<p>I just had an interview which was structured this way. I was paired with another student and we were simultaneously interviewed by a panel of two doctors and one medical student. I was asked a specific question about my research, and then the other student was asked about something on his application. Then, we were assigned a “hypothetical case” which we had to discuss between the two of us and then give our recommendations to the panel. They were carefully observing while the other student and I were discussing, planning, etc. Then, we took turns giving our statements as a team. </p>
<p>I was very lucky that we hit it off well and that we worked together, essentially always trying to make each other look good! When we got together with the rest of the interviewees, we heard a couple of horror stories. There was someone who got paired up with two other students who would not shut up and kept interrupting each other. The third student (who is older) told us that he could sense the frustration from the panel and that it was even difficult for him to get his thoughts thru. It was not a good experience for him at all. Another student from another team felt that some students were just “trying to show off too much” and would always close the answers with something that they had “personally done”.</p>
<p>I am sure that with these panels they are trying to see how the students work together as a small team, etc. Otherwise, what would be the purpose? My recommendations to those facing one of these interviews are: try not to be nervous, be cordial and cooperative with the other person and if you disagree with something just try to go for the common ground rather than to try and establish differences ( I am right, you are wrong kind of things). They look at how you interact with the others and I do not believe they care about the content of the answers.</p>
<p>CONGRATULATIONS LOLLYBO!!! What an exciting weekend. Hope you have fun celebrating because you totally deserve it! Way to go. Looking forward to hearing more about your successes and sharing some of my own sooner or later!</p>
<p>And in other news, some lucky(?) med school applicant will be crashing at my D’s. And then there’s gonna be another one, too. Don’t they screen these student hosts? I mean, she’s a Texan for God’s sakes. What kinda message will that send the prospies? They won’t be able to understand her, the food will all look funny, and she has a cat that’s kinda spoiled.</p>
<p>^As long as she does not make them wait in a car for 1.5 hrs in a dark in unfamiliar city out of state after driving for about 7 hours (the longest ever drive of their life), she will be the most awesome host. (Referrring to my D’s unfortunate experience with one of her hosts).</p>
<p>Since I already got into a school on my top 5 list, do you think it is wise for me to cancel my interview for a school that is a little lower on my list? I would really love to save money for interviews and open up a slot for someone more interested than me, but at the same time I don’t want to limit my opportunities for any potential scholarships. Any advice?</p>
<p>^I have asked my D. the same question in regard to potential interviews, since she is done with all that she has been invited to. She wants to explore all “opportunities” that are available or will become available to her. She is planning to go for second visits also for final decision. It sounds like very personal decision to make, since my stand on this would be different from my D’s. I believe you need to decide yourself.</p>
<p>lollybo, when my D was faced with this decision she analyzed it this way…"Would I go to Case over <strong><em>, even if it worked out that </em></strong>(who grants scholarships/FA you have a chance to get) was much cheaper? When you have the answer to that, you may have your answer about canceling interviews. If you can’t answer it in the affirmative…then keep going to all interviews.</p>
<p>I’m very excited and a little surprised because I was expecting my somewhat mediocre stats (ie, 30/3.8) to keep me out of high stats places (ie, 34/3.9 of Northwestern). Looking forward to it though!</p>
<p>What to go, kiddo!! My kid didn’t past first base there. Heck, she didn’t get to first base. They liked something and I’m betting it was the rec’s and the EC’s.</p>
<p>Congrats, kristin!
D. is still waiting for NW and she was done earlier. Did you get an email or your status was changed or both? It is not her top choice though, just curious.</p>
<p>Great news everyone, on the interview invites and the offers of admission. I agree with Curm, now that you have an admission offer, you are safe to cancel any school you could not be convinced to attend over your current offer, even if they threw money at you. My DD did that in early Nov and it was such a financial relief and time commitment relief for her to not have to attend 6 more interviews.</p>
<p>^If they agree, it is great. My D. has different opinion about it. Well, I am stuck always worrying about her driving. She enjoys her interviews and it seems that she almost feels on break from schools.</p>
<p>Congrats, kristin!! I loved the school! Northwestern seems to be very much into the essays and EC’s. We were told that they invite 10% of applicants and end up accepting 50% of those interviewed!</p>
<p>Someone also told me that they really do not lose in cross admits to any of the midwestern schools (including Michigan and Chicago Pritzker) but only to the top northeastern schools.</p>
50%. My goodness! Now don’t you feel special, kristin? Really proud for you. Now p.m. MyOpinion and get the “skinny” on that panel interview thing. The job is not done. Time to go to work. ;)</p>