Residency interview answer guide
If you could do medical school over, what would you change? Interview guide
The AAMC lists this among commonly asked questions. It tests how you reflect on your own choices. Interviewers listen for ownership and growth, not for a perfect record.
How to approach it
- 1
Choose a real lesson
Pick something you would do differently, such as starting research earlier, asking for feedback sooner or taking a particular elective. Avoid answers that blame the school or others.
- 2
Explain what you learned
Say what you noticed and why it matters. The AMA's advice on missteps is to take ownership and not be defensive.
- 3
Show what you changed since
Describe one step you have taken since, so the answer ends in action instead of regret.
A fill-in outline, not a script
If I could change one thing, I would [specific change]. I realised this when [moment]. What I learned is [lesson]. Since then I have [concrete step], and I plan to [how you will apply it in residency].
This is an illustrative outline. Replace every bracket with something true from your own experience. The AAMC advises applicants to prepare rather than rehearse, so you can answer the question you are actually asked.
What advisers and program directors say
Dr. Ami DeWaters of Penn State told the AMA that it is extremely important not to be defensive, that blaming others reads badly, and that you need to take ownership of what happened.
The AAMC suggests reflecting on growth and meaning: how did you change, what did you learn and what would you do differently next time.
Mistakes to avoid
- Saying you would change nothing.
- Blaming the school, faculty or other people.
- Naming a serious professionalism issue with no resolution.
- Dwelling on regret instead of what you learned.
Check your answer
- Is it a real choice, not a disguised strength?
- Does it end in something you did?
- Is the tone calm and non-defensive?
Follow-up questions to expect
- What stopped you at the time?
- What is the biggest thing you learned from that?
- How have you applied it this year?
Common questions
Is it fine to say I would change nothing?
It usually sounds guarded. Choose a small, honest change.
Can I mention a bad exam result?
If it is relevant and you can show what changed, yes. Choose what you are comfortable discussing.
Is this the same as the question about deficiencies?
No. This is open-ended reflection. The deficiency question is about a specific item on your record.
Related guides
Sources
- AAMC, Questions Frequently Asked of Applicants During Interviews
- AMA, How to address a medical school misstep in residency interviews (Oct 2023)
- AMA, A program director's do's and don'ts for residency interviews (Dec 2024)
This page is general editorial guidance based on the sources above. It is not a prediction of any program's questions or a statement of its current policies.