Medical School Mock Interview
Excel in your medical school interview with 50 essential questions covering ethics, clinical scenarios, and motivation.
Question 6 of 50
Why should we accept you over another medical student with the same qualifications?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
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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.
Your interviewing teams are likely considering a pool of great candidates to bring into their program. With this question, they are ideally looking for unique qualities and statements that make you stand out from the other students wishing to attend their university.
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.
"I believe I am the strongest student for your medical program because I am incredibly dedicated to my professional and personal development over the next four years. Since beginning my undergraduate program, I have committed myself to become a future general surgeon and have done everything in my power to set myself up for success. I will carry this same motivation into your medical school and will not disappoint anyone when it comes to my drive and motivation to succeed."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
Put yourself in the shoes of your interviewers. You are looking at multiple talented candidates - all have stellar grades, the drive, and the potential to be renowned alumni of their program. Before your medical school interviewers, seriously think about what would be the primary reason to choose YOU over everyone else. Some things to possibly think about that make you a stand-out candidate can include your volume of volunteer work, an existing connection to the faculty or facility, a memorable and personal story of struggle and triumph, or an additional degree, diploma, or certification.
"I think a lot of student candidates look similar on paper. However, I believe what makes me a stand-out candidate is my moral compass and integrity. I always treat others how I would like to be treated, and aim to serve others like I would serve my own family. These qualities are imperative to lifelong service as a doctor."
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Jaymie
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Anonymous Answer
What I can bring to the medical school class is the ability to know how to be a team player. I have been apart of teams all my life; from playing sports, working in a restaurant and having lots of coworkers, to volunteering and shadowing in the hospital. I know how to interact with people on an interpersonal basis when its necessary to step up and be a leader, but also when its time to take a step back. I can be someone who supports my classmates for them to succeed.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer is excellent as it offers a great blend of your sports background, early career, and volunteer work. These are all factors that interviewers like to hear when considering candidates.
Anonymous Answer
I think my dedication to pursuing a medical career sets me apart from other applicants. From the beginning, I set my sights on medical school and never wavered. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I never switched majors or opted for easier course schedules. I aimed to prepare myself with high-level coursework as quickly as possible, with the goal of applying to medical school. My dedication would see me through medical school with success other applicants may not have.
Rachelle's Feedback
Boom! Very well done. This response should make any school feel at ease, knowing you're a high achiever who is self-motivated.
Anonymous Answer
You should accept me over another student with the same qualifications because I have personally struggled with my own physical and mental health problems that I was able to overcome. Due to this, I have an understanding of what it's like to feel hopeless and powerless. I also learned how to regain control of my health. My experience in taking control of my health and my life allows me to be more empathetic and aware of what my future patients might be facing.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your own experiences will be very valuable and will help your patients to trust you for sound advice. In addition to this, are there any academic accolades, volunteer work, or other accomplishments that will help you to be a stand-out candidate?
Anonymous Answer
I am confident in my ability to lead and learn in the medical field. I have experience in another language, and while I am not fluent, I can understand and talk with patients to help them with their needs. I also am currently volunteering weekly at church, caring closely for a boy with CP. This has helped me realized my desire to help hurting children be their best selves.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good start! Be sure to also include details on your education and those achievements along the way. If you speak/are learning another language, offer up those details rather than making the interviewer ask follow up questions like 'what language?'
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