MCAT101: Interview Questions (LUCOM)
"What are your study habits like?"
-3 A methods -active reading (annotating text, vid) -active organization (make outlines/diagrams/slides, mnemonics*) -active repetitive (quizlet, games, drawing) *mnemonics/making stories help (Electra has a positive cat-negative ox)
Any questions that you'd like to ask?
-Do students have mission trips, for example travels in a group across country or internationally? I saw a student name Abbey personally fundraise a trip last year but is wondering if the university funds any? -I have a DO LoR and new MCAT score coming in late April, will these 2 things be too late to make any difference? -to student ambassadors= what do you like most and least about the school -Do you feel that the Christian believe is impacting your learning in any way (both negative and positive)? -opportunities for mission/volunteer work? -how are most students funded?
"How would you succeed in a Christian environment?"
-I am not Christian, but I grow up with a traditional background and think most of those values align with Christian values pretty well. Liberty focuses on teaching medicine as a way to advocate for god. I also believe a doctor's mission is a sacred thing, something that transcends the job stability, or prestige. -I understand that Liberty is Rules and structure (no drinking, no partying) but I don't see it as limiting. In fact I see these rules as something that would help build character/professionalism. -I had the pleasure of working and volunteering at St. Francis Church and it has changed my views. I first joined to accompany a friend and also out of curiousity. I have found that the community is anything but rigid. All the people I've met during the weekly dinners, masses, volunteer events are welcoming to non-Christians and supportive in every which way. Although they were welcoming the community did not tolerate nonsense (improper clothes, poor manners, speech) which is what I like. My campus/dorm was pretty wild so going there after classes was a bit like a haven for the tired soul. That was also the reason that I started working there too. Very closed netted, liek family, with upright values, and I believe the community values here at Liberty will only help me grow as a person. -I am here to learn, not here to party so the rules here fit me just fine. I am also very adaptable and open to learning in a new perspective.
"Why not MD?"
-I haven't considered MD school and haven't applied to any -like previously mentioned I take after my passed grandmother and her method of caring for others thru body, mind, soul -I noticed in general, MDs are too "ok" with putting pts on meds. Too ready to treat the symptoms and put a temporary stop to diseases. I like the idea of promoting healing through there body's own ability and not on meds until it's the last option.
"Tell me about an ethical situation you faced"
-I previously mentored Freshman and sophomores. One of them taking an online class. @@@
"Tell me about yourself."
-I was born from a poor village in China -crossed the seas to find better opportunity in life and pursue a dream. -I once made a promise by my grandmother deathbed that I would serve the sick and disadvantaged -since then I've studied 18 years to qualify for medschool -worked 3 years as CNA and physician scribe to gain experience -and now stand before you to pursue my goal. -one thing I am proud of is my commitment and faith.
"Describe yourself in one word. Tell why you chose this word."
-Jia -there's only 1 me. On this planet, there's many Jias who have similar stats but I can assure you that there's only 1 Jia that's worked 18 years to stand before you. *if you want an adjective, then "Jia-bulous/ Jia-li-stic". If you tell me to only choose among commonly shared words like "kind-hearted" that wouldn't describe me at all because I am an unique individual. Jia is already an understatement since there's many "Jia's" in the world. I can't settle for less than that.
"What is a red flag in your application?"
-The reddest mark on my application is my sophomore semester: 2 Ds, 2 Ws. -a combo of factors occur that year and I wasn't able to balance school and life together without falling short on the other. -my family had no income, I had to work 2 partimes, later 3 -classload, I was eager to redeem my freshman semester so I took on junior/senior classes and a heavy load. I was managing well at first but since starting the 2nd job my grades fell. And also I was helping my rooomate coping with suicidal intentions and depression. I could leave her alone for my studies. I wasn't able to do anything for my granny, I felt determined to make a difference that time around.
"What's your weakness. Don't be fake.
-academically it would be physics, I didn't have a solid group for it and jumped into the calculus physics. Haven't taken any physics course in a while and it reflected on my MCAT. -extracurriculars would be research experience. I've started a research project with a professor and done 1 semester of research with no publications since the projects were still in the starting stage. -personality wise....unrealistic time management -I love to plan out my schedules but in a way that's too down to the second/unrealistic leaving no room for human errors or rest. Previously my schedule too packed, lead to burned out, and would get frustrated that my body can't keep up. Now, Instead of making a bunch of to do task that's more than a day's worth, I take the time to calculate my reading ability, working productivity, writing speed into considerate then make the schedule. (this connects with Cs on transcript)
"Why do you serve?"
-because I value life, the living and the air I breath in, want to make sure everyone can experience it in good health. -I was given a good life, and I want to pay back society
"You are a physician. A 16 year old girl approaches you and says she is pregnant but does not wish to let her family know as she is not married and they would be very disappointed. She asks you to give her an abortion. What do you do?"
-calm her down, get the full situation of what happen whether this was rape/consensual (explain that it's a crime for her partner to impregnate a minor) -advise her the benefits of being truthful to her parents vs harm in hiding it from them. Advise her to talk with the father of the child and have a meeting together with the family of both sides because it involves 2 families not just herself. I would also let her know that I am obligated to report underage sex crimes But will give some time for them to report it themselves. -Lastly, I would also have a spiritual talk with her on the importance of a life form and hopefully be able to discourage her from rash thinking and to talk with both families.
Strength
-committed (When I was 5 I made a promise to my now passed grandmother to serve the sick and disadvantaged. Since then I didn't hesitate to take a stranger's hand and immigrated to America, since then I've been constantly exploring new places to I am My commitment and perseverance is one thing I am confident and proud about.
"Why did you take a gap year?"
-due to COVID was not able to take the MCAT and apply to the 2020 cycle -was also finishing up psy classes Fall 2020 -what I've done during the quarantine... formed a new local club, completed several scribe projects, studied for Mcat retake
"What do you like to do for fun"
-family time
"Tell me something about yourself that is not in your application."
-favorite question >8D -flexible to the bones (literally) -I'm strong headed when it comes to my goals but I'm no way stubborn/mule. I will keep at it until I exhaust my potential, if still don't work will adapt another method -In short, others might give up after 3 tries, I might take 5. *I will give 110% effort, do my full potential at that time. Then raise the ceilings and try again until I hit the sky, then there's the matter of space...
"A family member of an elderly Alzheimer's patient approaches you. They say the patient doesn't remember them or anything about them anymore, and it's getting harder and harder every day to meet with them knowing that. They ask you to assist them in ending it. What do you do?"
-first calm them down and hear their full story (their concerns, areas of difficulty, etc) find out whether it was a emotional problem or more of financial problem. -explain to them that assisted death is illegal in the states -offer ways in which to address those issues. For example, teaching them how to cope with the stress, and affordable nursing homes -give a consultation on the value of a life, and how it's in good faith to love their family until god asks for their return
"Tell me about your academic history (poor college grades, post-bac program, etc.)"
-freshman year difficulty adjusting first semester. I was eager to satisfied my curiousity and signed up for more than I could manage. Once I start something I am determined to finish it so I kept my 18 credits. I made improvements the next semester and it's reflected by all the As. -unfortunately sophomore year a combo of events occur and that affected school. My dad sole bread winner of the house, was layed off. He doesn't speak English and has no education background so it was hard for him to find a job. To put food on the table I was working 2 parttimes and eventually 3 jobs while taking on a another 18 credits. I was a hard time. Later, my roommate and childhood friend was suffering from suicidal intentions. I realized in the midst of work and school, I neglected those around me. So I took time off class to help her stand back up on her feet and help my family's situation. On my transcript there's 5 Cs and 2 Ds. They stand for curiosity, competence, compassion, commitment, and completeness. I am someone who strives through highs and lows, with double the determination.
"explain the Cs, Ds, Ws on this transcript"
-gladly, I was afraid you wouldn't ask! -first semester, I was a first generation college student and had a hard time adjusting to campus life. -I was in a weird position because I started college as a sophomore. CCSU is it's very small and there's not much restrictions on registering for advanced classes and students are loosely advised. As a "sophomore" I unlocked a vast variety of advanced classes. I didn't really know how to tackle about college, there wasn't a standard that I can compare myself to, but I figure if I take all the hardest classes/prof offered then I should be able to prove myself right? -So while other students try to avoid the hard classes I dived straight into them. I was in challenge mode. -I was greedy for knowledge, and so ready to prove myself. I loaded up my schedule with 18 crs and jumped right in. Looking back I didn't not consider other factors that would affect my studies like EC activities, class load, adjustment problems. For ex. Integrated bio was heavy, I ended up allocating study time from history/eng classes to study for it and it shows on my transcript =============== -second semester, a complicated combo of events happen all at once (work, friend's dilemma, academic load)
"What gives life value?"
-having a purpose gives life value. Knowing you have a mission to complete makes living every second worth and meaningful. -And each step you take along the way toward this goal is intrapersonal rewarding. I think everyone's life is valuable, they each come onto this earth for a purpose, whether they have realized it or not. -that's why doctors are important, they heal the people and allow them to continue striving for this goal. -I see healthcare as a rest-stop for people who are journeying towards their goals/missions
"Where would you apply one of your life lessons to other aspects of your life?"
-healing is best done by promoting the body's own ability to heal. That means addressing the body, mind, and soul. -Sophomore year my roommate was suffering from suicidal intentions and depression. The doctor prescribed meds but after the medication worn off she was back to harming herself. I couldn't bare to see her like that and allocate most of my time outside of work to help her reexpose to the beautiful things in life. (Spiritual talk, exposure to nature, taking the time to take her to classes). -The cycle was hard to break but with patience and perseverance she was able to stand back up on her feet.
"What's 1 thing that might keep you out of LUCOM?"
-if LUCOM stress on my sophomore year might "kick" me out -LUCOM is still relatively new and moving around for rotations is one disadvantage but it certainly wouldn't "keep" me out -undergrads or parent institution made the headlines for a few times (Prez Falwell's 9/11 speech on LGBT groups)
"Why are you interested in osteopathy?"
-inspired by my passed grandmother - born out of wedlock and strutinized by the whole village, I use to question my existence many times It was her that healed my wounds and give me meaning to life. I was to follow her footsteps and spread this holistic healing approach.
"Why LUCOM?"
-it align with all that I look for to became a doctor. It emphasizes the spiritual healing aspect, enforces proper community values, and has a big campus. -the campus is big and beautiful. I saw the virtual tour and took a liking to it. Especially the vine auditorium, vast study lawns. Oh and the big gyms too.
If you were waitlisted, how would you feel?
-it's a done process. I would ask for way of improvements then attempt again next time. In terms of emotions, I would probably feel down for a split sec than be "fired" up to do better. Through my life I've hit many trenches and falls (from ground down to the pits or mt peaks to the ground), the next time I came back with a safety kit. I take battle scars as trophy cups -in other words, I am someone that feel glad that the medical community found another fitted candidate to serve the population and I would strive to become the next. The more the merrier.
"What is the purpose of homeostasis?"
-it's a form of protection for the cells. It's necessary to buffer against harm and sustain life -it's a fine balance in living systems and something people should put deeper thought into. -Cells are doing a pretty good job at this but the people made from these cells aren't. The more modernized the world become, the less people are able to constantly balance out their health and lifestyle. Leading to the increase of chronic illnesses.
"Should patients not abiding to doctor's commands be held accountable?"
-it's a shared responsibility -there's never 1 side in a relationship, so no. -Dr. have the right to recommend and pt have the right to not take. *say there's a case of over dosage. Both the doctor and pt should be held accountable. 1 coz the doctor may/maynot have taken measures to avoid it, 2. the pt did not follow recommendations. Its a gray area but I believe as long as the pt/Dr. did their best effort to comply then they shouldn't be held accountable. *if a pt absolutely does not comply to advice, the Dr. can not see them.
"Your view on physician assisted suicide ?"
-it's illegal and should be, unless it met very special circumstances that the person will not otherwise be able to die a peaceful death. -ex. no pain medication worked, 95yo will suffer a very painful epilepsies during his last few hours. by then the benefit would outweigh the harm. -ex. a person declining in dementia want a peaceful death before disgracing himself->he's not in his right mind, therefore his family will take over the decision -a doctor's oath is to bring good, if cannot, then at least bring no harm. If death is not considered the ultimate harm then i don't know what is.... -plus it directly goes again doctor's fundamental purpose which is to save. One may argue that it's like saving the person from suffering but I disagree. Save=to give opportunity/life. Death=is a means to an end where all opportunity is loss. This really is a case per case and made per exception type of scenario that the ultimate decision will rest on the family *do not resuscitate is a natural death (which Dr. does not intervene), euphanasia is murder (which Dr. actively does the deed)
"How do you exemplify our mission?"
-liberty's mission is to advocate for god and train champions for Christ. -I believe @@@
"Who is someone who has influenced you?"
-my passed grandmother. -she was a priest and have sacrifice a lot to raise me -I was born out of wedlock and a bad name to the village where I was born. However, she took me in and taught me the purpose in life despite the dishonor to the family. -it was her that healed me over and over again until I could stand back up strong. Unfortunately, she passed from liver cancer many years ago. In honor of her, I decided to pursue medicine and the holistic approach.
"Various questions involving biochemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, and your understanding of these topics."
-organic chem is another weakness of mine, however i've been making an effort to brush up on it. It's reflected on my next MCAT score
"Asked about hardest class for me."
-physics II, the concepts and laws are much more abstract and not readily observable. For example I can see the effects of the electric field and calculate charge based off given formula. However, cannot comphrehend why it behaves the way it does like why the flow of a artery and electric field is going through the plane and out of the paper per say. I still depend on the hand visual to figure out the directions because this area is generally intangible to me. -orgo2, mainly because the professor took a sick leave/disappears and the class basically had to learn off slides for the rest of semester until finals.
"What is one weak point on your application? What have you done to try and fix that?"
-physics. I find it difficult to get a in depth understanding mainly because what I learn in physics is not tangible/observable/ concrete. I'm a visual learner. Subjects like Newton's law is observable and easy to comphrehend but electric fields is a different story. To word it better, it's not something that I can readily applied in daily life so there's not much reinforcement there. I'm someone that likes to constantly challenge my weaknesses so my last semester I took calculus-based biophysical chem and have made significant improvements. There's no electric fields but the course did solidate laws that I previously didn't understand well -low MCAT, out of time. I studied and made improvements. Took it last Friday and is expecting better results. -research, I have been focusing mainly on clinical and not labs. Thus far only has 200hrs of research and no publications to my name. The research labs are currently down around my area and once they resume I plan to join uconn's research on biomarkers of cancer cells -DO hours. Most of my exposure comes from scribing for physicians. Assigned mostly MDs, and have only followed a DO for 2 days. -Previously due to COVID I was not able to add to my hours before applying. -I am currently starting a new scribe project with a DO over at UCONN Health and will be adding to my clinical hours.
"What are you planning to do from now to start of med school if accepted?"
-plan to continue new projects as scribe ambassador -join in a COVID testing lab/research. Waiting for my school's research to restart and hop back on. (worm proteins) -shadowing DO and explore more specialties -lastly, maybe take English classes since I only have taken 1 during undergrads in order to squeeze more bio classes into the slot.
"What was your favorite class?"
-psychology -pleasing to the ear and satisfying for the mind (it explains phenomenon that we can readily confirm/observe in clinic) -connects more with clinical experience -immediate use (study in same clothes)
"What gives life meaning?"
-religious= Life is meaningful when it has a purpose/goal. It maybe to fulfil the big mission of evolving humanity, or spread god's love. Whether people are living to achieve/experience. I don't know. It's for heavens to know and us to find out....we all individually have different interpretations on meaning of life that I cannot speak for the general population but I can speak for myself. The ability to achieve gives my life meaning. I think we are created to make achievements, what achievements? everything you see now, from the table to the coffee you drank this morning is through progressive achievements. The anticipation of achievements such as all the things I can create with these 2 hands or the adversities I can/WILL overcome excites me. Achieve is the vehicle, and satisfaction drives the wheels. Like a game, u want to know what possibilities u can achieve. What sets my take apart from the other students is that my anticipated achievements are not small. I am a bit on the ambitious side. I want to make medicine more mobile. Instead of having pts from rural areas come to us, I want to go to them. Mobile clinics that's not limited to the nation but beyond.
"What do you think of the 2020 merger?"
-shorterm disadvantage to DO schools (no glass floor DO programs, no safety net might turn away some potential DO applicants decrease DO students; why do DO if same work and less credentials to practice internationally, also no glass ceiling drive DO to raise their competitiveness) -long term raise competitiveness of DO stats and equalize play field (rid stigma). -DO schools will push their students harder but this competitive will raise the competitiveness of the application pool *this change is in line with the goal of healthcare which is to serve pts. Elevated the competitiveness of the pool, means raising the quality of care everywhere *only concern is, if the DO schools do get less applications will the MD community put pressure on merging the titles all together? Kinda like a gateway change, first residency then titles. With MD as the majority might have DO be a subpart of MD.
(favorite quote)
-sky and earth god create, what's in between is boundless. Chinese quote
"Should a doctor tell the true or a lie of an terminal condition knowing that the truth might worsen their health"
-tell the truth at all times, the pt deserves the right to decide ; plus they might cope better after knowing. Last thing anyone wants to feel is regret (that you couldn't done more things if know u'd die soon). In this case the Dr. is a sinner. -not telling is purposeful deception which deprive the pt of rights to her/himself
(Vaccine questions)
-the general public's opinions are swayed by groundless beliefs -They don't understand therefore will fear consequences (ex. mistaking that vaccines cause Alzheimer's) -I think it's our job as healthcare providers to fix that misconception. This means taking the time to explain the pathology with concerned pt and not just giving them the OK then
"Tell me more about this experience you wrote about in your essay."
-tutoring -mentoring -st Francis -physician scribing
"Have you done any volunteer work through your church."
-weekly dinners -foster kids events (the most successful being Christmas Party. Secret Santa and hero's night)
"What do you think makes an ideal Christian environment."
I am not Christian and feel that I haven't seen enough to speak how of how an ideal Christian environment would be. However, I can say that upholding well defined values and promoting campus-wide ceremonies will promote growth of a Christian community.
"Why DO?"
I get that question a lot when I told my friends that I am only applying to DO schools. There's 3 things that made me choose DO: -first, I was inspired by my granny who was my sole guardian at that time. I was born out of wedlock to a poor village and was scrutinized by both adults and kids. I wasn't accepted and experienced a fair share of bullying. Whenever my granny treated my bruises and wounds, she would also teach me many life lessons. comforted my soul. Right here(scar eye), I was hit with a bricked by a kid next door...I remember crying home asking why everyone hates me, why was I even born. As she bandaged my eye up, she told me a story that heaven created sky, earth, many powerful deities and hero's. Each had unique power and a purpose. She said that since I was brought to earth then heaven has plans for me too. Any doubts I had, she would clear them. She passed away 2003. I want to carry on her spirit and also adopt an holistic healing approach. Body, mind, and soul. -I've worked with MD/DO from experience I know DOs emphasis on the body's own healing and I like that idea. In the future when PT comes in for frequent colds, I don't want to just prescribe them some meds and send them home. I want to address their weak immunity via lifestyle choices as well.
"Describe any weaknesses or red flags with your application"
I have a tendency to overwork myself. Make unhealthy/unrealistic schedules and then burning out late into the night. This also contributed to the Cs on my transcripts. -low freshman GPA (unchecked ambition, got better) -low sophomore year GPA (altruism took over) -low MCAT (1 month study, by cost reasons use outdated 2015 kaplan set missing a physics book, sources not AAMC, Aid arrive late) -also working new project at the time *overestimated my productivity, but I learn to adjust this tendency. For ex. instead of planning to review a whole in 1 day, I take a baseline avg speed and plan my schedule from there
1.)Please describe how your personal faith, beliefs, or values will allow you to contribute to LUCOM's mission to develop patient-centered physicians for the osteopathic medical profession (min 250-500 words) (NOTE: values altruistic, loyal, faithful, slogan "knowledge aflame") .
I present myself here today with the goal of fulfilling a promise towards serving the underserved and disadvantaged population. It is my belief that doctors are not simply healers of the body, but also mentors of the heart and spirit. They are the embodiment of a holy flame that cleanse the person from vile diseases and distorted thoughts. I first learned that healing is both an external and internal process from my maternal grandmother and guardian at the time. Being born out of wedlock, I was scrutinized by the village where I was born. I have always believed that she was a gift sent by heaven to heal my wounds. She taught me to have faith in myself, and that since I was brought onto earth, then the heavens must have a purpose for me. Another principle I learned is, "To return a drop of water with a burst of spring." Translation from Chinese would mean that kindness or altruism is an unconditional act that should be returned to, and shared among the people. Before she passed away, she asked me to spread kindness, and to help those in need. After her passing, I've committed to carrying on her spirit and mission with me. That vow from 17 years ago has burned inside of me like a red flame, and grows only more passionate and strong. Similar to how my granny raised and mentored me, I wish to adapt the osteopathic approach, and heal through body, mind, and soul. Over the past three years working in healthcare, I had the pleasure to follow many great doctors, both M.D. and D.O. I find that nothing fills my heart more than seeing a patient recover. Not just by the numbers from labworks, but by their very own words. During my time shadowing, one of the D.O. once asked me, "There is more to cure than just the pills. Jia, what do you think the patients coming here need the most?" At the time, I thought "trust and patience". Since then I've mentored underclassmen at my university for one year, worked in a rehab center for another, and scribed under doctors for two years. Through these experiences, I believe that giving unconditioned support was the key to healing. I want to promote tailored treatment plans for each individual patient that fits naturally into their lifestyle. By coming to LUCOM, I aim to learn the whole answer, and put these above thoughts into action.
"Why did you major in_______________?"
I was already orientated towards medicine since a young age like mentioned before. Out of all the premed sciences, I find to align best with my goal. And it comes more natural to me than the others such as chemistry, physics, engineering. Also having a very supportive Highschool bio teacher also contributed to my decision
"How do you think you will succeed in a Christian environment?"
I've went through many student threads on the strict Christian values and teachings enforced at liberty. However, I don't see it as limiting. In fact, it see it as a way to build character into future doctors. Altruistic values nurture true healers, strict conduct contribute to professionalism. I'm very open to learning from a new perspective.
"Asked about my mcat experience."
If I took it before covid, would probably have a better impression. -taking a 7 hour test with a mask on was pretty bad. Previously I couldn't breath in them. And since I wear glasses they would fog up every now and then. After many practice tests I become used to it but it was still no where near comfortable. During the test had to stop several times and adjust the mask for fog or sneak a quick breath in. I end up running out of time on chemistry and guessing on nearly 10 questions. Easy math ones too.
2.)How do you hope to impact your community as an osteopathic physician? (max 300words)
It is my life goal to advocate for humanistic healing as a family doctor, and serve the disadvantaged. Over the past three years working in clinics, I've met many people who couldn't receive adequate treatment due to financial burden, shortage of family doctors, and policy barriers. I understand that modern corporate and insurance policies in the past decade have made it increasingly harder for doctors to diagnose and treat patients with the best available options. For example, insurance requires a XR done before an MRI can be covered by insurance, or that only the cheaper and often less effective brands are covered. It is frustrating to know that medicine has become monopolized by giant business owners, and that every year stocks of medication expire on the shelf because the people cannot afford its ceiling-high prices. It is my hope to one day open my own line of traveling clinics, and offer both reduce-cost and free care for the people across the nation and globe. There is no single place that I see myself. I want to build my base in the east coast, and expand out to where the underserved and disadvantaged population needs me. Be it in Virginia, east coast, across the United States, or beyond.
"What is one word to describe you and why?"
Jia-li-stic. I am a package of uniqueness and goodness. There's probably a lot of people that replied to you with self-motivated, adaptive, but I am confidence non has replied with this word. Like the word I chose, I'm someone that likes to explore novel knowledge, a new perspective in learning. In Chinese, Jia Li also means propensity. My grandmother who named me wanted me to I'd bring prosperity and help ppl wherever I go. I think this word best describes uniquely me, the whole package, not just 1 aspect such as "diligent or optimistic". It may not be a word now, but I'll put meaning behind it soon.
"What is one ethical dilemma physicians see today?"
Social: -patient noncompliance -self dx with Dr. Google Financial: -corporates rules: 15 mins, cannot order certain medications, XR>MRI Economic: -increasing chronic illnesses among lower SES
"What motivates you to serve others?"
There's a certain satisfication that I get when someone makes a recover. It's intrapersonal and is different for everyone but I describe my as a fluffy bubbly sweet feeling. So I serve for the people and also for myself.
