How Long Are Med School Interviews? Format & Timeline Explained

Medical school interviews are an essential part of the admissions process. They give the admissions committee a chance to evaluate candidates beyond their academic qualifications. If you're preparing for a med school interview, you might be wondering: really, how long are med school interviews?

In this guide, we’ll break down the duration of different types of medical school interviews, what to expect, and helpful tips for preparing.

Read: Med School Interview Prep: How to Practice, Prepare, & Stand Out

Typical Duration of Med School Interviews

The length of a medical school interview can vary, depending on the format and the school. However, most interviews fall within the following time frames:

1. Traditional One-on-One Interviews

Traditional interviews are often 30 to 60 minutes long. During these interviews, you’ll typically meet with a faculty member or admissions officer, and the conversation will focus on your academic background, motivation to pursue medicine, and personal experiences. You’ll likely be asked a series of standard questions to gauge your communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

2. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)

Multiple stations in MMI interviews are designed to assess a candidate’s skills in different scenarios. This format involves different stations, with each one lasting 5 to 10 minutes. In total, MMIs can last anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the number of stations. Each station presents a different scenario, often focusing on ethics, problem-solving, and teamwork, all of which are crucial for a successful medical student.

Expert Tip: In this format, you have multiple chances to make a strong impression. If one station doesn’t go as planned, you can use the next opportunity to showcase your strengths.

3. Panel Interviews

In a panel interview, you’ll be interviewed by multiple people at once. The interview will typically last 45 minutes to an hour. These interviews are often used by medical schools to assess your ability to interact with multiple interviewers and demonstrate your listening skills and body posture. You may also encounter questions related to your community service and life experiences.

4. Group Interviews

Some medical schools conduct group interviews, where several candidates are interviewed together. The interview lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour, and the interviewers will evaluate how well you work with other applicants. The interview process typically involves a group discussion, allowing the interviewers to assess problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication.

Read: Medical School Group Interview: Format, Questions & Preparation Tips

5. Virtual Interviews

As virtual interviews become more common, many medical schools have adapted their interview process to be conducted online. Virtual interviews typically follow the same time frame as traditional in-person interviews, ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The main difference is that you'll be interacting with the interviewer via a digital platform, which requires additional preparation in terms of technology and setting.

6. AAMC VITA

The AAMC Video Interview Tool for Admissions is a new, one-way, recorded interview method created to assess an applicant's readiness for medical school. In this format, you'll receive six text-based questions, with one minute to review each prompt and three minutes to record your answer. There is no live interaction, so your responses should be clear, concise, and well-thought-out.

Expert Tip: Use the one-minute preparation time wisely. Plan your response before you start recording to ensure a confident and structured answer.

Factors That Influence Interview Length

The duration of your medical school interview may depend on several factors:

1. Interview Format

Different formats, such as traditional interviews, MMIs, and panel interviews, all require different amounts of time. MMIs, for instance, will naturally take longer because they involve multiple stations.

2. School’s Specific Requirements

Each medical school may have its own approach to the interview process. Some schools may use a closed file interview format, where interviewers do not have access to your personal statement or application materials. This can lead to a more structured, shorter interview. In contrast, open file interviews may involve more in-depth questions related to your personal experiences, which may make the interview longer.

Read: Medical School Prerequisites: Courses, Work Experience, Test Scores, and Everything Else You Need to Get In

3. Number of Interviewers

If you’re being interviewed by a panel of interviewers, the interview will likely take longer as multiple people will ask questions. In contrast, a one-on-one interview with a faculty member may be shorter.

To help you prepare for your interviews, read: Mock Medical School Interview: Practice Questions & Preparation Tips

4. Interviewer’s Approach

Some interviewers may ask more detailed, probing questions, which can lead to a longer interview. Others may focus on a brief overview of your application, which might make the interview shorter. Regardless, the goal is to evaluate your problem-solving, communication, and critical-thinking skills.

What to Expect During Your Interview

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect during your med school interview:

1. Introduction (5–10 minutes)

The first part of your interview is usually spent on introductions. The interviewer will ask questions like:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to pursue medicine?
• Why did you choose this school of medicine?

2. Personal and Professional Questions (15–30 minutes)

Expect to answer questions that allow the interviewers to assess your background, motivation, and ability to pursue a career in medicine. Some common interview questions include:

• Tell us about your community service experiences.
• How do you handle stress or difficult situations?
• How do your life experiences prepare you for a career in medicine?

3. Behavioral and Scenario-Based Questions (10–20 minutes)

Interviewers may ask scenario-based questions or focus on problem-solving skills. These questions test how you handle real-world situations, such as ethical dilemmas or team dynamics. Some examples include:

• How would you approach a patient who refuses treatment?
• How do you handle working with others who have differing opinions?

4. Closing (5–10 minutes)

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will typically allow you to ask questions. This is your chance to show your interest in the medical school and to ask about the curriculum, research opportunities, or the admissions process.

Read: Hardest Medical School Interview Questions Explained (With Sample Responses)

Preparing for Med School Interview Length

Understanding how long your interview might last and how it’s structured can help you prepare effectively. Here are a few tips for managing your interview day:

• Prepare for stamina: If you're facing a longer interview (such as an MMI), practice staying focused for extended periods. You might consider doing mock interviews to get used to answering questions under time constraints.
• Be concise: Whether you’re in a traditional interview or an MMI, practice giving clear and straightforward answers. You’ll want to get to the point without rambling.
• Practice body language: In panel interviews, be mindful of your posture, eye contact, and posture. These can all impact how you’re perceived.
• Do mock interviews: Practicing them will help you become more comfortable with the interview process, especially if you’re nervous. These will also help you gauge how long your answers might take.

What Should You Expect After The Interview?

After the interview, it’s common to feel nervous while waiting for a decision. The admissions committee will review all the materials, including your MCAT score, personal statement, and interview performance, to make a final decision. While waiting for your interview invitation or final results, stay patient. Most medical schools send out acceptance or rejection notifications within a few weeks to a couple of months.

1. Interview Feedback

Some schools may provide feedback after the interview, which can be helpful for future applications or interviews.

2. Decisions on a Rolling Basis

Some medical schools operate on a rolling admissions timeline, meaning they accept applicants throughout the admissions cycle. This can make the waiting period feel nerve-wracking, but it also means that interviewees may hear back earlier than others.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know the typical duration of med school interviews and what to expect, you can enter the interview process with greater confidence. Whether you’re facing a traditional interview, MMI, or panel interview, preparation is important. Practice your communication skills, focus on critical thinking, and stay calm. You can also try to browse more from this content library to help you stand out from other interviewees. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to face any type of interview.

Ready to Enhance Your Medical School Interview Prep?

Our expert coaches are here to guide you as you refine your skills and boost your confidence for your medical education. Explore more resources to help you ace your interview. You can also join a bootcamp for practical medical school interview tips and practices. Get the support you need to feel fully prepared and ready to succeed.

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• AACOMAS Application Timeline: Key Dates and Tips
• Medical School Post-Interview Acceptance Rate Overview
• Medical School Personal Statement Guide: From an Ex-AdCom

FAQs

What is the typical duration of a medical school interview?

• Medical school interviews typically last 30 to 60 minutes, whether they are in-person or virtual. Formats like group interviews or MMIs may take longer, usually around 90 to 120 minutes.

What is the 32-hour rule in medical school?

• The 32-hour rule refers to the minimum amount of health sciences experience required by some medical school programs, often including shadowing or volunteering, before applying.

Is 2 minutes too long for "tell me about yourself"?

• No, 2 minutes is appropriate for the admissions committee to hear a concise summary of your background. Focus on the important points from your personal statement and experiences to make a strong impression.

Is a 20-minute interview good or bad?

• A 20-minute interview can be effective if the conversation is focused and productive. However, it may feel short for schools with a more in-depth admissions committee evaluation, especially if it's a group interview.