Shortlisted applicants will be invited by medical schools for interview. There are several types of interview so it is recommended that applicants learn about the different types used. For a guide on what to expect from interviews and how to prepare, see our interview prep website.
Types of interview
Panel interviews
These interviews usually involve a panel of two or three interviewers. The interviewers can be a mixture of clinical and faculty staff, a senior medical student or a ‘lay’ interviewer (a member of the public). Panel interviews can be either structured, where specific set of questions are followed, or semi structured, where questions can be influenced by the interviewee’s answers so the process is more conversational. Panel interviews can be 20–30 minutes long and some medical schools require two interviews to be completed over two days.
Multiple-mini interviews
These interviews are often referred to as MMIs and consist of seven or eight different ‘stations’, or small interview scenarios. Each station will assess candidates for specific attributes and will only last for a short time. Stations can range from discussing personal statements and experience (like in a regular panel interview) to more practical scenarios that involve candidates interacting with an actor who will be playing a role. Before MMIs, candidates are briefed on the structure of their interview and given an opportunity to ask questions. It is worth researching or contacting the medical school before an MMI to find out what information is available about each station.
Assessment Centres
Assessment centres involve a variety of interview formats and tasks, and can take up to an entire day to complete. Tasks might include completing written work, group interviews and individual panel interviews. Medical schools should provide applicants with all the relevant information before the interview, but finding out as much as possible from the medical school is advised.