What To Wear To A Medical School Interview

What Should I Wear To A Medical School Interview?

Deciding on what to wear to your first Medical School interview can be tricky.

First and foremost, you should check any information that the university has provided you with. They may have given you some guidance regarding what to wear – and if so, make sure you follow that first!

What Type Of Clothes Should I Wear?

I would recommend the ‘smart-casual’ look because that’s generally what most Medical Schools are expecting. Go for a shirt or a smart dress/skirt, possibly with a blazer. Avoid jeans and trainers.

How Smart Should I Dress?

If you’re unsure about what to wear, I’d say that being a little too smart is better than being too casual. You want to make a good first impression, so the clothes you wear to your Medical School interview should be professional.

Also, make sure that you feel comfortable in your outfit. Dressing formally is important, but you don’t want clothes that will bother you or distract you during the interview and could affect your performance.

Should I Wear A Tie?

There is no requirement to wear a tie for your Medical School interview. You certainly can if you want to, but from my interview experiences, very few students choose to wear one.

What Colours Should I Wear?

Generally, I would recommend avoiding colours that are very bright. Colours like black, brown, grey and navy tend to look more smart in my opinion – but if you find something else that works for you, go for it!

There’s no hard and fast rule, but I would say that it’s best to play it safe and keep it neutral.

What About Accessories?

Jewellery: In terms of jewellery, try to keep it subtle and minimal. For my interview, I wore light makeup and no jewellery, just a watch. Don’t wear big, flashy pieces of jewellery, because you don’t want it to be distracting in the interview.

Make-up: Again, as with jewellery, stick to neutral or no make-up, with a subtle touch to perhaps freshen up your face. Don’t wear any bright make-up that will distract the interviewer.

Tattoos: Aim to cover all the tattoos.

Nail Polish: Stick to neutrally coloured manicured nails of short to mid length.

Perfume: Avoid strong-smelling perfumes, opt for neutral gentle fragrances.

What Shoes Would Be Appropriate?

Of course if you have an online interview, your shoes won’t be in the frame, so this might not be an aspect that you need to consider.

For in-person interviews, whether it’s a panel interview or MMI, choose a pair of smart shoes and make sure they are clean and well-kept. It’s best to wear covered shoes rather than open-toed shoes or sandals.

I wore glossy black shoes for my interview, with a slight heel – but comfort comes first, so don’t wear heels if you aren’t comfortable in them!

What to Wear To A Medical School Interview: Do’s

• Dress professionally: Wear a well-fitted suit or a conservative dress with a blazer. Opt for neutral colours like black, navy, or grey.
• Keep it simple: Choose clothing that is clean, wrinkle-free, and in good condition. Avoid flashy patterns or excessive accessories.
• Pay attention to grooming: Ensure your hair is neatly styled, nails are clean and trimmed, and facial hair is well-groomed (if applicable).
• Wear comfortable shoes: Opt for closed-toe shoes that are polished and comfortable to walk in.
• Dress conservatively: Avoid revealing or provocative clothing. Aim for a professional and modest appearance.
• Pay attention to details: Iron your clothes, check for loose threads or missing buttons, and ensure your outfit is well put together.
• Dress for the occasion: Research the dress code of the specific medical school or program you are interviewing with and dress accordingly.

What to Wear To A Medical School Interview: Don’ts

• Don’t wear casual attire: Avoid jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or any clothing that is too casual or informal.
• Don’t wear excessive accessories: Keep jewellery and accessories to a minimum. Avoid distracting or noisy accessories.
• Don’t wear strong fragrances: Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as some people may be sensitive or allergic to scents.
• Don’t wear overly tight or revealing clothing: Choose clothing that fits well and is appropriate for a professional setting.
• Don’t wear distracting or inappropriate clothing: Avoid clothing with offensive slogans, logos, or graphics.
• Don’t neglect personal hygiene: Ensure you are well-groomed, with clean teeth, fresh breath, and minimal visible body piercings or tattoos.
• Don’t wait until the last minute: Plan your outfit in advance to avoid any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions or stress.

Final Advice

Remember that your outfit won’t make or break your Medical School interview, but if you look smart and feel comfortable, it should boost your performance.

Make sure you plan your outfit well enough in advance, because you don’t want to be spending the night before your interview rushing around and worrying about it!