MMI

(Multiple Mini Interview)

What is it? An interview style where candidates rotate through a circuit of stations. At each station a question or scenario is posed, and candidates are given a short amount of time to prepare before giving their response.

Done in this way, the MMI format reduces bias when interviewers select candidates based on academic performance, and assess non-cognitive skills like interpersonal skills, professionalism, critical thinking and ethical decision making.

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Summary

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Congratulations!

You have just landed an interview at your medical school of choice. Taking the time to prepare and practice will give you the competitive edge to keep your cool

- just when you need it most.

Simply understanding and knowing what to expect is half the winning formula. The other half is about practicing.

In the MMI format, you will be assessed by multiple reviewers and be asked to move from station to station. As everyone is being shuffled around to the sound of a timed-buzzer, keeping cool, calm, and collected will greatly improve your odds of standing out.

Interviewers will not have access to your GPA, MCAT, or other information about you. First impressions matter so make it count! Your reviewer wants you to succeed and are eager to get to know you. Show your energy and passion to stand out.

At each station, you will be given 2 minutes to read a question and 8 minutes to discuss it with your reviewer. Develop your key points and figure out how long you will dedicate to each. If you have 3 key points, you might allocate 2 minutes each for 6 minutes, leaving 2 minutes for discussion. Perfect.

What questions will the reviewers ask?

What should you prepare for?

"The MMI does not assess premeds’ cognitive abilities, as does the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), but rather such traits as communication skills, empathy, honesty and conscientiousness."

- McMaster’s Dr. Kien Trinh, MD, chairman of admissions.

Some of the most common personal characteristics they will assess are: (2)

  • Motivation for a medical career
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Personal maturity
  • Oral communication
  • Service orientation
  • Professionalism
  • Altruism
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Teamwork
  • Cultural competence

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In our next chapter, we have collected each university's stance to get clear idea what candidates they are looking for.

  1. MMI is an interview style where candidates rotate through a circuit of stations. At each station a question or scenario is posed, and candidates are given a short amount of time to prepare before giving their response.
  2. First impressions matter so make it count! Your reviewer wants you to succeed and are eager to get to know you. Show your energy and passion to stand out.
  3. Develop your key points and figure out how long you will dedicate to each. If you have 3 key points, you might allocate 2 minutes each for 6 minutes, leaving 2 minutes for discussion. Perfect.
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