Use Big Interview to Enhance Your Med School Chances

Did you ever imagine that AI would give you an “Authenticity Score?” Sounds a bit crazy, but that’s the reality you’re facing with Big Interview - a tool medical schools are using to evaluate your recorded video interview responses.

Today we wanted to continue our series on how to optimize your medical school interview performance with Big Interview, delving into four additional categories assessed by the AI tool: Negative Tone, Power Words, Length, and Authenticity Score.

Here’s how to excel in each of these areas based on our expert insights.

1. Negative Tone

The negative tone category identifies words and phrases in your responses that carry a negative connotation, which can inadvertently undermine your message.

Our Advice:

• Stay Positive: Be conscious of your word choices. Avoid words that could be perceived as negative, such as "failure," "problem," or "struggle." Instead, reframe your statements in a positive light. For example, rather than saying, "I struggled with," say, "I faced challenges but overcame them by..."
• Review and Revise: After recording your responses, review the transcript for any negative words highlighted by Big Interview. Practice rephrasing these sentences with a more positive spin.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice avoiding negative language, the more naturally it will come during actual interviews. Incorporate this into your regular practice sessions.

2. Power Words

Power words are impactful and compelling terms that enhance your responses, making them more persuasive and memorable.

Our Advice:

• Build Your Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with Big Interview’s list of power words. Identify a selection of these words that you feel comfortable using and that fit naturally with your speaking style.
• Integrate Naturally: Avoid overloading your responses with power words. Instead, sprinkle them in where they enhance your message without sounding forced. For instance, words like "collaborative," "innovative," and "resilient" can add weight to your answers.

3. Length

The length category assesses whether your responses fall within the ideal time range of one to two minutes, ensuring you provide thorough yet concise answers.

Our Advice:

• Time Your Responses: Practice with a timer to ensure your answers are within the one to two-minute range. This helps you become familiar with the length of a well-paced response.
• Structure Your Answers: Organize your answers with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This structure helps you stay on track and convey your message efficiently.
• Be Concise: Focus on the key points you want to make. Avoid rambling by sticking to relevant details and eliminating unnecessary information.

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4. Authenticity Score

The authenticity score gauges how natural and genuine your responses appear, avoiding a robotic or overly rehearsed delivery.

Our Advice:

• Speak Naturally: Avoid memorizing your responses word-for-word. Instead, outline your main points and practice speaking extemporaneously. This keeps your answers genuine and conversational.
• Use Bullet Points: Prepare bullet points for each response rather than a script. This approach helps you remember key points while allowing flexibility in how you express them.

Balancing AI feedback from Big Interview with human input is crucial for a well-rounded preparation strategy. Keep practicing, stay positive, and be yourself to make a lasting impression in your medical school interviews.

- Ryan

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