Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

The day began with an breakfast and an orientation session. We then split up into our interview groups; some of us had our one-on-one, open file interview first, and others had their three-on-three, closed file, panel interviews first. We were given a sheet of paper that illustrated our interview times, and the individuals with whom we would be participating in the panel interview. Take advantage of the opportunity to get to know your fellow interviewees before the panel; it will certainly help put you at ease. The one-on-one interview was with a professor or one of the deans, and lasted 20 minutes. This was primarily an opportunity to review your file and provide any updates. I was asked about my interest in medicine during this interview. The panel interview lasted for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each of the three interviewers took a moment to introduce themselves, and went out of their way to make us feel at ease. A series of individual questions was followed by a problem-solving exercise in which the three interviewees had to work together to solve a particular problem posed by the panel. The interviews were over by 11:45. We were then provided lunch at a small cafeteria in the Robert Lurie Research Building. The rest of the afternoon was filled with tours of the facilities, a dessert reception, and special interest briefings on MD/MPH and MD/MA programs. People were able to leave as early as 2:30 pm to catch flights. The interview day was shortened from previous years by removing a sample PBL session from the afternoon schedule. Overall, it was a great experience!

Tell me about yourself (all they have in the panel interview is demographic information, so you have the ability to dictate the information provided here...run with it!). I was then asked a couple of questions regarding the information I provided. As a non-traditional student, I was asked about how I would handle being the subordinate of people younger than me with much less experience in life.

This one was related to my specific experiences as a non-traditional applicant, and would not be of much use to other applicants.

Read through AMCAS and secondary applications again (for one-on-one, open file interview). Reviewed questions posted in this interview feedback forum. Read AMA News and JAMA for current events.

The attitudes of the students! Everyone was ecstatic about participating in the curriculum at Northwestern! The hospital facilities are amazing!

The quality of the hospital facilities is much better than I could have ever imagined. The curriculum has even more flexibility built into it in terms of research, dual degrees, etc. than I had initially realized.