Medical School Group Interview: Format, Questions & Preparation Tips

Preparing for a medical school group interview is an exciting milestone in your journey toward becoming a medical student. One unique interview format you may encounter is the group interview, which emphasizes collaboration over individual responses. Unlike traditional one-on-one interviews, the group interview allows admissions committees to assess how well you interact with others, think critically in a team, and communicate under pressure.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the medical school interview process, covering what to expect, how to prepare, and tips to help you shine on interview day.

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

What is a Medical School Group Interview?

A med school group interview is a type of interview where multiple applicants are assessed together in a group setting. Unlike traditional one-on-one interviews or panel interviews, a group interview evaluates how well you interact with other candidates. These interviews are designed to measure your communication skills, critical thinking, and ability to collaborate, which are crucial for success in medical education and the healthcare system.

In most medical schools, a group interview is used to simulate the collaborative and often high-pressure environment you’ll face as a medical student and later as a physician. It allows admissions committees to observe your behavior, decision-making, and how you work with others in real-time.

Why Do Medical Schools Use Group Interviews?

Group interviews are used to assess qualities that are important for a medical student and future physician, including:

• Communication skills: How well you can express your ideas and listen to others.
• Teamwork: Your ability to work with others to solve problems or complete tasks.
• Leadership: How you take initiative without overshadowing others.
• Problem-solving: How you approach complex scenarios, especially when working in teams.
• Empathy and professionalism: Your ability to collaborate respectfully and consider the viewpoints of others.

Admissions committees often use group interviews to identify candidates who will contribute to a positive, supportive classroom environment.

What to Expect During the Interview

A group interview typically involves several candidates (usually 3–10) working together to answer questions, solve problems, or engage in a task. Here’s the group interview format. There may be:

Traditional group interviews

Here, several candidates (usually 3–10) are interviewed together as a group. This format is designed to assess how you interact with others in a collaborative setting. The interviewer observes your behavior, communication skills, and how you engage in discussions or solve problems as part of a team. While you may answer questions collectively, the focus is on how well you work within the group, showing leadership, respect, and the ability to listen and build on others’ ideas.

Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

This is a unique format that involves several short, timed stations. Each station assesses different competencies, such as teamwork, ethics, communication, and problem-solving. In this setup, candidates rotate through each station, engaging with different scenarios or exercises that test specific skills. The purpose of this is to observe how you react to various situations in a controlled environment, giving the admissions committee a more rounded view of your abilities beyond traditional interview questions.

Virtual group interviews

Similar to in-person group interviews, but conducted online. While the interview structure remains the same, the virtual format requires additional preparation, such as ensuring a stable internet connection and a professional background. The main challenge in a virtual setting is maintaining clear communication and engagement with other candidates through a screen, as non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact can be harder to manage in this format. However, the goal remains the same: to evaluate teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a group setting.

Expert Tip: Interviewers might try to upset you. Well, don't click that bait. Compose yourself and remain calm.

Having explored the structure of group interviews, it’s now time to dive deeper into the types of tasks and questions you’ll face within this format

Types of Questions and Tasks in Group Interviews

Group interview questions can vary, but often focus on:

Ethical dilemmas

These test your ability to make tough decisions under pressure. You’ll need to balance ethical principles with practical constraints, showing you can think critically about complex situations.

Situational judgment tasks

This type of task gauges how well you handle unexpected scenarios. You’ll need to demonstrate problem-solving skills, stress management, and your ability to collaborate with others under pressure.

Team tasks

In these tasks, you’ll work with others to solve a problem. The panel interview setting will assess how well you communicate, lead, and contribute as part of a team. Faculty members are looking for your ability to collaborate effectively. Make sure to be collaborative.

How to Handle those Specific Scenarios

Handling Ethical Dilemmas

You could be asked how to handle a situation where resources are limited, and multiple patients need treatment. Here's how to approach ethical scenarios:

• Acknowledge the dilemma and express empathy for all parties involved.
• Present a solution that aligns with medical ethics and professionalism.
• Consider the broader impact of your decision, focusing on fairness and equity in patient care.

Handling Team Tasks

If you’re assigned to a group task, your ability to work with others will be crucial. Here’s what to do:

• Listen first: Understand the group’s ideas before offering your own.
• Delegate tasks: If the group is large, suggest roles for everyone based on their strengths.
• Support others: Offer assistance if someone is struggling to contribute.

Handling Stress in a Group Setting

Group interviews can be stressful, especially if some participants dominate the conversation. Here’s how to stay calm:

• Don’t take it personally if others speak more than you. Stay engaged and find opportunities to contribute.
• Stay focused on the task at hand and don’t get distracted by other participants' behavior.
• If you disagree, express your opinion respectfully and seek common ground with the group.

Common questions you might face include:

Here are some of the most common questions you might encounter in a group interview setting:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to pursue medicine?
• Why are you interested in this medical school?
• What are the most important qualities of a good doctor?
• How would you handle a difficult patient?
• Tell us about a time you worked in a team to solve a problem.
• Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you handled it.
• What do you think is the biggest challenge facing healthcare today?
• How would you contribute to the diversity of this school?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness, and how does it affect your career?
• If you couldn’t be a doctor, what would you do?

How to Prepare for a Medical School Group Interview

Steps to Prepare for a Group Interview

1. Review Your Application: Be prepared to discuss your personal statement, secondary essays, and the experiences you’ve listed on your application. Admissions officers will likely refer to them during the interview to understand your motivation and background.
2. Research the School: Know what makes the school unique and why you want to be part of that specific community. This will help you respond to questions like "Why this school?"
3. Practice Mock Interviews: Participate in mock group interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you practice responding to questions, engaging with others, and navigating group dynamics.
4. Prepare for Behavioral and Situational Questions: Think about past experiences where you demonstrated communication skills, teamwork, and leadership. Prepare answers for questions like, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge in a group.”
5. Know the Format: If the school uses MMI, practice with scenarios that require quick decision-making and ethical reasoning. If the interview is in person, you may need to practice managing body language, such as making eye contact and avoiding interruptions.
6. Prepare for Ethical and Healthcare Topics: Be ready to discuss current events, healthcare policies, and medical ethics. For example, you may be asked your opinion on the healthcare system or health policy.

Read: Medical School Personal Statement Guide: From an Ex-AdCom

Post-Interview Reflection and Follow-Up

How to Reflect After the Interview

After the interview, take time to reflect on your performance:

• What went well? Did you communicate effectively and work well with the group?
• What could you improve? Did you stay calm under pressure? Did you engage with everyone in the group?

This self-reflection will help you improve for future interviews.

What Happens After the Interview?

Once the group interview is over, you’ll likely receive an interview invitation or be informed about the next steps in the medical school admissions process. Here's what to expect:

• Follow-up communication: Some schools will send a thank-you email, while others may notify you about the final decision.
• Additional steps: If you’re accepted to the next stage, you may need to participate in an individual interview or complete further assessments.

Read: Medical School Post-Interview Acceptance Rate Overview

5 Expert Tips for Success During the Interview

1. Be Respectful and Inclusive: Lead the Discussion by Elevating Others

When someone speaks, acknowledge their points before offering your own. Engage with others by asking follow-up questions or building on their ideas. This not only shows that you’re a team player but that you’re someone who can elevate the conversation and move it forward, especially in high-stakes medical situations where teamwork is key.

Note: Instead of just nodding in agreement, try paraphrasing what others have said before contributing your own thoughts. This demonstrates that you’re listening attentively and helping the team progress. It also highlights your ability to think critically.

2. Speak Clearly: Master Precision Under Pressure

Medical school admissions committees are looking for applicants who can express complex ideas under pressure, whether discussing a medical ethics dilemma or navigating a conflict in a team task. The goal is to communicate your ideas without over-explaining or getting lost in excessive details.

When you’re given the floor, keep your response to no more than two or three sentences, brief enough to maintain attention but detailed enough to demonstrate depth. Focus on answering the core of the question, and avoid filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know.” Practice answering questions in a concise way, and make sure each sentence delivers new, important information.

3. Show Leadership Without Dominating: Lead by Facilitating, Not Controlling

Don’t dominate the conversation. Your goal is to lead by helping others succeed, not by being the loudest or most forceful speaker in the room. This is especially important in group tasks, where shared responsibility and collaboration are central to success.

When the group is struggling to come to a consensus or make a decision, step in with a solution-oriented approach: “I think we’re all on the same page about the importance of fair resource distribution. Why don’t we break it down into categories based on urgency and then look at which patients might have the highest need?” This directs the conversation without overwhelming others, and it shows you can guide a group through uncertainty.

4. Stay Calm and Composed: Maintain Control Over Your Emotions to Stay Strategic

While group interviews can be intense, especially in medical school settings, keeping your composure is crucial. Medical school interviews are high-pressure scenarios where your ability to remain level-headed in stressful situations mirrors what will be expected of you during clinical rotations and in your future career.

5. Show Your Passion for Medicine Through Real-Life Experience

When you're asked the classic question, "Why do you want to pursue medicine?", this is your chance to really connect with the interviewers. Sure, it’s important to say you want to help people, but be specific. Show your genuine passion by sharing real stories from your life that led you to this path. Admissions committees want to hear your personal journey and what makes you uniquely suited for the career.

Read: Clinical Experience for Medical School: Why It Matters and How to Get It

The Bottom Line

Preparing for a medical school group interview is an essential step in your journey to becoming a medical student. By understanding the format, practicing key questions, and learning how to collaborate in a group setting, you can make a positive impression on the admissions committee. Use the tips in this guide to help you feel confident and prepared for your interview day.

Take a foot forward in your application process and show the admissions officers why you are a great fit for medical education!

Ready to Ace Your Medical School Group Interview?

Preparing for a group interview can be tough, but with the right support, you’ll feel ready to take it on. Our expert coaches have helped countless applicants succeed by honing their communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. Check them out here. Also, if you’re looking for personalized guidance and strategies, consider joining one of our free events or bootcamps. It’s a great way to practice with fellow applicants, get real-time feedback, and feel more confident on interview day.

Visit: The 10 Highest-Rated Med School Coaches

Read these next

• Why ChatGPT Can’t Write Your Personal Statement
• MD Application Deadlines of the Top 50 Medical Schools
• The Ultimate Guide to the Medical School Application Process
• How to Write a Medical School Interview "Thank You" Email (With Examples)
• The Ideal Number of Volunteer Hours for Medical School Applications
• Crafting a Powerful AMCAS Most Meaningful Experience Essay

FAQs

What is a group interview for med school?

• A group interview for medical school involves multiple candidates working together to answer questions or solve problems, allowing admissions committees to assess teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in an interview room.

What is the 32-hour rule in medical school?

• The 32-hour rule limits the number of hours medical students can work in a week, promoting balance and ensuring students aren’t overwhelmed during their interview date or coursework.

What does a group interview consist of?

• A group interview includes discussions, team tasks, and ethical questions, designed to evaluate interview-type skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Expect both in-person and virtual formats.

Is a group interview hard?

• Group interviews can be challenging, but by staying answer-focused and collaborating well, you can demonstrate your skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication.