MMI Interviews

MMIs are popular because they help interviewers to assess many different soft skills, and get a better picture of you as a candidate. Plus, you’ll get multiple opportunities to impress during the different stations.

Which Medical Schools Use MMIs?

The following Medical Schools typically use MMIs:

What Is An MMI Interview?

MMI stands for Multiple Mini Interviews. It’s when you’re put through several short assessments – ‘stations’ – that usually last 10 minutes or less. Before each one, you’ll be presented with a scenario and given a bit of time to prepare an answer.

You’ll either be asked a question by an interviewer or have to engage in a role-play scenario with an actor whilst an interviewer watches. As such, it’s very different to a traditional panel interview.

Here are the key things you need to know about MMIs:

• MMI interviews usually last around two hours
• Most include 10 MMI stations or less
• Each station is typically 10 minutes or less

MMIs For 2023 Entry

Last year, most MMIs were held online due to restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For 2023 entry, some Medical Schools are continuing to run their MMIs online, while some will return to in-person MMIs. When you receive an invite to interview, make sure you check the details carefully.

Online MMIs

If your MMI is taking place online, you will need to make sure you’re prepared with the correct software to use. Is the Medical School using Zoom? Microsoft Teams? Blackboard Collaborate? Your invitation should contain this information.

You’ll also need to ensure you have access to a reliable device and a quiet room, with good WiFi, to do your online MMI without any disruptions.

You can learn more about what to expect in our guide to online interviews.

MMI Stations

MMIs will vary by university, but some common MMI stations that you could face include:

• Role-play stations
• Professional judgement stations
• Prioritisation stations
• Giving instruction stations
• Calculation and data interpretation stations
• PBL stations

What Are Medical Schools Looking For?

MMI interviews are about showing your interviewer what you’re capable of doing, rather than just telling them. 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.

The Medical School is testing your ability to make ethical and informed decisions, as well as your critical thinking and communication skills. They will also be interested in your knowledge of current healthcare and social issues,  which our NHS Hot Topics guide will help with.

How Can I Prepare For My MMI Interview?

Some tips to help you prepare for your MMI interview:

• Make sure you know how to discuss your work experience. Reflect on it and use specific examples in your answers.
• Understand what it takes to be a good Doctor. Make a list of qualities and practise demonstrating them in your responses.
• Practise giving 8-minute answers in response to common MMI interview questions. This will help with time management on the day.
• Make sure you understand key concepts of medical ethics, like the four pillars and patient confidentiality.
• Keep up-to-date with medical news and familiarise yourself with NHS Hot Topics. Some questions may be inspired by stories or debates in the media.
• Get some help. MMI interviews have a very specific format and are hard to practise alone, so it’s worth attending our MMI circuits.
• Consider working with a Med School interview tutor who can help you focus on improving your performance – or book a mock interview to get some detailed feedback.