MMI Universities – what are they looking for?
MMI interviews (multiple mini-interview) are now the most popular type of medical school interview. Depending on your 4 choices of medical schools on your UCAS application, there is a high chance your interview practice will include MMI prep.
This format is popular because it can test a lot of different skills and attributes so that the interviewers can get a better, more rounded picture of you as an applicant. It’s also helpful to you because you have multiple opportunities to shine during the different stations. And if one station didn’t go as well as expected, simply brush this off and ‘reset’ for the next station.
What Is A MMI Interview?
MMI stands for Multiple Mini Interviews. The process is made up of several short assessments. This is completely different to a traditional panel interview
You may have heard the term ‘stations’ – this refers to one single mini-interview. An entire MMI can be made up of 5-10 stations. Each station lasts between 5-12 minutes depending on the university, and each station has one central component/theme/scenario that you are tested on. Before each station, you are usually given some time to prepare your answer and how you will behave in the scenario. On entering the station, you are either asked a question by an interviewer or you have to ‘engage’ with a scenario laid out, i.e., talk to a neighbour/friend etc.
Need to know:
MMI interviews will probably take about two hours
Each mini-interview will usually take no longer than 10 minutes
Most universities will have around 10 MMI ‘stations’
MMI Stations
MMIs will vary by medical school, but there are common stations that a lot of the universities like to ask about:
- Role-play stations
- Prioritisation stations
- Clarity of communication stations
- Problem-solving stations
- Professional judgement stations
What Are Medical Schools Looking For?
MMI interviews test two components – how clear you are in your communication, and what you are capable of doing. It’s a chance for you to show that you’ve got what it takes to be a medical practitioner — not just the grades and know-how, but the right attitude and skills as well. Each university tests slightly different things but in general, they all want to test your ability to make well-informed ethical decisions, as well as having sound core knowledge and effective communication skills. It also helps to be interested in current healthcare and social issues as it shows passion for your subject and can help you tackle tricky MMI stations.
