Aspiring medical students experience a day of interviews and assessments

Medical Interview Day is an annual event organised by Godalming College each autumn term as part of the Aspire programme; which supports students applying to highly competitive courses and universities such as Oxford or Cambridge.

Challenging and at times demanding, the Medical Interview Day offers invaluable preparation ahead of real University interviews. This year, a record 22 aspiring medical students took part. They were encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion and were all formally welcomed, with assessment beginning from the moment they arrived, when they met the front-desk receptionist and joined their peers in the College boardroom. Students were split into two groups. Group one began with the MMI (multiple mini interviews) - a unique interview format used in medical school admissions to assess various competencies. The candidates faced a range of staff members who tested their ability to think creatively, respond empathetically and navigate some tricky ethical scenarios. Meanwhile, candidates in group two waited in line for a formal panel interview with members of the College’s Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, who challenged them on their motivations, reasoning skills and communication. The groups then switched around before taking a well-earned break.

Our students were able to relax a little in the afternoon, with guest speakers and some discussion time. David Hicks, the retired Medical Director of Great Ormond Street hospital, offered advice on preparing for an interview. Other ex-Godalming students joined via Teams to share their current experiences of studying medicine at Oxford, Keele, Leicester, UCL and Exeter Universities, and there was a useful Q&A session with a Medical Admissions Tutor for Surrey University.

To ensure that every student can improve on their medical interview day performance, they will be provided with timely feedback and encouragement for their next steps.

We wish them all the very best of luck with their applications. If they are called to interview, they will be confident and prepared.

Our Aspire programme is open to any student who wishes to sign up for it and it involves a weekly timetabled commitment. Lower Sixth students have an opportunity to find out all about the programme via a presentation delivered in the College main hall every December.