Interview preparation guide
Spacing interviews and managing fatigue: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC describes the interview trail as exhausting both physically and emotionally and recommends scheduling enough space to be energized. Preparation includes planning rest, not only practice.
How to prepare
- 1
Look at your calendar as a whole
List accepted interviews, travel days, clinical or academic commitments and rest days. Check for back-to-back days or days with long travel. Program dates may limit your choices, so identify where you have flexibility.
- 2
Protect the parts that matter
AAMC says to schedule enough space to make a strong impression and fully learn about the program. Decide what you need before each interview, such as time to review notes, eat, sleep and settle technology or travel.
- 3
Reset between programs
After each interview write short notes, then stop. AAMC recommends notes immediately after each interview so programs do not blur together. Plan a short routine to restore energy before the next one.
A practical exercise
Week: [..]. Interviews: [..]. Travel: [..]. Rest: [..]. Notes completed: [..]. Next preparation: [..].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC says the interview trail can be exhausting and recommends enough space between interviews.
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
- Stacking interviews with no recovery time.
- Skipping notes because you are tired.
- Treating exhaustion as a reason to stop preparing questions.
Check your preparation
- Is there a rest day?
- Do I have time for notes?
- Is travel realistic?
Questions for your practice review
- Which dates are flexible?
- What do I need before the next interview?
- Who can help if my schedule is too tight?
Common questions
Why does AAMC mention fatigue?
AAMC says the interview trail can be exhausting physically and emotionally and recommends scheduling with enough space to be energized.
Can I reschedule?
Use the program's stated process and give reasonable notice. This guide cannot say whether a particular program can move a date.
Should I interview as many times as possible?
This guide cannot say. Consider your goals, cost and energy, and discuss it with your advisor.
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.