Filomeno G. Maldonado Assistant Dean for Admissions

1. The Medical School InterviewStrategies for an Effective InterviewTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYAlpha Epsilon Delta Filomeno G. Maldonado Assistant Dean for Admissions

2. OVERVIEW • Preparing for the interview • Looking the part • The interview visit • Timeliness • Attitude • Uniqueness • Strategies for an effective interview • What interviewers look for in applicants • Applicant Statistics

3. Preparing for the Interview Look the Part: Interview Attire • Do what others do—but better. • Yes, there is a “uniform” to wear. It is: • Conservative • Tasteful • Neat • Men—a suit is the standard dress • Solid or pin strip, navy or gray • Well-cut and well-tailored • Ladies—although styles are changing in the work place, the suit is still the standard dress. Find out what woman accountants who work for large accounting firms wear. This will be the “classic” style. • Choose wool, linen, or a synthetic that simulates either. The best colors are gray, light charcoal, medium-range blue, and dark maroon • Avoid bold or flashy patterns • Accessories—keep it sedate; limit jewelry to a watch and wedding band (if married) • Personal Grooming—keep it neat, squeaky clean, and conservative • There is no need to flaunt your lifestyle in your dress.

4. The Interview Visit Timeliness – Don’t be late! Faculty’s time is valuable. • Confirm your interview • Communicate with the medical school soon after an invitation • Know the schedule • Get your schedule in advance of your interview (if the entire schedule is not available, find out the time you begin) • Leave some time flexible • After your interview, don’t run out early • Avoid scheduling multiple interviews too tightly • Remain flexible Attitude – SMILE!It doesn’t cost you anything. • Be pleasant to everyone. And be pleasant at all times. • Consider yourself under observation the entire time you interact with the medical school

5. The Interview Visit Uniqueness • Selective Exposure • People notice exceptional deviation from the normal pattern • The deviation can either be positive or negative • Essential that you are noticed—and noticed positively • Selective Distortion • People interpret data in ways that support their preconceptions • Preconceptions based on written material that you’ve provided • Add to the positive feeling you have already worked so hard to create. • Selective Retention • People forget much of what they learn. And they forget it quickly. • Make certain that interviewers remember you.

6. Strategies for an Effective InterviewPart I • During the interview, be yourself, for interviews can bring out betrayals of character. Convey a healthy self-understanding. • Try to communicate clearly and succinctly but do not be verbose. • Be prepared to respond to all kinds of questions, many unrelated to the study of medicine. • Be prepared to discuss your motivation for the study of medicine and any activity or experience which is relevant to your goal of medicine as a career. • “Tell me about the development of your interest in the study of medicine and anything you have done to clarify or test your interest.” • Be prepared to discuss social issues across several domains. • “If you were asked to give a keynote speech to your graduating class about societal problems, which problems would you focus on? What major points would you make?” • Be prepared to discuss in what capacity you have served others.

7. Strategies for an Effective InterviewPart II • Don’t try to second guess the interviewer. Answer questions honestly. • Avoid attempting to “butter up” the interviewer. • Be original and spontaneous in your responses. • If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. • Explain your deficiencies honestly and don’t offer mere excuses and rationalizations . Take responsibility! • Don’t be hesitant to ask questions, for the interview serves equally the purpose of the applicant. • Don’t be on the defensive or on the offensive; show respect. • Don’t disparage others. • Don’t display anger. • Avoid inappropriate humor. There are almost as many approaches to interviewing as there are interviewers.

8. What are InterviewersLooking for in Applicants? • Interpersonal Skills – Ability to Communicate and Interact • Intellectual Capacity and Curiosity for Learning • Social and Medical Consciousness • Maturity • Motivation and Goals for Medicine as Career • How well developed is your understanding of medicine? • Evidence of Altruism – An unselfish concern for others; a willingness to serve • Community Service • Outreach Activities

9. Interpersonal Skills • What are some of your interests other than medicine? • What are your strengths and weaknesses? • What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? • In what situations have you gone to school or worked with people who are of different backgrounds or conviction? • How have you dealt with people or situations that have frustrated you or when communication broke down?

10. How do you manage your time and learning? How would you describe your academic skills? What personal attributes have contributed to your success as a student? What courses did you find most enjoyable, most difficult? Why? How are the humanities relevant to the study of medicine? Give an example and discuss. Describe your research experience(s). How have you broadened your educational experience? Intellectual Capacity andCuriosity for Learning

11. Maturity • What are the advantages of medicine as a career? • What are the disadvantages? • What challenges will you face as a physician? • What has been the most difficult period of your life? • How would you describe the way you relate to people? • Describe a significant leadership experience. What have you learned about yourself and others? • What have you done in the community that demonstrates your concern for others? • Being a good physician requires empathy, sensitivity and flexibility. Tell me of one life incident that required you to demonstrate these attributes.

12. Social Consciousness • What is your perspective on the issues facing society? • What are some problems in society that impact the practice of medicine? • What are some current issues in medicine? • What solutions in medicine are being explored? • Describe your service to the community, your work in medicine?

13. TMDSAS Applications EY 2008 (Across all 7 state schools) Texas’ State Schools: 3,987(-2%) Overall Avg. GPA—3.53 (0.03) Avg. Total MCAT—27.6(0.5) COM Applications EY 2008 3,060(-2.3% decrease from 2007) Overall Avg. GPA—3.52 (0.03) Avg. Total MCAT—27.3/O(0.4) Total Interviewed EY 2008 All Schools: 2,259(57%) (1.7% increase) Overall GPA—3.66 (0.02) Total MCAT—29.8/P (0.30) Total Interviewed EY 2008 (cont.) College of Medicine: 757(25%) (4%) Overall GPA—3.71 (0.04) Total MCAT—30/P (0.60) Accepted Applicants EY 2007 All Schools: 1,432(63%) (9.6% increase) Overall GPA—3.71 (0.01) MCAT—31(0.5) College of Medicine: 143(19%) Overall Avg. GPA—3.69 (-0.07) Avg. MCAT—30/Q (1.0) Admissions StatisticsEntering Year 2008

14. TMDSAS Applications EY 2007 (Across all 7 state schools) Texas’ State Schools: 4,083 Overall Avg. GPA—3.50 Avg. Total MCAT—27 COM Applications EY 2007 3,133(8% increase from 2006) Overall Avg. GPA—3.49 Avg. Total MCAT—27/M Total Interviewed EY 2007 All TMDSAS Schools: 2,222(54%) Overall GPA—3.63 Total MCAT—28.9/P Total Interviewed EY 2007 (cont.) College of Medicine: 724(23%) Overall GPA—3.67 Total MCAT—29.4/P Accepted Applicants EY 2007 All TMDSAS Schools: 1,307(59%) Overall GPA—3.70 MCAT—30.3 College of Medicine: 112(15%) Overall Avg. GPA—3.76 Avg. MCAT—29/Q Admissions StatisticsEntering Year 2007

15. MEDICINE “To Cure Sometimes”“To Relieve Often”“To Comfort Always” THANK YOU!

17. Put effort where it counts Set goals Get Organized Communicate Be timely Consult with your health professions’ advisor Review your application Inventory your accomplishments Determined what you’re lacking in experiences/activities Review your course work Determine weaknesses academically Consider additional course work, another degree, or diversifying your curriculum Determine if re-taking the MCAT will be beneficial Apply to all Texas Schools Apply early and avoid application snarls Know something about the profession of medicine and your community Study the issues around the country and Texas Think about and discuss solutions Know about post-graduate medical training (specializations) Gain more or broaden experiences and exposure Strategies for Gaining the Competitive Edge

18. Monitor accuracy and authenticity Academic record Extracurricular activities Life circumstances Write a personal statement that addresses well your Motivation Goals Philosophy of medicine Respond to the optional questions Any unique circumstances or life experiences Characteristics/experiences contributing to diversity of class Complete thoroughly the application, attending carefully to the following: Record of college work Prescribed Course Record Record of community service and medically related or research activities Dates and hours of service Role or duties Quality of personal statements Secondary applications Strategies for Gaining the Competitive Edge

19. Have your evaluators write letters in the range of 1-2 pages, highlighting the following: Academic background Communication skills Breadth and depth of interests & activities Community service or altruistic activities Personality Provide evaluators with a résumé or CV Submit highly supportive letters of evaluation: Have your Health Professions’ Advisory Committee submit your letters of evaluation Know your faculty and let them get to know you Submit at least 2 letters from professors, but not more than 5 Be timely in submitting letters to HPAC or TMDSAS Strategies for Gaining the Competitive Edge