MMI Prep: What's the best source?

[Espressso]

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Obviously in your experience, that is, what have you found to be the best prep for MMI interviews?

I've searched on SDN and on google and there just seems to be so much different view points and opinions. If you've had MMI experience, do you mind sharing your best advice and sources for prep material?

 

[zurc2014]

I prepared for the traditional interviews but not the MMI. I felt that this could be handled by thinking on your feet. Mine turned out great.

 

[ViolaHastings]

While I was preparing for MMIs, I was really frustrated with the typical "there is no way to prepare, just be yourself" advice. Now that I've done 3-4 different MMIs, I completely agree with it.

I personally prepared by reading through TONS of MMI prompts online, practicing answering them and timing myself, and learning the major components of medical ethics. Being able to compose an answer quickly and deliver it in a set amount of time was the most beneficial. Brushing up on ethics (patient autonomy, ect) was also helpful on occasion. However, for the majority of the prompts I've encountered, there was no way I could have specifically prepared for it. There are SO many possibilities, reading potential scenarios online didn't help at all. I had to draw on my previous experiences to come up with my responses. If the prompts you encounter are anything like mine, you will have no trouble formulating your responses either. From there, it's all about your ability to convey your response, just like any traditional interview question.

 

[Espressso]

While I was preparing for MMIs, I was really frustrated with the typical "there is no way to prepare, just be yourself" advice. Now that I've done 3-4 different MMIs, I completely agree with it.

I personally prepared by reading through TONS of MMI prompts online, practicing answering them and timing myself, and learning the major components of medical ethics. Being able to compose an answer quickly and deliver it in a set amount of time was the most beneficial. Brushing up on ethics (patient autonomy, ect) was also helpful on occasion. However, for the majority of the prompts I've encountered, there was no way I could have specifically prepared for it. There are SO many possibilities, reading potential scenarios online didn't help at all. I had to draw on my previous experiences to come up with my responses. If the prompts you encounter are anything like mine, you will have no trouble formulating your responses either. From there, it's all about your ability to convey your response, just like any traditional interview question.

So less typical prep and more thinking on your feet? Perfect, thank you!

 

[Frogger27]

I am 2/2 on my MMI and there is literally no way to prep. Just have an understanding of what to expect: In any given situation, try to understand all perspectives and then articulate yourself in a clear/compassionate/understanding way. Be yourself. Have fun!

 

[Swoleserratus]

I've had two MMI's and prepped minimally for the first just to get used to the timing. I think it also depends to a degree on the school. At some schools you're basically pitching your ideas with no feedback, at others there is more of a back and forth so figuring out the timing for a 6 minute pitch is useless.

 

[Frogger27]

I've had two MMI's and prepped minimally for the first just to get used to the timing. I think it also depends to a degree on the school. At some schools you're basically pitching your ideas with no feedback, at others there is more of a back and forth so figuring out the timing for a 6 minute pitch is useless.

To elaborate on this, both of mine were extremely back-and-forth.. It was a natural conversation and if there was any pause the interviewer had sets of questions they asked to spark more conversation and test your reasoning

 

[Swoleserratus]

To elaborate on this, both of mine were extremely back-and-forth.. It was a natural conversation and if there was any pause the interviewer had sets of questions they asked to spark more conversation and test your reasoning

I also think it's worth mentioning that a back-and-forth opens up the possibility that you may get grilled. If it happens just remember that it's a put-on. No need to get freaked out about it.

 

[deleted244469]

I also think it's worth mentioning that a back-and-forth opens up the possibility that you may get grilled. If it happens just remember that it's a put-on. No need to get freaked out about it.

I had this experience at my last interview (non MMI). I'm glad to hear that it's just a put-on. I did my best to keep my composure 🙂.

 

[hawthorn9797]

Dont prepare for MMI, your wasting your time. Spend it relaxing instead, it's all about your state of mind. I did two MMI interviews this cycle btw

 

[deleted244469]

Dont prepare for MMI, your wasting your time. Spend it relaxing instead, it's all about your state of mind. I did two MMI interviews this cycle btw

Eh, I do think its worth it to read up a little bit on how to approach the questions. Kevin Ahern does a nice job of explaining this in his first medical school interview lecture video (you can find it on YouTube)

 

[Espressso]

Eh, I do think its worth it to read up a little bit on how to approach the questions. Kevin Ahern does a nice job of explaining this in his first medical school interview lecture video (you can find it on YouTube)

Tbh Kevin Ahern videos were the only ones I have watched in terms of "interview prep videos". Lots of great stuff in his videos

 

[deleted244469]

Tbh Kevin Ahern videos were the only ones I have watched in terms of "interview prep videos". Lots of great stuff in his videos

Same here! I was able to fix a LOT of things that I did wrong at my first interview thanks to his videos.

 

[Espressso]

Same here! I was able to fix a LOT of things that I did wrong at my first interview thanks to his videos.

Right, especially in terms of body language and how to position yourself. It seems to nit-picky but when you have a simple 30 minute interview to convey your candidacy, every minor details is in play.

 

[deleted244469]

Right, especially in terms of body language and how to position yourself. It seems to nit-picky but when you have a simple 30 minute interview to convey your candidacy, every minor details is in play.

Yes, especially smiling and sitting up straight the entire time.