23 Common Medical School Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Applying to medical school is an intense, multi-phase process—and the interview stage can be the most nerve-wracking of all. Whether it’s your first interview or your tenth, facing admissions officers who will judge your suitability for a lifelong career in medicine is no small task.

Interviews matter. According to AAMC data, only about 41% of applicants successfully pass this phase. Fortunately, the key to success is preparation. Below, we’ve outlined 23 of the most common medical school interview questions—with actionable tips, examples, and insight from Go Elective’s global health internship alumni to help you stand out and make your mark.

Want to build your confidence even more? Go Elective’s pre-med internships in Kenya and Tanzania offer immersive, real-world clinical exposure that not only boosts your resume but also gives you rich, unique stories for your interviews.

Let’s dive in.

Tell Us About Yourself

This question sounds simple but sets the tone for the entire interview. Avoid just repeating your CV—focus on what shaped your path to medicine. Structure your answer around past, present, and future goals.

“During my Go Elective internship in Kenya, I realized the power of medicine to transform underserved communities, which solidified my commitment to global health.”

Why Did You Choose Medicine?

Share a moment that inspired you to pursue this path. The best answers are personal, specific, and show emotional depth.

Why Do You Want to Attend Our Medical School?

Research is key. Highlight how your values align with their mission. Mention a program, research opportunity, or philosophy that connects with your experiences.

“Your global health curriculum echoes the work I did through Go Elective in Mombasa, where I shadowed physicians managing infectious diseases.”

What Qualities Make a Good Doctor?

Focus on empathy, resilience, communication, and adaptability—traits often honed through real-world experience.

How Do You Spend Your Free Time?

Admissions committees want well-rounded individuals. Mention activities that show balance and wellness.

How Do You Handle Stress?

Give specific examples and healthy coping strategies—yoga, journaling, time management, or mentorship support.

What Are Your Strengths?

Be honest and tie your strengths back to medicine: communication, leadership, problem-solving, or cultural competence.

What Is Your Weakness?

Choose a real weakness and show how you’re actively working to improve. Avoid generic answers like “I work too hard.”

How Do You Define Success?

Frame success around patient outcomes, continuous learning, and ethical care—not just grades or awards.

Who Inspires You?

You can name a mentor, doctor, or global health leader. Explain why their values or work resonate with you.

Describe Your Clinical Experience

Use examples from volunteering, shadowing, or internships. Go Elective participants often reference experiences assisting doctors during emergency cases or public health outreaches.

Have You Done Volunteer Work?

If you’ve served in local clinics or abroad, highlight the impact. Admissions committees value students committed to service.

Do You Have Research Experience?

Explain what you studied, what you learned, and how it prepared you for the rigors of medical education.

How Will You Fit Into Our Program?

Mention your academic fit, cultural values, and how your experiences (like global health internships) will contribute to classroom and clinical learning.

How Do You Deal With Failure?

Show a growth mindset. Describe a specific failure and how you used it to improve.

What Other Skills Do You Have?

Leadership, bilingualism, digital literacy, or cross-cultural communication are all valuable. Experiences abroad through Go Elective often help you develop all four.

What Are Your Views On…

A. Abortion – Stay respectful. Acknowledge complexity and emphasize patient-centered care and empathy.
B. Euthanasia – Discuss ethics, legality, and the importance of listening to patient autonomy.
C. Stem Cell Research – Show you understand both the scientific potential and ethical debates.
D. Health Access – This is your opportunity to highlight healthcare inequities and how international experience has shaped your awareness.

“In Tanzania, I saw how access to basic healthcare varies dramatically. It underscored my desire to work in underserved communities.”

Why Should We Choose You?

This is your closing pitch. Highlight your unique qualities, your passion, and how you’ll contribute to their medical school community.

Have You Applied Elsewhere?

Be honest. Focus on what drew you specifically to this school.

What If You Don’t Get In?

Show determination. Express your commitment to improving and reapplying.

If Not Medicine, What?

Mention another healthcare profession—like public health, nursing, or physician assistant—but reaffirm that medicine is your top choice.

What Is the Most Pressing Health Issue Today?

Access to care, climate change and health, antimicrobial resistance—choose one and offer a thoughtful, informed response.

What Are Your Goals in Medicine?

Align your goals with service, leadership, and lifelong learning. Be specific.

“My goal is to return to underserved regions like the ones I saw with Go Elective and help build stronger primary care systems.”

Master Your Interview with Go Elective’s Global Health Programs

Real-world stories stand out in interviews. Go Elective’s pre-med and pre-PA internships in Kenya and Tanzania provide hands-on shadowing in public hospitals, mentorship from experienced physicians, and exposure to global health challenges. These experiences not only enrich your personal growth but give you compelling, authentic material for interview success.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Genuine, Be Impactful

Medical schools want future doctors who are competent, compassionate, and resilient. Preparing for interview questions, drawing from personal and clinical experiences—especially in diverse settings—will help you shine.

Learn more about how Go Elective’s programs can elevate your application by reaching out to us at hello@goelective.com and take the next step toward your dream of becoming a doctor.