A study about personality type and performance on the multiple mini interview (MMI) found that extroverts do well in this format and that exhibiting extroversion and agreeableness boosts the likelihood of getting an offer. This finding, by researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is no surprise, though it’s great to have data to support the similar sentiments that Dr. Freedman expressed in a letter to the editor in the New York Times.
I find that medical school interviewees are often focused on giving “the right answer,” which is not really what the MMI interviewer is seeking. MMI interviewers instead are concerned with understanding your thought process, gaining insight into how you navigate a problem and work with others, and with getting a sense of your values and ideals. This is why extroverts, who are good at talking, discussing, and listening, and enjoy being around new groups of people, tend to perform better than introverts, who tend to be more reflective and comfortable with small groups of people whom they know well. For many extroverts, the MMI format is ideal. For introverts, however, it can be incredibly anxiety provoking and may hurt their chances of acceptance.
Perhaps MMI interviewers should take into account that introverts might have different interview styles and approaches and should be evaluated accordingly. Introverts prefer to be alone and like to “act” only after they have had time to reflect – they often don’t “move quickly enough.” Not great for an MMI interview. Is it time to evaluate applicants differently depending on whether they are introverts or extroverts?
Regardless of your personality type, everyone does better on medical school interviews if they practice with us. Let us hear from you if you are interested in our medical school mock interview services. Contact MedEdits Medical Admissions at www.mededits.com
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