Pupils → Interviews
STEP 8 of 9
Interviews
How to prepare for medical school interviews, what to do on the day and what each university's interview is like.
APPLICATION GUIDE
ON THIS PAGE
General advice
Interviews by university
Useful links
Interview formats
Most medical schools interview applicants before making offers. There are two main types:
Multiple mini interviews (MMI)
You move round several short stations, each with a different interviewer and topic.
Panel interviews
You move round several short stations, each with a different interviewer and topic.
Interview formats
Before
Invites come in batches – it's normal to hear later than friends
Check every inbox, including spam – interviews can't always be rescheduled
Ask for any adjustments you need in advance
School uniform counts as smart clothing
Research the university – its course, support, clubs and societies
Re-read your personal statement and be ready to expand on it
On the day
Bring photo ID and any documents they email you about
Never lie – you will get caught out
Think aloud – how you reason matters more than the answer
For ethical questions, give both sides and admit your own bias
It's fine to say "I don't know" or ask them to rephrase
Take a breath – being human beats sounding rehearsed
Chat to the other applicants – everyone's nervous
Top Tip: Practice out loud
Practise answering questions out loud with a teacher, family member or friend – or come to our free mock interviews.
Interviews by university
What to expect at each Scottish medical school. Formats can change every year, so check your invitation carefully.
Aberdeen
MMI • in person
Format
Modified MMI – two interviewers per station, about 5 minutes each; around 1 hour in total
Where and when
In person at the Suttie Centre, Foresterhill, in December
How it's used
Interview 50%, academics 30%, UCAT 20%
Dundee
Group task • in person
Format
An observed group discussion followed by an interview with assessors
Where and when
In person at Ninewells, usually January
How it's used
Offers are based on your interview performance
Edinburgh
Short interviews • in person
Format
A half-day assessment with a series of short interviews
Where and when
In person; outcomes by March
How it's used
Looks at the core attributes doctors need
Glasgow
Panel • online
Format
30 minutes, two panels: A (why medicine) and B (you as a future doctor, including an ethical scenario you choose)
Where and when
Online, late November to March
How it's used
Conversational – no writing, just reading the two ethical scenarios
St Andrews
MMI • in person
Format
4 stations of about 6 minutes
Where and when
In person for home applicants, December to March
How it's used
Offers mainly based on interview score; UCAT breaks ties
Useful Links
Aberdeen - medicine interview information
Dundee - medicine interview information
Edinburgh - medicine interview information
Glasgow - medicine interview information
St Andrews - medicine interview information