Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Nashville, TN
Interview Format
Format Type
Traditional
Style
Mixed
Number of Interviews
2
Duration per Interview
28 minutes
Delivery Method
Virtual
Two interviews are held.One interview is an open file (AMCAS and secondary) interview that lasts roughly 35 minutes.The other is a short, closed file interview that lasts roughly 20 minutes.Candidates spend the rest of the day learning more about us.
Interview Day Overview
For the 2026 cycle, Vanderbilt will conduct virtual interviews. Candidates are invited to an informal gathering with current students virtually. For the virtual interview day, VUSM utilizes a Zoom platform. The hour before the interview is spent in an informal welcome session. After the candidates interview, a session on the curriculum is held. While interviewees are eating lunch, there is a student experience panel (no faculty or staff allowed). After that session is over, VUSM explains the admissions and financial aid process. There are also sessions throughout the cycle for interviewees to learn more about research and our commitment to diversity and community health. Interviewees are encouraged to reach out with any questions they might have about the area or school. There are Open Houses, hosted by our Ambassadors for interviewees only, to take a tour of the buildings.
Interview Invite Timeline
Most schools begin sending invitations September–October on a rolling basis. Earlier is better — submit your primary early. Schools with rolling admissions fill seats throughout the cycle, so late applicants face a more competitive pool for fewer spots.
How to Prepare
Research This School
- • Read Vanderbilt University School of Medicine's mission statement — interviewers expect you to know it cold
- • Understand the curriculum style — is it problem-based learning (PBL), lecture-based, or hybrid?
- • Look up unique programs: dual-degree tracks, research opportunities, community health initiatives
- • Check recent news — faculty achievements, new clinical partnerships, or curriculum updates
Common Question Types
Motivation
"Why medicine?" · "Why Vanderbilt University School of Medicine?"
Behavioral
"Tell me about a time you..." (use STAR method)
Ethical Scenarios
End-of-life care, resource allocation, patient autonomy
Current Events
Healthcare policy, health equity, insurance access
Day-of Tips
- Professional attire — business formal; err on the side of overdressed
- Arrive 15 minutes early — give yourself buffer for parking and check-in
- Prepare 2–3 thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers (not things on the website)
- Send a thank-you note within 24 hours — a brief, genuine email to each interviewer
Interview FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Interview Resources
Medical School Interview Preparation Guide
Traditional, MMI & panel formats — what to expect and how to prepare
MMI Interview Guide
Station-by-station breakdown and practice strategies
Practice with MedSchools.ai
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