Suppose you got a UAI of 99.5 + UMAT in 80-90 percentiles, what sort of interview performance do you need to pull off... and how do extracirricular activities come into it: how much do you have to do and does it have to match their preconceived ideas of "medicine" extracirriculars...
I dunno, I mean, where exactly do you want to apply for (keeping in mind that some unis don't require a interview)? Respective universities place different emphases on different aspects of the entrance criteria. I'm assuming you're interested in UNSW, in that case I firmly believe that youd have to have a very impressive UAI AND interview score (I remember last year one guy from Ruse with 100 didn't get in). In terms of extracurriculars all unis are the same- they are looking for that special thing which sets you apart from the hundreds of others also applying. As Lexi aptly put it, they all know you have brains so they now want to know who you are as a person and whether the attitudes, skills and knowledge you have acquired during your lifetime will necessarily translate into the medical field. As such, although it may seem arbritrary, there are no defined activities which they want to hear from you. For example, at the expense of potential ridicule I boldy stated that I was vice-captain of first grade rifle shooting in 2003 to demonstrate team abilities. The physician dude from UNSW seemed disturbed by this and asked if it was a particularly violent sport, whilst at Newcastle they didn't bat an eye. It depends on who you have as interviewers.
As for the question of how much to do, that's a really difficult question to answer and I won't answer that cos it's not like you're suddenly going to find some new extracurricular activities to do in the event that you didn't cut the mark.
Based on my experiences, I can break if down for you like, but obviously there is going to be some element of bias involved so you should ask several sources before coming to your own impression.
Here it is:
UNSW
I thought that the interviewers were quite exasperated at my responses, maybe because I didn't have anything unique to say but probably because it was 5pm and they were looking forward to going home and having a quiet one. I won't disclose any questions specifically as I am bound by a condfidentiality clause, however I can say that they are very much interested in who you are as a person (as evidenced by the CV pre-requisite and general orientation of the questions) as well as your personal background. I had the impression they were trying to probe into my personal life and try to trip me up, which is okay with me because I don;'t have anything to hide but it wouldn't be a good idea to lie, cos you might end up hanging yourself on your own noose as they say. There are two interviewers (one physician and one member representing the community, one male and one female) sitting opposite you at a table and you are provided with a cup of water. They will try to make you feel comfotable (apparently) but I didn't feel that was the case in mine.
Another note to bear in mind is that they are running on a tight schedule so they just fire questions at you that have been preapred beforehand. Expect an interrogatory interview, which might be confronting at times.
Newcastle
Very relaxed atmosphere and again the physical orientation is the same as UNSW (minus the table). The interviewers ask you more about what you would do in a certain situation, and give you several scenarios printed on a card which you must read over carefully at your own leisure before replying. I remember I was asked "Your child is diagnosed with a serious life-threatening condition which will probably kill her within a few years if left untreated. There is currently no medical intervention available. However, researchers claim that they may have the solution and there is a small chance that it would improve her situation, although side effects are still relatively unknown and could potentially be very risky. What would you do in this circumstance and why?" If I remember correctly, they didnt ask me to list my acheivements verbatim but by and large youll have to confront them indirectly, eg. "What have you done which would indicate that you have a willingness to serve the interests of the community in the future?"
Monash
Very much the same as Newcastle, except there are three people. As a Monash student, I must say that I've seen the best and the worst of UMAT and ENTER (the Vic equivalent of UAI) scores- supporting the fact that the interview is still really important and who you are as a person. In fact, I am yet to meet a student who fits into the definition of 'nerdy' as they are all very interesting and actually do get pissed often, contrary to popular belief (Whereas if u meet a person from Melbourne Uni they might ask you first 'What was your ENTER and UMAT? You Monashite you' And I kid you not).
Western Australia
Hmm in all seriousness, I forgot! Was quite a while ago but I do remember that there were two female interviewers (one of them a practitioner). I do know that I really impressed the interviewers because they said I would get into their med school, was just too euphoric to think about other things.
So all differences aside, the general rules for sitting an interview still apply. What I have found really hits the high notes with the interviewers is to remain polite and courteous at all times. At the outset remember to introduce yourself and ask for their names if they don't ask you first, and remember them. Occasionally make a joke, maintain eye contact and indicate interest through leaning upright and slightly forwards. Don't cross your legs. etc etc...seems all straightforwards to me.
One thing I can't stress enough is stop stressing!
Seriously, I know you are all trying to understand every little nuance of every interview but when the time comes, these things will be the last in your mind. If you go in there with a confident and relaxed attitude, you won't have to worry about what to say because these things will come naturally. Plus, your answers will not sound so ostentatious and/or contrived. I can say this because I made the same mistake with my UNSW interview by trying to predict what questions they would ask and buffing my potential answers. Bad mistake.
So all in all, stop stressing out about the interviews people! Sorry to be blunt but you don't even know if you are going to be guaranteeed one yet so don't compund your troubles, you have enough already as it is.
Now, back to studying for the UMAT!
Lexicographer edit: formatting + readability (no content changes)
