In a medical school interview, your first impression is often the only impression you get to make. With just a handshake, your aim is to come across as professional, confident, and trustworthy. After all the hard work you have put into your premed journey, this is your moment to shine as the outstanding applicant you are.
In this post, we offer advice to help you not only make the best impression but also feel confident on interview day.
Choosing your ideal medical school interview attire
It is important that your interviewer get a sense of who you are from you, not from your clothes. Even if you are not trying to make a statement, your top knot and hoop earrings might be more memorable than your three years of research or volunteer work. If your attire raises an eyebrow, your interviewer could spend the rest of the interview distracted by your appearance, rather than gaining a sense of the true you.
What to wear to your med school interview – From head to toe
To help you dress for success, we have broken down the interview outfit from head to toe. Let’s start with the key piece, the suit.
Suit
Business suits come in a myriad of colors and styles. For a medical school interview, choose a classic cut in black, navy blue, or gray. Skirt suits and pantsuits are both acceptable, so pick whichever makes you feel more comfortable. Make sure to remove all tags, stickers, and pins before your interview. Cut the loose stitching inside any pockets and/or along the skirt slit before you leave the house.
If you are wearing an older suit, try it on well before interview day. You want to be certain that it fits just right and has all seams and buttons intact. Preparing your outfit ahead of time also gives you the opportunity to get it professionally cleaned and steamed.
Have a backup in place, including hose and shoes.
Don’t forget to do a quick run with a lint roller before you head out the door.
Shirt
Avoid anything low-cut. Go for a simple oxford button-down or a nice blouse that does not wrinkle too easily. Stay away from loud patterns and colors. Men will be wearing shirts and ties with their suits, so you want to look just as professional as they do.
Belt
Although belts are typically a necessity for men, women can take them or leave them. If your skirt or pants have belt loops, chances are your look will seem more complete if you wear a belt. Follow what the suit calls for and whether you appear comfortable. Sometimes, belts cinch too much, and this would best be avoided. If you have a nice belt you like to wear with your suit, and it makes you look “pulled together,” then go for it. Otherwise, an unbelted look is fine.
Skirt
If you are going to wear a skirt suit, sit down in it, and make sure the skirt does not ride up too high. Do not wear a skirt that is too tight. Do not wear one with a deep slit. Always wear pantyhose and proper undergarments that smooth.
Pants
Hem your pants to fit the heels you plan to wear. Make sure to iron your pants or have them pressed before you wear them.
Shoes
Closed toe, low heeled, and tasteful is the way to go. If you wear too high a heel, you will be uncomfortable all day. Open toe, and you risk looking unprofessional. Definitely do not wear sandals.
Bag
Choose a medium-sized purse that will fit your portfolio folder (which should include extra copies of your admissions resume and application) and any papers or handouts you receive that day.
Makeup
Simple, simple, simple. If you wear concealer or powder, go lightly. A little blush looks nice. Mascara helps you look awake. Avoid heavy eyeliner. If you want to wear eye shadow, pick neutral colors, and go lightly. Choose a subtle shade of lipstick or lip gloss.
Jewelry
Opt for small stud earrings, nothing dangling. A simple chain necklace or a single strand of pearls is also a good choice. It is okay to wear a necklace with a religious symbol, such as a cross, but make sure it is understated. Avoid wearing any noisy bracelets, which can be distracting. You will most likely be wearing long sleeves, so you probably don’t need a bracelet.
Hair
Make sure your hair is neat. Consider bringing a brush in your purse and using it just before your interview. If you choose to wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, or partial updo, make sure it is secure. Keep your hair out of your face, and try not to touch or play with it during your interview.
Medical school interview dress code do’s and don’ts
Following this list of do’s and don’ts should ensure that you will be dressed for success.
First, the don’ts:
1. Don’t be trendy.
You are not interviewing with Vogue, and now is not the time to channel your inner fashionista.
2. Don’t try a fancy new hairstyle.
Wearing your hair down, in a partial updo, or in a low bun or ponytail is recommended. A simple headband can also work.
3. Don’t wear anything with a big logo.
Logos can be distracting and label you just as much as they label the clothing item they are on.
4. Don’t wear open-toed or impractical shoes.
You do not want your interviewer gazing down at your hot pink nail polish. Keep it conservative. Also, wear shoes you know you can walk in. Practice walking in them. Aim for a one- to two-inch heel. On some interviews, you will do a lot of walking, and if you are wearing high heels, you might be left in the dust.
5. Don’t wear anything too short.
If you opt to wear a skirt, aim for your hem to hit just at the knee when you are sitting down. If it rides up any higher than that, choose a different skirt, or opt for pants instead.
6. Don’t wear anything too low-cut or revealing.
Bend over to make sure your shirt does not gape open, and if it does, take measures to fix the problem, or simply choose a different shirt that does not gape. Also pay attention to any skirt slits. You do not want your skirt to open too widely when you lean across a table to shake someone’s hand.
7. Don’t be messy or sloppy (obviously).
And now the do’s:
1. Wear clothes that fit.
Find a tailor you like, and have them hem any too-long pants or sleeves.
2. Keep your clothes wrinkle free.
If you are traveling, use the hotel iron, or hang your clothes in the bathroom to steam when you take a shower.
3. Wear pantyhose.
This is especially true if you wear a skirt. Black tights are fine, too.
4. Wear makeup.
Studies have shown that a small amount of makeup can make a person seem more professional. But keep it neutral and simple – no sparkles and no red lips.
5. Wear simple jewelry.
Small stud earrings and a simple necklace can complement a professional look. A single strand of pearls always looks classy.
6. Be comfortable.
Finding the right professional attire should reduce your anxiety, not add to it. When your outfit is pulled together, neat, and conservative, you should be able to put it out of your mind, so you can focus on the rest of your interview. If your shoes hurt your feet, they’re not the right shoes. If you do not like skirts, wear pants.
You’re never fully dressed without a smile!
Finally, the most important thing to wear to your medical school interview is a smile. A big smile and eye contact are memorable. Now that you know what to wear to your medical school interview, do you know what to say? Check out our Mock Interview Services, and work one-on-one with an experienced admissions advisor who will coach you through the med interview process.
Dr. Mary Mahoney, PhD, is the medical humanities director at Elmira College and has more than 20 years of experience as an advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. She is a tenured English professor with an MFA in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in literature and writing from the University of Houston. For the past 20 years, Mary has served as a grad school advisor and essay reviewer for med school applicants. Want Mary to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Andrea Tooley, MD is a resident physician in Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic. She graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2014. Andrea shares stories from her days in medical school and residency, healthy recipes, and workouts on her blog, AndreaTooley.com.
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