Explore medical school interview questions and our expert responses so you can start brainstorming your own answers. In this blog, l will provide you with some clear guidance on how to approach these medical school interview questions, which include panel and MMI questions, based on my experience as a former medical school admissions interviewer. We use these same questions to help our students in our medical school interview prep and MMI prep programs!
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Medical School Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Ice-Breaker Medical School Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself.
I grew up in the small south-western town of Leamington, Ontario in a large Dutch family. Not only did my parents have 5 kids, with me being the oldest, we were always surrounded by our cousins, aunts, grandparents, so it was never a dull moment. To this day, I love being sociable and find it easy to connect with all sorts of people. So, I think if I had to characterize myself in one word, it would be passionate. I will be a dedicated and attentive medical professional, finding joy and meaning in my work. I will find wonder and joy in making the lives of my patients healthier and happier.
The classic "tell me about yourself" med school interview question helps interviewers understand your background and motivations, providing a segue into more detailed questions about your experiences and qualifications—such as the "why do you want to become a doctor?' question.
- Be concise: Focus on 2-3 key experiences about your background that are relevant to medicine.
- Show growth: Mention how your experiences have shaped your decision to pursue medicine.
- Stay relevant: Avoid unnecessary details that do not add to your narrative
Stuck on “tell me about yourself” in a med school interview?
Personal Medical School Interview Questions
1. What Was Your Favorite Extracurricular?
My favorite extracurricular was working at a summer camp. I had to get my first aid training prior to starting, which not only helped me save a life, but it was something I always wanted to do. During this course, I learned about wound care, choking and breathing emergencies, poisons, injuries, and how to handle other emergencies. At the camp, I oversaw a group of kids between the ages of 9-12. One day when we went out canoeing, we stopped along the shore about a kilometer from camp to have lunch. We had a strict allergy policy, but one of the students with a peanut allergy had shared his lunch with another kid, which gave him a severe allergic reaction. I instructed everyone to back away and get ready to leave; I went to my first aid kit and found the EpiPen. Full of adrenaline, I remembered my training and administered the drug in the thigh of the boy. His symptoms cleared, but we had to move quickly to get back to camp. From there, I left the other children with another counsellor and drove the boy to the clinic where they monitored his reaction. I learned a lot about how to handle an urgent situation and to always be prepared for the worst. From this experience, I also learned how to stay calm in an emergency, and to rely on my knowledge and instincts. If I hadn’t gone to that summer camp, or took that first aid course, I would’ve never learned such valuable skills or been able to help that boy.
Why is this question asked?
Similar to the AMCAS Work and Activities section and AMCAS most meaningful experiences, interviewers want to learn about your interests outside of academics and how these experiences have prepared you for a career in medicine. Interviewers want to see your passion for interests outside of medicine.
How to answer:
- Be enthusiastic: Choose an extracurricular you are passionate about.
- Highlight relevant skills: Explain how this activity helped you develop skills applicable to medicine.
- Share a memorable story: Provide a specific example that showcases your involvement and growth.
“Go wild here! The more passionate you truly are about something, the more this will come across in your interviews and you will find you have no problems talking about something you are really passionate about.” - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
Check out some of the HARDEST medical school interview questions you must prepare for!
2. What is the Most Unpopular Position You Have Taken? Have You Changed Your Opinion Since Then?
I used to be one of those people who thought social media was possibly the greatest development of my generation because it advances globalization and cross-cultural communication. I was blind to the negative aspects, however, until I started to notice in my second year of my undergraduate program, that not only was it distracting, but it was consistently putting me in a bad mood. The news I was exposed to at the swipe of a finger was always bleak; the depictions of celebrities and people of status were performative and lacked depth. The images were heavily edited and contained only a modicum of reality. While I still believe that globalization, the expedition of news and information is a good thing, I no longer believe that social media is strictly positive. In a perfect world, we should focus on educating people on the negative effects it can cause, such as decreased moods and an inaccurate representation of reality. On the whole, social media has been the primary perpetrator of unrealistic beauty standards, which I think is the worst of its crimes.
Why is this question asked?
This medical school question assesses your ability to critically evaluate your beliefs and adapt your perspectives based on new information. It also reveals your open-mindedness and willingness to learn. These qualities are part of the AAMC's core competencies for entering med students, so it's critical to show how you embody them in your interview answers!
How to answer:
- Choose a thoughtful example: Select a belief you genuinely reconsidered.
- Explain your reasoning: Describe why you initially held the belief and what changed your mind. What was your thought process?
- Show growth: Highlight how this change has positively influenced your approach or perspective
Your answer to this question can be more serious, of course, but it's important to avoid saying anything that could be considered a red flag.
“Do not say any highly controversial or inflammatory opinions that would be considered red flag things here … I don’t see why this question can’t be answered with some levity though. I.e. I don’t like Game of Thrones, or I really like pineapple on pizza. You will have to judge this when you get to the interview but if they are asking this more seriously, think of something that may have been unpopular to believe, without you being a bigot. Generally, if it is not something you would say to a stranger in public, you probably do not want to say it to the interviewer.” - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD
One of our med school students, Sarah, found that expressing an unconventional opinion can unfortunately sometimes have negative consequences during the interview.
"My view of how medicine should be practiced is somewhat unconventional, and my experiences were accordingly somewhat less typical than those of the average applicant. I certainly feel that this made it harder to be offered interviews, and in my interviews with a couple of schools, I felt some slight push-back against my views and vision. I also really struggled with interviewing at first because I am just not a naturally gifted interviewer. After a really bad set of interviews at the first school I interviewed with, I was rejected almost right after and knew I needed practice and advice." - Sarah, BeMo student
Fortunately, Sarah was able to reapply to medical school, brush up on her interviewing skills and received 2 acceptances.
Here are some more examples of personal medical school interview questions! You can also review common MMI personal questions.
- Who has influenced your life the most? Why?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- How do you respond to negative feedback and criticism from your instructors/supervisors?
- How do you handle praise? Is recognition important to you?
- What is your greatest achievement?
- How do you cope with stress?
- What do you do for fun?
- What do you see yourself doing in ten or fifteen years from now?
- What makes you a better applicant than others?
- Tell me about your most memorable work with patients.
- If you are a minority, how has your background and experience influenced your decision to pursue medicine?
- If you come from a disadvantaged/underserved background, how has this experience shaped your choice to pursue medicine?
Practice for your interview with a mock MMI simulation!
Ethical and Situational Medical School Interview Questions
There are many other types of questions you can expect, but practicing with ethical questions in a medical school interview will help you ace MMI acting stations, MMI collaboration stations and even CASPer questions.
Here are some common ethical med school interview questions you might be asked:
- What are your views on alternative medicine?
- Tell us about a time when you witnessed a colleague or healthcare provider acting unethically. How did you handle the situation?
- What do you believe are the most significant ethical challenges facing the healthcare system today?
- How would you handle a case where a patient's religious beliefs conflict with a recommended medical treatment?
- What would you do if you suspected a friend or colleague of illegal activity?
- You are a part of a medical team treating a patient who refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. How would you address this situation while respecting the patient's autonomy?
- During a clinical rotation, you encounter a patient who is non-compliant with their prescribed medications, which is affecting their health negatively. How would you approach this patient to improve their adherence?
- During a patient's consultation, their family member becomes emotionally aggressive and confrontational. How would you manage the situation while ensuring the patient's well-being and maintaining a professional demeanor?
How to answer ethical questions in a med school interview:
Behavioral Medical School Interview Questions
Tell Me About a Time When You Acted Unprofessionally
There was a time in my early academic career when I could not accept feedback, even constructive feedback. One of my professors in an English Literature course in my freshman year of college gave me a fairly poor grade for a term paper and provided me with a lot of notes, edits, and comments. What’s more, she gave me a chance to resubmit my essay based on her feedback. At first, I was very hurt that an essay I thought to be so brilliant received such a poor grade. Right after getting the paper back, I went to my professor’s office hours to stand my ground. But when we started to review her comments and edits for my paper, my perspective changed dramatically, and I felt very embarrassed that I did not take the time to review her feedback. It was very perceptive and improved the quality of my paper significantly. I knew then that this closed-off attitude towards feedback would hold me back as a student and a future professional. I apologized to my professor for my rushed judgment and read every single note she left for me. Furthermore, I resubmitted my paper with edits based on her notes, and not only received a better grade, but also reconsidered a great piece of literature I thought I understood so well! Truly, another person’s perspective can open up a whole world. This humbling experience led me to start a book club with my English Literature classmates. Hearing their points of view on the books we read was also just as eye-opening as my visit with my professor. Since then, we have kept the book club going virtually. I have learned my lesson in humility and openness to feedback.
Why is this question asked?
Interviewers want to see if you can recognize and learn from your mistakes. This question tests your self-awareness, maturity, and ability to grow from past experiences, so it’s important you take the time to craft a mature and genuine answer. This is why medical school interview preparation is vital, and also why medical schools value situational judgement tests like CASPer and AAMC Preview.
How to answer:
- Be honest but strategic: Share a minor professional lapse, not a significant failure.
- Highlight the lesson learned: Focus on what you learned from the experience and what you did to improve your behavior.
- Show growth: Emphasize how you have changed your behavior or approach since then
Dr. Monica Taneja, one of our admissions experts, emphasizes the importance of spinning a negative into a positive.
“Focus on an experience where you can provide significant redirection and growth without focusing on the negative. You want to make sure to spin by acknowledging ethical gray areas without red flags.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland
Remember to choose an example that isn’t too critical. Dr. Cazes says:
“This is a fine line … I would talk about something unprofessional but light. The important thing here is to talk about what you learned from it and how you plan to avoid it in the future.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD
Here are some more examples of behavioral med school questions!
- Tell me about a time you received a rejection. How did you deal with this?
- Tell me about a time when you advocated for someone.
- What was the most stressful situation you ever faced? How did you handle it?
- Tell me about a time you were treated unfairly. How did you handle this situation?
- Can you tell me about a time when, intentionally or not, you harmed someone else?
- Tell me about the most difficult period of your life. How did you deal with this?
- Tell me about a time when you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem?
- Can you talk about a time you experienced conflict with a coworker?
Medical School Interview Questions about Your Application
Have You Completed Any Research Projects or Are You Interested in Research?
During my undergraduate degree I participated in a research project about the benefits and potential dangers of vegan diets on long-term health. We explored the impacts on personal health from both a physical and mental standpoint, as well as the potential concerns stemming from a purely plant-based diet. Through a study of 12 individuals, some vegan, some vegetarian or pescetarian and some omnivorous, we established a baseline of health and then monitored individuals’ mental health, including average moods and attitudes. My role in the study was to conduct regular physical health checks and weekly surveys with the participants to record their nutrition, exercise, and moods. I compiled all written and audio recordings from these weekly sessions, which were then compared to one another to identify patterns or trends. Once my research supervisor reviewed the work, I assisted them with recording our and testing our findings. I was also given credit in the resulting academic paper for contributing some of the written sections on our methodology and expanding on the specifics of my tasks as a research assistant.
Why is this question asked?
This question assesses your involvement in and commitment to research, an important component of medical education and practice. It also evaluates your ability to discuss your research experiences in detail.
How to answer:
- Be honest: If you haven't completed research, express your interest and why it appeals to you.
- Describe your role: Provide details about your specific contributions to any research projects.
- Highlight outcomes: Discuss what you learned and how it influenced your interest in medicine
This may also seem obvious, but if you did not complete a research project, do not lie about it. It is dishonest and could really damage your career. Not having research is not the end of the world as it isn't usually considered in the same league as other medical school requirements.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong with saying that you have other interests [than research], but you MUST explain how you intend to supplement this. For example, you may be interested in education or quality improvement more than academic research. I wouldn’t completely discount research or talk about it with disgust, but instead of shooting the question down entirely, turning it around to other related areas of interest that supplement your academic forays.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD
- What did you do during your gap year (if you had one)?
- Were there any experiences that exposed you to other cultures? What did you learn?
- Does your academic record demonstrate any specific gaps or setbacks? If so, could you speak to the reasons they might have taken place?
- Tell me about your clinical experience.
- Have you applied to medical school before? If yes, why do you think you did not get in the first time? What have you done to improve?
- Have you had any experiences working in diverse populations? What did you learn?
- Tell me about [an item from the application].
(achor:6)Policy and Healthcare Medical School Interview Questions
What Should Be Done About the Shortage of Medical Specialists and Adequate Resources in Rural Settings?
Access to health care services and resources continues to be the biggest issue for residents of rural areas. Of course, access means both access to a physician or nearby health center for regular treatment and access to health resources and information, such as public health advocacy. Insufficient funding is often the reason for disparities, but there are other factors. For example, some rural communities are extremely remote, lack the necessary infrastructure for a health center or suffer from a dearth of physicians and health professionals in the immediate area. It is common for patients in rural areas to forego regular health checkups for the sake of convenience or due to an absence of resources. In recent years, solutions such as telehealth appointments or mobile clinics have benefitted rural patients a great deal. I think these solutions are viable, but they could go farther. With the technology available to us today, patients in rural areas could set up an online health profile with their doctor, where they would be able to attend to many of their regular health needs online or by phone. For instance, a patient could set appointments, request prescription renewals, or ask for advice or additional information via an online platform. This would reduce the need for in-person appointments for common ailments and treatment follow-up. Potentially serious concerns could be initially assessed online, and if necessary, patients could schedule an in-person visit with their physician through an online booking platform. An online communication platform also allows physicians to provide public health information and resources on common health concerns to their patients through, say, an email newsletter.
Why is this question asked?
Interviewers want to assess your understanding of healthcare disparities and your ability to propose practical solutions, whether as a traditional interview format or MMI policy question. This question also reveals your awareness of current challenges in the medical field.
How to answer:
- Show awareness: Demonstrate knowledge of the specific issues faced by rural healthcare systems.
- Propose solutions: Offer realistic and implementable solutions to address these challenges.
- Be specific: Use concrete examples and data to support your proposals
Essentially, knowing what’s happening in the medical field is your best preparation for this question. Our med school admissions expert, Dr. Taneja, MD, says:
“You should be prepared during interviews to discuss challenges facing the medical field. A thoughtful answer is giving some current initiatives or program that work to address these challenges, while acknowledging the setbacks. Broadly, you should be familiar with legislation that affects medical practice.” - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD
Brush up on regional initiatives, both public and private, to improve healthcare in the areas around the school you’re interviewing at. A region-specific answer will resonate more than discussing a national or broad solution to this issue, since many medical schools have a special focus on improving healthcare in their region and local rural communities.
- What do you think are some of the responsibilities of physicians outside of medicine? What other roles should they fulfill?
- What are the pros and cons of a universal healthcare system? Where do you stand on this topic?
- How do you stay up to date with the most current news?
- What can we do to make medical education more accessible to diverse populations?
- How do you think the environment affects patient populations?
- What do you think is the most exciting discovery in the field of medicine in recent years?
- What is the number one issues facing the practice of medicine today and what can we do to fix this issue?
Applying to DO schools? Prepare for osteopathic med school interview questions!
Program-Related Medical School Interview Questions
Why Should We Choose You Over Other Applicants?
The three traits I bring to the table are my attention to detail, my open-mindedness, and my resourcefulness. My attention to detail has served me well in my academics, as I read exam questions or problems thoroughly before answering and can retain a lot of complex information from reading materials or lectures. I apply this approach to other forms of decision making as well, by gathering all available information at my disposal and reviewing it carefully. If I am missing information or there is any uncertainty, I find someone who is more qualified to advise me on the best course of action. For example, I was completing a patient intake while shadowing Dr. Z at the ABC health clinic, and the patient suddenly started complaining of abdominal pain and insisting on being seen immediately. I had been given specific intake instructions to only allow a patient ahead of others if the symptoms were very severe, so I asked Dr. Z what to do with patients like this. They advised me to do my best to calm the patient down, assure them they would be seen as soon as possible, and to ask one of the intake nurses for assistance if the situation escalated. My open-mindedness lends itself to flexibility and conflict mediation. I love to learn and receive constructive criticism, knowing that there is always something I can do to better myself or push myself further. I also enjoy hearing from others and being exposed to new perspectives. Lastly, I am dedicated to solving problems and finding solutions through collaboration. My attitude is to always look for a win-win solution, by thinking creatively and outside the box, if necessary. I believe all these traits will help me become an excellent physician and will serve me throughout my medical career.
Why is this question asked?
This question assesses your self-awareness and ability to articulate your strengths in a way that aligns with the medical school's values and needs.
How to answer:
- Highlight unique qualities: Focus on traits and experiences that set you apart.
- Connect to the school's mission: Relate your strengths to the specific values and goals of the medical school.
- Be confident but humble: Showcase your strengths without appearing arrogant
Reframe how you think about this question to avoid coming off as too “braggy” or not confident in yourself, says Dr. Taneja:
“Another way of thinking about this question is “why are you different.” Thinking about it this way focuses on your achievements as differentiators instead of coming off as “bragging” or better than others. You want to focus on your own background, experiences, or activities that make you stand out.” - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD
Here’s an example of how to respond from Dr. Cazes:
“During my interviews I talked about how I was very passionate about music and that, should I be accepted to a particular medical school, I would want to look into music-based initiatives both focused on patient care and within the education sphere itself. I would be super grateful for the opportunity to pursue this should I be accepted. I do think it's always good to give specific examples as opposed to broad statements about yourself (i.e. I'm a very hard worker or I get along easily with people). Practice answering this question and it always helps to do some research about each school you apply to so you can further make your responses more personalized.” - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD
- How did you choose which medical schools to apply to? What criteria did you look at?
- What specific skills do you hope to learn in medical school?
- Have you thought about your medical specialty yet?
- Why did you choose to become an MD or DO instead of pursuing another medical profession, such as physician assistant, nursing, paramedic, and so on?
- How are you going to be able to handle the intense medical school workload?
- Why should we choose you?
- What other medical schools have you applied to and why?
- What questions do you have for me about our school?
- Why osteopathic medicine?
- Do you have any fears about practicing medicine?
Here's a tricky MMI interview question to practice with:
Quirky Medical School Interview Questions
1. If You Could Be Any Utensil in the Kitchen, What Would You Be and Why?
Hmm! That’s a great question! I am just going to take a few seconds to reflect on this. If I had to choose to be a kitchen utensil, I would choose to be a can opener. I find it fascinating that these tools, even the simplest looking ones, are capable of opening something that can stay unopened for years, if not decades! Only these utensils can safely open cans that are meant to be impenetrable. I think my choice in utensils speaks to my persistence and perseverance. Something as strong as a can opener can get through even most difficult days and moments in life.
Why is this question asked?
This is also a moment-of-lightness question, but it also provides an opportunity to shed light on your character in a way that applies to medicine. There are many skills that you can exemplify in your answer to this question. For example, with a spoon, you can break things apart, gather things up, and eat directly, so it’s probably the most adaptable. If you’re really into cooking and healthy living, you might choose something like tongs because you’re really into creative salads. You could also just say that your favorite utensil in the kitchen is your own hands because they’re the most tactile, most efficient way of getting from A to B, and you don’t mind getting your hands dirty.
Here are some tricks I used to spark my own creativity when preparing for quirky medical school interview questions!
Here are some tricks I used to spark my own creativity when preparing for quirky medical school interview questions!
- Doodle an original design or complete an “unfinished picture”
- Respond to a writing prompt or create your own 6-word story
- Start a dream diary
- Try a new activity or explore someplace new
- Practice thinking outside the box by solving riddles or coming up with 20 new uses for everyday objects
If you’re caught off guard by a quirky question like this one, take a quick pause. Dr. Taneja says this is completely fine to do:
“I often asked the interviewer for a moment to think about the question. It may seem awkward to take a pause, but giving myself 20 seconds to think about the question before diving into an answer really helped me with tough questions! I found that the pause was natural and allowed me to think of a clear answer instead of rambling.” - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD
2. Teach Me Something That Most People Do Not Know How to Do.
There are a few ways to tell if a snake is venomous. The first is by looking at the snake’s pupils. Snakes with slitted pupils, like those of a cat, are typically venomous, while a snake with round pupils is usually harmless. Snakes that are venomous have wider, broader heads than non-venomous snakes due to the sacs in their jaws which carry their venom. Venomous snakes, as a rule, are more colorful, sometimes having bands of yellow, black, red, or white along their bodies. Solid-colored snakes are usually non-venomous. Of course, all snakes can and will bite if they feel threatened, and snake bites will always require medical attention, even if they are non-venomous. So, the best course of action if you spot a snake is always to back off and leave it alone!
Why is this question asked?
Simplifying and summarizing difficult concepts is a huge part of a physician’s job. Patients don’t need to know, for example, the neurochemistry involved in a case of depression, unless they are interested in that sort of thing. Their goal is to find a solution. A physician should be able to explain the relevant information to an audience of different ages and knowledge levels.
They’re asking you to be a real human and not an interview-bot. Relax and have fun, but be appropriate.
How to answer:
- Choose a unique skill: Pick something interesting and relatively unknown.
- Be clear and concise: Explain the process step-by-step in an easy-to-understand manner.
- Use analogies or visuals: Help the interviewer grasp the concept quickly with examples or visual aids
How you teach is as important as what you teach in responding to this question. Explaining things is often easier in our heads than it is in reality. You have to be cognizant of the people you’re explaining to. Assume they know nothing or very little, but don’t condescend. Use analogies or metaphors when you can and always try to show an example or visual.
Here are some ideas for you:
- Teach them how to say hello in another, obscure language.
- Teach them how to sing something.
- Teach them how to multiply large numbers easily.
- Teach them how to line dance.
- Teach them the meaning of an appropriate gesture in another culture.
Check out some more quirky medical school interview questions!
- If we colonize Mars, would you move there?
- What would you do with 5 million dollars?
- If you had to sacrifice one of the 5 senses, what would it be and why?
- If you could be any fruit, what would you be and why?
- What superpower would you have if you could pick one?
- If you had a time machine, where would you travel or who would you want to meet from the past. Why?
The “Wrap-Up” Question and Questions to Ask Your Medical School Interviewers
Now, the final interview question could be a multitude of things. It may be an open-ended question. It may be extra time for you to ask questions during your medical school interview. They may give you time to tell them something that isn’t on your application. They may ask you an ambiguous or weird medical school interview question that doesn’t have a clear answer.
Once, while interviewing, I was asked what I thought the definition of “still” was. For the osteopaths out there, you may have realized that it is the last name of the founder of osteopathic medicine and that was what they wanted to hear.
The best way to approach the "wrap-up" question, as always, is to be prepared. Research the institution, including the curriculum, unique opportunities, and its mission statement.
Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, our admissions expert, stresses asking questions you really want to know the answer to:
“Truly think – IF I was accepted tomorrow – what are the first things I would want to know about? Some things that come to mind – What is the commute like? How do you find the current curriculum is? Where do most people live?” - Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD
Dr. Taneja adds:
“What does the patient population look like at X institution? What support is there for students interested in research? What mentorship opportunities exist? Where do students rotate during third year rotations?” - Dr. Monica Taneja, MD
One last thing about this “wrap-up” question – remember about the recency effect. Your last answer might be remembered more than anything else you say in the interview. Make sure that you leave the interviewers with the best impression by acing any question they ask at the end.
On the other side of things, if you’re given time to ask questions of your own, here are some suggestions:
- Are there unique courses or electives that distinguish this medical program from others?
- What kind of support is available for students?
- Do students have opportunities to work in underserved or rural communities?
- What research opportunities are available to students, and how can we get involved?
- Are there dual-degree programs (MD/MPH, MD/PhD) or global health opportunities?
- Does the school offer mentorship programs for students interested in competitive specialties?
- What are some ways students get involved in the local community?
- Are there opportunities for networking with alumni and physicians in different specialties?
- Does the school offer mentorship programs for students?
Medical school interview prep pays off! Here's how:
BeMo Medical School Interview Prep Reviews
Stressing about your medical school interview? We can help! Read some of our BeMo reviews from happy students:
"Mr. Shahzadeh was the most incredible consultant!!! This was my last prep session before my upcoming interview and Mr. Shahzadeh made me feel confident and prepared while giving me good constructive feedback and allowing to try questions again to apply feedback immediately. I am so thankful for his help tonight and I hope to interact with him again during future prep sessions as they arise!" - Martina, BeMo student.
"I had my first MMI mock with Anant Singh on 11/8/24 and it was fantastic! He was super enthusiastic about helping me and provided specific feedback on how I could improve my responses. He ensured I fully understood the feedback by having me attempt to answer the interview prompts a second time. Would love to have another session with him and I highly recommend!" - BeMo student.
"Mock interview with Dr. Luna, we did a lot of practice questions and he was very through in explaining what I things I should say. Feedback he gave definitely helped and they are things I will keep in mind for my real interview. Went over time because we went through each question making sure I understood. I really appreciated his time with me during this mock!" - Isha, BeMo student.
"Today's session was very informative. Ariel was able to provide me with specific feedback to improve my answers. He was able to take my examples I stated in the mock and assist me in formulating a more well-rounded answer. I appreciated that he took his time to explain why each suggestion was made and how it would improve my answers." - BeMo student.
"Malachi was very thorough and gave me excellent feedback for every single question. He also integrated his own experiences into his feedback which helped me better understand his perspective. He was very patient with all my questions and took the time to help me create specific strategies for different question types!" - Hassan, BeMo student.
1. What kind of questions are asked at a medical school interview?
Medical school interviews use a variety of different MMI question types, including traditional interview questions, behavioral and situational questions, personal interview questions, ethical dilemma questions and school-specific questions. You should also be prepared for questions about healthcare.
2. What questions should I be asking when a medical school interviewer?
Asking your interviewers a few questions is important in demonstrating your interest and enthusiasm for their program and school. For this reason, you should research both the program and the school ahead of time. You could ask questions about the location of the school, student population, program, curriculum, opportunities available for research – anything that you'd genuinely like to know and isn't already answered on their website are safe bets.
3. How long should my discussion be at an MMI station?
Our students will agree with the fact that a response at an MMI station should not take up the entire time. The reason behind this strategy is that a concise, direct, well-crafted response is more valuable than a response that rambles on.
In other cases, your interviews may ask you MMI follow up questions, which is a great opportunity to explore your ideas further, strengthen your points, or consider your argument from a different perspective. Make sure to review sample MMI questions and answers for practice.
4. Do I need to introduce myself? What about at the end of the interview or station?
Do take the time to extend a proper introduction at the beginning of each station by stating your name and getting the interviewer’s name. At the end of the interview or station, ensure you take the time to thank them for the opportunity by name.
5. What if I start my answer and feel it is not going well?
If you have started your answer and feel you are rambling or disorganized, do not feel the need to keep going. Let the interviewers know that you wish to have a moment and you will re-start your answer. Re-starting your answer is a much better strategy as this shows you can evaluate your performance and adjust, rather than just rambling or giving a disorganized answer.
6. I get very stressed right before any interview. What should I do?
Feeling nervous before a high-stakes interview is perfectly normal. Preparing for your interview before is one of the best strategies, as you will know you have an approach to the different questions you may face. Ensure you are well-rested and get enough sleep the night before your interview. When you’re outside the interview room, take a few deep breaths in and out and give yourself positive reinforcement.
7. What about the rest of the interview day? What should I be doing?
Remember, you are being evaluated by faculty and students the entire time you are there, so ensure you remain calm, confident, and professional in all of your interactions, including with the other applicants. Be friendly and express your genuine curiosity by asking about the program and about the medical students’ experiences.
8. How should I prepare for medical school video interviews?
Many medical schools in Canada and medical schools in the US use a variety of video interview formats and tools to pre-screen their applicants. Your medical school interview preparation tactics are not going to change significantly if you have a video interview.
Remember to do your interview in a quiet and distraction-free space. Make sure your face is in the center of your screen and that your audio and visual settings work correctly.
9. I have not heard back from my medical schools after the interview. What should I do?
If it's been more than a month since your interview and you have not heard back from your top-choice school, you might want to consider writing a medical school letter of intent.
10. What is the best way to prepare for medical school interviews?
The best prep strategy is to participate in realistic mock interviews and receive personal feedback. You can try enrolling in a medical school interview prep course.
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Your friends at BeMo
BeMo Academic Consulting
Sources: Royal College of Surgeons .Missouri State University, Berkeley University of California, University of Texas at Austin, Cedarville University Handbook, University of Pennsylvania, Nebraska Wesleyan University