You have finally submitted your primary and secondary applications along with your MCAT and CASPer (if required) scores. After receiving your completed application materials, medical school interview invites usually start trickling in as early as late July or August, depending on the school, and can continue well into March or April. Keep in mind that your opportunity to receive an interview invite depends on when your application is complete. Make sure to login into your application portal to make sure that you are not missing any components.
In this article, we are going to answer some commonly asked questions and highlight some important reminders to keep in mind with a medical school interview schedule.
After receiving an invitation, most schools will give you a window of a few days to a week to claim your slot. The earlier you respond to the invitation, the better are your chances of getting a date that fits your schedule. Interview invites usually come via email or a scheduling platform. They can also go to your spam folder so make sure to periodically check it as well.
Interview invites are usually sent via email. The email typically provides instructions to sign up for an interview slot on the school’s secondary application portal. Once you schedule your date and time, make sure to check that you receive a confirmation email or follow-up instructions regarding your selection. Add it to your calendar to make sure you do not forget.
If all interview slots are full, contact the admissions office immediately. Schools often add slots, open waitlists, or make alternate arrangements if you reach out proactively and respectfully.
If for any reason you need to request a change in date, most schools understand that life happens whether it might be traveling issues, illness, or unexpected conflicts that come up. It is important to reach out ASAP with a polite and honest explanation, and schools will often work with you. The AAMC recommends to review the programs criteria for rescheduling and if they require any additional documentation. Make sure to highlight your continued interest in the program despite having to reschedule. That being said, don’t make it a habit. Rescheduling once is fine, but do not repeatedly change your date as that might not make a great look.
Missing your scheduled interview date can significantly hinder your application and impact your chances of admission in the program. If for any urgent reason you have to miss your scheduled interview, immediately contact the interviewer and explain why you missed the appointment. Make sure to apologize and ask for another possible interview date.
It is rare for an interview to be scheduled for the weekend. They are usually during business hours on a weekday. If you are working, it is best to block off time in the morning and afternoon as interviews last a couple of hours.
Receiving multiple interview invitations for the same date can be a common, but good problem. Accept the interview invitation for the school you receive first or the one you are most interested in attending. Make sure to contact the other schools right away and request an alternative date if there is none available.
Requesting a change in interview format depends on the specific school. Some schools offer both options and are more flexible, but others may only offer an in-person interview. If you have any limitations or special situations, consider contacting the school. Explain your situation, such as travel limitations, financial constraints, or health concerns that could be valid reasons for requesting a format change. If you would like to check on the format of interview, the AAMC Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) provides a breakdown of the format for each school.
Not really. The purpose of the interview is for the admissions committees to get to know you better as a prospective student at their school. As long as you communicate in a professional manner, it will not count against you. Cancelling your interview or not showing up, however, can reflect poorly.
After scheduling your interview date and time, make sure to think about a plan for preparing for your important day. Most schools only offer a small proportion of applicants an interview invitation. Receiving an invite suggests that the school is very much interested in you and a strong performance can significantly increase your chances of admission.
Click here to access some medical school interview questions and suggestions for common mistakes to avoid on our website. Practice rehearsing your answers several times leading up to your interview and review your application materials as well.
