What do I need to prepare for my medical school interview? (Panel)

So, you've got through the rollercoaster of the perfect personal statement, you've sat the entrance exams and now it's your 15 minutes in the spotlight. Your first medical school interview can be a daunting experience - from what you should read up on to choosing the perfect dress or tie. Here are some commonly discussed topics to think about:

1) Background - why do you want to be a doctor? what have you learnt on your work experience? It is useful to give examples to make your answer unique and interesting!

2) Medical news - are you up to date with what is going on in the field of medicine? It is worth having a look through BBC Health news a week or so before your interview - pick out stories that have interested you and be prepared to talk about them, giving your views.

3) Knowledge of Medical school - know the structure of the course - is it traditional? Or PBL? It is important to think about why this style might especially suit your needs. What do you like about the city where your medical school is based? A common answer for Cardiff Medical School would be the Rugby culture, and of course the countryside and sheep.

4) Ethics - consider topics such as euthanasia, organ donation and abortion. It is important to give a balanced argument, but also try to come to a conclusion on what your personal opinion is.