Committee Interview

After your Committee application is complete, you will be emailed the name and contact information of your Committee interviewer. You are responsible for contacting this person within 5 business days to schedule your interview, even if the date is some weeks later. The Committee cannot write a letter without an interview and this will be your “dress rehearsal” for professional school interviews. The interview is formal and is structured somewhat like professional school interviews. It is advised that students spend a significant amount of time preparing for the interview. 

Committee interviews are conducted as a part of each cycle during the following months:

  • April to May for Spring Cycle Applicants (MD, DO, DDS, Optometry, Podiatry, Early Assurance for SUNY Upstate)
  • September to October for Fall Cycle Applicants (DO, Optometry, Podiatry)
  • January for Early Opportunity Program in Medicine (EOPIM) Applicants

Your committee letter is a very important step in the application process and you should be aware of what is expected of you. Your interview with a Committee member typically lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

The topics that may be covered in your interview include:

  • How your interest in the profession developed.
  • Your personal strengths.
  • Experiences related to the profession.
  • Additional experiences.
  • Your academic preparation (major, significant courses, any special factors that have affected your record).
  • Your personal interests.
  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Research.
  • Honors and awards.
  • Knowledge about health care and ethical issues in health care today.

Be prepared to discuss the above topics in depth, remembering that this will provide the basis for your Committee letter and serve as a rehearsal for a professional school interview. 

Your personal appearance should be appropriate for an interview. Professional attire is expected at the interview. If something happens the day of your appointment and you will be delayed or must reschedule, please contact the interviewer immediately. It is best to have the interview when you are at your best.

After the interview, the entire Preprofessional Health Committee meets and evaluates each applicant by viewing the student’s entire file. A Committee letter will result from this meeting and will be the cover letter to all the individual letters of recommendation when sent to the professional schools of your choosing. Your Committee letter contains information on both your academic and personal qualifications.

There are four rating categories and each student will be placed into one depending upon the above criteria after the Committee reviews your file holistically. The categories are:

  • Most Highly Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Recommended with Reservation

If you have any further questions or concerns, please see an advisor in prehealth advising services.

Interview Resources