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Virtual Interview FAQ

What happens on interview day?

The day is led by admissions staff, beginning with an orientation session including financial aid information. Your 25-minute interview is conducted by two Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) faculty members. Medical Student Ambassadors and Student National Medical Association members host a lunchtime discussion and provide a tour of the CCOM and the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC). Applicants also participate in a Case-Based Learning exercise facilitated by 4th year medical students. (The only difference between a virtual and in person interview day is we do not serve lunch). If you receive an interview, a detailed schedule will be provided.

What is the interview like?

The 25-minute interview begins with questions in a structured format, followed by an unstructured portion of the interview where faculty interviewers will not have seen your academic record, MCAT scores, or any part of your AMCAS application. The Admissions Committee has requested that faculty interviewers consider: your interest in a medical career, your own personal characteristics, and your experiences and insight into current medical issues.

How do I prepare for a virtual interview?

Virtual interview tips for candidates

Two weeks before you interview

  • To participate fully, plan to use a personal computer or laptop, not a phone
  • Visit AAMC’s Virtual Interviews: Tips for Medical School Applicants
  • Check with your public libraries to see if they are lending out hotspots to ensure stable Wifi
  • Download Zoom on whatever device you use and become familiar with it.
  • PDF icon Applicant Zoom Tutorial (PDF)
  • Check your current institution’s career center to see if there are private spaces you can reserve with stable WiFi 
  • Select your professional attire for interview day

One week before you interview

  • Make sure you have the most current version of Zoom on the device you will use to interview.  Learn more here.
  • Find a place with good lighting, avoid a light behind you to ensure facial expressions can be seen. 
  • Practice having the camera at eye level so you can look directly into it when speaking
  • Make sure your background is neat and free of distractions.

Interview day

  • Feel free to join the Zoom early to ensure you have a stable connection. You will be in a waiting room until check in begins.
  • Mute your cell phones, but have them close in case there is a technology issue.
  • Mute notifications on any device you use.
  • Ensure your device(s) are fully charged but have charging chords available.