Interview Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Does the MSTP at CWRU assist with interview costs on transportation, housing, food, etc?

A. The student is expected to provide the means of transportation to Cleveland on the first visit. Once you get here, we provide transportation to and from the airport and one night in a hotel or with a student host. We will provide meals for the day you are here. If you wish to be reimbursed for an expense incurred during your visit, you will need to obtain a dated receipt and turn it in with your name and address.

Q. How are the interviewing faculty chosen?

A. Generally, the Steering Committee person in your field of interest has reviewed your file extensively and recommended faculty that might have similar interests. We encourage you to request interviews with MSTP mentors whose research is of interest to you. Such requests will be considered and honored whenever possible.

Q. When I am invited for an interview, will I have a chance to interact openly with students?

A. We provide many opportunities during the interview for student interaction. You may have an opportunity to spend the night with a student. Usually a one and a half to two hour time slot is allowed for lunch with students. This time is strictly "Off the Record". No one reports back to the steering committee and you may ask questions freely.

Q. How should I prepare for the interview?

A. About a week before the interview, we will send you the particulars about your visit by e-mail. It should include information about your hotel or your student host, your faculty interviewers and links to their web sites. Reviewing your own research and being ready to discuss it is the only other preparation necessary. Your schedule will include your interview for medical school, unless you have already completed that prior to the visit.

Q. When will I find out about my status after the interview?

A. The Steering Committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month. One of their goals is to decide what to do about the candidates interviewed since the last meeting. Each of your interviewers will have submitted a brief review of your visit with them and their opinion as to how well you would fit into the MSTP here. You will be placed in one of four possible categories. The first might be that you are accepted and notified by phone and/or letter of your acceptance. The second possibility is that you may be placed on a wait-list. This means that the Steering Committee judges you as fully qualified for the program and you will be admitted if a slot is available. The third is that your application will be placed on hold until a future Steering Committee meeting. The fourth possibility is that your application will be rejected. We will attempt to communicate all decisions to you as soon as possible. You may obtain your status at any time by contacting the MSTP office.