Upcoming Med School Interview? What You Should Wear
Dressing the Part: Trusted Advice for Med School Interview Success
- September 5, 2025
Now that you've conquered the MCAT and academic hurdles, you're facing one of the most pivotal steps in the medical school admissions process—the interview.
While medical school interviews share similarities with job interviews, they carry unique weight. You're competing for limited seats, and your interview performance can make or break your application. Being invited to interview means the admissions committee sees potential in you—now it's your chance to prove you're a great fit.
Why Interview Attire Matters
Let’s be clear: perfect attire won’t save a poor interview, but inappropriate clothing can sabotage a great one. A very articulate, personable medical school applicant with excellent grades and a stellar MCAT score will surely have a hard time expressing professionalism wearing a pair of jeans!
Admissions committees form impressions within seconds, so your grooming and attire should reflect your seriousness and maturity. Think of your interview as a formal event, not a casual chat.
What to Wear to a Medical School Interview
For men:
Wear...
- A well-fitted, solid or conservative pinstripe navy, gray, or black suit
- Crisp white or light-colored shirt (barrel cuffs preferred)
- Silk or silk-like tie in a muted tone
- Black leather belt and matching dress shoes (lace-up or slip-ons)
- Mid-calf black socks
- Neatly groomed hair and facial hair
Avoid:
- Flashy cuff links or loud patterns
- Excessive jewelry (limit to a wedding band)
- Strong cologne or scented products
For women:
Wear...
- A tailored pantsuit or skirt suit in navy, black, or gray
- A modest blouse in white, cream, or pastel tones
- Closed-toe flats or low heels (≤1.5 inches)
- Flesh-toned stockings (if wearing a skirt)
- Minimal makeup and accessories
Avoid:
- Bright colors, deep v-necks, or short skirts
- Large or noisy jewelry (opt for studs)
- Heavy perfume or untested skincare products
New Trend Alert: Dresses are acceptable if they’re dark-colored, knee-length, and paired with a blazer. Comfort is key—expect long days and campus tours, so wear broken-in shoes that won’t distract you.
Grooming & Hygiene Tips
- Hair should be clean, styled, and professional
- Nails trimmed and clean
- Avoid visible facial piercings or cover them with retainers or concealer
- Bring breath mints, but skip chewing gum
Interview Prep Beyond the Outfit
Your attire sets the tone, but your interview responses seal the deal. Prepare by:
- Practicing with mock interviews
- Reviewing common medical school interview questions
- Researching the school’s mission, curriculum, and recent news
- Preparing thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers
Pro Tip: Interviews now begin as early as August and run through April or May. Respond to invitations promptly—rolling admissions mean early interviews can boost your chances.
Free Interview Prep Resources
Want to see a mock interview in action? Sign in to Gold Standard MCAT, click on Interviews in the top menu, and access our free medical school interview strategy videos.
