The medical school interview is a critical part of the admissions process—your chance to showcase your personality, communication skills, and passion for medicine beyond what’s written in your application. In recent years, schools have increasingly adopted virtual interviews, allowing applicants to interview from anywhere in the world. However, some schools still offer or even prefer in-person interviews, believing they provide a more authentic experience.

At AcceptMed, we prepare students for both virtual and in-person interviews, helping them understand the advantages and challenges of each format and how to make the best impression regardless of the setting. While virtual interviews offer convenience and flexibility, in-person interviews provide a more immersive experience and a chance to engage with faculty and students face-to-face. The question is: Which format actually helps you stand out?

Understanding the Two Interview Formats

Before diving into the advantages and disadvantages of each format, it’s important to understand the key differences:

• Virtual Interviews: Conducted over Zoom, WebEx, or other video conferencing platforms. These became the standard during the COVID-19 pandemic and have remained widely used due to their convenience.
• In-Person Interviews: Held at the medical school’s campus, requiring applicants to travel. These allow students to tour facilities, meet faculty in person, and engage with current students.

Each format has unique challenges and benefits, so let’s break them down.

The Pros and Cons of Virtual Interviews

Pros of Virtual Interviews

1. Cost and Convenience

• Virtual interviews eliminate travel expenses, saving applicants hundreds or even thousands of dollars in airfare, hotels, and meals.
• No need to take extended time off from work or school to accommodate travel.
• More flexibility in scheduling, reducing stress during interview season.

2. Increased Accessibility

• Students from all geographic and financial backgrounds have an equal opportunity to interview, ensuring a level playing field.
• Easier to schedule multiple interviews without travel conflicts, allowing students to apply more broadly.

3. Less Nerve-Wracking for Some Applicants

• Interviewing from a familiar environment may help reduce anxiety.
• Applicants can control their setting, ensuring a quiet, distraction-free space with good lighting and sound.

Cons of Virtual Interviews

1. Lack of Personal Connection

• It’s harder to build rapport with interviewers through a screen.
• Body language and facial expressions don’t translate as well over video, making it more difficult to convey enthusiasm.
• Limited opportunities for spontaneous conversation, which can help applicants stand out.

2. Technology Issues Can Be Unpredictable

• Internet lags, audio problems, or video glitches can create frustrating disruptions.
• Some applicants may have unreliable internet or outdated technology, leading to stressful technical difficulties.

3. No Campus Experience

• Applicants miss out on touring the facilities, meeting current students, and getting a feel for the school’s culture.
• Harder to gauge if a school is the right fit without experiencing it in person.

The Pros and Cons of In-Person Interviews

Pros of In-Person Interviews

1. Stronger Personal Connection

• Meeting in person allows for better eye contact, body language, and natural conversation flow.
• Interviewers may remember you more easily when they’ve met you face-to-face.
• Stronger chance to build rapport and leave a lasting impression.

2. Immersive Campus Experience

• You get to see the facilities, sit in on lectures, and interact with students and faculty.
• Easier to determine if the school’s culture and environment align with your goals.

3. Fewer Technical Issues

• No worries about Wi-Fi dropping or Zoom glitches.
• No distractions from notifications, lagging audio, or screen delays.

Cons of In-Person Interviews

1. Travel Costs and Logistics

• Can be expensive, especially for applicants who receive multiple interview invitations.
• Arranging flights, accommodations, and transportation can be stressful and time-consuming.

2. Limited Flexibility

• In-person interviews require more time off from school or work, which can be challenging for some applicants.
• You may have to schedule multiple interviews close together, leading to travel fatigue.

3. More Pressure in a Formal Setting

• Some applicants find face-to-face interviews more intimidating, especially in a formal panel setting.
• The pressure of being on campus can increase anxiety and impact performance.

Which Format Helps You Stand Out More?

The answer depends on your strengths, preferences, and comfort level with each setting. Here’s how to determine which format works best for you:

1. If You Thrive in Face-to-Face Interactions

• If you are confident in social situations, enjoy networking, and communicate better in person, an in-person interview may give you an edge.
• Your ability to read the interviewer’s body language, engage naturally, and showcase your personality in a physical space can set you apart.

2. If You Excel in a Controlled, Structured Setting

• If you prefer to prepare meticulously and control your environment, a virtual interview may allow you to showcase your strengths without distractions.
• You can ensure proper lighting, background, and presentation, focusing entirely on content and delivery.

3. If You Are Applying to a Highly Competitive School

• Some top-tier medical schools prefer in-person interviews, believing they provide a more accurate assessment of applicants.
• If you are invited to both virtual and in-person options, choosing in-person may help you stand out in a competitive pool.

Tips for Excelling in Both Virtual and In-Person Interviews

Virtual Interview Tips

• Test your technology beforehand to avoid technical difficulties.
• Ensure good lighting, a clean background, and a quiet space.
• Make direct eye contact by looking at the camera, not the screen.
• Speak clearly and engage with enthusiasm to compensate for the virtual setting.

In-Person Interview Tips

• Arrive early to get comfortable with the campus and surroundings.
• Dress professionally and maintain strong eye contact and confident posture.
• Be prepared for casual conversations with faculty, students, and interviewers.
• Take notes about what you liked about the school, as it may help with decision-making later.

Whether you are interviewing virtually or in person, what truly matters is how well you present yourself, your ability to connect with your interviewers, and how you demonstrate your passion for medicine.

Final Takeaways:

• Virtual interviews offer flexibility, accessibility, and cost savings but require strong communication skills to stand out.
• In-person interviews allow for deeper connections and campus immersion but come with travel costs and logistical challenges.
• Your ability to prepare, engage, and articulate your goals matters more than the format itself.

Whichever format you choose, the key to a successful interview is confidence, preparation, and authenticity—qualities that will help you stand out in any setting.