Are you preparing for your med school and wondering how MMI for medical school interviews works? Read on to learn more about multiple medical school interviews and what you need to do to ace yours.
The MMI for medical school is known as one of the most difficult interview formats. We've got insight to guide you through your journey. This post will cover everything regarding the MMI, its purpose, format, use in the admissions process, and frequently asked questions.
Medical school interviews come in many different forms. You can go through more traditional interviews, where you're asked about your academic, volunteer-based, and professional background. Going through an MMI interview for medical school is a completely different beast – one we want you to be prepared for.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Study the subjects that this post covers, and you'll be sure to ace your MMI interviews. Alright, let's get into the MMI format guide.
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What Is the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) for Medical School?
The Multiple Mini Interview assesses competencies like oral and nonverbal communication, social skills, empathy, ethical reasoning, and the ability to work in teams. These are important indicators of how an applicant will interact with patients and colleagues as a physician.
The different stations in an MMI medical school interview assess your skills in some of the following areas:
Communication
Self-awareness
Maturity
Critical thinking
Empathy
The MMI interview will also measure your teamwork and oral communication skills. Even the questions you ask your teammates and interviewers will be assessed.
The MMI test for medical school is challenging because of the fear surrounding it. The questions are less predictable and more complex than in traditional or panel-type interviews. This is why applicants are fearful and sometimes even freeze up during these mini-interviews.
The format for the Multiple Mini Interview is distinctive because you have a chance to display your values and skills to several admission committee members. Think of it as having the opportunity to create various lasting first impressions. If you feel like you didn't perform as well in one session, you will have more opportunities to do better in the next round.
It is important to note that MMIs are constantly changing. It is a great idea to contact your school's faculty. A majority of medical schools are doing their MMI interviews remotely. Therefore, the format of your MMI test is likely to vary, and the experience could be modified.
Before we go through the MMI interview format and how to prepare for it, let's go over why this format has increased in popularity:
Multiple people are interviewing you. Therefore, there is less subjectivity or bias. Rather than basing decisions on one interview, the assessment is reliable due to the number of interactions.
The MMI allows applicants to showcase their skills throughout the process. This interview process was created by the medical school community. Therefore, it is a more grounded theory.
Having multiple interviews tests your stress levels and your ability to handle pressure. You must learn to manage your stress before heading into your MMI for medical school. A common reason students fail their MMI is because of their inability to control stress levels.
Admissions committees are using the MMI to assess if you have the skills necessary to be a future practicing professional. For example, they want to feel assured that you have strong communication skills, are an ethical individual, and can react well under pressure.
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How Are MMI Interviews Conducted?
MMI interviews are conducted in a circuit format over approximately 2 hours. Applicants rotate through a series of short interview stations, each focusing on a different scenario or prompt.
Multiple Mini Interview Format
The MMI format is a series of 6 – 12 interview stations each with a focus on a different scenario in the medical field. The cycle then repeats, and you’re off to your next station, repeating the rotation until the interview process is complete.
To begin with, you'll wait outside of the examination room and read the prompt posted on the outside of the door or wall. There will be a description of the task to be completed, questions to be answered, or scenarios to address.
The prompt is posted on the outside of the room but is usually also posted on the inside so you can refer to it in case you get lost. However, please keep in mind that every school has a different procedure here.
Some schools will not provide you with a copy of the prompt inside the room, so you’ll have to memorize the prompt. If you’re unsure, check with your school’s admissions office before your interview. If you can’t verify this information, be sure you’re prepared for either scenario.
A bell will ring, which signals that the interviewer is ready to go. Med schools will sometimes provide applicants with a clipboard, paper, and pencil so they can take notes throughout the process. However, be sure to bring your own supplies just in case.
The interviewers will not partake in discussions about the MMI test process or how the individual is performing during the interview. Keep your ears open at all times because new information can be introduced at any time.
It is important to manage your stress levels before entering these interviews. You want to come off as confident and collected, and you’ll need to communicate your answers clearly. You also must prepare for follow-up questions. These questions can be asked after your initial prompt.
Some students freeze up when these sorts of questions are asked. A follow-up question is very similar to the initial prompt. You still must follow the same steps as before, so take your time. If you don’t have an answer to the question right away, don’t panic. Stay calm, cool, and collected until you’re ready to speak.
Remember that MMI formatting may vary, and it is important to contact the faculty or admissions office if you’re unclear about anything.
Many schools are now offering virtual interviews, according to the AAMC. If you are unable to attend an in-person interview, you may be able to undergo the MMI remotely. Make sure to double-check whether your desired school offers virtual interviews.
How Is The MMI Scored?
So, how is the MMI scored? You are graded on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best possible score you can achieve. Applicants are given an aggregate interview score once the interviews are finished. These scores are based on how well the individual performed at each unique station.
The MMI uses a variety of short assessments that are timed to obtain an aggregate score of an individual's soft skills. Soft skills are a combination of personality traits that are related to a person's relationship with a particular social environment. These kinds of skills include:
Language skills
Personal habits
Time management
Emotional empathy
Leadership skills
There are a variety of different subjects that will be brought up during your interview. The MMI is designed to assess non-verbal communication skills alongside assessing a student’s readiness to enter the field of medical practice as a professional.
It isn't too scary if you think about it; you’ll know about the topic before you have to discuss it. This is unlike any other format where you'd be asked on the spot, so the MMI provides you with an advantage.
Multiple different types of questions can show up on the MMI. The question types and topics include:
Scenario
Policy
Personal
Writing
Collaborative
Quirky
In the next sections, we’ll go over how to answer MMI questions. We will go over a few MMI example questions and answers, possible scenarios, and types of questions that may arise.
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10 Tips to Help You Prepare for the MMI
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!
1. Consider Aspects of Your Application When Preparing
Harvard University encourages applicants to think outside of the research box when they do their MMI preparation for medical school. Suggestions include the following:
Be nice, pleasant, and prompt.
Be prepared, but do not “over-rehearse.”
Expect the unexpected.
Be positive and upbeat.
Take student interviewers seriously.
Give direct, thorough answers.
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.
Aditya, a radiology resident at Mayo Clinic and a seasoned admissions coach, stresses how crucial it is to consider how the other parts of your application fared:
2. Research the School
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.
According to Aditya, this research can make your answers stand out:
Elle, an MD candidate at Duke, adds:
Your interviewer will likely ask you to elaborate or share your views, so ensure you have a fully informed opinion!
Be prepared to authentically express the ways you hope to see your education in medicine benefit and better society.
3. Understand the MMI Format
Although the format may vary by school, you can expect a series of short stations based on a specific prompt or question.
Here’s how Aditya explains them:
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.
4. Check Your Technology, If Needed
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.
Chiamaka, a former admissions officer at Dartmouth and current MD student at Duke, offers one approach many students are taking:
5. Familiarize Yourself With Various Topics and Types of Interview Questions
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 until you arrive at your interview, and you may be in for a surprise, as Aditya explains:
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:
Station Type
Description
Critical Thinking
During your MMI, you’ll be required to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills. You may experience a policy-related question or a statement regarding a controversial topic.
Current Events Questions
These questions are designed to test your knowledge of current events in the medical field. Additionally, they assess your ability to apply general knowledge to current events in society and culture and your clarity of communication.
Acting Scenarios
During acting stations, you’ll be assigned a role and will be expected to interact with a hired actor, also playing a role. Admissions committees will assess your ability to communicate in your future professional role.
Values and Ethics Scenarios
You may encounter questions on social policy implications or ethical dilemmas. Answer these questions with non-judgemental responses, considering the impact of your decisions on everyone involved.
Teamwork Activities
This may include working with other applicants, either in person or virtually, in teamwork-oriented tasks while the interviewer observes your ability to collaborate effectively.
Chiamaka also says interviewers like to throw some curveballs!
6. Practice With Sample Questions
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:
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!”
Chiamaka agrees, stating mock interviews are key to good interview prep:
Preparing for MMI medical questions isn’t easy, but remember, you don’t have to navigate preparation alone!
8. Mind Your Body Language
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.
Here are some other things Chiamaka says to consider as well:
9. Ensure You Fully Understand Prompts
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.
Aditya emphasizes that you should also know when it’s appropriate to draw on your personal experiences:
10. Don’t Forget to Mind Your Manners (Even During Practice)
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.
However, as Elle argues, the most important thing to leave behind is a positive impression and to stay calm:
How Do I Prepare for a Virtual MMI?
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.
Practice Using the Platform
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.
Practice doesn’t always make perfect—but insider interview tips do.
What Types of Questions Are Asked in MMI Interview?
The MMI interview covers a wide range of question types designed to evaluate different skills and attributes important for success in medical fields. Common MMI question categories include:
Ethical Scenarios: These questions assess moral reasoning by presenting an ethical dilemma. Applicants must analyze the situation, weigh the pros and cons, and explain their decision-making process.
Role Play Exercises: Candidates are given a scenario and must role-play a conversation or interaction, such as counseling a patient or discussing treatment options. This tests communication, empathy, and bedside manner.
Policy Questions: Applicants are asked their stance on current healthcare policies, practices, or controversies. Responses should demonstrate critical thinking, knowledge of issues, and the ability to articulate a reasoned perspective.
Collaboration/Teamwork: These stations involve group activities or tasks that require working together, and evaluating candidates' teamwork, leadership, and conflict-resolution abilities.
Personal Competencies: Questions probe applicants' skills like resilience, integrity, reliability, and ability to handle stress - key qualities for thriving in demanding medical professions.
There will also be different types of questions in the medical school MMI, so let’s look at example MMI questions that will come up for each section.
MMI Teamwork/Collaborative (Scenarios and Questions)
Let’s talk about how to answer different types of MMI scenarios and questions in the teamwork or collaboration stations.
MMI teamwork questions are some of the most common MMI questions and are designed to assess how you would behave in a team environment. This is done to show admission committee members how you would get along with members of a clinical team.
Once you’re a physician, you’ll rarely be working alone. Therefore, you must understand that admission committees are always on the lookout for team players.
Common MMI teamwork questions, depending on the school, ask the examinee to be responsible for completing a task. For example, you could be required to assemble Legos — perhaps alone or with a partner.
You could also be put in a scenario where you have the instructions to build said Lego structure, but your partner does not. Therefore, you're responsible for using your words to explain how to build the structure. The roles can also be reversed.
Tips for the Teamwork Portion of the MMI
No matter what role you're in during the teamwork portion of the MMI questions, be sure to follow these tips:
Use a clear tone of voice and speak slowly when giving instructions to your peers. Make sure that the directions you are giving aren't overly complex. Use your best judgment to ensure that you aren't leading your partner in multiple directions.
Check in with your partner regularly. No matter what role you're in (performer/instructor), make sure that lines of communication are open at all times. Use "we" statements while working with your partner instead of "I."
Despite what you might think, the project you’re working on with your teammates doesn't need to be completed. Admissions committees are interested in viewing your teamwork and communication skills first-hand. They aren't checking to see how fast you complete the assigned project.
Most candidates make the mistake of thinking they need to rush to complete all the tasks. This is not the case. It’s more important to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively than to complete the task.
MMI Acting (Scenarios and Questions)
Admissions committees want to see how you go about daily life and what your personality is like outside of the field, which you should consider during your MMI interview preparation.
In an example of an MMI acting scenario, you may be asked to stage and act out a problem that is going on between you and your best friend. There will be an actor who is assigned another role. The purpose of the scenario is to resolve the issue at hand.
The best way to prepare yourself for this situation is to use your two minutes to think about when you've had to make tough decisions in your life.
These acting questions tend to be some of the hardest MMI questions because the scenario puts you in difficult positions. For example, you could be faced with dealing with a situation such as this MMI acting scenario example:
You are faced with an actor playing a 70-year-old woman who just got diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. She is coming to gain valuable information about her diagnosis when she suddenly starts to panic and breaks into tears. How do you deal with the situation at hand?
This acting question is putting you in a situation to test your empathy with future patients. It's important to treat the woman with as much empathy as possible while teaching her about her condition. Comfort her and act as if she were a close family member.
Assessors essentially want to see your core values as an individual. These types of hard MMI questions and scenarios will give a good picture of how you have behaved in past situations. The bonus to these types of questions is that they should be easier since there is a high likelihood that you've faced a similar experience in real life.
You must be sure that you are respecting others' values while holding high moral standards yourself. Make sure your ethics are up to date before heading into an MMI. This brings us to the last type of question set that will be presented.
Personal Questions
You will probably be familiar with some of these personal-type questions from previous job interviews. However, these questions are still different because they will be presented to you in MMI contexts.
You will be given two minutes to prepare your answer outside of the room and up to 8 minutes (depending on the school) to answer the question. Admissions will be looking to see if you possess personal qualities such as altruism, compassion, integrity, and empathy.
Here are some examples of personal MMI questions:
"Tell me about your biggest accomplishment in life?”
“What makes it so important?”
"What is your greatest weakness and why?"
In your two-minute brainstorming phase, you should reflect on your skills and experiences and draw from personal experience to form your MMI interview answer structure.
For tough questions such as "What is your greatest weakness and why?" make sure you're answering as honestly and openly as possible. Always admit that you have a weakness (everyone does) and be as vulnerable as possible.
However, don't offer a weakness that might be a key part of your future role. Don't say, "I'm always late" or "I don't perform well under pressure.” Be sure to go through how you are also taking the necessary steps to correct the weakness.
Other MMI example questions you may be asked are policy-based and “other” (quirky questions). An example of a policy-based question could be: “The current COVID-19 vaccinations are not recommended for pregnant women. Discuss whether you disagree or agree with the government's decision”.
To answer this type of question, you’d have to be up to date with your current knowledge of the vaccine. You would also need to keep the public in mind while answering.
It is important to look at this situation from all angles and answer reasonably. For example, if the mother was about to pass from COVID-19 and the vaccine was readily available to save her life - that is one scenario. If the mother just wanted to get vaccinated without showing any symptoms of COVID-19, your answer could change.
The final type of question we will be going over is “Other” (quirky question) types. These questions can spring up unexpectedly and leave you confused. An example quirky question could be: “What was the most recent movie you’ve seen or book you’ve read?”.
When answering these questions, think strategically about how you can link your answers to medicine. These types of questions are designed to throw you off a little. Remain calm and answer intelligently. You will probably have a chance to show your humor off with these types of questions.
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How Is The MMI Used In The Admissions Process?
The MMI is used in the admissions process to evaluate your communication skills, social and nonverbal skills, teamwork, and ethical decision-making to determine how a medical professional will interact with their colleagues and patients.
Admissions committees use the MMI as an admission tool to aid the process because it is generally seen as more reliable than other interview formats. Evidence shows that the MMI is a less biased and more feasible way to gain valuable information on candidates. It highlights how they would act in real-life situations and contexts.
The individual taking the MMI has the chance to impress multiple admission committee members. There is also less room for subjectivity because of the number of mini-interviews you must go through.
The MMI format is used in the admissions process to your advantage. You have many people working together to formulate ideas and opinions on who you are as a candidate. This may sound daunting, but it's more beneficial for you than traditional types of interviews.
The MMI interview format was initially a research project aimed at understanding how to select medical students who would grow into ethical and competent doctors. When preparing for the MMI, you must understand it as a situational judgment test (SJT).
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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.
"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.”
How to Approach This Question
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. You might mention specific professors, classes, values, or research you’re interested in. Use these details in your response to convey your desire to attend that institution.
Why This Answer Works
This response does just this. It is concise, detailed, and shows why the applicant wants to attend the medical school in question, making specific mention of a professor they’d like to learn from.
Example #2 - Ethical Question
What would you say to a family member if they requested you to share a patient’s private information?
Answer
“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.”
How to Approach This Question
This question is designed to test your understanding of medical ethics and policies. There are three key points you want to touch on:
Address the Issue: You should be able to immediately pick up on the ethics in question and address it in your answer
Show Empathy: Considering it is a difficult situation, you still want to show empathy towards the family member
Educate: You’ll want to offer a clear explanation of the rules and provide any non-sensitive information that can help
Why This Answer Works
This response shows the interviewee is aware of the basic principles of patient confidentiality, is still compassionate towards the family member, and knows how to explain the rules appropriately.
Example #3 - Current Healthcare Question
What is your most pressing concern about the U.S. healthcare system?
Answer
"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.”
How to Approach This Question
This question is designed to assess an applicant’s knowledge of the healthcare system, their values, and their goals. Here are some tips to keep in mind when answering these:
Do Your Research: Research current healthcare topics before your MMI. That way, you’re prepared to answer questions like this with depth and won’t get caught off guard
Show Your Knowledge: Show off what you know on the topic, as much as you can without going overboard. This shows your awareness and commitment to staying informed
Make a Personal Connection: Relating the issue to your own experiences makes your answer more compelling and genuine, rather than just a recital of facts
Propose a Solution: After identifying the issue, explain how addressing it could lead to positive changes. This shows you’re forward-thinking and committed to making a difference
Why This Answer Works
This answer is effective because it touches on a significant healthcare issue—underserved rural communities—while linking it to personal experience.
The applicant’s personal connection to the issue (growing up in a rural town) makes the response authentic, and their call to action (prioritizing care for underserved populations) shows they are not only aware of the problem but also motivated to help address it.
Example #4 - Personal Interview Question
Why do you want to become a doctor?
Answer
“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.”
How to Approach This Question
This is the type of question where you should provide a longer, well-thought-out answer. Being specific and descriptive will show your genuine passion. Here’s how to approach them:
Avoid Cliches: Statements like “I want to help people” are vague and overused.
Go Beyond the Surface: Talk about the underlying reasons for your interest in medicine. Be clear about how and where you want to make an impact.
Show Growth: Talk about your experiences and how they have shaped you and motivated you to pursue medicine. Admissions committees want to see what you’ve done to cultivate this interest—volunteering, shadowing, or other relevant experiences are critical to share here
Why This Answer Works
This response is strong because it’s detailed, personal, and paints a vivid picture of the applicant’s journey toward medicine. It avoids the common pitfall of being too vague, instead offering a personal anecdote about a childhood experience that sparked a long-term interest in medicine.
Example #5 - Character Development Question
What is your greatest weakness?
Answer
“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.”
How to Approach This Question
Weakness questions aren’t always comfortable to answer, but they can demonstrate vulnerability and self-awareness, if answered correctly:
Choose a Real Weakness: Select a genuine weakness that you’ve faced rather than a cliché or fabricated one, like that you’re a perfectionist (no one truly believes this is a weakness)
Describe Your Growth: After identifying your weakness, focus on the proactive steps you’ve taken to address it. This demonstrates your commitment to personal development and adaptability
Highlight the Results: Talk about the specific outcomes or improvements that resulted from your efforts
Why This Answer Works
This answer is effective because it identifies a legitimate weakness—trouble with delegation—while also showing personal growth and the proactive measures taken to improve.
By detailing how the applicant recognized their weakness during clinical rotations and sought mentorship and training, they illustrate their commitment to collaboration and teamwork.
Example #6 - Policy Question
What policy change do you believe would have the most significant impact on public health, and why?
Answer
“I think that expanding telehealth services is crucial for improving public health, especially in rural and underserved areas. Many individuals in these communities face barriers to accessing healthcare, such as transportation issues or a lack of local providers. By increasing funding and support for telehealth initiatives, we can provide essential medical services to those who need them most, ensuring we can actually intervene, prevent, and treat chronic diseases and provide mental health support. As someone who has volunteered in rural clinics, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles people face when trying to receive care. Telehealth could bridge that gap and ultimately improve health outcomes."
How to Approach the Question
These questions can be tricky to come up with on the spot, so prepare for them ahead of time and structure your response this way:
Identify a Specific Policy: Start by selecting a policy change that resonates with you and has clear implications for public health
Provide Context: Clearly explain the issue at hand. Discuss specific barriers or challenges in the healthcare system to highlight its urgency and relevance
Support with Personal Experience: Use your own experiences or observations to add depth to your argument. Sharing personal anecdotes makes your answer more relatable and demonstrates your firsthand understanding of the issue
Why This Answer Works
The answer presents a clear policy recommendation—expanding telehealth services—making it easy for the interviewer to understand their perspective. The answer shows that the student has thought critically about public health issues, has personal experience with them, and understands the need for change.
Example #7 - Decision-Making Question
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What was the decision, and how did you reach it?
Answer
"During my junior year, a close friend started an initiative focused on mental health awareness on campus and invited me to join as a core team member. At the time, I was already the president of the Pre-Medical Society, involved in a research project, and managing a full course load.
I faced a tough decision. Joining my friend’s initiative would mean stretching my time and energy even thinner, possibly compromising my responsibilities in the society and my research. I tried to figure out a way I could realistically contribute to both the initiative and my existing roles, but ultimately decided to decline my friend’s invitation to join her club. I know that support can take many forms beyond direct involvement so I remained a strong supporter by attending their events, promoting their initiatives through my networks, and serving as a sounding board for my friend when she needed feedback. This decision allowed me to maintain my commitments while still contributing positively to a cause I cared about and helping out my friend.”
How to Approach This Question
You’ve likely had to deal with a fair share of difficult decisions as a pre-med. You can share any of these, as long as you are able to do the following:
Reflect on Your Priorities: The decision you were faced with should call your priorities into question and be a real conflict that can’t be easily solved
Provide Context: When answering, offer specific details about the situation to give a fuller picture of the decision-making process. Describe the competing priorities you faced and the thought process that led to your final choice
Share the Outcome: Discuss the decision you made and its results, including any lessons learned. This shows your ability to reflect on experiences and grow from them.
Why This Answer Works
The answer shows a thoughtful approach to decision-making, where the individual considers their existing responsibilities and the potential impact of adding more to their plate. It reflects a mature understanding of personal limits and priorities. Knowing when to say no is an important skill as a doctor!
By expressing ongoing support for the friend's initiative, the answer also conveys teamwork and collaboration, essential traits in healthcare and community involvement. It shows that the candidate values relationships and is willing to contribute in ways that are manageable and helpful.
Example #8 - Teamwork Question
Describe a time when you faced a challenge while working in a group. How did you handle it?
Answer
"During a group project in my public health course, we were asked to develop a community health initiative. Early on, it became clear that team dynamics were a bit strained, with some members not contributing equally. It happens pretty often in group projects, but this one was a shared mark. To address this, I called a meeting to openly discuss everyone's roles and expectations. I encouraged my teammates to express their concerns and proposed a restructuring of responsibilities based on each person's strengths and interests. After making these changes, the group became more cohesive, and we successfully completed the project ahead of schedule. Our initiative received positive feedback from our professor and we all felt like we contributed equally.”
How to Approach the Question
Here’s how to answer this question:
Select a Relevant Challenge: Choose a specific challenge related to teamwork that demonstrates your ability to navigate interpersonal dynamics. This could be communication issues, unequal participation, or conflicting ideas
Describe Your Actions: Explain the steps you took to address the issue, highlighting your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Share how you facilitated better collaboration and open dialogue
Share the Positive Outcomes: Share the results of your actions and any lessons learned. This not only shows your ability to work well in a team but also reflects on your capacity for growth and improvement
Why This Answer Works
The response provides a clear, concrete example of a challenge faced during a group project, making it relatable and understandable. They show leadership by taking the initiative to address team dynamics, showcasing problem-solving and communication skills.
They also share that they had a positive outcome, highlighting their ability to adapt and create mutually beneficial results in a team. It’s important that they also don’t blame one particular member but address the entire group.
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!
100 MMI Sample Questions
We’ve compiled a list of MMI interview questions to help you ace your interviews.
MMI Ethical Scenario Question Examples
First up in our MMI question bank are ethical scenarios—some of the hardest questions to answer on the spot!
What’s your opinion on the cost of healthcare?
What would you do if you discovered a colleague kept a medical error a secret from a patient?
What would you do if your patient is a 15-year-old requesting an abortion?
What would you do if a patient in the emergency room wanted to leave against medical advice?
What do you think about physician-assisted medicine?
What’s your opinion on alternative medicine?
A situation arises where a 14-year-old individual approaches you, seeking birth control pills while explicitly requesting that you keep this information confidential from their parents. How would you handle this scenario?
You find yourself in a situation where a close family member has made the personal decision to solely rely on alternative medicine for treating a significant illness. What course of action would you take?
Imagine you are faced with the challenging decision of determining who should receive a transplant: a respected elderly member of the community who has achieved success or a 20-year-old individual struggling with drug addiction. How would you approach this choice?
A patient with Down Syndrome becomes pregnant against the wishes of her mother and husband, who strongly advocate for an abortion. As a physician, how should you navigate this situation?
A 12-year-old boy receives a diagnosis of a terminal illness, such as malignancy. When he asks the doctor about his prognosis, his parents request that the doctor withhold the distressing news from him. How should the doctor handle this situation?
A couple planning to have a child through artificial insemination expresses a desire for sex selection of the baby. How should a physician provide guidance in this scenario?
A physician becomes involved in a sexual relationship with a current patient who either initiates or consents to the relationship. Is it ethically acceptable for a physician to engage in such a relationship?
A 17-year-old boy is living independently, is married, and has a child. He wishes to participate in a medical research study. Does he require parental permission?
A 40-year-old patient with schizophrenia requires hernia repair. The surgeon discusses the procedure with the patient, who demonstrates understanding. Can the patient provide informed consent?
As a physician at a local hospital, you observe a person with alcohol dependency regularly consuming the hand sanitizer provided at the stands throughout the facility. While they are not currently a patient at the hospital, they have been treated there multiple times in the past. This constant usage leaves little hand sanitizer available for public use. How should you address this situation? Should you consider relocating or altering the hand sanitizer stands? Should you approach the individual?
An 18-year-old man is diagnosed with suspected bacterial meningitis but refuses therapy and returns to his college dormitory. What should a physician do when faced with this situation?
Is it ethical for doctors to go on strike? If so, under what circumstances?
A highly contagious, life-threatening disease is rapidly spreading across the country, with a survival rate below 50%. As a senior healthcare administrator, you have priority access to a newly developed vaccine. Would you choose to receive the vaccine personally or give it to someone else? Explain the reasoning behind your decision.
It’s been suggested that medical school students prefer to admit students who don’t smoke. Discuss the ethical implications surrounding this preferential treatment.
A 70-year-old man has just been diagnosed with cancer and is expected to live less than six months. How do you inform him of his diagnosis?
What is your opinion on abortion?
What would you do if you saw a peer cheating on a medical school exam?
Would you exit your vehicle on a freeway to help a victim of a car accident? What would you do?
You find out the professor you conducted research with has changed some data points before publication. What do you do?
A patient diagnosed with AIDS asks you not to inform his wife. What do you do?
What are your thoughts on the death penalty?
What’s your opinion on organ donation from non-viable infants?
You suspect a fellow doctor at your workplace is struggling with alcohol addiction. You’ve seen them put a patient’s life at risk due to inattention. What do you do?
A child has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the family, for religious reasons, wants to only pursue alternative medicine. What do you do?
Describe what ethical issues you see facing the medical community in the future due to advances in medical technology?
Do you believe doctors have a greater social responsibility to advocate and educate communities on issues such as poverty and domestic violence?
MMI Character Development Question Examples
Here are examples of character development questions.
How do you picture your life in 10 years?
Why do you want to be a physician?
What experiences have you pursued to test your motivation for medicine?
What was the initial event that made you interested in medicine?
Discuss a time you had to compromise.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake. Discuss the event and the resolution.
Tell me about the most stressful situation you’ve endured. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
Discuss a time you collaborated with others on a successful project.
What is the main takeaway you want the admissions committee to know about you?
What is the largest challenge facing the healthcare field?
How do you plan to balance clinical work and research in the future?
Why medicine and not another healthcare career?
Tell me more about [element from your application].
Why do you want to attend this school?
What did you love most about your college experience?
If you could change one thing about your undergraduate experience, what would it be and why?
Which medical specialty are you most interested in right now?
Why did you major in [major name]?
What were your favorite non-science courses?
What do you think will be your main challenge in medical school?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Describe your biggest failure and how you handled it.
Please provide an example of how you work under pressure. What about your actions were you most dissatisfied with, and what did you learn?
How have you shown initiative? What did you gain from the experience?
Describe how you respond to criticism using an example. How did you react?
What would you say is the most negative aspect of being a physician?
How would your attendance positively impact the healthcare system?
How would your friends describe you?
What is the most important quality a great physician should possess?
Are you interested in medical research?
What is the reason for [this poor grade]?
What else do you want me to know about you?
Describe a situation where you felt like you didn’t belong.
Discuss a time you disagreed with someone. What was the outcome?
What are your hobbies?
How would your best friend describe you?
If you couldn’t become a doctor, what career would you pick?
How do you see the medical field changing in the next decade? How would you fit into those changes?
If you could change one thing about the U.S. healthcare system, what would it be?
Discuss your most impactful research engagement.
How do you destress?
Discuss a medical issue you’ve read about in the news recently.
What can you say about children’s rights in medicine?
What is your greatest concern regarding the environment?
Is it ever okay to break patient confidentiality? When might a time arise?
Do you believe the practice of medicine has become more impersonal due to the advances in technology?
What do you think about universal healthcare?
How could we remedy doctor shortages in rural areas?
Describe the relationship between medicine and science.
What are ways to reduce medical malpractice?
How do you feel about patients consulting the Internet for medical advice?
Compare the U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems. Which is more effective, and why?
Name three major health issues facing women today.
Describe a political issue that impacts the medical field.
MMI Teamwork Question Examples
Here are examples of teamwork questions.
Give an example of a time you worked in a team and you failed?
What are the attributes of a good team leader?
What are the attributes of a good team member?
Are you a leader or a follower?
Is teamwork important in Medicine? Why?
How do you resolve conflict within a group?
Why is it important for a team leader to be able to allocate?
What Would You Do If You Were Working On A Group Project And Noticed Than One Member Of The Team Was Not Contributing?
Upon entering the room, only you will be able to see a 3-D design made with Jenga blocks. Please work with your partner to recreate this design as exactly as possible. You will be given 6 minutes to complete this design.
You have a map of a college campus. Give your instructor directions to get from Building A to Building B.
Explain to your instructor how to tie shoelaces using only verbal instructions.
In front of you are the following objects: a ukulele, wrapping paper, tape, and a ribbon. Guide the instructor through wrapping the ukulele.
You will be giving your partner instructions to finish a project. You are not allowed to use shapes to describe anything that you see in front of you. You will stand back-to-back with your partner.
In front of you are Lego blocks forming a structure, which you can see but your partner cannot. Your goal is to guide your partner verbally to help them recreate this design with their own set of Legos. You will not be able to see each other or refer to color.
Please describe to your partner what you see on the piece of paper on the desk. Your partner will be drawing images on a blank piece of paper based on your directions. You will not be able to see your partner during this exercise.
These MMI questions can help you practice and prepare for your interviews. You can also use our Interview Question Generator to prepare!
List of Medical Schools that Use MMIs
Not every medical school uses MMI interviews. So, to help you with your medical school MMI prep, we’ve outlined which schools use MMIs:
Albany Medical College
California Northstate University College of Medicine
Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Duke University School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine Université Laval
Florida Atlantic University - Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Geisinger Commonwealth
John Sealy School of Medicine
Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba
McGill University Faculty of Medicine
McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
New York Medical College
New York University Long Island School of Medicine
New York University Grossman School of Medicine
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
Queen's University School of Medicine
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
Stanford University School of Medicine
SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Medicine
TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine
Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
Universite de Montreal Faculty of Medicine
Universite de Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine
University of Alabama School of Medicine
University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine
University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine
University of California, Davis School of Medicine
University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
University of Houston College of Medicine
University of Illinois College of Medicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
University of Michigan Medical School
University of Minnesota Medical School–Twin Cities
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine
University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville
University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
University of Utah School of Medicine
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
These questions will help you prepare for MMI!
MMI FAQs
Here are our answers to some frequently asked questions about MMIs for medical school.
1. How Long Does the Interview Process Take?
The MMI interview process typically takes around 2 hours to complete. Each station or mini-interview lasts between 6-10 minutes
2. Are MMI Interviews Hard?
The MMI interview format tests applicants' abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and handle stress - all under timed conditions across a variety of challenging scenarios. This combination of factors makes the MMI a demanding evaluation of both academic and non-academic competencies required for success in medical fields.
3. What Should I Wear to My Interview?
Go for the ‘smart-casual’ look. Avoid anything too flashy, revealing, or overly casual. While you want to look put-together, you also need to be able to move comfortably during any role-playing scenarios.
4. How Long Should MMI Answers Be?
A good target length is one to two for an initial response, then be prepared to expand for another 1-2 minutes if prompted by the interviewer. Avoid rambling or getting too bogged down in excessive details.
5. What Is an MMI Thank-You Letter?
After your MMI interview, you should send a thank-you letter to your interviewer(s). Sending an MMI thank-you letter will express gratitude and speak to your character as a candidate. It will also create an opportunity to further express your interest in the medical school program.
Thank-you letters are a standard part of the medical school interviewing process. You should send your MMI thank-you letter within 24 hours of your interview, and be sure to include your name and the time of your interview to remind the interviewer(s) who you are.
MMI for Med School: Preparation Is Key
The MMI process can come off as complex and frightening, so preparation is key. As long as you study and practice mock-up scenarios regularly, you will do a great job.
It is important to go over the different types of scenarios and questions presented in this post. Practicing, staging, and going over answers to questions with a friend or spouse could greatly benefit you during preparation.
Make sure to also manage your stress levels before entering an MMI for medical school, as this is the top reason why students make mistakes. Again, think of the process as something that is working with you rather than against you. Scholars have created this process to ensure validity and transparency. We hope this post helps you out on your MMI journey! Best of luck.
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