Anyway, to complete this trilogy with the final medical school interview that I attended and the one I finally chose to study at: International Medical University (IMU)! However, this might probably be outdated as it took place almost 3 years ago now and with my (failing) memory oof but I do hope you get a general idea of it hehe.
Unfortunately, I don't remember much of the application process other than that it required a fee to apply and that the admin staff were really quick and efficient to reply to my every inquiry.
In comparison with the other 2 schools that a interviewed at, IMU takes the prize for fastest interview at 10-15 minutes. On the day of the interview, I arrived at the stated time with my mom, and we were brought to a small room to watch a video on something like 'What Next After the Interview' (basically detailing what happens/what you need to do if you get accepted/not). Straight after, I was then led immediately to wait in front of the interview room. While there, I was sat beside another girl also going for the interview before me. Pretty quickly, it was then my turn already.
I was interviewed by two ladies (who I assume are lecturers, though after 3 years there I now know that they are not from the medicine faculty) who were really friendly. Since it was really short, there were only a few questions asked, all of them typical ones:-
1) Why do you want to be a doctor? or Why should you be a doctor? (something like that)
2) A scenario question (they had a stack of laminates with different scenarios), mine was: if you were the captain of a ship, and suddenly the boat is sinking, what would you do??
Other than those 2 notable questions I unfortunately can't remember much of it. But I do remember thinking that all their questions were relatively easy to answer. That being said, I know that some of my friends had different interview experiences (some got to mingle round longer and with more interview candidates, some had stricter lecturers who asked tougher questions, some had much longer interviews). But really, as you are (presumably) preparing for these interviews, just go ahead and try your best for them. As long as you are confident in your capabilities and your answers, just answer! Cringe at the memories after the interview or 3 years down the road. I would definitely say that medical school interviews in Malaysia are no where as rigorous as those in the UK or US, whether that is a pro or a con, I will leave that for you to decide.
Many friends, family or acquaintances have asked me why I chose IMU. Well, just as everyone else, I can't give you a straightforward, black and white, this-is-why answer. But to sum it up in a nutshell, the decision was made based on some logistics, on some lack of confidence, and on IMU's reputation. I would say that the standards of medical schools in Malaysia are still kept up to some extent. If we're talking about the more known ones such as IMU, Newcastle, Monash etc, based on talking with my friends in those schools, I know that they are not THAT much different, fees and syllabus wise.
Most people would overlook this part of a medical school, that is where you spend your clinical years. Usually, clinicals account for half or more than half of your medical school journey, so I think it should play a part when you're deciding on your medical school.
So, that wraps up my experience going for 3 different medical school interviews. I hope it helps someone on their medical journey! My younger sister has recently gone for an interview for Monash's medicine course, so I might do a #4?
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