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Interviews ANZ›Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs)

Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs)

Find out what to expect from MMIs, the various stations you may encounter, and how to handle each one effectively.
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Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) are the most common interview format in Australia and New Zealand for medicine and dentistry admissions.

The image titled 'What Are MMIs?' contains four sections explaining MMIs. Top left: 'A series of short, structured interviews' with an icon of two speech bubbles. Top right: 'Typically 6–10 stations' with an illustration of people sitting in chairs, arrows indicating movement between them. Bottom left: 'Each station assesses for specific qualities' with an icon of a clipboard showing a checklist. Bottom right: 'Each station lasts around 5–10 minutes' with an image of a stopwatch. © Medify is noted at the bottom.
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MMIs can be a daunting prospect; however, there are some key benefits to this interview format:

  • Multiple opportunities to form a great first impression
  • You can focus on a single task, scenario, question or prompt at a time
  • Moving between stations helps you reset and eases nerves
  • Time flies
  • More objective scoring
  • More interviewers to impress
  • Reduced interviewer bias (due to brevity of stations)
  • Fairer comparison of candidates (as stations are standardised and replicable)
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MMIs will vary between universities, but stations can generally be broken down into three main categories.

An image titled 'MMI Station Categories' with three sections. The first section labeled 'Question and prompt' features two overlapping speech bubbles, one yellow and one orange. The second section labeled 'Scenario' shows a green speech bubble with a film strip and document icon. The third section labeled 'Task' depicts a purple flag. © Medify is written at the bottom.

Stations can be housed in different areas of the same room or in different rooms.

Task stations are less common in Australia and New Zealand, but thinking about how to approach them can help you prepare for any unexpected questions.

Regardless of the station category, you’ll have time (usually 1–2 minutes) to review a brief before entering the station. This will tell you what to expect and help you plan your response before going in. There may also be a copy of the brief inside the station for you to refer to.

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Within the three main categories, there are different types of stations. These are designed to test for desirable skills and attributes.

Review some examples of different station types in the table below.

A diagram titled 'Types of MMI Stations' with three main categories: 'Question and prompt', 'Scenario', and 'Task'. Under 'Question and prompt', there are two sections: 'Discussion-based' with a bullet point saying 'Discuss your response to scientific, medical or academic problems', and 'Personal insight' with a bullet point saying 'Talk about your motivations and personal experiences'. Under 'Scenario', there are three sections: 'Role play' with bullet points saying 'Interact with an actor in a simulated scenario' and 'Share difficult conversations, like breaking bad news'; 'Ethical dilemma' with bullet points saying 'Respond to complex situations' and 'Balance ethical principles and priorities'; 'Prioritisation' with a bullet point saying 'Rank options based on urgency and importance'. Under 'Task', there are two sections: 'Giving instructions' with a bullet point saying 'Guide interviewers to complete a task', and 'Data interpretation' with a bullet point saying 'Interpret data from a graph or chart'.

Please note: this is not an exhaustive list, and different universities may have their own or nuanced station types for medical and dental school interviews.

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MMIs test for the same skills and attributes as other interview formats and are designed to answer the fundamental question “Will this candidate make a good doctor in a few years’ time?”.

Each station will focus on drawing on specific traits.

Consider how you can display these essential traits during your interview.

A circular chart titled 'TRAITS TESTED IN MMIS' divided into three sections. The top section in blue is labeled 'People skills' and includes 'Empathy' with a pink ribbon icon, 'Effective communication' with a checkmark icon, 'Teamwork' with a group of people icon, and 'Leadership' with a star icon. The left section in pink is labeled 'Core virtues' and includes 'Honesty & integrity' with a checkmark icon, 'Self-discipline' with sparkle icons, 'Professionalism' with a handshake icon, and 'Commitment to medicine' with a heart in hands icon. The right section in yellow is labeled 'Challenge management' and includes 'Adaptability' with a refresh icon, 'Resilience' with a shield icon, 'Stress response' with a stressed face icon, and 'Problem-solving' with puzzle piece icons. '© Medify' is noted at the bottom.
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MMIs can be conducted differently depending on the university, but there are some standard practices you can expect on the day.

Flowchart titled 'ON THE DAY' showing a sequence of actions with time indicators. Starting from the top right, the first blue box reads 'Move area or station (typically, at the sound of a bell)'. An arrow points down to the next blue box labeled 'Read the instructions (usually pinned to the door or screen)'. Another arrow points down to the next blue box labeled 'Plan your response and wait to be called in'. An arrow points left to an orange box labeled 'Enter the station'. An arrow goes left to another orange box labeled 'Give great responses'. From there, an arrow loops back to the first blue box. On the left, a clock icon with the text '5–10 minutes' is next to the orange boxes. On the right, another clock icon with the text '2 minutes' is next to the blue boxes. © Medify is noted at the bottom.

There may be a copy of the instructions inside the station and a countdown timer to keep you on track.

Interviewers evaluate your performance at the end of each station, when you are moving on to your next station. Remember to move efficiently and quietly between stations.

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MMIs can be overwhelming and stressful, but are also an opportunity to showcase your passion to multiple experts in medicine.

Review some simple Dos and Don’ts to enhance your MMI experience.

A painting depicting a scene in a large room with several people seated at tables. In the foreground, a man in a suit sits at a table, appearing to engage in conversation or study documents. To his left, partially obscured by a yellow wall, another person is seated. In the background, more individuals are visible, some seated at tables and others standing, with a plant in the corner of the room. The room is painted in shades of green and blue, creating a calm atmosphere. The style is impressionistic, with broad brush strokes and soft lighting.
Do
  • Treat each station as a fresh start
  • Review briefs carefully
  • Use your reading time to reset and refocus
  • Plan your responses before entering stations
  • Consider what traits are being assessed
  • Show professionalism and empathy
  • Introduce yourself using your full name
  • Address model patients by name
  • Think out loud
  • Pay attention to cues or prompts
  • Ask for clarification if needed
  • Move on to the next station when prompted
A painting of a cafe scene with three people sitting at a table. In the foreground, a man in a blue jacket is seated, looking down at a drink on the table. To the left, a person in a yellow top is also seated, facing away. In the background, another person is visible, wearing a white shirt. The wall behind them is painted in bold, warm red tones, creating a vibrant and abstract backdrop.
Don't
  • Go in unprepared or underdressed
  • Dwell on any negative experiences
  • Worry about giving ‘correct’ answers; MMIs often prioritise your rationale
  • Waste time with long-winded responses
  • Make assumptions or jump to conclusions
  • Lie or exaggerate your understanding
  • Underestimate the value of non-verbal communication
  • Linger when prompted to move on to the next station
  • Worry about practicalities; university staff will guide you between stations
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Remember these fundamental steps to enhance your MMI performance and interview experience.

The image is titled 'SLANG for MMI Success' and displays five tips, each starting with a letter from the word 'SLANG'. The letters are vertically arranged and highlighted in blue circles. The tips are as follows: S - 'Start fresh: Treat each station like a brand new interview.' L - 'Listen actively: Give the prompt your full, focused attention.' A - 'Allocate time: Keep an eye on the clock so you cover all your points.' N - 'No right answer: Remember there is no right answer.' G - 'Get to the goal: Tie every part of your answer back to the station’s objective.' At the bottom right corner, © Medify is noted.

Practice makes perfect. Before your MMI, collate a list of common questions, scenarios, and tasks. Record yourself giving timed responses and evaluate your own performance.

Simulating MMIs in the form of full mock interviews can help you navigate stations with confidence and composure on the day.

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During your MMI, you may come across or have to utilise medical jargon.

Review our glossary of commonly used terms to familiarise yourself with key terminology in advance of your interview.

Click here to download the glossary

While these terms can apply to medicine and dentistry, there may be terms specific to medicine or dentistry that arise during your interview.

Revise your basic scientific and clinical knowledge and read up on hot topics to familiarise yourself with pertinent medical or dental terminology.

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