Know the format at each of your schools
Interview formats differ between schools and can change from one cycle to the next. Some use a traditional MMI circuit, some interview online, and some combine stations with panel or file-based questions.
Before you practise, confirm the current format, station length, and delivery method on each school's official admissions page so your practice matches what you will actually face.
When to start
Interview invitations often arrive with only a few weeks of notice. Starting light, regular practice before invitations are released gives you room to fix habits rather than cram.
Practise each station type deliberately
- Ethical scenarios: name the competing obligations, consider the people affected, and reach a reasoned position
- Communication and acting stations: respond to the person in front of you, not only the task
- Policy and current issues: show balanced reasoning rather than a memorized opinion
- Personal and motivational questions: use specific experiences you can discuss in depth
- Collaboration and task stations: listen, share the work, and stay calm
A weekly practice routine
- Run timed stations out loud with a partner who asks follow-up questions
- Record some practice sessions and review them for recurring habits
- Debrief every station with one specific change for next time
- Revisit your own application so your examples stay consistent with it
Common MMI prep mistakes
- Memorizing scripted answers
- Practising silently instead of out loud
- Only practising with people who give generous feedback
- Ignoring communication stations in favour of ethics
Go deeper
For the format and station types in more detail, read our guide to the MMI. If you would like structured practice with physician feedback, ConsulMD Interview is built around timed mock stations and specific debriefs.