Interview preparation guide
Reporting an interview concern: residency interview preparation guide
AAMC describes applicant responsibilities and routes for reporting an inappropriate question. Prepare the facts you would need before you are tired after a long interview day.
How to prepare
- 1
Look for the program process first
AAMC says programs may establish confidential reporting procedures and may tell applicants about them before interviews. Check the invitation, orientation material or contact person for that route.
- 2
Record the facts promptly
AAMC says that without a published process, applicants should report in confidence on the day to a program director or designated institutional official, if possible, including the interviewer name and the questions asked. Otherwise email a program staff member within 24 hours and note the date and time. Keep the account factual.
- 3
Know the follow-up right AAMC mentions
AAMC says applicants have the right to ask whether another interview is considered necessary to make sure the evaluation is unbiased. You can also discuss the situation with an advisor before deciding how to proceed.
A practical exercise
Date and time: [..]. Interviewer: [name if known]. Question as asked: [exact words where possible]. What I said: [..]. Who I reported to: [..]. Requested next step: [..].
This is an editorial exercise to adapt to your own interview, not a script or a program requirement.
What the source guidance supports
AAMC sets out confidential reporting routes, a 24-hour email guideline and the option to ask whether another interview is necessary.
The exercises and checklists are editorial applications of the cited guidance, not legal advice, required program procedures or predictions of interview outcomes. NRMP statements were checked against the 2027 Match Participation Agreement for applicants and the Match Code of Conduct for Applicants, which the NRMP applicant code page (updated November 21, 2024) links as its current document. They are separate documents. Follow your actual invitation, school guidance and the current NRMP documents.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until memories blur.
- Adding assumptions about the interviewer.
- Sending the account to the wrong person.
Check your preparation
- Do I know the program process?
- Are the facts separate from opinion?
- Is the timing within AAMC's 24-hour guidance?
Questions for your practice review
- Is there a confidential reporting procedure?
- Who should receive this?
- Could another interview be considered?
Common questions
Who should I report to?
AAMC says a program director or designated institutional officer if possible, otherwise a program staff member by email.
How quickly?
AAMC says within 24 hours of the interview when reporting by email, noting date and time.
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.