*FAQ about Medical School Interviews & MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews)

Why should I prep before my medical school interview?

You can interview without much preparation and be just fine. However, spending time preparing for your interviews will help you familiarize yourself with typical questions and prepare thoughtful answers for them. You’ll be able to go deeper in your responses having already considered many topics, as well as practicing discussing them, and receiving feedback about your responses. Those deeper responses are more likely to help your interviewer feel like they know you and advocate on your behalf in the admissions process.

Prepping for medical school interviews is very specific. You’ll need to consider your responses to typical interview questions, as well as preparing for MMIs, which include hypothetical scenarios and timed responses.

Does every medical school require interviews?

Some medical schools require interviews of all applicants, while others will offer interviews to select candidates after they’ve applied. Check each school’s website to see what the policy is, so you’ll know if you should plan to interview. The format of medical school interviews varies too, so it’s important to know what to expect and prepare accordingly.

Should I interview if it’s optional?

When offered, an interview is a great opportunity to add some personality to your application, which is otherwise mostly facts. In addition to the required lists of courses, grades, and extracurriculars, adding an interview allows you to discuss the reasons why you’ve made certain choices and why you aspire to be a physician. If you prepare in advance, you’ll be able to make an even stronger impression on your interviewer(s).

When should I interview?

Most medical school interviews will happen after you’ve submitted your application. Some will be by invitation only. Check each school’s website or reach out to the admissions staff early in the process, so you know what to expect. Make sure you are prepared for the interview before making an appointment.

What is an MMI-style medical school interview?

MMI = Multiple Mini-Interviews, an evaluation format designed to introduce you to several interviewers, so your assessment is based on many people’s interactions with you, and therefore less biased. You will encounter hypothetical scenarios that will challenge you to think critically and communicate clearly. Often, you’ll be speaking to the gray areas of medicine, so your interviewers can understand your ethics and your potential to work with patients.

Is a traditional medical school interview or an MMI better?

You won’t usually have a choice about which type of interview a medical school offers. There are advantages to each style, and you should be prepared to succeed in both.

How do I prepare for my medical school interviews?

Think about what’s most important for you to share with each school about yourself, and which questions you want to ask. Be sure to do a bit of research about each program first, so you don’t ask questions that could be easily answered online. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions, but don’t try to memorize your answers. Keep in mind that you’ll always be asked why you want to be a doctor as well as why you’re interested in that particular institution. Reach out to Alison at Interview Prep!