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Aptitude tests
Medical school interviews
Getting an interview for medical school is a big deal, so congratulations on making it this far. Now is your chance to convince the admissions interviewers that you have what it takes!
Why do medical schools interview candidates?
Medical schools use interviews to see how well you communicate and if you have the right skills for medicine. Admissions staff want to see if you have the following:
- A genuine, informed desire to become a doctor.
- An understanding of the challenges and rewards of the profession.
Preparation is essential to success.
Preparing for your medical school interview
When preparing for your interview, consider the topics you might be asked about and the key points you would include in your responses. Avoid memorising generic answers, as this can come across as unnatural. You may struggle if the question is phrased differently than you expected.
The interview may focus on your personal statement. Read it through and be prepared to discuss anything you’ve mentioned. You may be asked to talk about your work experience or any reading you have done.
You may be given scenario questions. You'll be asked how you would respond to different problems or situations or how you’ve coped with similar ones. Since you won’t be able to predict every question, don’t worry if you're asked any questions you weren't expecting. Try to answer as best you can.
You Can Be A Doctor interview tips
The You Can Be A Doctor website provides general interview tips and advice on applying to Scottish medical schools.
Find out what to expect at your medical school interview.
Interview format
The format of medical school interviews may vary. Make sure you read your interview invitation carefully, as it often includes details about the format and topics. You can also attend open days, read prospectuses, and visit medical school websites to find out what to expect on the day.
Examples of medical school interview formats include:
- online interviews
- in-person assessment days
- in-person multiple mini-interviews (MMIs).
MMIs involve several short interviews with one or more interviewers at different stations. You might have 4 to 7 stations, spending 5 to 7 minutes at each one.
| Medical school | Aberdeen | Dundee | Edinburgh | Glasgow | St Andrews |
| Interview process | MMI format with 7 to 5 stations lasting 5 minutes. Total interview time is 1 hour. |
MMI format with 5 stations lasting 7 minutes. Total interview time is 1 hour. Remote interviews are available. |
Half-day assessment format which will include 4 stations. Full details are provided to applicants invited to interview. | Online interview format lasting 30 minutes. The interview is split into 2 sections based on the applicant's selected scenario. | MMI format with 4 stations lasting 6 minutes. |
Find out more about medical school interview types on the Studying Healthcare website.
Interview day
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to stay calm, speak clearly, and demonstrate that you're prepared. First impressions matter, so take a deep breath and let your enthusiasm and personality shine through.
During your interview, take a few seconds to think about your response before answering. If you’re unsure how to answer a question, don’t panic. Ask the interviewer to rephrase the question and answer as best you can.
You may be asked if you have any of your own questions for the interview panel. Don’t ask questions for the sake of it. Try to use the opportunity to find out about any aspect of the degree programme you’re unsure about. If you can’t think of any questions, you can say that everything was covered at the open day.
At the end of your interview, remember to thank the interview panel for their time.
After your medical school interview
After your interview, you should take time to reflect on how it went. Ask yourself:
- What went well?
- What could you improve on?
No matter the outcome, personal insight and self-reflection are good attributes for medical students and doctors to have. These qualities will enhance not only your professional skills but also your ability to empathise and connect with people.
Medical school application results
Medical schools rank your application based on your interview score. Some may also consider your UCAT score, personal statement, and UCAS application.
You’ll find out about the result of your medical school application on UCAS Track between March and April of your entry year. Your offer may be conditional and depend on your exam results.
