Multiple Mini-Interviews
What is an MMI?
An interview format that consists of 6-10 interview stations, each focused on a different questions or scenario.
How does it work?
There are 6-10 stations that are set up round-robin style. At each station, you have 2 minutes to read the prompt and organize your thoughts and then 5-7 minutes to discuss with the interviewer. Overall, it can last around 2 hours.
What types of stations are there?
1. Scenarios involving interactions with an actor or a medical school's standardized patient.
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2. An essay writing station which could take longer than the other stations.
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3. A standard interview station.
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4. A teamwork station where candidates must work together to complete a task.
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5. An ethical scenario involving questions about social and policy implications.
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6. A "rest" station to help students catch their breath and relax.
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...and more! (Could be more school specific)
Why do schools use it?
1. Research shows MMIs provide a more reliable assessment of the candidate.
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2. Rate candidates on the same standardized scale.
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3. Minimizes biases by allowing students to be evaluated by multiple interviewers.
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4. Allows medical students, faculty, admission reps, and other community members to participate in interviews.
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5. Applicants have multiple chances to showcase their skills.
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Up to 10 chances to make a good first impression!
What are admission committees looking for?
1. MMIs assess communication, ethics, critical thinking, teamwork, and opinions on health care issues, not hard scientific knowledge.
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2. See how candidates think on their feet.
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3. Show your thought process: What additional information would you need to give an informed answer? How can you look at the scenario from a different perspective?
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4. No right or wrong answer.
What can I do to prepare?
1. Utilize your self assessment form from the committee letter process.
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2. Find mock scenarios online.
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3. Practice! Work with a friend, use InterviewStream, schedule a mock interview with the Career Education Center, use the time constraints.
What are some general interview tips?
1. Prepare tailored, persuasive answers to the "Why?" questions: Why this school? Why this profession? Why now?
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2. Highlight your NACE career competencies: Illustrate your unique value, strengths, and skills through stories and examples.
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3. "Show your work," or critical thinking, in answers to ethics questions: What is the logic behind your decisions?
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4. Demonstrate your awareness on multiple levels: Show awareness of yourself, the field, legal implications, and resources.
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5. Be mindful of your verbal and nonverbal communication: How are you presenting yourself?
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6. There is no replacement for practice: Reach out to the Career Education Center for interviewing resources and preparation.