Below Average Interview - Any Advice?

[em13]

Hello,

 

I'm hoping to reach out to the community for some insight and advice as I've felt lost ever since getting that regrets email a few weeks ago. This is my second application and second post-interview regrets email that I've received from UBC in a row. I've gotten below average for both of the interviews.

 

This time was especially disappointing as I practiced way more than the first time but yet still received the same interview score. In general I felt I was able to express myself with more power and conviction than in my first application.

 

Has anyone been in a similar position and got in eventually after below average interviews in the previous applications? Any advice for practicing this next year? I'm hoping to join a toastmasters club.

 

I'm feeling hopeless and lost about the whole process and I'm hoping for some positive advice. Thanks in advance.

[Liz30]

You may want to spend some time with an interview coach (maybe a service on campus?) so that you can get feedback on how you sound, where you tend to look, and what your body language looks like. Either that or find a super critical friend that doesn't hesitate to give you that kind of feedback when practicing. Joining a club like toastmasters can't hurt but it's not focussed on interview prep from what I've heard. I think the key is to find some way to be able to be yourself and say what's on your mind clearly even if you're feeling super nervous and stressed out. 

[JohnGrisham]

The biggest thing is to not get too down, "below average" in a hyper competitive pool of medical school applicants isn't as bad as it sounds. You're still awesome, keep trying and of course do things to better yourself! 

If you're a UBC student, there are some people at career services who may be able to give you some interview tips and perhaps to a mock 1o1 to see qualities that the poster above me mentioned.

[Fleming]

The key for me was to practice with people that I didn't know as well. I started out practicing with my best friends, which was fine, but I was able to largely predict the answers they would give. Once I started practicing with different people, I got to hear different answers I hadn't thought of and that was the major benefit for me. 

 

I think people have a misconception that to get in, you have to be perfect in your interview. I can honestly say not a single one of my interviews was perfect. They're just looking for the ability to consider different views and perspectives. Grand total I likely only practiced 10-15 hours, which I believe is far less than many others. I didn't read any books or anything like that either. It's really about finding what works for you personally. 

[wutdo]

Find out what works for you. I interviewed 3 times, last 2 years I practiced a ton, only interviewed at UBC and one other school and was rejected. This year I took an MMI prep course and got in to 4 schools across Canada. Just food for thought. Best money I've ever spent. Probably not necessary but I don't think I would have gotten in without it

 

 

in4hate

[RedLily]

Find out what works for you. I interviewed 3 times, last 2 years I practiced a ton, only interviewed at UBC and one other school and was rejected. This year I took an MMI prep course and got in to 4 schools across Canada. Just food for thought. Best money I've ever spent. Probably not necessary but I don't think I would have gotten in without it

 

 

in4hate

 

If you don't mind me asking, what prep course did you take?

[wutdo]

If you don't mind me asking, what prep course did you take?

MACadmissions. Pricey, but worth every penny to a multiple time interviewee like myself