Today was a busy day of ancient history note making, meetings and upcoming leadership event preparation. I’ll be up early tomorrow to try and complete as much of my ancient history study notes as possible. I’m giving myself the deadline of tomorrow night to have my ancient history assessment prep work done (that including study notes and a research portfolio). It’s going to be a busy day, and hopefully a productive one!
(The bookshelves I ordered arrived today! My inner nerd is SO excited to start building them and organising my books! )
And it had been a minute. Who knew the day would come when
I would be done with med school. But I know interviews are rolling so it’s
important to be able to answer the question “do you have any questions?” Rather than sit and shake your head, fearing the worst, I’ve complied a list of questions for anyone to use based on my hindsight.
In my best attempt to stay neutral, I hope this big list
can help you stay informed, learn what you need to and look good. There are plenty of things missing, but this is pretty good start.
What is the learning style is
used at this school (PBL, traditional, combo, systems)?
What does the usual day of a
first year look like? Second year?
Are classes mandatory?
Are clickers utilized in the
classroom?
Do lectures get recorded?
Are classes tested individually
or as larger block exams?
Are there any tutoring
services?
What does the school do in
terms of board prep?
How much time is left to
dedicated board study?
How well do you feel this
program prepared students for boards?
Where do students tend to
study?
Are the study spaces shared
with other programs? Or undergraduates?
What materials are provided for
learning (qbanks, books, ipads)?
What are the hours of
facilities?
Is there a dress code?
What services are available to
students?
Is there any mental health
counselling or ways to receive care through the school?
Who works with students if
there are concerns or problems?
What is the leave or absence
policy?
How does the program help
students who are struggling (academically, personally, finacially)?
Are their TA opportunities, or
other work opportunities?
How is anatomy lab run
(dissection/prosection/no-section)?
How many people work with a
single cadaver?
How many hours a week,
approximately, are spent in the lab?
How often do students work with
standardized patients?
How are the students tested
using standardized patients?
Does the program support
simulated learning?
How often do students use
simulators?
What type of clubs does the
school support?
Where and how do students
generally volunteer?
What ways can 1st
and 2nd years get some clinical experience?
How does this program cultivate
teamwork?
What research is supported at
that school?
Are there an expectations or
requirements for research?
If so, are you assigned
research, or can you scope it out on your own?
Is there an affiliated hospital
with the school/college of medicine?
Do most students stay in the
same place of the school or are they spread out?
How many anchor spots with
specific hospitals does the school have?
How many weeks are core
rotations?
Does the school have
rural/underserved rotations?
Can a third year go out of
system to complete a rotation?
How many electives does a third
year get?
How many electives does a fourth year
get?
Approximately how many
auditions does a student from this school have the opportunity to do?
How is fourth year organized in
terms of completed required rotations?
What do students do for fun in
this area?
Do you feel like students have
good rapport with each other?
Where do students generally
live and do many have to move throughout the 4 years?
Are their opportunities to
collaborate as a team with other students?
