Interview Preparation
Health Professional School Interviews
Explore the resources below to help you prepare for your upcoming interviews.
Receiving an interview invitation is an exciting milestone in your journey to a health professions program. It signifies that you have successfully moved beyond the initial application review and that the admissions committee is eager to learn more about you beyond your academic achievements and experiences. In the video below we describe the health professional school interview season, why interviews are important, and what to do once you receive an interview invitation.
Each individual health professional school may use different interview formats and approaches to evaluate applicants, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the process before your interview day. In the video below, we describe the four common interview types (traditional, MMI, group, and pre-recorded) and how much your interview might know based on the interview based on the interview style (open-file, closed-filed, or semi-open file).
Once you know what style of interview you will have, you should begin preparing for your interview day. In the video below, we advise how to approach your interview preparation by reviewing your primary & secondary application, reflecting on your own motivation, values, and understanding of healthcare, and researching the program you will be interviewing for.
Interview preparation is most effective when you practice regularly. Northeastern University offers several opportunities for active applicants to health professional programs to receive interview practice and support. Below, you’ll find university resources designed to help you build confidence and prepare for interview success.
We also encourage you to practice independently with family members, friends, mentors, or peers. Rehearsing your responses aloud can help you become more comfortable discussing your experiences, motivations, and goals. Whenever possible, practice in both in-person and virtual settings. Many health professions programs continue to conduct interviews online, so becoming comfortable speaking on camera can be just as important as preparing for an in-person conversation.
PreMed & PreHealth Advising Mock Interview Service
The PreMed & PreHealth Advising Program offers Mock Interviews (traditional and MMI format) for active applicants to health professional schools. Applicant may schedule a Mock Interview AFTER receiving an interview invitation from a health professional program. Mock interview booking information will be shared via cycle communication emails. If you have received an interview invitation and have not yet received booking information from our office, please reach out to your prehealth advisor for assistance.
Applicants are limited to one Traditional (1:1) and one MMI Mock Interview per application cycle (two total practice interviews). These sessions will last for 30 minutes and include both interview practice and feedback.
Our mock interviews are designed to provide structured, actionable feedback that reflects the competencies health professions programs seek in applicants. We use standardized evaluation rubrics for both traditional and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) formats to assess key areas such as communication, organization, critical thinking, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and overall interview performance. Following your mock interview, you’ll receive individualized feedback highlighting your strengths and offering specific recommendations to help you improve before your admissions interview.
Experiential Education & Career Development
Northeastern University Experiential Education & Career Development offers a number of interviewing resources (such as Big Interview). We encourage applicants to health professional programs to utilize these resources for support as well.
Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (Physician-Scientist Applicants Only)
Northeastern University Undergraduate Research & Fellowships offers additional mock interview support for applicants to MD/PhD and DO/PhD programs. Active physician-scientist applicants may book an additional mock interview with Undergraduate Research & Fellowships.
- Below you’ll find links to question banks and resources designed to help you prepare for a variety of interview formats. While some questions may be written for specific health professions, the underlying themes are broadly applicable—adapt the wording to fit your profession, and you’ll gain valuable practice in the process.
- Demo of two MMI scenarios – by representatives from Duke and CWRU Medical Schools
Health Professional Program Resources
NU Applicant Interview Feedback Database
The PreMed & PreHealth Advising Interview Feedback Form includes a database of insights and experiences shared by Northeastern students who have previously completed health professional school interviews. This peer-generated resource provides valuable perspectives from students who have recently been through the process, helping future applicants prepare more effectively. *Access is limited to Northeastern students and requires NU credentials.
Once you have completed your interview preparation, you should turn your attention to interview day itself, where small things like timing, presence, and professionalism leave a big impression. In the video below, we advise tips for the day before your interview, and why professionalism matters, and how to navigate test day nerves and technology glitches.
Your interview is an important milestone, but there are a few steps you can take following the interview day to support your decision-making process and demonstrate professionalism to admissions committees. In the video below, we explain how to follow up your interview experience and leave a positive final impression.