The interview – whether for medical school, residency, fellowship, or dental school – is subject to basic legal rules. Admissions officers/faculty members should refrain from asking questions that are not relevant to the position the interviewee is seeking. Questions about race, religion, and marital/family status fall into this category.

If you are asked these types of questions, you can simply answer – if it’s not distasteful to you – or respond by addressing the intent of the question without revealing personal information. (“I think you’re asking if my home life will affect my ability to carry out my duties. I can assure it won’t.”)

If you have the opportunity to give feedback to the institution, you can consider doing so after the interview. When I was interviewing for residency, I was asked by a faculty member if I had a boyfriend. After the interview day, I talked to a faculty mentor at my school who reported the situation to the other institution. The faculty member who asked me the illegal question was no longer permitted to interview.

A few people have asked me for reading material to help them before their medical school and residency interviews. For something quick but thorough, take a look at my part 1 and part 2 pieces of “How to Prepare for Your Med School Admissions Interview.”

And regarding interviews…having someone examine your head in the interview setting can actually be fun if you’ve prepared well :). Please plan your mock interview(s) with me as soon as you get your first invitation, as I’m scheduling 1-2 week in advance.