Medical School Mock Interview
Excel in your medical school interview with 50 essential questions covering ethics, clinical scenarios, and motivation.
Question 2 of 50
What is your plan if you are not accepted into medical school this year?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
How to Answer
Example Answer 2
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The acceptance rate for medical schools is around 41% for students that apply, so there is a very real chance you will not be accepted on your first try. The interviewers want to know that you have thought out all options and scenarios if you are not accepted into medical school. The way you answer this question will also show the interviewers that your interest in the medical field goes deeper than your acceptance into medical school.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Should I not be accepted into medical school the first time, I plan to reapply the following year. I would take that year to pursue research activities in a great institution like yours to get more experience under my belt for the years to come."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
If you are not accepted, show that you will take a different path to ensure that you stay on top of your game for future chances to get into medical school. Some of those options include attending a medical school abroad. However you answer, you want to reassure your interviewers that one rejection won't stop you at all! Talk about your plan to reapply if rejected.
Whatever the path you would choose, show the interviewers that you have confidence and drive. It'll take more than one rejection to keep you down!
"This would be a very disappointing situation since I am 100% sure that becoming a physician is my true calling. Therefore, in the event that I did not gain medical school admission during this cycle, I would take time to reflect on my application - recognizing potential areas for improvement - and improve upon any shortcomings. I would also reflect on my interview experiences this year to help me refocus responses next time around."
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Anonymous Answer
There is always room for improvement. I am so much different this year than I was last year, and if I am not admitted, it means that there is still some growth that I am yet to experience. I'll continue taking upper-level science classes, volunteering with the clinic and hospice, and improving my application for reapplication next year with a stronger application.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer shows a willingness to keep trying and improving, which is exactly what the interviewer will want to see. The response is a touch repetitive, so beware of that when speaking. I have revised slightly, below.
"There is always room for improvement, and I am so much stronger this year than I was last year. If I am not accepted, it means there is room for growth. I would take upper-level science classes, continue to volunteer with the clinic and hospice, and improve my application for next year."
Anonymous Answer
If I am not accepted into medical school this year, I plan on reapplying next year and gaining some more hands-on patient experience in the interim. I'd like to refresh my OEC certification and work as a ski patroller during the winter and shadow a few more doctors. I'd use these new experiences to better prepare myself for medical school and craft a more compelling application.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer is perfect because you are so specific on the action you will be taking should this situation occur. The interviewer should be happy that you have a strong plan in place.
Anonymous Answer
If I don't get accepted to medical school, I plan to retake my MCAT, gain more clinical experiences, and reapply to medical school the following year. Becoming a physician is my passion and my dream; I don't see myself doing anything else. I will continue to improve my application and myself and reapply to medical school until I get in.
Rachelle's Feedback
You offer up some excellent specifics here, showing that you truly have focus when it comes to your career goals. Good work!
Anonymous Answer
I still want to pursue medicine. I am interested in applying again but might look into getting a BSN in the meantime. My main goal is to work in the medical field as a physician, and I will continue to work at it until I get there.
Rachelle's Feedback
You certainly know that your career path is in medicine, which is great! Your determination and willingness to expand your education/knowledge is apparent :)
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