Multiple Mini Interview Background Information
The Multiple Mini Interview was first implemented by McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in the early 2000s. Our founder, Dr. Kevyn To was a participant among the very first Multiple Mini Interview pilot circuit at McMaster University as an applicant. Medical schools recognized that traditional interviews are subject to context and evaluator bias, making the admissions process less than objective. As a result, the idea behind the Multiple Mini Interview is that multiple sampling through numerous mini interviews, would ultimately reduce evaluator bias, increase objectivity and prove more reliable than traditional interviews in the admissions process.
How common is the Multiple Mini Interview format today?
As of 2017, the Multiple Mini Interview format is used at the majority of medical schools in Canada. In the United States, over 40 medical schools have adopted the Multiple Mini Interview format over the traditional interview. There are also a handful of nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and residency programs in Canada, the United States and around the world that use the Multiple Mini Interview.
What is the structure of a typical Multiple Mini Interview?
Each Multiple Mini Interview circuit contains the following 2 components:
- An initial prompt outside of the interview room with information specific to the station and task. Applicants are typically given 2 minutes to read this information, before entering the interview room.
- The actual Multiple Mini Interview station in which applicants are allocated anywhere between 6-10 minutes to complete the require task/answer questions and be observed.
How is the Multiple Mini Interview scored?
Individual score sheets will vary between programs and institutions. However, they all consist of a scoring rubic provided to the interviewer which includes background information about the station as well as pointers on what constitutes a suitable response. Evaluators are required to use a Likert style scale when scoring applicants to maximize the spectrum of assessments.
How much is the Multiple Mini Interview portion worth?
At most programs, the Multiple Mini Interview is worth a minimum of 25-30% of the admissions decision, but has been known to be weighted as much as 70% at McMaster University.
What’s the best way to prepare for the Multiple Mini Interview?
We’ve helped more applicants successfully conquer their MMInterviews than probably any other admissions prep company in the world! We’ve included a few basic 1,2,3’s and 5 practice sample MMInterview scenarios to help you get started on your quest to slay the Multiple Mini Interview!
- Develop an approach and framework for all MMInterview stations. We use a 5 pockets approach with examples on how to do this in detail in the Multiple Mini Interview for the Mind book.
- Allocate 6 weeks to prepare for the MMInterview. The first 2 weeks should be spent the time to freshen up on current issues in health care, public policy, education and commerce as they relate to the program, school and country in which you are seeking admissions.
- Use the remaining 4 weeks to practice MMInterview scenarios under the same time constraints as the program you’re interviewing at with feedback. Make use of your support network and everyone who is willing to listen to your responses and critique. A good source of free support is your school’s career office or premed club which may run mock MMInterview weekends for their members. As you receive feedback, be very critical of the information provided and assess for its applicability to your program and discipline.
