This is my first of many blog entries about interview strategies. I want to start by exploring ways to decrease costs, especially considering current sky high air fares. Here are several suggestions:
1. If you are ambivalent about an institution, schedule your interview later. By January you may decide not to interview there at all, saving you some money.
2. Group your interviews geographically. If you think this is impossible, consider this: There is nothing wrong with calling an institution and letting the assistant know you have been invited to interview at a nearby school/program, you can only afford to fly out to the area once and consequently, might the admissions committee be willing to let you know as soon as possible if their institution will be offering you an interview as well? As long as you are polite about your request, this is completely appropriate and won't harm your candidacy.
3. Check out travel web sites daily. Occasionally, a low price is available only if you catch it quickly.
4. Consider staying with students/residents if the institution offers. Hotels can be expensive, and sometimes you can gather useful information about the school/program this way. Just beware that anything you do or say may be repeated to the admissions committee. (Make sure to write a thank you note.)
For one-on-one interview practice please contact me via InsiderMedicalAdmissions.com . I am scheduling mock interviews up to two weeks in advance so email me as soon as possible.
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