The Interview Advice Every Premed Needs to Hear | Dr. Ryan Gray, Medical School HQ

Today, I'm covering what every premed should know before their medical school interview! This is a recording from a talk I did in Austin, TX, all about the interview.
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In this talk, I cover a bunch of topics relating to the interview, including:
• The medical school interview is like a dance. One person leads, and the other follows. The interviewer asks a question, and you answer it. But a lot of students step on the interviewer's feet because they come in with an agenda of showing off why they're going to make a good physician.
• To tell your story, you need to identify your "seed"-that initial experience that got you exposed to medicine.
• The different kinds of med school interviews: open interviews, closed interviews, the multiple mini interview (MMI), etc.
• Students who do poorly in the MMI, and the interview in general, are coming in trying to prove something. Really, the medical schools want to see if you're going to be a good member of the class. They want to see your personality, and they want to see how you'll work with others.
• When going through your personal statement and your interview answers, you need to look at each sentence and ask, is this generic? Or is this telling MY story?
• Why you should be journaling after ALL your experiences on the premed path.
• How to talk about your strengths and weaknesses: None of us are perfect. But can you explain what you're doing to work on your weaknesses? Can you tell a story that supports/illustrates it? Why stories help so much.
• What are good questions to ask the interviewer? I mention a few specific kinds of questions NOT to ask your interviewer, along with my favorite tip for what ones TO ask. (Here's one of my favorites: "What do you think is a cool part of this school that doesn't get a lot of attention?")
• How personal should you get in the interview? I cover this question from a few angles, such as talking about mental health issues and tragic events from your past that could make you emotional during the interview.
• What should you get from mock interviews? You should be paying attention to how nervous you are and how that's affecting your body language, mannerisms, etc. It will hopefully get you a little more comfortable.
• What if you don't know how to answer a question? It's okay to say you don't know. But what you don't want to do is fake it. Doctors shouldn't fake that they know something when they don't. Also, be aware that it's okay to share your personal opinions on questions.
• What counts as clinical experience? It's not about the job title-it's about whether you're interacting with patients in a way that's even slightly clinical. Just gathering information from patients at the front desk is not clinical. And working as a janitor in the hospital is not clinical either. Use your common sense.
• How should you prepare for the interview? First, be wary of OVER-preparing. You don't want to become scripted. Think of bullet points-not a script. Remember it's a conversation, not a monologue.
• Can shadowing count as clinical experience? In its pure form, shadowing is not clinical experience, as it is very passive. However, if you do a lot of shadowing where the doctor lets you interact with patients, take vitals, etc, then it can also be listed as clinical experience.
• Should you send thank you notes after the interview? Usually, yes. It's courteous. It's another contact point. Mention a specific conversation you had so they may remember you better. But if the school says NOT to send them, then don't! Follow directions!
• If you're a nontraditional student explaining your career change to medicine, remember the question is not "Why NOT your old career?" It is "Why do you want to be a doctor?" So focus on what's pulling you toward medicine-not what's pushing you away from your previous career.

[@mgn_tr.i]

“The MCAT is hard and the MCAT is important” - every single damn KZbin ad when I try to watch a video 😂. Hi Dr. Gray! I listen to your PreMed years podcast and got directed to this video!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Hi Mike! Love those ads! :)

[@hannahchan3973]

OMG lol "And to do well on the exam it matters how you prep and not how much you prep"

[@JamezBnd007]

7:33 the guy shaking his leg. thats me rn thinking bout the interview day and freaking out.

[@nicu_musings]

Dr. Gray has been an amazing source of information, wisdom, and clarity on the journey towards medical school thus far.

[@sagebuch4054]

Hi Dr. Gray! I heard about this from your podcast episode this week, and I'm stoked to have found your youtube channel! As a non-trad premed who's building my own adventure without classic pre-med help, I can't even express how valuable all the info you share is. Thank you so much for everything!

[@usergator360time]

Found your KZbin after listening to your podcast. Great advice thank you so much for all the work you do. As an older student hoping to get into med school I'm so appreciative for all your up to date advice for those of us without all the resources available to walk them through applying.

[@hannahbanana2311]

literally the best guidance ever. thank god for people like you. us premeds neeeeeddd this type of support! thank u so much for what you do! love ur podcasts btw

[@jaz152679]

Dr. Gray, I heard this video on the Premed Years podcast and am now following your channel. Thanks for your helpful advice. It keeps me motivated and pumped during these challenging times.

[@CurtisRich]

Long time listener, first time watcher. Dr. Gray has been an amazing source of information, wisdom, and clarity on the journey towards medical school thus far. Looking forward to more videos/podcasts in the future!

[@tylerdrummond6721]

Thanks for all you do Dr. Gray. I found your podcast a few months ago and have been listening to all the old episodes in between new ones.

[@joyweiler8982]

Hi Dr. Gray, I recently heard about your podcast, and I've been going back through and listening to all the episodes. I got to this one, and I know it's long past the giveaway period, but I just thought it would be a great time to jump on here and say thank you for your work on these! I have learned so much already and will continue going through your archives!

[@danielleharris1485]

I found Dr.Grey’s podcasts a few months back and they been extremely motivating and informative! I’m a non-traditional student who’s just returned to college after a three year gap. Dr.Grey’s podcasts, books, and video have made my process as a premed so much easier to manage! I’m extremely grateful and will be supporting his media even into medical school.

[@shelbydurler7433]

Thanks for all the advice Dr. Gray!! As a non trad with minimal undergrad contacts your advice has been extremely helpful through this process!

[@sharimillangue7030]

Thank you so much for the kind instruction. We are so grateful. 30 years ago we didn't have KZbin and it has been proven to be a wonderful resource for all of us wanting to be doctors.

[@vyshaliswaminathan3171]

Hi Dr. Gray! I listen to your Premed Years podcast. I recently came across your channel, right before you mentioned about it in the podcast. You are a God sent and I really appreciate all that you do! It's so hard to find good information out there and I'm so tired of having a competitive mindset. Thanks for everything!

[@jamescrank255]

Thank you for everything you do for us students pursing a career in medicine.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

thank you!

[@nassim4120]

That is absolute gold. Thank you so much!

[@cheyannehead4434]

Subscribed! Love your podcasts and can’t wait to see more videos! 😊

[@valeriamontalvo7159]

Hi Dr.Gray! Love all your podcasts! Just finished the PreMed years episode, hoping for a shot! Thanks for everything you do and being the advisor/mentor I never had 😂

[@ERdoctorMike]

Coming from a medical student... this is GOLD!

[@Robertoman226]

Hello 👋🏼 coming from the pre-med years podcast ...first read about your podcast on a subreddit post on how invaluable your content is...thought I'd check it out...glad that I did. Keep it going 👍🏼

[@Thatbroketwentysomething]

Came here from the podcast and love seeing a face to the voice for a change

[@raspberryK1]

Hi Dr. Gray! I listen to all of your podcasts. Also, I was hoping to post about my current situation on the nontrad forums but I think they are down. Thanks for all of your free help and also for your positive encouragement!

[@ericmullins34]

Dr Gray, heard this on the Premed Years podcast and decided to follow your channel. Thanks for all of your advice it's been very helpful and keeps me motivated during the hard times!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Thanks for the follow, Eric!

[@leslyesantiago831]

Came here from the podcast! I’ve listened to it for a long while now, thank you for the guidance you provide!!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

hi there!

[@Jonjonthemonmon123]

Came here from the podcast! Thank you for all of your detailed information into the realm of medical school applications and medical school!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Thanks, Jonathan!

[@grantkern6625]

Thanks for all the great advice - I really appreciate it!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Thanks, Grant!

[@stickyfingers8653]

This is great advice for most interviews in general

[@melanielopez9186]

Just subscribed Dr Grey! I listened to this video on your podcast. now that I can connect KZbin to my TV this is oh so handy 💁🏻‍♀️ Would love to win a call!! Thanks for all that you do. YOU ARE THE GOAT 🗣🐐🔥

[@ChelseaM1]

Thank you for sharing!!! I’ve loved the podcasts, but hadn’t joined the KZbin gang yet!

[@rachelcey7102]

Canadian student here! Came to listen from the podcast.

[@tasnimkeddo5548]

Hi Dr. Gray, I am Tasnim I heard about this video from the "Premed Years" Thank you a lot for the helpful information

[@souviesomsacksy596]

I'm here from the podcast :D Thank you for all your advice and encouragement! Hoping I get to be the lucky caller

[@justhereforthetea0.0]

This was very informative and well done. Thank you for sharing this information!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

thanks!

[@jeffyi1854]

Here from the podcast! It's a little odd to finally associate the face with the voice haha. You are seriously awesome and you help so many potential premed students. Keep doing what you do!

[@christophermendez4932]

Thanks for all your advice! Love your memes on IG also

[@tito4rules]

Hello Dr. Gray, I heard this on the podcast and I’m excited to follow your videos as well as continue listening to the podcasts! I’m a teacher trying to make a move in the premed path.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Exciting transition! Welcome!

[@jaz152679]

Hi Dr. Gray, I heard this video on "The PREMED YEARS" podcast. I'm excited to follow you on youtube. Thank you for your advice about the medical school interview process. I especially took note of the point you mentioned regarding journaling shadowing/volunteer/any experience you are obtaining on a regular basis. I am about to start working at a hospital in the next few weeks and will do just that. Also, looking forward to hearing who wins next week's giveaway!

[@joshmcgoo]

commenting for the KZbin algorithm

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Thanks, Josh! :)

[@themiamilife]

great video. I haven't gotten an interview yet but I definitely want to prepare

[@jadzeitouni994]

Hi Dr. Gray, I am here from your podcast! They have been so helpful. Hope to get your call!

[@hanieg2236]

I’m here from the audio version of this video on “The Premed Years”. Finger-crossed for a call!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

hello! :)

[@isaacesparza8113]

Hey, Dr. Gray! Here from the podcast!

[@bridgetfitzgerald5949]

Sent from the premed years ep 378! Thanks Dr. Gray :)

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Hi, Bridget!

[@zerochill9501]

I got one interview and one acceptance

[@kennethmoore3783]

Useful info.

[@hailey2475]

Came from the podcast!

[@blairhoeting9321]

Here from the premed years!

[@samthegangster1]

Your podcast sent me here Dr Gray!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Hi Samuel!

[@felixt.8354]

Texas A&M is in College Station, not Austin, TX (according to the YT description). ;)

[@maggiealvord8623]

Here from the podcast!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Hi Maggie!

[@granttekell3939]

Also commenting for the KZbin algorithm!

[@attabaig6848]

Hi Dr. Gray, I was wondering if community college credit for pre reqs is a big red flag. I’m currently in community college and this is my freshman year so far, I plan on finishing most of my pre reqs here before transferring. My biggest reason was financial issues. If I am able to prove myself gpa and MCAT wise, will this balance everything? Just to be safe, is it better for me to retake some of these prerequisites in a 4 yr university later on? I’m just confused because there are mixed feelings regarding this issue and I would appreciate if you could clarify.

[@2Barbarossa2]

Can you reference your application/personal statement when speaking or should you assume that the interviewers have not read it?

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

assume they haven't read it

[@MyPinkZebras]

Came from the podcast!!!!

[@NAL1106]

Hi Dr. Gray! I follow your KZbin channel. I heard it on your podcast and would love a call with you!

[@jacksr8218]

It’s possible to ask the interviewer, why are you interview students?

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

of course it's possible. But what is the goal asking that question?

[@M4cnCh3eze]

"Gators are better" Chomp Chomp.

[@ddfelder2]

🐊

[@pm7317]

Uhm, what qualifies this guy to give advice? The med school experience was so meaningful to him that he decided to start.a bunch of scam companies that don't involve him practicing or teaching medicine? Kiddos, find a real mentor, don't watch this guy's videos. Your interviewers are mostly going to be academic types, not BS scammers.

[@katelyna237]

Please do your research on Dr. Ryan Gray before making this statement. He isn’t scamming students in the slightest; he isn’t promoting anyone to purchase any product that falsely guarantees being accepted into medical school. At the end of the day, he didn’t need to go through all this hard work in his podcasts of having medical admission board members, physicians, medical students, and researchers speak out onto his podcast. He is no longer practicing because of his diagnosis with sclerosis and could no longer practice as a US AF flight surgeon, so he is making use of the knowledge he has gained and is educating aspiring healthcare providers to achieve their goals. Respectfully, your comment has no facts and knows nothing about how the Pre-Med Years and his collection of podcasts have absolutely saved applicants like me.

[@hyejinlee9722]

@@katelyna237 Did he went through a regular med school application? I’m not familiar how US AF med school differ from the traditional one.

[@karbrote24ve]

Dr. Gray, thank you for your wisdom and inspiration for aspiring physicians like me. go gators 🐊🔵🟠