Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/25/24
Preparing for a multiple mini interview (MMI)? Read on for tips on how to prepare and practice MMI questions.
Although MMI interviews may seem daunting, with proper prep, there’s no need to worry. Both doctors and vets go through the process during their medical/vet school application process.
Keep in mind that if you’ve made it to the interview stage, schools are hoping you’ll succeed and become a positive addition to their community and contribute as a future alum.
It’s time to prove them right, so read on to learn how to prepare for MMI interview. Read on to learn more about the MMI format, tips to succeed, and sample questions!
The MMI interview format was created by McMaster University in Canada in 2002. McMaster University describes the MMI’s purpose as “to collect information concerning the personal qualities of those applicants selected for an interview.”
It has been modeled from the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) commonly used by Health Sciences Programs. The AMCAS accepts it as more psychometrically sound than previous med school interview methods.
The MMI assesses three things:
1. Your communication skills
2. Your ability to apply general knowledge
3. Your suitability to your intended profession
The MMI interview format was designed to allow schools to comprehensively assess applicants; a full overview of your soft skills, professionalism, values, personality, credentials, background, and goals. The MMI is comparable to the CASPer Test.
The MMI also measures your competency in skills like oral communication, social and non-verbal skills, and teamwork, among others. These factors indicate how well you’ll interact with future patients and colleagues. The MMI aims to assess abilities not clearly identifiable through your application.
With increased interactions, this format helps limit bias within the interview process. The opinions of one interviewer aren’t over-emphasized, giving you a better shot at a fair and unbiased assessment. Medical schools receive a well-rounded impression of an applicant than with a singular interview.
At the same time, you can connect with multiple members of your future community. You can look at the MMI format as both an opportunity to let yourself shine professionally and a space to create positive first impressions and early networking.
Glen T. Fogerty, Ph.D., the Associate Dean of Admissions & Recruitment at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, states: “We appreciate the process is grounded in theory, supported through research, and has continually allowed us to support our goal of having true community involvement in our admission decisions.”
After completing your secondary applications, you’ll hopefully begin receiving interview invitations between October and January. Gabriel Garcia, MD, Associate Dean for MD Admissions at Stanford University, states:
“At this stage, all of our candidates are academically ready for medical school. What we want to measure next are the more personal traits that aren’t so easy to measure: compassion, ethics, critical thinking, interpersonal skills.”
Below is an example of a scorecard for the MMI as designed by McMaster University.
Applicants are scored based on communication skills, the strength of arguments expressed, and suitability for the medical profession. A score of 10 is ideal. A score of 1 = unsuitable for the medical profession.
To prepare for MMI interviews, you should have a strong grasp of the medical profession. We’ll outline ten tips to help you prepare for the interviews!
Harvard University encourages applicants to think outside of the research box when they do their MMI preparation for medical school. Suggestions include the following:
Consider aspects of your resume or background that may cause your interviewer to pause. Do you receive a poor grade in your sophomore year? Has any school taken disciplinary action against you? Make sure to have an explanation ready for anything your interviewer may bring up.
Now is the time to refresh yourself on the big-picture of “WHY” this school? This is an essential part of your multiple mini interview prep. Ensure you’ve researched the medical school’s website, including the mission statement. In which ways do your views and values align with the school’s?
You should also be well-versed in current affairs relevant to the medical field. For example, stay up-to-date with JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). You should also be knowledgeable in world issues and general politics.
Your interviewer will likely ask you to elaborate or share your views, so ensure you have a fully-formed informed opinion!
Be prepared to authentically express the ways you hope to see your education in medicine benefit and better society.
Although the format may vary by school, you can expect a series of short stations based on a specific prompt or question. Each station is timed and typically lasts between five and eight minutes. When the time at each station is up, a buzzer will sound, indicating you must move on to the next station.
Before entering each station, you’ll have two minutes to consider the prompt and prepare your thoughts. Vanderbilt University suggests applicants should “time simulations and experience how quickly, or slowly, does six to eight minutes pass,” to help develop their sense of time management.
Prompts vary from topics of conversation, quotes, scenarios, and roleplay. The entire process should take nearly two hours.
Some schools have transitioned to a fully virtual interview process using Zoom or Google Meet. Familiarize yourself with the school’s policy before your interview to avoid technical difficulties or confusion.
McMaster University also provides public access to the standard principles of the interview process. You can review this online in the Manual for Interviewers.
Your interviewers want to know if you’re ready to study medicine. This is assessed, in part, by observing your communication skills.
Unfortunately, you won’t know the questions word for word until you arrive at your interview. But you can prepare by reviewing MMI practice questions and familiarizing yourself with the various topics and types of interview questions. Your interview questions can cover a wide range of topics, from personal questions to ethical dilemmas.
Some topics, themes, and scenarios to potentially expect in the MMI prompts:
An excellent way to prepare for multiple mini interviews is to practice using the sample questions from McMaster University’s Interviewer Manual.
Here, you’ll find MMI resources and sample questions related to the following topics: ethical decision-making, communication (with an actor), task-oriented collaboration, and personal interview.
Other top medical schools offer lists of practice MMI questions:
Practice questions can help you build confidence for the real thing! Use our Medical MMI Interview Practice Questions Simulator for access to free MMI practice questions and responses.
After looking at sample questions and scenarios you may encounter in the MMI, it’s a good idea to practice with an expert. Expert interview prep with med school admissions experts can provide the knowledgeable feedback needed to boost your performance and guide your MMI interview prep plan.
The University of Houston’s (UH) Pre-Health Advising Center encourages students to participate in mock interviews to practice, work on body language, and receive actionable feedback. UH states that “The best preparation for an interview is participation in a mock interview!”
Preparing for MMI medical questions isn’t easy, but remember, you don’t have to navigate preparation alone!
A common mistake in interviews is showing how nervous you are. Avoid fidgeting and speaking in circles, and make friendly eye contact with your interviewer and smile when appropriate.
Don’t forget about posture. This will all be part of nonverbal communication. The best way to avoid freezing up during the MMI is to be well-prepared. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself can show whether your body language is open and relaxed or nervous and closed off.
Have you ever jumped into a conversation not fully understanding the topic, only to realize halfway through your sentence that you’re talking about something different?
That may be something to laugh about at a party, but at the MMI, be sure you FULLY understand the topic prompts for each section. You can take a few extra seconds to reread it if necessary. If you don’t understand, you can always ask the interviewer to clarify. It’s okay to ask questions!
Remember, prompts may be vague but aren’t trying to trick you. The goal is to showcase your analytical and communication skills. Worry less about coming up with the “right” answer and more about practicing strategies for giving the interviewer a full understanding of your communication abilities.
A good impression goes beyond a friendly smile and the right attire. When you leave each interview, remember to politely thank your interviewer and say goodbye. You may also wish to follow up with a thank you note after the meeting. However, the most important thing to leave behind is a positive impression.
Preparing for an interview can be stressful. Especially if it’s being conducted virtually. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a virtual MMI.
Medical schools typically use a few key online video communication tools for interviews, such as Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Zoom, and Blackboard. When you receive an interview invitation, make sure to determine which platform the school is using. If you don't already have the required software, be prepared to download and install it on your device for the online MMI.
Some medical schools may offer briefing sessions, training, or platform familiarization before the MMI date. It's crucial to attend these if they are available, as they can help you feel more comfortable in the virtual environment.
We’re here to guide you through this process by ensuring you’re ready for even the most unexpected situations. Here are a few things that can get in the way of reaching your full potential and acing the MMI.
While you can’t know the exact wording of questions before the MMI, you can still invest time in your MMI prep for medical school. Using guides provided by the university or an expert admissions consultant, you can prepare and understand the format of the questions and topics likely to be addressed.
Many people struggle with timed tests. Timed exams often cause students stress and anxiety that can affect their ability to accurately portray their abilities.
If timed tests aren’t your strength, the best thing you can do is get a good night’s sleep. Don’t leave prep until the night before the MMI test. Deep breathing exercises before and during the test can also greatly reduce anxiety.
During your prep, practice answering interview questions while using a timer. This can be done while practicing with mock interviews. Have someone else hold the timer so you’re not distracted by the ticking clock. This prep helps you become accustomed to speaking concisely on a specific topic for a precise amount of time.
Lastly, think of developing these skills of working under pressure as prep for the biggest test of all — your career in medicine.
You’ll be required to speak on the topic at length, and the interviewer may ask you to elaborate on specific points. This may be a challenge for some to think on the spot. Follow-up questions require you to expand or elaborate on the interview section prompt question.
Think of follow-up questions as standard interview questions. Yes, you’re in the hot seat, but you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable about the topic — so there’s nothing to worry about. When the interviewer asks you to elaborate on your answers, think of this as an opportunity to clarify your points or add details to your answer.
Being asked to elaborate doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to backtrack.
These are the most common types of MMI questions you’ll be asked in your interview.
Medical school interviewers want to understand a candidate’s personality and interest in the medical field. So, expect questions about your:
Be honest with the interviewer, and you’ll breeze through these questions.
This is the most common type of interview station you’ll encounter during an MMI. Medical schools want to see you’re compassionate, empathetic, and able to view dilemmas from multiple perspectives.
Acing the ethical decision-making questions requires you to outline the situation from every point of view before explaining how you would navigate the scenario. You want to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet while taking time to consider each angle before making your final decision.
Medical schools can include a station that requires you or an actor to roleplay as a med student or physician. Then, they may ask you to enact a scenario like delivering bad news to a patient.
MMI role play scenarios gauge your bedside manner and how you communicate with others. So, don’t let the pressure get to you; take a deep breath and relax. If you buy into the scenario and fully commit yourself, you’ll be more natural in your responses.
Most MMIs will have a station that requires you and another candidate to complete a challenge. This can be difficult, as some applicants will approach these scenarios with a competitive mentality. However, this isn’t what medical schools are looking for.
Medical schools set up these teamwork exercises to analyze how you work in a team. As Bilal Naved, the Co-founder and CEO of a Chicago-based consumer health platform, notes, “Admissions committees are looking for people that work well together and in teams.”
Knowing how to practice for the MMI is tricky, as there are many things you need to know to perform your best on interview day. We’ll review practice MMI questions and answers and provide a list you can use to direct your preparation.
Let’s take a look at two MMI practice questions and answers.
Why did you apply to this school?
"I am impressed by this school's commitment to excellence and its stellar reputation in the medical community. I have a lot of respect for the school's faculty, and I am particularly interested in learning from Professor Smith. I think earning my medical degree from this institution will provide me with the skills I need to be an effective doctor and give me a head start in my career.”
The key to answering this type of question is research; determine the unique aspects of your desired medical school that set it apart from others. Use these details in your response to convey your desire to attend that institution. Ensure you’re as detailed and specific as possible.
This response is concise, detailed, and shows why the applicant wants to attend the medical school in question.
What would you say to a family member if they requested you to share a patient’s private information?
“If sharing the information they are asking for would violate the doctor/patient confidentiality agreement, I would politely tell them that I am not at liberty to discuss that topic in detail. If they are upset or confused, I would explain the nature of patient confidentiality and I would offer them any non-confidential information that I have concerning the patient.”
This question is designed to test your understanding of medical ethics and policies. This clear response shows the interviewee is aware of the basic principles of patient confidentiality.
What is your most pressing concern about the U.S. healthcare system?
"I believe one of the most pressing issues with the U.S. healthcare system is the lack of trained medical professionals serving underserved, rural populations. These communities don’t have the same access to care many would in larger cities, and accessible care could decrease deaths from treatable conditions while improving the community’s overall health and quality of life. I grew up in a rural town where I saw many neighbors and friends suffer from a lack of accessible care, and believe physicians and medical professionals must prioritize providing care to rural/underserved communities to strengthen public health.”
This question is designed to assess an applicant’s knowledge of the healthcare system, their values, and their goals.
Why do you want to become a doctor?
“When I was ten, I had a routine checkup with my family doctor. While I was never afraid, I didn’t enjoy them. My doctor seemed to sense my apprehension and would go out of his way to make the experience less nerve-wracking by talking about cartoons and baseball as he examined me.
After a chest x-ray, my doctor detected an abnormality. Instead of not addressing it, he calmly explained what he’d found and why I would have to stay at the clinic a little longer. I was happy to be treated like an equal while he explained everything in a way I could understand. The X-ray abnormality ended up being a blemish on the film, but this positive experience stayed with me for years.
Afterward, I wanted to learn more about medicine, particularly X-ray technology. I would check out books from the library and took an extra interest in science in middle and high school.
I further pursued my interests by seeking shadowing experiences, volunteering at a hospice, and looking for patient care exposure wherever possible. One of my favorite activities was handing out extra blankets at night and taking the time to chat with residents about their days before bed. With every interaction, I tried to emulate the calm, understanding way my family doctor had spoken to me when I was ten.
Working in hospice was rewarding, albeit sometimes sad. Accepting the passing of my patients was difficult, and I found myself depressed after the loss of a resident I had forged a deep relationship with. Despite the pressure and sadness, I was happy that I could provide warmth and comfort to patients as I fulfilled my duties.
This is what solidified my decision to apply to medical school. Specifically, I see myself being a family doctor who cares for patients, actively listens, and is solution-oriented while employing empathetic communication. My commitment to improving the quality of life for others drives me to learn, grow, and take every opportunity to develop the skills needed to become an excellent physician.”
While your response may be more detailed, you want to ensure the admissions committee understands what initially drew you to medicine, what you’ve done to cultivate your interests, and what skills and traits you’ve developed.
What is your greatest weakness?
“I have often had trouble delegating work in the past. While it’s great to strive for excellence, I realize that collaboration is integral to working in healthcare, where it’s crucial to rely on the skills and knowledge of others.
I recognized my trouble delegating during clinical rotations, where I was hesitant to allocate responsibilities. I was afraid that the tasks would not be completed to my standards, but I realized this thinking was not sustainable or supportive of a collaborative environment.
Since then, I’ve sought opportunities to improve my delegation abilities by openly communicating with colleagues, physicians, and mentors. Their insight has been invaluable, and I supplemented what I learned from them with seminars on delegation techniques and frameworks.
Now, I am more proficient in identifying the strengths of team members and delegating tasks that cater to them. Assigning tasks this way, I noticed that the quality of work improved while allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on tasks requiring my attention. I believe these steps I’ve taken will lead to me to better manage tasks and care for patients.”
Weakness questions aren’t always comfortable to answer, but it’s important to focus on an actual weakness. Then, you can describe what steps you’ve taken to improve!
These are some common MMI practice questions and answers, but there’s no way to know precisely what you’ll be asked in your interview. Thankfully, we have more MMI interview questions you can use to practice with!
We’ve compiled a list of MMI interview questions to help you ace your interviews.
Here are examples of ethical scenario questions.
Here are examples of character development questions.
Here are examples of teamwork questions.
These MMI questions can help you practice and prepare for your interviews. You can also use our Interview Question Generator to prepare!
Not every medical school uses MMI interviews. So, to help you with your medical school MMI prep, we’ve outlined which schools use MMIs:
These questions will help you prepare for MMI!
The medical school MMI is full of challenges. But we’ve put together several questions and answers to help you overcome them.
The topics covered in the MMI include current issues in the medical field, real-life scenarios, collaboration, topics to assess your critical thinking and analytical skills, and your adherence to the ethics and values of the medical profession.
You may send a “thank you” note after your interview. Harvard University also suggests sending a handwritten note to interviewers following the MMI unless the school indicates otherwise.
After the MMI, you can proceed to the final steps of your application. This may include sending a letter of intent to your number one school to show your continued and committed interest in the program.
Mini interviews should be no longer than eight minutes. Depending on the school, you may be permitted to take longer than the allotted two minutes between stations to consider the prompt; however, any extra time will cut into your maximum discussion time per station.
Yes, you’ll have two minutes between interviews to read the topic or scenario for that section.
You may also write the prompt on a piece of paper attached to the door of the interview room or when you enter. A buzzer will sound when it’s time to move on to the next interview.
The interviewer can clarify terms, wording, and station instructions. They will not elaborate on the scoring procedure or MMI protocols.
No, there’s no feedback at this stage of the interview process, either during or after the MMI.
How long it takes to prepare for your MMIs depends on how prepared you feel and how proficient you are at interviewing. However, we recommend preparing for your interviews as early as possible – you may not receive much notice from schools before your interview date.
The best way to prepare for an MMI is to research the school, review practice questions, and practice one-on-one with someone who can give you expert feedback on how to improve your performance. The more questions you practice with, the more prepared you’ll feel!
The best way to minimize nervousness is to feel prepared for the interview, take deep breaths, and remember to smile and try your best.
You should show up to your interview early, eat a healthy breakfast, and ensure your equipment works if you’re participating in a virtual interview.
The proper attire for the MMI interview includes dressing professionally with neutral tones like gray, black, navy blue, white, and cream.
Men can wear a well-fitted suit with a tie, while women can opt for a pantsuit or skirt suit. Keep accessories minimal and ensure that you’re well groomed. Avoid strong scents and carry a minimalist bag.
The MMI format is a tried and trusted method of assessing your candidacy for medical school. However, it’s not without its challenges. Before going into the MMI, do your research, read this guide carefully, and ensure you understand what’s expected of you.
Finally, RELAX! The best way to avoid freezing up during your interview is to stay calm, cool, and collected. Take a deep breath — you’ve got this.
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