Interview preparation guide
Reading an interview day schedule: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC says an interview usually takes at least a half day, and programs usually provide a schedule. Use it to decide what to prepare for and which optional parts to attend.
How to prepare
- 1
Read the whole schedule first
AAMC says each program has its own schedule and format. Note start times, time zones, locations or links, who you will meet and which parts are optional. If something is unclear, ask the contact listed in the invitation.
- 2
Match preparation to the people you may meet
AAMC says you will likely meet the program director, two or three faculty members and one or two residents. Prepare different questions for each group, such as training structure for faculty and daily life for residents. Do not assume every program follows this pattern.
- 3
Plan for the whole day
For an in-person day AAMC says you may tour the facility and attend rounds or eat lunch with faculty or residents. Virtual days may include a virtual reception. Plan breaks, meals and technology or travel time so you are not rushing between parts.
A practical exercise
Time and zone: [..]. Format: [..]. People: [..]. Optional parts: [..]. Question for each group: [..]. Travel or technology check: [..].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC describes a typical interview day as at least a half day, with a program-provided schedule and several interviewer groups.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. Costs and formats vary by program, so follow your actual invitation and school guidance.
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating optional parts as irrelevant without checking.
- Using the same questions for every interviewer.
- Ignoring the time zone.
Check your preparation
- Do I know the start time and time zone?
- Do I know who I will meet?
- Do I have a question for each group?
Questions for your practice review
- What does a typical day look like?
- Which parts are optional?
- Who can I contact with schedule questions?
Common questions
How long is a residency interview?
AAMC says to expect at least a half day or longer, in person or virtual. Your program's schedule is the authority.
Who will I meet?
AAMC says you will likely meet the program director, two or three faculty members and one or two residents.
What if the schedule is missing?
Ask the program contact. This guide cannot say what a particular program will provide.
Related guides
Sources
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.