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What is MMI Interview?

Understand the MMI format, what schools look for, and how to shine in each station.

What is an MMI Interview?  

A Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a modern format used by many UK, Australian, and New Zealand medical and dental schools to assess applicants beyond academic grades. Instead of a single panel interview, you move through 6–10 short, independent stations - each lasting 5–10 minutes to showcase your skills one step at a time. 

 

Each MMI station features a unique prompt - such as ethical dilemmas, role‑play tasks, or data analysis, and you’ll typically have 1–2 minutes to prepare before stepping in. It’s fast-paced and varied, designed to test how well you communicate, think, and empathise under pressure.

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Why schools use the MMI format?​​

MMIs allow universities to evaluate essential qualities like communication, ethics, problem‑solving, and teamwork, such skills critical to future clinicians. By scoring every station independently, schools reduce bias and get a well-rounded picture of each candidate. That means one slip-up won’t define your overall performance.

How is the MMI Interview structured?

Stations: Usually 6–10, each lasting around 8 minutes. 

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Prompt response: Expect 60–120 seconds to read the task, and 5–8 minutes to respond - verbal, role-play, or written. 

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Station themes include: 

  • Ethical or policy dilemmas (e.g., confidentiality, resource allocation) 

  • Role-play with actors (e.g., breaking bad news) 

  • Communication-based tasks 

  • Teamwork/group interactions 

  • Quick reasoning or data interpretation challenges.

What schools assess during the MMI Interview?

MMIs test key non-academic competencies: 

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  1. Competency: Communication -> What it means: Clarity, active listening, compassion​

  2. Competency: Ethical reasoning -> What it means: Integrity, good judgment, and respect for others’ values.​

  3. Competency: Critical thinking -> What it means: Fair judgment, awareness of consequences​

  4. Competency: Empathy & sensitivity -> What it means: Logical analysis, consideration of options​

  5. Competency: Teamwork -> What it means: Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence​

  6. Competency: Self-awareness -> What it means: Reflection on strengths, weaknesses, resilience​​​​​​​​​​​​

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How to prepare for MMI Interview?

  • Know the format inside-out. Familiarity reduces nerves. 

  • Practice sample stations. Roleplay breaking news, work through ethical dilemmas, and simulate data interpretation. 

  • Time yourself. Structure answers: define the issue, explore options, acknowledge perspectives, then conclude. 

  • Get feedback. Practice with peers or a coach. Refine your approach - tone, pace, body language!

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FAQs: What happens in an MMI interview?

You’ll rotate through 6–10 short stations. Each includes a scenario or task - scenario reading followed by your response via speaking, role-play, written answer, or group interaction!

How do I pass the MMI? 

  • Practice under timed conditions 

  • Demonstrate key traits: empathy, critical thinking, and clear communication 

  • Reflect on feedback and refine your strategies 

  • Stay informed on ethics and healthcare issues

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What does MMI mean?  

MMI stands for Multiple Mini Interview - multiple short, focused interview stations, each scored independently to assess different attributes.

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What questions are asked in MMI?
Expect ethical dilemmas, role-play tasks, teamwork challenges, quick analytical tasks, and communication tests!

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