Health professional schools that are seriously interested in your application will invite you for an interview at your own expense.  This will allow you have an opportunity to see their program first hand. The CNU Health Profession Advisory Committee can arrange a mock interview for you, so you can practice your interviewing skills before you encounter the real thing.

A site called The Interview Feedback Pages offers examples of questions recently asked in real medical school interviews.

Take the time during your undergraduate years to become well informed about the issues that confront the health care professional today or that are likely to arise in the future. Develop informed opinions on current major issues in medical care, such as private and public health care plans, health care financing, universal coverage, single-payer plans, HMOs, AIDS, abortion, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, managed care, the professional's role in recognizing and reporting abuse, etc. You may be asked questions about these issues in medical school interviews, so stay current on health care issues.

• Your appearance is important. A conservative, modest suit is appropriate.

• Punctuality shows courtesy to the interviewer and reflects your professional character. Know where the interview it will be held before your arrive. You will receive a letter informing you of the date, time, and place.

• Greet the interviewer with a firm, friendly handshake. Maintain comfortable eye contact and body language and smile.

• Pronounce the interviewer's name correctly. Ask to have it repeated if you're not certain.

• Maintain eye contact when speaking to or being spoken to. Eye contact is indicative of being self-confident.

• Be assertive, but not aggressive. When asked a general question, be prepared to take the lead and discuss specific qualifications.

• Give examples.  Expound on your skills with specific achievements.

• Be precise.  Avoid the "I want to work with people/animals" syndrome.

• Be honest.  If you can't answer that question, say so with an explanation.

• Don't volunteer negative information about yourself or others. If asked about weaknesses, answer truthfully, then show how you are making efforts to overcome weaknesses. Highlight your strengths.

• Practice speaking.   Avoid the "uh", "ah", "you know.”

• Feel free to gesture with your hands. You may fold them on the table or in your lap; do not use them to prop your chin.

• Prepare a Question.  Applicants are sometimes asked if they have any questions. It may be worthwhile to form one or two questions just in case. Examples: What do you consider to be the outstanding features of your school and its curriculum?  How is my application processed after this interview?

• Your Exit.  When the interviewer ends your meeting, leave with a warm handshake and a thank you.

• Also write a short thank-you note to at least one person in each school that you interview. After the interview, add something specific about your meeting and mail it the same day.  You may be one in a hundred people thoughtful enough to do so.

Now, you are prepared.  Practice relaxation!  And, let us know how your interviews went.