Ultimate MMI Medicine Interview Questions Guide for 2024 entry

Introduction

Applying to study medicine is a competitive process regardless of where you do it. Applying to study medicine at Oxbridge, however, can be even more competitive. Many people find the process to be particularly intimidating - if this resonates with you, then you aren’t alone! 

By knowing what to expect and preparing accordingly for your Oxford medicine interview or Cambridge medicine interview, though, you can make sure that you’re in top shape to perform as well as possible and secure that coveted Oxbridge offer to study at Oxford Medical School or Cambridge Medical School. 

This guide details some of the key things to expect, some general Oxbridge medicine interview questions, and how to prepare to do as well as possible in your Cambridge or Oxford medical school interview.

What makes Oxbridge interviews unique?

Oxford and Cambridge medical interviews don’t fall neatly into either of the two most common types: MMI and panel interviews. Instead, they are supposed to resemble a ‘supervision’ - a type of tutorial that students at both universities are taught in. You will be asked a variety of challenging questions with a greater emphasis on science than at other universities and expected to talk the interviewer through your thinking interactively as you reach for your answer.

Oxford and Cambridge may have different styles of interviews from other universities, but their shared statement about interviews guarantees that they will be the same as each other. Whilst this doesn’t reduce the preparation, as you cannot apply to both medical schools, it does enable you to practice questions with prospective students of the other institution and to use shared resources without worrying about their applicability to your university of choice.

How long are Oxford and Cambridge interviews?

Your interviews can vary in time. Usually, they will take around 25 minutes, however, they can be anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Do not read into how long your interview is - it relates simply to how much more the interviewer wanted to discuss with you. A short interview is not necessarily any better or worse; every year candidates get offers with both 20-minute and 45-minute interviews.

How many interviews will I have at Oxford?

You will have at least two interviews with two sets of interviewers, often at different colleges. You may also be invited to further interviews - which is not necessarily a good or a bad sign. If you are invited to interview at more colleges, you will be informed of this at least 24 hours in advance.

Cambridge and Oxford medicine interview dates

Both universities typically interview in the first three weeks of December. As you can only apply to one or the other, they will not clash with each other. If your interview clashes with another university, then contact one of them and ask whether it would be possible to reschedule - they can accommodate this as clashes happen all of the time.

What Oxbridge medicine interview questions should I expect?

Cambridge and Oxford medicine questions tend towards the scientific. After a simple icebreaker such as “why have you applied to study medicine,” you will likely be presented with something which you ought to have studied at A-level or equivalent - such as vaccine efficacy or a haemoglobin saturation curve - and asked increasingly difficult questions. This may begin with something as simple as graph interpretation or a description of a biological process from the curriculum.

As the difficulty increases over time, you are not expected to know exactly what to answer. Instead, the interviewers want to see how you solve problems by applying your existing knowledge to make estimated guesses and how to handle unfamiliar scenarios and questions confidently. Often, they are less interested in the answer that you give and more interested in why you have given it.

How should I answer Oxbridge medical interview questions?

When answering an Oxbridge medical interview question, remember your basics. The tips outlined in our “top 6 tips” article are just as relevant here as they are for any other interview, and following them is crucial for success.

Additionally, consider the following tips for more scientific questions:

• Step-by-step: Take the interviewer through your thought process step-by-step. A correct but poorly-explained answer will score fewer points than an incorrect but thought-out and well-explained response, as the latter demonstrates both critical thinking and communication skills.

• Be confident, but not arrogant: There is nothing wrong with acknowledging uncertainty. However, do so in a manner that still demonstrates confidence in your ability to apply knowledge and solve problems.

• Prepare for follow-ups: You will be asked follow-up questions after each question. Be ready for this, and think about different angles from which a problem could be approached - you may have to discuss multiple.

• Show enthusiasm to learn: If you are completely stuck, that’s ok! Talk about how you want to explore a matter more in the future and learn. This shows eagerness and a desire to improve.

How to prepare for an Oxbridge medical interview

The best way to prepare for an Oxbridge medical interview, as with any medicine interview, is through interactive interview practice. Test out model questions - such as those from our interview question bank - with friends, family members or even a teddy bear.

Additionally, if you are looking for expert Oxbridge interview training then contact us at TheUKCATPeople and we can link you to one of our expert tutors for one-to-one training sessions which will help to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re looking for guides to other possible medicine stations, including how to answer questions like these mock medicine interview questions, then check out the other articles in our Ultimate Medicine Interview Guide 2024! 

For individual help or 1-1 medicine interview tutoring, 1-1 mock interviews or general medicine interview coaching, get in touch with us at TheUKCATPeople. We offer expert medical interview preparation, including for specific medical schools. Check out the packages that we offer here!