Do Interviews Influence Admissions Decisions: An Empirical Analysis From an Institution

• In Event: Diversity and Pipeline Programs

Abstract

Introduction: The admissions interview is regarded as one of the most significant moments in the process of applying to medical school, but there is limited empirical evidence that supports this claim.
Materials and Method: This study investigated the association between interview performance and admissions committee decisions for applicants applying to the School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU).
Results: 17% of the variance of the outcome variables – admissions committee decisions to accept, place on the alternate list, or reject an applicant – can be explained by considering interview scores alone.
Conclusion: Our analysis provides some justification for the importance of the interview in the admissions process.

Authors

• Zachariah Hamidi, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Ting Dong, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Steven J. Durning, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Dario Torre, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

• Robert Liotta