Medical school interviews

Why do medical schools interview candidates?

Medical schools use interviews to evaluate your aptitude for medicine. Think of it as a friendly chat where they can get to know about the following:

• Your motivations and genuine desire to become a doctor.
• Your understanding of the challenges and rewards of the medical profession.
• Your potential to thrive in a demanding but incredibly rewarding career.

Preparation is essential to give yourself the best chance of success.

Preparing for your medical school interview

Start by considering 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 in different situations or how you’ve coped with similar problems.

Since you won’t be able to predict every question, don’t worry if you're asked any questions you weren't expecting. The interviewer will be interested in how you respond to questions you don’t know the answer to. Try to answer as best you can.

Interview format

The format of medical school interviews may vary. Make sure you read your interview invitation carefully, as it will include details about the format and topics. You can also go to 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) 

Find out more about the types of interviews on the Studying Healthcare website.

Mastering the MMI

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.

Learn more about mastering the MMI from Medics and Me.

Interview day

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but 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. Please 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.

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.

Find out more about tracking your UCAS application.