Guidance Regarding MMI Interview

[evenfeather]

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I was very very fortunate to receive an interview invite at a medical school (that does MMIs) earlier this month. I have been trying to prepare by going over some practice scenarios. The problem is that, while I think my answers are okay to pretty good overall, the model response seems to completely blow it out of the water. They are bringing up multiple things I knew are important but completely forgot to include in my answer, perspectives I hadn't even considered, and are also able to seemingly fit an entire essay's worth of points in 2-3 minutes when my responses take 4-5 minutes (sometimes up to 6) to say less things.

I know that it is not advised to overprepare, and it is not realistic to try to memorize the "correct" answer for all possible different scenarios. I also understand these are model answers for a reason and not necessarily representative of an average matriculant's performance. At the same time, I can't help but feel discouraged and lost about how I can improve my answers.

For example, a common piece of advice is to have some sort of structure to your answer, addressing the main issue, different perspectives and options, weaving in a personal anecdote, then making a decision, etc. But as a real human being who is trying to think on the spot and sound coherent, on top of interview day nerves (which I will likely have), I'm not quite sure how I can do all of that in 3 minutes or less... I am also concerned that if I don't "hit all the points" so to speak, I will be docked points.

Right now I'm just practicing impromptu with different questions online + with a friend and focusing more on being confident and natural. Is there anything else I could be doing? My stats are on the lower end so I feel that the interview will be very important for me in swaying my chances.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

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Thread 'Pugs' MMI Interview Strategy'

Feb 11, 2016

In light of receiving an acceptance to NYMC recently, I decided to share the MMI strategy that I used in hopes that it can help you with your upcoming MMI interview. I created this strategy from reading over many different threads, posts, and websites to compile all of the things I thought were important and to make one general strategy. I have been through so many different sources, so I'm not sure which which helpful information I took from where and I apologize if something sounds familiar.

MMI stations are very different, not all of them have a "problem" or "issue", so this strategy...

• PugsAndHugs
• guide interview mmi nymc pryo pugs strategy
• Replies: 21
• Forum: Pre-Medical (MD)

• 

Of course, you can fill your mind with a ton of strategies, but in the end, the best strategy is the one where you are most comfortable being authentic, professional, and engaged.

Also, the scoring of MMI's isn't about what you know, it's about how you reflect or talk about the topic. You are compared with others who are asked the same question, but we don't expect you all to be "perfect" on command. This isn't a quiz show.

 

[LelouchLamperouge]

I was very very fortunate to receive an interview invite at a medical school (that does MMIs) earlier this month. I have been trying to prepare by going over some practice scenarios. The problem is that, while I think my answers are okay to pretty good overall, the model response seems to completely blow it out of the water. They are bringing up multiple things I knew are important but completely forgot to include in my answer, perspectives I hadn't even considered, and are also able to seemingly fit an entire essay's worth of points in 2-3 minutes when my responses take 4-5 minutes (sometimes up to 6) to say less things.

I know that it is not advised to overprepare, and it is not realistic to try to memorize the "correct" answer for all possible different scenarios. I also understand these are model answers for a reason and not necessarily representative of an average matriculant's performance. At the same time, I can't help but feel discouraged and lost about how I can improve my answers.

For example, a common piece of advice is to have some sort of structure to your answer, addressing the main issue, different perspectives and options, weaving in a personal anecdote, then making a decision, etc. But as a real human being who is trying to think on the spot and sound coherent, on top of interview day nerves (which I will likely have), I'm not quite sure how I can do all of that in 3 minutes or less... I am also concerned that if I don't "hit all the points" so to speak, I will be docked points.

Right now I'm just practicing impromptu with different questions online + with a friend and focusing more on being confident and natural. Is there anything else I could be doing? My stats are on the lower end so I feel that the interview will be very important for me in swaying my chances.

Honestly, it’s more important to be yourself and just show genuine enthusiasm for the program. MMIs are designed so that you can’t memorize your answers. Try your best to think of stories that you can tell for each question because that’s how they’ll remember you since personal stories are more genuine.

You don’t have to have “high marks” for all the stations, and they’ll understand if you’re nervous and whiff the first two stations.

In short, you will be ok! An interview invite means they can see you going to their program. You ARE enough, despite your stats. Prove them right with the interview.

 

[neurotropic]

I've had two MMIs this cycle, one online and one in person. I'd say the first one had a rocky start, but the amazing thing about MMIs is that you can take time after the first station and reset your mindset. The next MMI was a lot more smooth. Prep for each of the important aspects of an application - clinical experiences, research (including recent scientific advancements), ethics (depends on the school), discussions of resilience/stress/what makes a successful career, cultural competence/bridging cultures. Have stories prepped. YOU GOT THIS!!

 

[wysdoc]

Honestly, it’s more important to be yourself and just show genuine enthusiasm for the program. MMIs are designed so that you can’t memorize your answers. Try your best to think of stories that you can tell for each question because that’s how they’ll remember you since personal stories are more genuine.

You don’t have to have “high marks” for all the stations, and they’ll understand if you’re nervous and whiff the first two stations.

In short, you will be ok! An interview invite means they can see you going to their program. You ARE enough, despite your stats. Prove them right with the interview.

This might be good advice for a traditional interview, but not for an MMI style interview.
In an MMI, sensibly answer the question that was asked.
Don't go off topic to talk about yourself and your resumé.

 

[LelouchLamperouge]

This might be good advice for a traditional interview, but not for an MMI style interview.
In an MMI, sensibly answer the question that was asked.
Don't go off topic to talk about yourself and your resumé.

Absolutely, stay on topic. Though, I had 3 MMI interviews this cycle, and in most of them, each station’s question was pretty broad and open to answering in a personal way (I did so using stories and I got A’s at all 3 schools). But absolutely be intentional in how you respond to each station 🙂

 

[chillstill]

I recently attended an MMI, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, which resulted in my acceptance. The great part about an MMI is that it's very easy to come up with a concise answer. SDN advice is golden! Be yourself, stay calm, communicate clearly, and you will do well. You got this!!!!!