Interview preparation guide
Asking residents about strengths and weaknesses: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC's questions for other residents open with the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Ask residents directly, since AAMC says some questions are best answered by residents rather than program leaders.
How to prepare
- 1
Ask the question in its plainest form
The AAMC list of questions for other residents begins with the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Ask it when you are with residents, away from program leadership, and let them answer in their own terms.
- 2
Ask for an example of each
A strength or weakness without an example is hard to weigh. AAMC says specific examples give a true understanding, so ask for a recent example of the program at its best and at its most frustrating.
- 3
Compare across more than one resident
One resident's week is not the whole program. Ask more than one resident when you can, and note where their answers agree and disagree before you compare programs.
A practical exercise
Strength with example: [..]. Weakness with example: [..]. Asked [how many] residents. Agreement or disagreement: [..].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC's questions for other residents open with the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Ask residents directly, since AAMC says some questions are best answered by residents rather than program leaders.
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
- Asking only program leaders about weaknesses.
- Accepting a strength or weakness without an example.
- Treating one resident's view as the whole program.
Check your preparation
- Did I ask residents, not only leaders?
- Did I get an example for each side?
- Did I hear from more than one resident where possible?
Questions for your practice review
- What are the strengths of the program?
- What are the weaknesses, with a recent example?
- Do other residents give the same answers?
Common questions
Is this an official list of required questions?
No. AAMC describes it as a list created by residents and students to help you assess fit, and says to build your own more specific questions from it.
Who should I ask?
AAMC says some questions are best answered by residents in the program, and this one leads that list. Ask residents directly; use program leaders for the follow-up facts their answers raise.
Is this current for the 2027 ERAS season?
AAMC publishes this question list as current guidance for applicants interviewing in the 2027 ERAS season. Program answers change year to year, so ask each program for its own current answer.
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.