Residency interviews are an exciting part of your fourth year in medical school. They usually start in October and end in January, but most are conducted in November and December. Residency interviews are typically part of an all-day itinerary that lets you learn more about a program from current residents and/or faculty members.
Although there isn't a set format for how residency interviews are conducted, some commonalities include orientation, a tour of the facilities, activities that allow you and other applicants to meet current residents, and several rounds of interviews. You may complete anywhere from two to five interviews with residents, staff, or a mix of both.
Preparing for Your Residency Interview
Interview days can be exhausting, but, with the right preparation and a positive attitude, they can be an invaluable opportunity.
What to Wear to Your Residency Interview
Your residency interview is essentially a job interview. You've applied for a place in their program and now you're going to meet with potential peers and mentors. Dressing professionally can go a long way in making a positive first impression on program directors. The program may have a specific dress code, but, if not, we've got you covered.
Plan on wearing a nicely fitted black, navy blue, or dark gray suit. If you want to wear a skirt suit, make sure it has a knee-length skirt. Aim for a solid color button-up shirt or a blouse with a modest neckline. Make sure your tie and dress socks are neutral colors that complement your suit.
If you want to wear heels, aim for closed-toe pumps that are less than three inches in height. Oxfords or loafers are also great options. You'll be walking a lot during your residency interviews, so make sure your shoes are broken in before interview day.
Make sure your hair and nails are clean and well-groomed. Analog watches and wedding rings are fine, but avoid wearing excessive accessories.
Residency Interview Tips
Residency interviews are a two-way street. While your interviewer is trying to learn more about you, this is also a great chance to learn more about them and what they offer. Although some applicants may prefer to wing it, we recommend spending the days before the interview preparing.
Verify Interview Details and Finalize Travel
Some residency interviews are conducted virtually, while others require you to visit in person. Make sure you know what type of interview you're scheduled for, and finalize your travel and housing plans if needed. When finalizing your plans, make sure to factor in time for pre- and post-interview activities.
Research the Program and Faculty Beforehand
Don't spend this time trying to memorize every single thing you see on a program's website. Instead, learn as much as you can about the faculty members and the program. If you notice that you share a common interest with a faculty member, make note of that. If you have questions that aren't answered on the website, jot those down too.
Make a detailed list of questions you have for faculty or residents. The type of questions you ask can say almost as much about you as how you answer their questions.
For example, you could ask, "One reason I am interested in your program is the potential for international experiences. Can you tell me more about those opportunities?" You could also ask, "One of the things I enjoyed during clinical rotations was working on a quality improvement project. Are there opportunities as a resident to be involved in similar projects here?" These questions highlight that you have international experience and that you're a self-starter and a problem solver.
More questions you can ask future interviewers, resident or faculty, can include:
- Does your residency program follow a formal curriculum, or does it have its own unique structure? If so, what is its structure?
- How is feedback given to residents, and how are residents evaluated?
- Is there a formal mentor program for new residents, and who would act as mentors?
- How are teaching responsibilities and fellowships handled?
- What percentage of residents complete your program?
- Is there a union?
- How do the residents get along with faculty in the program?
- Is the program open to suggestions for change?
Compile a List of Commonly Asked Residency Interview Questions
The exact questions can vary depending on the program and situation. However, we've compiled a list of questions residency applicants may be asked during their interviews:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What did you do before medicine?
- What was the most difficult experience for you in medical school?
- How do you rank in your class?
- Why did you choose the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC)?
- Can you tell me about a mistake you made and what you did about it?
- Why did you choose this specialty?
- Why are you interested in this program?
- Do you plan to do a fellowship?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How have you prepared yourself for the rigors of residency?
- Why should we pick you?
Practice With Mock Interviews
Interviewing is a skill. The more you practice, the better you'll become. Ask a friend, mentor, instructor, or even an advisor from your Doctor of Medicine (MD) program to do a mock interview with you.
Remember, you're the main focus of your residency interview. As you continue to practice, you'll grow more confident talking about yourself, your goals, and how you'll fit into their program. You can practice incorporating relevant anecdotes into your answers while remaining concise. You can practice answering questions without excessive use of fillers like “um,” “uh,” “well,” or “like.”
Be thorough in your responses to paint a positive, memorable picture of yourself.
As your interview comes to a close, we recommend using the features, advantages, and benefits (FAB) technique to ensure you end on a strong note.
- Features: Recap an attribute of the program you're looking forward to most. Be specific and succinct as you convey your feelings: "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I particularly enjoyed XYZ and believe this program is ABC."
- Advantages: Explain why this program is the ideal fit for your goals. Be direct about wanting to join their program and say it with conviction: “It would be a privilege ….”
- Benefits: Explain how this program can better you as a physician. Come up with two or three benefits for them accepting you into their residency program: "I believe your program is a good match for me because …." Be specific and make connections between your strengths and the program.
Remember, each residency interview will be different, just as each residency program will have its own process. Be sure to research the program ahead of time and remember that much of what you get out of your interviews depends on your attitude toward the process and what you seek to accomplish through the experience. Make the most out of what’s likely to be your one and only opportunity to actually see and experience what the program is like.
AUC Residency Placements
One of our top priorities at AUC is ensuring each of our students has the training, resources, and support to earn a spot in a residency program. In 2024, 98%* of students matched with a residency program on their first try across a broad range of specialties in well-known facilities like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, St. Luke’s Hospital, and more. In all, 228 graduates placed in 22 specialties across 37 states and territories.
Although residency interviews don’t happen until fall of your fourth year, preparing for them begins with a comprehensive MD program that brings out the best in you. We work hands-on learning and training into your first year of courses to ensure you’re developing the instincts, knowledge, and confidence of a physician long before your clinical rotations.
Ready to begin your medical journey in paradise? Apply to AUC today or contact our Admissions team for more information.
Disclaimers: The information and material contained in this article and on this website are for informational purposes only and should not be considered, or used in place of, professional medical advice. Please speak with a licensed medical provider for specific questions or concerns. AUC is not responsible for the information maintained or provided on third-party websites or external links.
*First time residency attainment rate is the percent of students attaining a 2024-25 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2023-24 who were active applicants in the 2024 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match.
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