Mastering Open File vs. Closed File Medical School Interviews: 2025 Prep Guide

Preparing for a medical school interview is one of the most pivotal steps toward securing your place as a future physician or healthcare leader. Yet, many applicants overlook a key detail—the interview format itself. Specifically, are you heading into an open file or closed file interview?

Understanding the difference between these two approaches can greatly influence how you present yourself. In this guide, we’ll break down both formats, share pros and cons, and show you how to prepare like a pro.

What is an Open File Medical School Interview?

In an open file interview, the admissions interviewer has already reviewed your entire application. They have access to your GPA, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and list of extracurricular activities.

Advantages of Open File Interviews

• Deeper, personalized conversation: Since the interviewer already knows your background, expect questions that explore your specific experiences, academic record, and motivations.
• Opportunity to elaborate: You can expand on stories and achievements from your application and directly address any red flags or gaps.
  
  

Disadvantages of Open File Interviews

• Nothing is off-limits: Interviewers may zero in on weaknesses or inconsistencies, such as a low grade or gaps in clinical experience.
• Pressure to "defend" your file: You may need to explain every part of your application, requiring full mastery of your submitted materials.
  
  

How to Prepare for an Open File Interview

1. Review Your Application in Detail

Know your entire file inside and out. Be ready to discuss your most meaningful experiences, your academic journey, and how each element has shaped your decision to pursue medicine.

2. Strengthen Your Narrative

Your interviewer has your stats, but what’s your story? Why medicine, why now, and why you? Tie in specific experiences from your file to illustrate resilience, passion, and readiness for a healthcare career.

3. Prepare for Tough Questions

Be ready to address potential weak spots directly. For example, if you had a challenging semester, explain how you grew from it.

4. Stay Informed on Healthcare Trends

Open file interviews often touch on your interests beyond academics. Familiarize yourself with current issues like global health disparities, telemedicine, or ethical dilemmas in medicine.

 
What is a Closed File Medical School Interview?

In a closed file interview, your interviewer has minimal information about you, typically limited to your name or perhaps your undergraduate institution. They won’t have read your application, allowing you to define yourself from scratch.

Advantages of Closed File Interviews

• Clean slate: No preconceived notions about your academic stats or prior experiences.
• Focus on soft skills: You'll have a greater opportunity to showcase your communication skills, character, and motivations.
  
  

Disadvantages of Closed File Interviews

• Limited time to cover everything: You'll need to convey your full story—academic background, clinical experience, volunteer work, and career goals—in a relatively short window.
• More open-ended: Without specific prompts from your file, you'll need to guide the conversation and stay concise yet impactful.
  
  

How to Prepare for a Closed File Interview

1. Craft a Compelling Elevator Pitch

Begin your preparation by creating a 2-3 minute summary of who you are, what brought you to medicine, and what makes you a strong candidate.

2. Highlight Key Experiences

Since the interviewer is unaware of your application, you’ll need to introduce impactful clinical, volunteer, or research experiences organically.

3. Practice Behavioral and Situational Questions

Expect broad questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” or “Why medicine?” Practicing structured responses (e.g., STAR method) will help you stay on track.

 
Open vs. Closed File: Which is More Common?

Both formats are widely used across U.S. and Canadian medical schools. Some institutions even blend both—starting with a closed file conversation before referencing your application.

Before your interview, check the school’s admissions website or reach out to confirm the format so you can tailor your preparation accordingly.

How Go Elective Can Help You Excel in Any Interview Format

At Go Elective, we know that medical school interviews are about more than answering questions—they’re about showcasing your commitment to healthcare and global impact.

Our programs offer clinical internships and shadowing opportunities abroad, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in hospitals and community settings. These real-world experiences are interview gold—giving you patient-centered stories that make you stand out in both open and closed file interviews.

By participating in Go Elective’s programs, you will:

• Shadow experienced healthcare professionals at top hospitals like Coast General Teaching & Referral Hospital.
• Engage in cross-cultural learning that highlights your adaptability and global health awareness.
• Develop clinical insight that strengthens your responses to questions about patient care and medical ethics.

Explore our Kenya or Tanzania programs and gain a competitive edge in your application and interview journey.

Final Thoughts: Succeeding in Both Formats

Whether you are preparing for an open file or closed file medical school interview, the goal is the same—authentically present who you are and how you’ll contribute to the medical profession.

At Go Elective, we help aspiring healthcare leaders like you gain clinical exposure, grow personally and professionally, and leave interviews with impactful stories that demonstrate readiness for a global healthcare career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest difference between open and closed file interviews?

Open file interviews are based on your application, while closed file interviews focus more on who you are without prior knowledge of your file.

Should I prepare differently for open and closed file interviews?

Yes. For open file interviews, review your application thoroughly. For closed file interviews, practice summarizing your background clearly and concisely.

Can I mention my Go Elective internship in both formats?

Absolutely! Experiences like shadowing abroad are highly valuable and showcase initiative, global health interest, and cultural competence.

Are closed file interviews harder?

They can feel more challenging since you guide the conversation, but with preparation, you can leverage them to highlight what matters most to you.

Ready to build your resume with a standout international experience? Learn more about Go Elective’s clinical internships abroad and take the next step toward your dream medical school.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 8, 2025