When you go for a medical school interview, the interview itself will account for only a small portion of the day. However that does not mean you should leave immediately after the interview. While you are at the med school premises, it is a good idea to spend your time exploring the place and getting the feel of it so that if your application is accepted at more than one school, you can make a more informed decision about which one you would like to attend. Should you be selected, the school authorities will spend time familiarising you with different aspects of the school by conducting tours, information sessions and seminars. Still, it is a good idea to do your own checking around even before that. 

Assess the school’s curriculum

Although all medical schools will have pretty much the same curriculum, there can be a considerable difference in the teaching methodologies that they use. It is not always possible to understand the different curriculums by simply looking at the school’s website so while you are at the school, take some time to understand what curriculum and teaching method they follow. If it is not something that suits your way of learning and taking in information, that particular school may not be the best fit for you. 

Do your own assessment of the staff and other faculty

The teaching and admin staff and even the students of the school are what make the school what it is. It is important that you choose a school where you feel welcomed and comfortable. A happy atmosphere is conducive to doing well. After all, you will be spending at least the next 4 years in this campus. Friendly, helpful staff members that encourage questions from prospective students can make the whole atmosphere feel warm and welcoming whereas if the staff is unfriendly and unapproachable you know you are in for a tough time should you decide to attend that school.   

Imagine yourself in that school? Do you like what you see?

At the end of the day, the most important question you need to ask yourself is if that school is where you would actually like to be. Will you be happy and thrive in that atmosphere? Do you think the facilities the school offers and what you are looking for meet somewhere in the middle or do they clash?  Enrolling in medical school is a massive investment of time and money. You do not want to invest so much in a place that is just not the right fit for you and does not offer you what you are looking for. When you spend time looking around and asking around you will get a much better feel of the place than just browsing through the school’s website. 

When deciding what medical school to attend consider all the logistical factors large and small. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that can help sway your decision when you are locked between two equally rated options.