An applicant recently asked me to whom he should be sending thank you notes after interviews. Use this as a general guideline: If, during the interview day, you have spent more than five minutes of one-on-one time with someone from the institution, that person deserves a thank you note.
See my other blog postings on thank you notes for more information, but the bottom line is that these short notes should be handwritten (no email) and sent promptly after the interview.
Applicants ask me whether they can wear this-or-that suit, and I’ve seen entire articles written on interview attire.
But this is an easy one: Don’t be noticed for your clothes. Don’t wear the cartoon tie (even if you are a pediatrics residency applicant), and don’t wear the orange tights in honor of Halloween. You want to be noticed for your accomplishments, not your appearance.
Email me at insidermedical@gmail.com for mock interview help.
Congrats to those who have already been invited for med school interviews.
Getting into medical school has gotten so competitive; the interview is critical. But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?
First, they are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he wants to help people or is hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it.
Second, they want to ensure you are committed to medicine and that you have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. Medical school is tough; the institutions are not seeking someone who is ambivalent and might quit. Giving examples of your clinical experience can help. Read more ›
I’ve received a few questions about the couples’ match. Here is the information that the NRMP sends to applicants who inquire about it:
(Note the syntax mistakes are not mine :).) Read more ›
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
