The preamble leading up to the big interview day is filled with trials and tribulations, from practicing interview questions to booking transport and accommodation. With that in mind, the last thing you want is to be adding the extra stress of fretting over what to wear to a medical school interview. You may have already familiarised yourself with our guide Medical school interview: what to wear to look professional, so have a read of our brief list of do’s and don’ts to make sure you ace that interview attire.

Do make sure you are comfortable

The worst thing you could do for yourself on interview day is pick out an incredibly slick and simultaneously incredibly tight and ill-fitting suit to wear. Yes, you will look impressive for the first fifteen minutes or so, before you start being aware of just how painfully uncomfortable you actually are. You can imagine this could be quite the distraction while trying to look relaxed and confident answering interview questions. You want to wear something that is comfortable enough to spend at least half a day in and this should be something that you have worn or at least tried on before and know that fits you well. Note that this is especially important for shoes, as the last thing you want is to be breaking in new shoes giving yourself blisters on your way down to the interview.

Don’t compromise professionalism for the sake of comfort

Despite the fact that comfort is key to feeling relaxed and confident, you are still expected to show up dressed in formal attire, whether that’s a pant suit or a skirt suit, and wearing closed toe shoes. Trainers, hoodies and sweatpants are an absolute no go, so make sure you give yourself some time to hit the high street and find an appropriate outfit, if you don’t have one yet. As a medical student, you will be expected to show up in smart clothes from now on whenever you’re going to a hospital or GP placement, so consider this an investment. 

Don’t treat the interview like a fashion show

While you do want to stand out from other medical school applicants and make an impression to your interviewers, leave that task to your performance throughout the interview and not your appearance. Leave the flashy accessories at home and opt for more neutral colors, such as navy blue or black suit. Wearing inconspicuous jewellery is totally acceptable, so think of small stud earrings or small hoops. Whatever you decide on, make sure it’s appropriate and doesn’t detract attention from you and your performance.

Do add that little something for some extra confidence

Performing well at a medical school interview is all about showing confidence in yourself and your knowledge. While a lot of that confidence will come from the long hours you have put in preparing and practicing for this interview, every little bit will help. If you have a particular accessory, for example a nice watch you only take out on special occasions or a lucky handkerchief, that makes you feel confident or is your lucky charm, bring it. No one else might notice it or even know it’s on you, but if it makes you happy and gives you that extra spring in your step, you can’t go wrong with that. 

Do have a dress rehearsal

Make sure you’ve tried on your interview outfit at least a few days before the interview. This will give you the time and opportunity to make any last minute adjustments, if necessary. Get some friends to see the look you’re considering wearing at your interview and find out their opinion - an extra pair of eyes will be helpful spotting anything that you might have missed or helping you choose between two outfits.

Don’t overstress

At the end of the day, having read through our guide for some pointers and implementing some common sense, treating this interview just like any other formal interview, it would be hard to go wrong in your choice. So don’t spend too much time overthinking which suit to pick, as that doesn’t matter. As long as you don’t attract attention to your style for the wrong reasons, pick something you are happy with and focus your time on more important tasks around the interview preparation.

We hope this information was useful and you feel comfortable knowing what to wear to your med school interview. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the admissions process at your top choice school of medicine, make sure to contact us at [email protected]. Good luck!