EXPLAINING LOW USMLE SCORES ON THE INTERVIEW
How can we tackle explaining low USMLE scores on the Interview ?
Do you think you might break into a nervous dance of twitchy eyes, fiddly fingers and moist palms if confronted with that question during your interview - there is no need to be.
In fact, there are reasons why you should consider this to be an opportunity - an opportunity to remove that little shred of doubt about your ability. I am saying this because, the very fact that you have been called for an interview despite low scores implies that your application and other credentials were impressive enough to warrant giving you a chance. With a good answer about that low scores, you can further improve your case.
There are many genuine reasons why scores can be low like:
- Not everyone gets the luxury of being able to be home cramming all study material without worry about earning and cooking. Research, work, observerships, etc. all take their toll on time and exam performance, which made you rely more on clinical acumen and common sense rather than loads of memorized study material.
- Other stressors like pregnancy, taking care of little kids, mental stressors like financial worries, etc. also affect many people.
- While some are just not good exam takers - does not mean they do not know their stuff.
- Financial difficulties can deny you access from good study material too..
Some time ago, a person on an USMLE forum mentioned how he tacked it by saying something like this, "I agree they are low, I did have my problems during the exams, but I don't wish to give excuses - all I want to say that I would not want you to lose a good doctor because of low scores" --- huh...I am not sure I could speak out that statement too well, but maybe some of you can !
So, if your scores are on the lower side, give it a thought beforehand, be genuine and frank about your answer. For some, it can be somewhat like the question, "So what are your weakness" - wherein you mention a weakness in the guise of a potential strength ;-)
Do you think you might break into a nervous dance of twitchy eyes, fiddly fingers and moist palms if confronted with that question during your interview - there is no need to be.
In fact, there are reasons why you should consider this to be an opportunity - an opportunity to remove that little shred of doubt about your ability. I am saying this because, the very fact that you have been called for an interview despite low scores implies that your application and other credentials were impressive enough to warrant giving you a chance. With a good answer about that low scores, you can further improve your case.
There are many genuine reasons why scores can be low like:
- Not everyone gets the luxury of being able to be home cramming all study material without worry about earning and cooking. Research, work, observerships, etc. all take their toll on time and exam performance, which made you rely more on clinical acumen and common sense rather than loads of memorized study material.
- Other stressors like pregnancy, taking care of little kids, mental stressors like financial worries, etc. also affect many people.
- While some are just not good exam takers - does not mean they do not know their stuff.
- Financial difficulties can deny you access from good study material too..
Some time ago, a person on an USMLE forum mentioned how he tacked it by saying something like this, "I agree they are low, I did have my problems during the exams, but I don't wish to give excuses - all I want to say that I would not want you to lose a good doctor because of low scores" --- huh...I am not sure I could speak out that statement too well, but maybe some of you can !
So, if your scores are on the lower side, give it a thought beforehand, be genuine and frank about your answer. For some, it can be somewhat like the question, "So what are your weakness" - wherein you mention a weakness in the guise of a potential strength ;-)
Labels: Residency Interview Questions
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posted by Digitaldoc, MD at 1:12 AM
Comments on "EXPLAINING LOW USMLE SCORES ON THE INTERVIEW"
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Anonymous said ... (December 15, 2008 4:29 PM) :
Post Your Comment !I was asked this question and I used the 3 step method of answering:
1. Explain the situation ( " I was going through the process of immigration. I got too distracted by all the travel and administrative work."
2. Explain how you handled it " I took it very seriously. I realized that I had to restructure my schedule, devote for time to studying, and take practice tests"
3. Demonstrate how you made progress " I was pretty satisfied with the outcome and I felt like I was in control."
Please let me know how you feel about this answer. Does it sound mature and honest? Thanks.