After reading my previous posts you'll be under no illusion that getting a place at medical school is no mean feat. Another hurdle that most people have to cross is the admissions interview.
There are still a few medical schools, Southampton for example, that make offers based purely on the information provided on the applicant's UCAS form. That being the case it is possible to dodge interview if you find the prospect too overwhelming, but in reality you would be foolish to limit your opportunity of getting a place by applying to only non-interviewing institutions. If you are an overseas applicant you are unlikely to be called for interview. If you are a graduate or mature student it makes it all but certain that you will be called for interview before any decision is made.
The interview is perhaps the most important part of the application process. By getting this far you have already proved your academic suitability, performed well in any admissions test and given the appearance of someone who could succeed at medical school on paper. Most applicants have not made it this far. Interview is the final opportunity you have to convince the selectors of your aptitude for medicine.
You only get one chance to make a first impression so make sure you are of clean, smart and practical appearance. Also remember to speak clearly and look at the interviewers when you are engaged in conversation.
Most interviews are conducted by at least two, possibly three interviewers. It is quite common for at least one of these to be a clinician and another a lay person - a non-clinician usually employed elsewhere in the university. Some medical schools invite a senior medical student to act as an interviewer. They will usually have read your UCAS form in detail beforehand and are likely to question you about your qualifications, personal statement (especially) and reference. I can not emphasise enough that you must know your UCAS form word for word and be prepared to answer questions on it. Most interviews begin with a few pleasantries like introductions, shaking of hands and asking about your journey etc.
The questions in the interview are likely to revolve around the following issues:
There are still a few medical schools, Southampton for example, that make offers based purely on the information provided on the applicant's UCAS form. That being the case it is possible to dodge interview if you find the prospect too overwhelming, but in reality you would be foolish to limit your opportunity of getting a place by applying to only non-interviewing institutions. If you are an overseas applicant you are unlikely to be called for interview. If you are a graduate or mature student it makes it all but certain that you will be called for interview before any decision is made.
The interview is perhaps the most important part of the application process. By getting this far you have already proved your academic suitability, performed well in any admissions test and given the appearance of someone who could succeed at medical school on paper. Most applicants have not made it this far. Interview is the final opportunity you have to convince the selectors of your aptitude for medicine.
You only get one chance to make a first impression so make sure you are of clean, smart and practical appearance. Also remember to speak clearly and look at the interviewers when you are engaged in conversation.
Most interviews are conducted by at least two, possibly three interviewers. It is quite common for at least one of these to be a clinician and another a lay person - a non-clinician usually employed elsewhere in the university. Some medical schools invite a senior medical student to act as an interviewer. They will usually have read your UCAS form in detail beforehand and are likely to question you about your qualifications, personal statement (especially) and reference. I can not emphasise enough that you must know your UCAS form word for word and be prepared to answer questions on it. Most interviews begin with a few pleasantries like introductions, shaking of hands and asking about your journey etc.
The questions in the interview are likely to revolve around the following issues:
- Your previous experiences, which you must be able to reflect on, and how these better equip you for a career in medicine.
- Your understanding of the National Health Service (NHS): What it is, the general structure and how it works.
- Ethical questions: What would you do in the situation put to you by the interviewers?
- NHS awareness: Read some current stories on the NHS and be prepared to recite them and comment on them.
- Why you want to become a doctor: Almost a cliche and few medical schools bother to ask it anymore. Best to have an answer ready just in case.
- Why you want to study at [University name]: Know a little bit about the structure of the course and what makes it different from other medical degrees.
When answering the questions remember that there are some key qualities that are expected of all medical students:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Trustworthiness
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Academic excellence
- Perseverance
- Teamwork
- Reflection
Probably many more which I will add to the list as I think of them.
At the end of the interview there is usually an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the course. If you have no questions then don't feel obliged to ask something silly - just explain that you have looked at the course brochure and have already found most of the answers.
The interview usually lasts around half an hour. Once the interview is over it is over - there's no point dwelling on it and torturing yourself with a detailed post mortem.
All being well you should hear their decision within a few weeks.
At the end of the interview there is usually an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the course. If you have no questions then don't feel obliged to ask something silly - just explain that you have looked at the course brochure and have already found most of the answers.
The interview usually lasts around half an hour. Once the interview is over it is over - there's no point dwelling on it and torturing yourself with a detailed post mortem.
All being well you should hear their decision within a few weeks.
