Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) are a specific type of interview format commonly used for admissions to professional health programs (e.g., medical schools, dental schools, PA schools, etc.). Instead of one long interview, candidates rotate through a series of short, timed stations, each assessing different skills or attributes. This gives candidates the opportunity to interact with multiple interviewers over the course of their MMI and make multiple “first impressions,” multiple opportunities to demonstrate their skills and competencies, and be evaluated by multiple different people and perspectives. Some schools believe this provides a more reliable assessment of a candidate, limiting interview bias by not overemphasizing the opinions of a single interviewer.

 

What is the structure?

MMIs typically consist of 4-10 interview stations lasting between 5-10 minutes each. This includes time at the beginning of each station to review the question or scenario (usually 2 minutes) and prepare a response, and then time to provide a response or engage in a conversation with the interviewer (depending on the type of question). Each candidate rotates from one station to the next over the course of 1-2 hours. There is usually a break period between each station.

 

What Types of Interview Stations/Questions Can I Expect?

There are different types of stations that can be included in MMIs, including:

• Individual interview stations: resembles a traditional one-on-one interview and assesses a candidate’s personal experiences, motivations, and viewpoints through a direct question
• Scenario based stations: candidates are provided with a hypothetical situation and asked to explain how they would respond
• Role-play stations: candidates interact with an interviewer in a simulated real-life scenario
• Teamwork or collaborative task stations: candidates work with others in a group to solve a problem or complete a task
• Writing stations: candidates respond to a prompt via a written short-response or essay
• Break stations: provide candidate with a short rest period between stations

 

What skills are being assessed?

MMIs are designed to assess candidates’ interpersonal and decision-making skills that can’t otherwise be assessed via standardized exams, transcripts, and written applications. This includes skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, empathy, ethical reasoning, professional, problem-solving, teamwork, and more.

 

How can I prepare for MMIs?

• Do your research: familiarize yourself with the interview format for the program you are applying to so that you know what to expect during interview day. Brush up on the mission, values, opportunities, and requirements of the program so you are able to tailor your interview response where applicable.
• Review common questions and scenarios in advance: familiarize yourself with common MMI topics (e.g., ethical dilemmas, healthcare scenarios, etc.) so that you have a better idea of what to expect.
• Practice: do as many mock interviews or timed interview questions—with others and/or on your own—as you can to become more comfortable and confident with thinking on your feet, articulating responses clearly, and managing the stress of interviews!

Many professional school programs may require traditional interviews, either in addition to or in place of MMIs. If you are preparing for a traditional interview, check out these resources offered through the Career Services Network that can help aid in your success! You can also schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for further help with interview preparation and practice.