplomatically, and address the interviewers' real concern (i.e., Does this person have the potential to be a good doctor?). For example, you might say in a non-confrontational tone of voice: "I'd rather not answer such a question. However, I can assure you that whatever my answer may have been, it'd in no way affect either my prospective studies in medicine nor any prerequisite objectivity I should have to be a good physician."