Do Interviews Influence Admission Decisions? An Empirical Analysis From an Institution

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Admissions Processes
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• The significance of medical school admission interviews is widely assumed but lacks robust empirical support.
• Concerns exist regarding potential ethnic and gender bias influencing interview outcomes.
• Understanding differences between accepted and rejected applicants can inform institutional strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To empirically assess the association between interview performance and medical school admission decisions.
• To determine if applicant demographics influence interview scores.
• To compare the characteristics of matriculants with those who declined offers.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study of 1825 applicants interviewed at the Uniformed Services University (USU) School of Medicine between 2014-2016.
• Analysis of interview scores and admission decisions (accept, alternate, reject).
• Statistical examination of demographic factors (age, race, ethnicity, gender) and military experience in relation to interview performance and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Interview scores alone explained 17% of the variance in admission decisions.
• Applicant age, race, ethnicity, and gender were not significant predictors of interview ratings.
• Matriculants and applicants who rejected offers showed similar interview ratings and demographic distributions, with matriculants more likely to have military experience.

Conclusions:

• The study provides empirical justification for the importance of the interview in medical school admissions.
• Applicant demographics did not appear to introduce bias into the interview scoring process.
• The USU successfully admits students who excel in both cognitive and noncognitive domains, with minimal demographic differences between matriculants and those who decline offers.