What to Wear to a Medical School Interview
Receiving an invitation for a medical school interview means you are one step closer to your dreams of being a doctor. But you are not alone if panic has set in as you wonder what to wear on your big day.
As a doctor, getting dressed in your hospital clothes is easy. But you can't wear scrubs to your interview. Not if you want to make a positive, lasting impression that will give you a leg up over your peers.
We created this guide to help you out. Below is a complete breakdown of what to wear and what not to wear at your medical school interview, plus a list of frequently asked questions about interview attire.
Is It a Big Deal to Get a Medical School Interview?
Yes, it is a big deal to get a medical school interview, especially for people applying to competitive med schools. Yet, even lower-tier med schools make it challenging to score an interview.
Here are a few examples of how competitive are prestigious and lower-ranked med school interviews.
Top Med School Interview Rates
Stanford's med school receives more than 8,000 applications a year and only invites around 6% of those applicants to interview. Only 1.1% of the initial candidate pool received an acceptance letter.
The University of Virginia's School of Medicine has a slightly higher acceptance rate, at 2.5% of all applicants. Interviews are also somewhat less exclusive, with 9.6% of applicants receiving an invite.
Getting an interview with a med school greatly increases someone's chances of being accepted into the program. For example, 18% of Stanford and 26% of UVA med school interviewees are accepted.
Lower-Tier Med School Interview Rates
The Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University is known as one of the most accessible med schools in the US. Still, this school has an acceptance rate of only 7.4%.
Each year, the Medical College of Georgia receives around 3,500 applications. Of those applicants, only 600 students are invited to interview. That equals approximately 17% of all applicants.
Whether you are invited to an interview at a top-tier or lower-ranked school, pat yourself on the back for being among a lucky (and hardworking) few! Now, focus on dressing for success to optimize your chances of getting accepted.
What Should I Wear for a Med School Interview?
What you should wear for a med school interview depends on a few factors, including the guidelines set forth by the program. Many schools offer interview dress codes to eliminate guesswork on candidates' behalf.
But what should you do if the program you are interviewing for does not have a designated dress code? Here are some tips for picking the right outfit.
Dress Professionally
Professional outfits are somewhat conservative and tailored to the body. Clothing should be clean and wrinkle-free. Dressing professionally also means avoiding the following:
- Clothes with graphic images or text
- Apparel that is ripped or holey
- Items that are stained or worn
At the same time, you don't want to go overboard.
Make a Positive First Impression
In general, most schools will expect interviewees to dress smart casual at a minimum. Smart casual combines casual, laid-back clothing with professional, put-together, and clean lines and is one step down from business casual attire.
Smart casual presents a put-together image without looking too overdone. You want to dress to make an impression. Importantly, that does not mean dressing to impress.
Avoid Formal Attire
While you definitely want to err on the side of formal vs. too casual, smart casual also does not mean wearing black tie attire. Ditch the tuxedo or floor-length gown to avoid looking too overdressed.
Smart casual looks different for people who present as femme or masc, but you can always shoot for a mix between the two. Below, we explain the clothing staples for traditional smart casual looks for women and men.
What to Wear to a Med School Interview (Women)
One of the easiest outfits for a med school interview is a casual, knee-length or longer dress. Add solid-colored tights or leggings, a matching blazer or cardigan, and closed-toed shoes for colder climates.
If you are not a fan of dresses, there are still many options. Here are some ideas for putting together an outfit for your med school interview.
Button-Down or Dressy Shirt
A button-down or pullover dressy shirt is perfect for interviewing for med school. Save the tight-fitting, low-cut tops for your post-acceptance celebrations. Instead, reach for higher-necked tops with some room to breathe.
Tailored Skirt or Slacks
Match your smart casual top with a pair of tailored pants or a skirt. Ensure your skirt hits at least knee length when standing and does not ride up more than two to three inches when you are sitting down.
Blazer or Cardigan
A cute top and a skirt or pair of pants should suffice for interviews in cities with warmer climates. For colder days, consider adding a blazer or suit jacket that matches your skirt or slacks. Or go for a thin cardigan on in-between days.
Ankle Boots or Flats
When it comes to footwear, comfort is key, as you may be doing some walking before and after your interview slot. Avoid heeled shoes and throw on a pair of professional boots or ballet flats instead.
Pared-Down Jewelry and Accessories
Technically, you do not need to wear accessories or jewelry to your interview. But if you want to, reach for pared-down pieces that fade into the background of your overall look. A pair of delicate stud earrings are a perfect example.
The only accessory that can be a bit bigger and bulkier is your handbag. Ensure your purse has enough room to hold a copy of your resume, application, and a notepad.
What to Wear to a Med School Interview (Men)
Nine times out of ten, men will be required to wear a suit for a med school interview. A suit is technically not part of a smart casual dress code. Instead, it is more reminiscent of business casual attire.
At the same time, you can add touches of casualness to your attire for a suit that is less stuffy and more approachable.
Suit Pants and Jacket
The most common med school interview outfit for men is a full suit, complete with a jacket and slacks. A formal blazer and matching or contrasting pants will add personality if a full suit is not your thing.
Don't worry about wearing your suit jacket or blazer all day, especially if it is hot outside. You can throw on your jacket right before your interview to ensure you stay cool and comfortable.
Collared Shirt and (Optional) Tie
A plain button-down shirt is the go-to for a medical school interview. White is a classic choice, but other neutrals will also do. You could even choose a patterned shirt as long as the print is minimal and not too attention-grabbing.
The tie is one area where you can loosen up a bit. Most medical schools do not require interviewees to wear a tie. But if it is too hot for a suit jacket, adding a simple silk tie may be the extra professional touch you need.
Dress Shoes and Accessories
Dress shoes should match your suit and be clean and polished. Oxfords and dress boots are more formal choices, while Chelsea boots or loafers offer a casual vibe. Wear matching socks just in case your pants ride up when seated.
Other accessories to consider include a belt that goes with your shoes and a briefcase or portfolio to hold important paperwork. A nice watch, cufflinks, and a pocket square are optional but highly recommended.
Items to Avoid for a Medical School Interview
The above recommendations leave wiggle room for people who like to express themselves through their attire. But even the most informal interviews have some major no-nos when it comes to clothing.
Avoid the following clothing items to ensure you look professional and appropriate for your interview.
Tee Shirts
A tee shirt is far too informal for a med school interview. You may find articles online explaining how to make a plain t-shirt look more formal, but a med school interview is not the time to try it out.
Most schools will recommend collared shirts for men. If the school doesn't have guidelines around wearing ties, you could also consider a turtleneck in a comfortable, tee shirt-like material.
Women can get away with collarless shirts, including turtlenecks. Depending on how formal the med school's guidelines are, you may even be able to wear an elevated silk or cashmere t-shirt in a neutral color.
Jeans
Jeans are not acceptable for most med school interviews. Men may be able to get away with a dark wash pair of jeans for some more casual programs, but women should steer clear.
If comfort is your concern, you can go for a comfortable pair of slacks. Many brands make slacks from soft, stretchy materials that will make you feel like you are wearing your favorite pair of worn-in denim.
Sneakers
Sneakers are generally acceptable in smart casual and even business casual dress codes. However, even the most elevated pair of trainers are too informal for a medical school interview.
For men, a pair of leather loafers with rubber soles will feel as comfortable as sneakers but give a more formal appearance. A pair of Chelsea boots is another great choice that will make you feel like you are wearing trainers.
For women, a simple pair of flats or even loafers are the most casual you want to go. If you plan to wear pants, switch out your flats or loafers for a comfortable pair of smart boots.
FAQs
If you haven't found answers to the questions you've been searching for yet, you're in luck. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about med school interviews to help you out.
Do I Have to Wear a Suit to a Medical School Interview?
Yes, men should generally consider wearing a suit to a medical school interview. A pant or skirt suit can also be a good option for women.
Suits can be expensive, but don't let that prevent you from wearing an appropriate outfit for your interview. Thrift stores, discount retailers, and the sale rack are all great places to find lower-cost options.
What Color Should You Wear for a Medical School Interview?
For a medical school interview, you should wear neutral, professional colors. Ideally, that means black, navy, or gray. Pastels and lighter neutrals can also work, especially for interviews held in the spring or summer.
Men can consider incorporating the school's colors into their ties. Women can do the same with a silk scarf or accessory.
Should You Wear Your Hair Up or Down for a Medical School Interview?
Women should wear their hair up or down for a medical school interview as long as it is clean and neat.
Go for simple hairstyles over more elaborate ones. Avoid wearing your hair down if you might be tempted to fidget with it during the interview. A bun or ponytail should suffice in that case.
What to Wear for a Virtual Medical School Interview?
For a virtual med school interview, you should wear the same thing you would wear to an in-person interview. That means a suit for men and a skirt or pantsuit for women.
You may be tempted to nix the bottom half of your outfit. But you may want to avoid the temptation so you can feel as confident as you look.
Hospital Clothes for When You're Accepted to Med School
General hospital clothes worn today are not what you should wear to a med school interview. Instead, men should go for a suit, and women should choose a dress with a blazer or cardigan, pantsuit, or skirt suit.
Are you searching for places to find hospital clothes to wear during med school? MacAttack Gear is a nurse-owned and operated retailer with customizable professional medical attire.
Browse what's new at MacAttack to find the medical clothing you need when you're accepted to the school of your dreams!