In the face of the COVID19 pandemic, medical schools are offering virtual interviews for prospective students. As you prepare for your interviews, you may be wondering what you can do to make a great impression on your video interviewer.
Here are some tips for success:
Select a Neutral Background
Ideally, you should be in front of a neutral background such as a wall. If there are any pictures or paintings hung on the wall, make sure they’re interview appropriate. For example, a painting of a landscape may be neutral enough to leave on the wall, but you may want to take down things like movie posters in advance.
Ensure Good Lighting
Make sure the brightness on your laptop or computer is high, so that the light from the monitor makes you appear brighter on camera.
Select a Good Angle
If you are using a laptop, tilting your laptop screen will alter the way you appear on camera. Make sure to check your angle beforehand so that it shows your head and shoulders clearly without too much tilt. You may have to raise the laptop so the camera isn’t looking up at you.
Charge Your Devices
If you are using a laptop, be sure to plug in your device to the charger before the interview so you don’t run into issues with the battery life during your interview.
Don’t Look to the Side
Many applicants tend to look away from the webcam while thinking about their response to a question, which can seem unpolished. Practice video interviews and make sure you are looking directly at the webcam.
Have an Energized Demeanor
Above all, the interview is your chance to let your interviewer know how passionate and excited you are about medical school. Come to the interview with energy and enthusiasm. Your positive attitude will definitely translate on camera and make the interview a great experience for both you and the interviewer.
Hi I am foreign graduate medical physician , want to apply for PA school . What are my requirements ?
Hi Dev,
You’ll have to meet the prerequisite course requirements for P.A. schools. These vary by school, but typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, and a variety of other sciences courses. Some programs will accept international coursework for these, but others will not, so you will have to check with each program. Some programs accept international coursework, but want a minimum number of college credits completed at an accredited college or university in the U.S., such as 30 units of coursework in the U.S. Also, it will important for you to gain experience within the U.S. healthcare system, This can be acquired through obtaining an EMT or CNA certification and working in one of those roles, or working as a medical assistant, PT assistant or in a variety of other roles. Each program has its own requirements regarding TOEFL (Test of English Language Fluency). That can depend on if one is an international student versus a permanent resident/citizen, though.