It is Admissions Interview season at Oceania University of Medicine (OUM), our first of two annual “seasons.” Prospective students hoping to begin their medical school journeys in July are preparing for panel interviews with OUM faculty and administrators. Those planning to start medical school in the January 2026 cohort will interview in September and October this year.

Showcase Who You Are Beyond Your Grades and CV

The medical school admissions interview is your opportunity to introduce yourself and where you are headed. Your application and CV have checked the boxes and shown your qualifications, so now is your opportunity to introduce the person you are — who will one day practice medicine as one of our graduates. Your academic record is well documented. Now we want to discuss your character.

“Know that the Admissions Committee has several goals during an interview,” says Khrystal Robinson, MD, OUM’s Dean for Australia and North America (pictured right) and a key member of the Admissions Committee. “First, they are assessing an applicant’s personal qualities well beyond academics. Interviews help us evaluate your communication skills, empathy, professionalism, decision-making skills, and ethics,” she says.

Dean Robinson emphasizes that interviewers seek to understand your motivations for pursuing a medical degree and your goals and plans for practice upon graduation. She also advises that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the program you seek to begin. This includes not only the coursework but also the medical school’s mission, research opportunities, student resources, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and any unique aspects of the program that align with your interests.

“We need to be sure that you understand our hybrid curriculum delivery so we can also determine that you are a good fit for a distance-learning environment that requires a different degree of self-motivation and drive to learn in comparison to a typical classroom environment,” shares Shandah Gordon, OUM Admissions Counselor. “The Admissions Committee is looking for assurance that you are ready for the challenges faced by a largely non-traditional student body, many already amid a successful first-career, and ready to interact with colleagues residing in numerous global locations.”

And getting ready for a medical school admissions interview requires good measures of self-reflection and preparation.

“At OUM, we seek candidates who have clearly thought about the challenges ahead, and have discussed them with friends and family members who will also be ‘taking this journey’ with them. We have learned that the most successful students have strong support systems, which only occurs with open discussion and preparation for what’s ahead,” explains Camille Dahl, OUM Admissions Counselor.

How Non-Traditional Applicants Can Stand Out in Medical School Interviews

OUM’s typical applicant has more life experience, work experience, and family responsibility than a traditional medical student in their early to mid-20s, many juggling home lives ranging from caring for aging parents to being parents to toddlers.

“Consequently, our faculty has interest in your industry perspective, but they also want to see that applicants understand a physician’s role in healthcare as they move toward this profound career change. They want to see that you understand the differing point of view you are preparing to adopt in going from a paramedic or school teacher to becoming a physician. Interviewers also need to know that you have a clear understanding of the medical school journey ahead, the associated implications both personally and financially, and have made provisions to strengthen your support network during your medical school years,” says Dean Robinson.

Medical School Interview Success: Tips from OUM Admissions Counselors

Dress for Success — Even on Zoom
“Yes, even for Zoom interviews,” says Camille. Choose attire that is conservative, professional, and comfortable, she says. “Dressing appropriately shows that you respect both the interview process and the profession.”

Arrive Early and Set Yourself Up for Success
“Join the Zoom meeting early and wait in the waiting room. While there, you can test that your sound and camera are working well. Make sure you are in a well-lit, quiet, and professional area for the interview,” says Shandah Gordon, OUM Admissions Counselor.

Be Engaged, Be Yourself — Authenticity Matters
Engage actively during the interview by maintaining eye contact, listening attentively, and asking thoughtful questions about the program. Authenticity is key — be true to yourself while presenting your best qualities and experiences.

Reflect and Follow Up to Make a Lasting Impression
After the interview, take time to reflect on what went well. Also, take the time to send personalized thank you notes/emails to your interviewers, thanking them for their time and considering your application, and reaffirming your interest in the program.

Showcase Your Passion and Commitment to Medicine

Lastly, embrace an interview’s opportunity to showcase your passion for medicine, commitment to quality patient care, and readiness to contribute to your future medical community. With diligent preparation and a positive mindset, you are well-positioned to succeed in your medical school journey.