Here’s another blog entry on interview strategies. Today’s topic is luggage. As boring as it sounds, I want to make the case for going carry-on for two reasons:

1. Cost (on some airlines).

2. You do not want to show up to your interview in shorts. Your interview clothes should be with you at all times. I know of a true story of a residency applicant who came to his interview in jeans and a t-shirt because his luggage was lost. He arrived by plane the morning of the interview (a poor idea), had packed his clothes and – rather than be late – he showed up casual. Although you can explain the dilemma, being flustered and in flip flops is not going to instill confidence in your candidacy. If you were on the committee wouldn’t you worry about this person’s organizational skills and common sense?

For one-on-one mock interviews with copious verbal and written feedback please contact me at insidermedical@gmail.com or see my website www.InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com .

This is my first of many blog entries about interview strategies. I want to start by exploring ways to decrease costs, especially considering current sky high air fares. Here are several suggestions:

1. If you are ambivalent about an institution, schedule your interview later. By January you may decide not to interview there at all, saving you some money.

2. Group your interviews geographically. If you think this is impossible, consider this: There is nothing wrong with calling an institution and letting the assistant know you have been invited to interview at a nearby school/program, you can only afford to fly out to the area once and consequently, might the admissions committee be willing to let you know as soon as possible if their institution will be offering you an interview as well? As long as you are polite about your request, this is completely appropriate and won’t harm your candidacy.

3. Check out travel web sites daily. Occasionally, a low price is available only if you catch it quickly.

4. Consider staying with students/residents if the institution offers. Hotels can be expensive, and sometimes you can gather useful information about the school/program this way. Just beware that anything you do or say may be repeated to the admissions committee. (Make sure to write a thank you note.)

For one-on-one interview practice please contact me via InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com . I am scheduling mock interviews up to two weeks in advance so email me as soon as possible.