Preparing for Residency Interviews: A Flexible 7-Day Practice Plan

Use this as a menu, not a test. If your first interview is sooner, start with the opening, a few STAR stories, program research, and technology.

Day 1: Clarify your narrative

Draft a 60–90 second Tell Me About Yourself response. Identify the facts, values, and experiences that recur across your application.

Day 2: Build five STAR stories

Prepare teamwork, feedback, challenge, safety, and leadership examples using STAR. Keep patient information private and your role accurate.

Day 3: Research one program deeply

Read official materials, then write two specific features that matter to you and three questions you still have. Practice Why This Program? without memorizing a sales pitch.

Day 4: Practice hard questions

Prepare concise responses for a setback, a growth area, a conflict, and a career-goals question. Use Academic Setbacks and Ethics and Conflict for frameworks.

Day 5: Do one mock interview

Ask for feedback on clarity, pacing, accuracy, and listening—not whether you “look confident.” Revise one behavior at a time.

Day 6: Prepare logistics and questions

Check the invitation, time zone, format, attire guidance, platform, and coordinator contact. Prepare questions from Questions to Ask Programs.

Day 7: Rest and simplify

Review only your notes and key stories. Eat, sleep, and plan the morning. You are preparing for a conversation, not an oral board examination.

The day of the interview

Arrive early enough to settle in. Keep water and a brief note sheet nearby. If technology fails, notify the coordinator promptly and use your backup plan. Ask for clarification when needed and allow yourself a pause before a hard answer.