Receiving a medical school interview invitation is a significant achievement—it means your application has impressed the admissions committee. Now you must demonstrate in person that you possess the qualities needed to become an excellent physician.
Understanding Interview Formats
Medical schools use two primary interview formats. Traditional interviews involve 30-60 minute conversations with one or two interviewers, covering your background, motivations, and experiences. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) consist of 6-10 short stations (6-8 minutes each) that assess different competencies through scenarios, ethical questions, and interaction tasks.
The MMI Format Explained
The MMI format, developed at McMaster University, has been adopted by over 30% of U.S. medical schools. Each station presents a different scenario: ethical dilemmas, teamwork exercises, role-playing with simulated patients, or policy questions. You have 2 minutes to read the prompt outside each station, then 6-8 minutes to respond. Stations are evaluated independently, reducing bias and providing a more comprehensive assessment.
Common Interview Questions
Prepare thoughtful answers to frequently asked questions: Why do you want to be a doctor? (Show genuine passion and specific experiences). Why our school? (Research the school's mission, curriculum, and unique features). Tell me about a challenging experience (Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe a time you worked in a team (Emphasize collaboration and conflict resolution). What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Be honest and show self-awareness).
Ethical Scenarios and Healthcare Policy
MMI stations often include ethical scenarios: Should a 16-year-old be allowed to refuse cancer treatment? How would you handle discovering a classmate cheating? When is it acceptable to break patient confidentiality? Use a structured approach: identify stakeholders, consider multiple perspectives, explain ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice), and acknowledge complexity without being judgmental.
The Acting Station
Many MMIs include interaction stations where you comfort a distressed friend, break bad news to a patient, or work with a team member. These assess empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence. Listen actively, acknowledge emotions, avoid giving unsolicited advice, and show genuine compassion. Physical positioning matters—sit at eye level, maintain appropriate eye contact, and use open body language.
Preparation Strategies
Start preparing 4-6 weeks before your interview. Research each school thoroughly by reviewing their website, curriculum structure, mission statement, and recent news. Practice with mock interviews through your pre-health advisor, medical students, or online services like BeMo or Prepry. Record yourself to identify verbal tics, inadequate eye contact, or unclear explanations.
What to Wear and Bring
Dress professionally in conservative business attire. For all genders, a dark suit, modest jewelry, and closed-toe shoes are appropriate. Bring a portfolio with extra copies of your CV, a list of your activities with dates, and questions you want to ask. Arrive 20-30 minutes early to accommodate parking, building navigation, and pre-interview paperwork.
During the Interview
First impressions matter—greet interviewers with a firm handshake, maintain good posture, and smile genuinely. Listen carefully to questions before responding. It's acceptable to pause briefly to collect your thoughts. Be conversational and authentic rather than rehearsed. Show enthusiasm for medicine and the school. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your research and genuine interest.
Virtual Interview Considerations
Many schools now conduct virtual interviews. Test your technology beforehand, ensure good lighting and a professional background, position your camera at eye level, and look at the camera (not the screen) when speaking. Dress professionally head-to-toe in case you need to stand up. Eliminate potential distractions and have a backup plan if technology fails.
Post-Interview Follow-Up
Send thank-you emails within 24-48 hours to interviewers and admissions staff. Keep messages brief, professional, and personalized with specific references to your conversation. Continue updating schools with significant achievements or awards. Be patient—most schools notify applicants 4-8 weeks after interviews.
Interview success comes from preparation, authenticity, and genuine enthusiasm for medicine. Remember that the interview is also your opportunity to evaluate whether the school is the right fit for you. Approach interviews as conversations rather than interrogations, and let your passion for medicine shine through.