4.1) How can I prepare for my interview?

  You should do research on the school itself.  Learn a little about
  the city it is in, the programs offered, grading policies, and
  instruction method (Problem Based Learning or traditional or mixed).
  Look at the school's information packet and their web site.  If
  you're interested in doing research in a particular field during
  medical school, find out which faculty at the school are doing
  research in that area.  The more you read about the school, the more
  questions you will have to ask your interviewer.

  In preparing for the questions you will be asked (cf 4.4),
  definitely consult the Medical School Interview Feedback Page begun
  by Graham Redgrave: <http://www.interviewfeedback.com>.

4.2) What should I wear to the interview?

  Dress professionally in your style.  This simply means to dress like
  you would if you were a doctor, but do not lose all of your
  personality (i.e. if you are a guy with long hair, don't cut it; if
  you normally have a mustache, leave it...you are not trying to
  produce a standard image, you want to be yourself).

4.3) Should I bring anything to the interview?

  Bring a list of any questions you wish to ask (you will probably
  forget most of them if you try to memorize them).  Always have a pen
  and paper on you.  Find out what the weather will be like and bring
  a coat if necessary.  Bring your application to look over between
  interviews.

4.4) What will I be asked?

  This is largely dependent on the school and on the interviewer (in
  other words, on chance).  Be prepared to answer questions about
  "defining" moments in your life--elaborating on what you do for fun,
  what your favorite activity is, what sports you play, and just about
  anything that interests you.

  Some schools still drill you though, so beware (these interviews can
  truly be draining).  Stress interviews (empty rooms with phones
  ringing, being asked to open windows that are nailed shut) are very
  rare.  If you've done research, and it's on your application, be
  prepared to discuss it.

  Many students have recorded their interview experiences at the
  Medical School Interview Feedback Page:
  <http://www.interviewfeedback.com>.

  Some commonly asked questions:

   The favorite--Tell me about yourself.
   Where do you see yourself in 10 years? (often asked)
   What does your family think about this? 
   What is the biggest problem facing medicine today?
   What are the disadvantages/downsides of a career in medicine, besides 
   no time?
   What are you looking for in a medical school? 
   What do you think about "insert current hot topic here"?
   (HMO, PPO, Doctor-assisted suicide, ethical/moral issues of cloning,
   other financial issues in health care delivery)
   What field of medicine are you interested in? 
   What do you like to do that isn't science related? 
   What will you do if you do not get accepted somewhere this year? 
   What are your strengths/weaknesses?
   And, perhaps the most popular...

4.5) "Why do you want to be a doctor?"

  If you want to say "to help people," please just make that an
  introduction to a much deeper soliloquy!  You can tie this answer to
  personal experiences (i.e. things you may have seen while
  working/volunteering in the medical field, or possibly an illness
  that you or a family member went through).

  The key is to come across as someone who has genuinely thought
  through the decision.

4.6) What questions should I ask?

  Ask anything you want about the school.  Many times faculty or
  students may not know the answer, but will be willing to find out
  and get back to you.  A good source of questions to ask is the
  Association of American Medical Colleges' pamphlet "31 Questions I
  Wish I Had Asked," available at
  <http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/about/31questions.htm>.

4.7) Should I do anything after the interview?

  Sending a thank you note is purely optional, and some consider it an
  outdated practice.  Others feel that acknowledging time spent on
  your behalf is just common courtesy.  One suggestion is to follow up
  with the admissions office, expressing your interest in the school.

4.8) What does "waitlisted" mean? What does "hold" mean?

  The terms "wait list," "acceptance range," "hold," and any others
  synonymous with these all mean that the class was full, but you have
  been placed on a ranked list.  If spots open up, people on the wait
  list will be moved up and offered seats in the class.  In general a
  school will accept twice as many people as its class size when all
  is said and done.  Also, even though waitlists ARE ranked, they do
  not have to pull from them in order, so if something about you
  really stands out (such as a follow up letter stating how impressed
  you were with the school and how much you would like to become part
  of their institution), you can increase your chances of getting in
  off the wait list.

4.9) What if I don't get accepted?

  Try again.  Trying 2 times seems to be the norm these days but after
  3 times you might want to consider doing something else (there have
  been some people who have finally been accepted after applying 4+
  times, but they are the exception rather than the norm).  The most
  important thing to do is to consult each school as to why you were
  rejected or not taken off of the waitlist and ask what you can do to
  improve your chances.  Follow their advice.

4.10) How should I choose what school to go to?

  This depends on several factors.  Important ones include location
  and what the school "typically" produces.  In other words, if you
  want to specialize, it may not be in your best interest to go to a
  state school where most of the class goes into family practice.
  Financial issues are also a factor, as state-funded schools are
  often much less expensive than private schools.

  Going to a school with an established reputation may be of benefit,
  especially when applying for residencies, fellowships, and positions
  in academic medicine.  If you feel that you may end up in an
  academic position, or are considering a very competitive specialty,
  you may consider going to a "name" school.

  If you narrow it down to two schools which are virtually identical,
  go to the one that feels right--that might be your best choice.  How
  do the students at the school feel?  Are they treated well?

4.11) What should I do during the summer before medical school?

  Nothing at all.  Take a deep breath.