Think of this as your field guide on the morning of battle. Calm preparation beats last-minute panic
1. Mental Preparation
- Sleep well: A tired brain fumbles under pressure. Prioritise rest the night before.
- Arrive early: Whether in person or online, be ready at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Breathe: Ground yourself. Nerves are normal, but control is power.
2. Presentation
- Dress professionally: Smart, simple, and comfortable. You’re aiming for “junior doctor on the ward,” not “fashion show.”
- Body language: Sit upright, steady eye contact, and avoid fidgeting. Non-verbal cues count.
- Tone: Speak clearly, with confidence but not arrogance.
3. Essentials to Carry (or Have Ready Online)
- Water: Dry mouth is the enemy of fluency.
- ID and documents: Don’t let admin trip you up.
- Stable tech: If online, test your camera, microphone, and internet in advance.
4. Tactical Answering Strategy
- Pause before answering: A second of thought shows composure, not weakness.
- Structure: Use clear frameworks (ethical pillars, patient safety first, teamwork principles).
- Examples: Draw on real experiences, work experience, volunteering, school projects. Authenticity wins.
5. Common Scenarios to Anticipate
- “Why Medicine?” → Motivation + evidence of commitment.
- Ethical dilemmas → Balance empathy, safety, and fairness.
- Teamwork/leadership → Reflect on past roles and lessons learned.
- Resilience → Show how you’ve bounced back from setbacks.
6. Mindset on the Day
- Not perfection, but potential: They don’t expect a consultant. They want to see a student with the right values.
- Stay human: Warmth and empathy matter as much as intellect.
- Recover fast: If one station goes badly, park it. Each is a fresh opportunity.
7. After the Battle
- Reflect immediately: Jot down what went well and what didn’t, this is gold for future growth.
- Let go: Don’t obsess over one answer. Admissions panels judge holistically.
Final Word: You’ve done the preparation. The interview is not a trap, it’s your opportunity to shine. Enter with calm confidence, leave with no regrets.