Applying to medical school is a thrilling yet challenging endeavour; with school exams, UCAT results, UCAS applications, and personal statements, an additional step of the admissions interview can seem daunting, so I am here to break this down for you and facilitate your journey and success!

 

Why interviews?

 

Most medical schools, including Queen’s, will include interviews as a part of their admission process to facilitate their understanding of your skills, ethical reasoning, decision-making, and communication skills. They are, by no means, a test of your clinical acumen or medical knowledge but rather an opportunity to demonstrate your individuality, passion, and inherent characteristics for a career as a healthcare professional. You don’t need to memorise or study extensively; instead, focus on this as a chance to showcase your authentic self, relax, and approach it confidently!

 

^{Find out more about studying Medicine at Queen's}

Structure and format

 

Queen’s medical interviews can take place any time between December and March; international students will take place online, while home applicants can complete them in person. Regardless of the platform, they will happen through the multiple-mini-interview format (MMIs) with various examiners and simulated actors asking questions as you move through 6-8 stations. A set time will be allocated per interview station with rest stations to recoup and prepare.

 

Key focus areas

 

The interview questions focus on several key areas, which they examine through your individual answers, including your academics, personal experiences, ethical reasoning handling, expressing empathy, decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal and communication skills. Many questions will address the GMC guidelines for doctors and 4 pillars of medical ethics.

 

 

^{The MMIs will test your problem-solving skills}

 

Resources

 

There are plenty of online, easily accessible resources for you to explore regarding guidance about MMIs overall and specific to Queen’s. Here are some I found very helpful when I was applying as a school leaver a few years ago;

 

-      https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/Study/Medicine/HowtoApply/MMIs/

-      https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/Study/Medicine/HowtoApply/

-      https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/medical-school-interview/mmi-interviews/

 

 

^{Queen's Medical Biology Centre}

 

Practice, practice, practice!

 

The best way to see improvement in your interview skills and familiarise yourself with the format and communication is to practice. Grab a friend, family member, or a mirror and practice answering mock questions. Remember to stick to a clear structure to ensure concise answers, always addressing the question, providing supporting background information or facts, and concluding your answers!

 

Day of the interview

 

Interview days can always bring excitement and anxiety, so remember to go back to the basics, get a good night’s sleep, and do activities that make you calm, remembering you are prepared. Test out your audio and video facilities if you conduct your MMIs online, dress professionally, and maintain a positive attitude throughout your day! Everyone experiences some hiccups, good and bad situations through their MMIs, but remain resilient and keep an optimistic outlook on the journey.

 

 

^{Make sure to test your video and audio prior to the interview}

 

My interview process for Queen’s was full of ups and downs, with some stations going almost in auto-drive while others took a lot more on-the-spot thinking. With a lot of self-reflection on the process, I recognised that practicing a range of questions and the format of how to answer questions rather than what to answer was very valuable in how I expressed myself.

 

Know that this journey does not have to be completed alone; reach out for help from your schools, online forums, friends, and families to ensure your success. As you prepare for this crucial step, embrace the uniqueness of this journey and approach it with authenticity and confidence. Best of luck on your path to success in the admissions process – you’ve got this!

Find out more

A Week in the Life of a Medical Student at Queen's

How to Prepare for and Ace Your OSCE as a Pre-Clinical Student!

Why I Chose Medicine at Queen's: A Journey of Science, Service and Community

Study Medicine at Queen's

Hiya Grover MB BCh BAO Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Dubai, UAE & India I'm an undergraduate medical student at Queen's, originally from India; however, I've lived in Dubai, UAE, for the past 15 years. I am part of a few medical societies, namely Scrubs surgical society, SWOT, and QUB Cardiology society. Alongside these academic endeavours, I'm a committee member for the French society and thoroughly enjoy reading, horse riding, and volunteering in the community whenever I can! My journey to Queen's was a learning curve and a hugely gratifying experience; I hope to help aspiring applicants find their footing in this wonderful new environment.