Hey, this forum has helped me out a lot. I would like to give something in return. Here is the breakdown of the NJ interview (as I remember it from about a month ago):

1. Arrival: (Be on time if you can. If you are late, just call Admissions to let them know. They will understand.) You will be invited to hang up your coat in the closet and to use the restroom. I had trouble using that plastic key card for the restroom. Doh! Anyway, there are albums on the table that you can peruse while you wait for your interviewer.

2. Interview (Part 1): <One on One Interview> Smile, make eye contact and give a firm handshake. You will be taken to a small, comfortable room with nice seats and desk. You will sit across the desk from your interviewer who will be at the same level. It is a cozy atmosphere. Your file will be placed on the desk near your interviewer and within your view. The questions that the interviewer will ask will be directly related to your application and essay. In fact, you may see that portions of the essay are highlighted. Well, that is because that is where some of the questions come from. Also, Your GPA and MCAT may be discussed. Don’t freak out. Stay calm and composed. The interviewer will inform you that he/she is not the one to make the admissions decision but it is rather a Committee who decides your fate. However, he/she will take notes during the interview and write a summary, which will be sent to this Committee. Incidentally, during a recent Ross University Open House held in NY the following statistics were cited: “If you have been granted an interview, there is a 65% chance that you will gain admittance to Ross University School of Medicine.” So the interview is somewhat important. Dress professionally; be well groomed, and well mannered.

Be able to answer the following: (These are only a few of the questions that I can remember.)
Most important question: Why do you want to be a doctor? What motivates you to pursue this field? What makes you unique? What other field would you choose if you do not get accepted to any Medical School (Caribbean or otherwise)? Why did you get (insert bad grade) in (insert class)? What was the most challenging class for you during your undergraduate studies and why do you think so? Will you be able to handle living in a foreign country? What characteristics do you possess that makes you adaptable? What are the characteristics of a good/bad doctor? What are your strengths/ weaknesses? How would a friend describe you? What do you think would be the hardest part of the medical school curriculum for you and why? What are your study habits? What field of medicine interests you most and why? What do you know about Ross and why did you choose to apply here? What other schools have you applied to? What else would you like to tell the Committee about yourself that is not included in your essay or application? Do you have any questions? (YES, YOU DO HAVE QUESTIONS! You could even make a small list of questions or topics to discuss beforehand and place them in a neat folder. You can then whip out that list and start checking off the questions when they are answered. Just don’t fumble around with too much paper and remember to try to maintain eye contact. Also, remember to always try to put a positive spin to everything (especially the questions that focus on the “bad stuff.”)

3. Interview (Part 2): <Video Conference> You will be taken to a conference room with a T.V. and V.C.R. There will be a long table with comfortable seats, where you and a few other prospective students will be seated. There will be refreshments at another side table that you can help yourself to (it was bagels and orange juice for me). It is a very relaxed atmosphere. An admissions representative will introduce the school to you and then allow you to watch the video. It was similar to the one you can view on the Ross website. I will not elaborate on the video, just see it for yourself. When the video is over, the representative will return and talk to you about the school- curriculum, living in Dominica, Visa process, etc. Then, it is up to you and the other candidates to ask questions. (Do ask questions even if it is for the sake of you appearing interested in the school, which you probably are.) Finally, you are sent home with a Ross University pen, several business cards, and hopefully a smile of relief plastered on your face.

4. Departure: (that is, from the interview site) You should write a thank you note to your interviewer. It is courteous to do so and perhaps it will speed up the process for you. I sent a thank you note in the mail on nice stationary to both my interviewer and to the admissions representative who held the video conference. (Basically, to whoever gave me a business card.) Also, I later e-mailed my interviewer a thank you note with an inquiry about the decision. You should call one week after your interview to find out how soon a decision can be reached. Call and e-mail your interviewer again a week later to find out if a decision has indeed been reached. Continue to check up on your admissions status without being a nuisance.

My overall advice for the interview? Just BE the 3 C’s: Confident, Calm, and Courteous. And KNOW the 3 E’s: Your Essay, Experiences, and Expectations.

Good Luck to everyone! I hope this helps!

~Siren