Free practice questions for the St Andrews medicine interview, with the interview format taken from the university's own admissions pages.
St Andrews interview format
St Andrews usually runs four mini interviews at different stations lasting about six minutes each, and at least one station involves a role play with an actor. Communication and interpersonal skills are assessed at every station, with critical thinking, reflection and ethics where relevant. Home fee status applicants interview in person in St Andrews and all other fee statuses interview online. Photo ID is compulsory. Invitations are sent from November to March, with interviews usually in early December then January, February and March.
Format: MMI circuit
Stations: 4, 6 minutes each
Where: In person or online
When: Early December, then January, February and March, with invitations from November
What St Andrews assesses
Communication and interpersonal skills
Critical thinking
Reflection
Ethical reasoning
Understanding medicine as a career
St Andrews practice interview questions
Tell us about a time you had to explain something complicated simply.
A patient is upset and not listening to what you are saying. How do you respond?
Tell us about a mistake you made and what you changed afterwards.
What is the most important thing your work experience taught you?
A patient refuses a treatment they clearly need. What do you consider?
Should the NHS ever ration care? Reason through both sides.
What do you think a typical week looks like for a junior doctor?
What do you think you will find hardest about a career in medicine?
Practise out loud
Book a St Andrews mock interview for £69 with a trained MedicHut interviewer, or a live MMI circuit for £89. Both include detailed feedback on every answer.