It's hard to believe, but more than a year has passed since I was in the throes of putting together my applications to MD/PhD programs. Now, I am experiencing the interview process from the perspective of a first-year student. In fact, I am helping to organize all of our pre-interview casual get-togethers between the applicants and first years.
After having successfully hosted three of the five sessions, I have learned a few things about myself.
1) "Don't be nervous!" No, hearing a first-year student tell you not to be nervous when they are already in a program doesn't make it less nerve-wracking. But, yes, as a first-year, we can't help but say things like that to try to calm you down.
2) "Be a personable stranger!" No need to give me the highlights of your answers to "why MD/PhD," "what makes you a good candidate," "what are your strength and weaknesses," and etc. Do you choose those topics when striking up conversations with strangers? We are strangers! It's fine to throw in a little "I want to do this in the future" and "I come from this and am doing that." But really? I want to hear about what you do for fun and quirky stories about people you've met. I get a much better sense for personality, social skills, and life philosophy.
2b) (But don't be too forthcoming...) While it's not the end of the world, I'm not sure how much I need to know about how you plan to break up with your significant other. Even at casual get-togethers, I personally don't share these types of things with near strangers. Also, don't say that you don't really plan on coming to the west coast. This is a part where I say: first of all, if you had no interest in moving, then why did you even apply? If it is true, then either don't come to the interview or lie lie lie because otherwise, why are you even here wasting your and everyone's time? It is a fine fine line, and stepping over it doesn't get you anything, but jumping over it and screaming at the top of your lungs will get you my attention (not in a good way).
3) "Speak! Move!" I find that I really like the people who make an effort to at least say a bit to most of the people. There will always be that current student/applicant that you have more in common with, connect better with, whatever. It is also easy to sit in a little corner and not move around. However, getting the perspective of more people gives you a more accurate picture of life as a student in this program and this city. It also doesn't hurt that you come across a sociable interested applicant. I know that I didn't do this as well when I was a candidate, but I always made sure that at any mixer/gathering, I talk to the directors, a few professors, and as many of the current students as possible.
So, the interview season is half-way over, and we have two more interview dates. I will be very curious on who we get at revisit. :)
After having successfully hosted three of the five sessions, I have learned a few things about myself.
1) "Don't be nervous!" No, hearing a first-year student tell you not to be nervous when they are already in a program doesn't make it less nerve-wracking. But, yes, as a first-year, we can't help but say things like that to try to calm you down.
2) "Be a personable stranger!" No need to give me the highlights of your answers to "why MD/PhD," "what makes you a good candidate," "what are your strength and weaknesses," and etc. Do you choose those topics when striking up conversations with strangers? We are strangers! It's fine to throw in a little "I want to do this in the future" and "I come from this and am doing that." But really? I want to hear about what you do for fun and quirky stories about people you've met. I get a much better sense for personality, social skills, and life philosophy.
2b) (But don't be too forthcoming...) While it's not the end of the world, I'm not sure how much I need to know about how you plan to break up with your significant other. Even at casual get-togethers, I personally don't share these types of things with near strangers. Also, don't say that you don't really plan on coming to the west coast. This is a part where I say: first of all, if you had no interest in moving, then why did you even apply? If it is true, then either don't come to the interview or lie lie lie because otherwise, why are you even here wasting your and everyone's time? It is a fine fine line, and stepping over it doesn't get you anything, but jumping over it and screaming at the top of your lungs will get you my attention (not in a good way).
3) "Speak! Move!" I find that I really like the people who make an effort to at least say a bit to most of the people. There will always be that current student/applicant that you have more in common with, connect better with, whatever. It is also easy to sit in a little corner and not move around. However, getting the perspective of more people gives you a more accurate picture of life as a student in this program and this city. It also doesn't hurt that you come across a sociable interested applicant. I know that I didn't do this as well when I was a candidate, but I always made sure that at any mixer/gathering, I talk to the directors, a few professors, and as many of the current students as possible.
So, the interview season is half-way over, and we have two more interview dates. I will be very curious on who we get at revisit. :)
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