It’s that time of year again – the beginning of interview season. While the thought of an interview may make many pre-health students nervous, the opportunity to really take control of the admissions process and earn a seat in dental, optometry, or pharmacy school should be quite appealing. Like many other aspects of the application, the key to succeeding in the interview process is preparation. The first step to being prepared for an interview at a potential school is to find out what kind of interview that school conducts.
Many schools continue to utilize the traditional one-on-one interviews with a faculty member or other member of the admissions committee. Some schools do variations on this, perhaps multiple one-on-one interviews or two-on-one interviews. Schools might choose to interview a group of candidates at once or to have one candidate interview with an entire panel. Time may even be set aside for the candidates to write an essay on-the-spot as part of the “interview” process.
But a new trend is emerging: the use of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). The MMI was developed by McMaster University. It usually consists of a series of short, timed interviews, completed in a circuit. More schools are adopting the MMI as a way to more objectively assess candidates. There is a growing body of research that shows that the MMI is a valid predictor of success in medical, dental, and pharmacy school.
So how do these interviews work? Typically, a circuit is set up in a hallway with interviewers assigned to a station. Each station has one specific task or question. Interviewees wait in the hallway until a bell sounds, at which point they can enter the station. There is no schmoozing during the circuit; the time to complete each station is very limited. The interviewer explains the station or asks a question. Questions might deal with ethical situations, probe for knowledge of the field, or ask typical interview questions like why the student is interesting in pursuing a career in the industry. Other stations may be more kinesthetic, requiring students to complete a task either individually or while collaborating with another interviewee. Once the time is up, the candidates exit the room and then rotate to the next station at the sound of the next bell. The number of stations in the circuit varies by school, but is usually between four and ten.
These interviews are definitely unique, so how can students prepare for them? With a simple internet search, students can find sample videos that schools post explaining the MMI. Some schools even post sample questions. Understanding the process will help students avoid being caught off guard. The best thing though, is for a student to find out what interview technique each school uses. The admissions office will almost always reveal this information. Knowing what is coming helps students prepare for the unexpected, setting them up for interview success.
