University of Michigan-Flint

Admissions committees are building an entire matriculate class. They want to know who you are, what your goals and ambitions are. We know, you did write a statement of purpose detailing such, after all—but having a conversation allows a committee to gauge your personality and aptitude in a similar way to how a resume can’t capture the spirit of an interview.

However, it’s not a one-way interview—think of it more as a conversation. They aren’t set up to intimidate you or scare you away. If you’re being asked to visit their campus, it means they’re interested in you already—they just want to be sure. That said, there are rare occurrences where they test how you handle yourself in particular situations, like delayed interviews or with inappropriate questions. If this happens, stay in control and disarm them with confidence. It is important to note here that if an interview goes horribly wrong, they can be usually be rescheduled with another panel.

This is an opportunity for you to interview them, too. It’s your chance to learn more about their school, in person, but you should have a clear idea of it before the interview. Take an interest in the history of the medical school of your choice. Learn more about program specifics before coming and have questions prepared, yet naturally integrated into the conversation.

You might find it useful to take a portfolio with you, so that you can demonstrate accomplishments while talking about them. You can amplify your research interests and community experience with artifacts and photo evidence.

Career Connection, a service of the Academic Advising and Career Center, has additional resources available to you to enhance your interviewing skills.