As an active member of my medical school’s admissions committee, I wanted to take the time to provide some (periodic interview tips to help build preparedness, confidence, and hopefully acceptance!

Tip #1: Traveling

What might seem simple can easily become complex. When traveling for an interview, ensure that you’re as prepared as possible. Create and review a general checklist BEFORE departing to your destination. Double/triple check to make sure you have everything you need.

General Things:

-Invest in a garment bag when flying, especially if your travels require changing planes. If possibly, opt for carry-on luggage instead of checking it in. Let’s face it, luggage can easily get lost by airline companies when you least expect it, and this will reduce the chances of that happening, as the responsibility it placed on you, instead of someone else. You can carry-on a garment bag with your professional clothing, and hang it in the aircraft’s closet at the front of the plane. Do make a reminder on your phone not to forget it once you deplane!

-Earn points and build credit during interview season! Many of my medical school colleagues have been accepted for credit cards that allows them to earn travel reward points during the busy interview season. Of course, read the fine print and make sure you have a means to pay off the credit cards ASAP before considering them!

-Always test out the hotel iron BEFORE using it on your clothes. I’ve had a few friends have their white dress shirts ruined by hotel irons because they had dirt and other things on them. Test out the iron on the white hotel towels FIRST. To help reduce mishap even further, pack two dress shirts for an interview trip if needed.

-SAVE MONEY IF YOU CAN! If the medical school has a program that would allow for you to stay with a medical student during your interview time, TAKE IT. You save money, the (usually broke haha) med student may make some money too with housing you from their school, and it gives you the ability to learn even further the lifestyle of a med student. Be sure to make a good impression if you do this. In the case the school doesn’t have a designated program, reach out to their Office of Diversity, and ask if any SNMA-LMSA members would be open to you staying with them during your interview.

That’s all I have for now! Check back in for more interview cycle tips! DO REACH OUT if you’re planning to interview at Saint Louis University School of Medicine (hint hint!)

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