Receiving a medical school interview invitation means you have successfully passed the academic and aptitude threshold. However, this is the most critical stage: only a select group of shortlisted candidates ultimately receive an offer. The interview processes—the Focused Skills Assessment (FSA) at NUS and the Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI) at NTU—are designed to test the crucial non-academic attributes essential for a future doctor.
This guide breaks down the structure of these high-stakes assessments and provides a systematic framework for answering the toughest personal and ethical questions.
1. Understanding the Interview Formats (2026 Update)
While NUS and NTU have different names for their assessments, they both use a multi-station format to holistically evaluate candidates.
| Feature | NUS FSA (Focused Skills Assessment) | NTU MMI (Multiple Mini-Interviews) |
| Format | Multi-station assessment (MMI-style) | 8 separate, consecutive 1-to-1 interviews. |
| Duration | Typically 90 to 120 minutes total. | Approximately 2 hours total. |
| SJT Status | SJT is DISCONTINUED from 2026. | Not applicable. |
| Assessment Focus | Verifies Portfolio, assesses ethical reasoning, communication, and aptitude. | Assesses motivation, capacity to deal with stress, leadership, teamwork, and ethical thinking. |
| Location | In-person at the NUS campus. | In-person at the Novena campus. |
Key Takeaway for 2026: With the removal of the SJT, performance in the NUS FSA is now the single most important non-academic selection tool at NUS. Focus heavily on practice for the in-person FSA stations.
2. Core Question Types and Preparation Strategies
Your interview questions will generally fall into three main categories. You must have a structured method for answering each one.
A. Personal Motivation and Experience Questions
The interviewers use these stations to validate your personal statement and uncover your genuine motivations.
| Question Type | The Interviewer’s Goal | Strategy (Show, Don't Tell) |
| "Why do you want to be a doctor?" | To assess if your motivation is realistic and sustained. | Avoid clichés. Link your passion to specific observations made during clinical shadowing or long-term volunteering. Show you understand the sacrifices involved. |
| "Tell me about a time you showed leadership/teamwork." | To assess critical soft skills required for healthcare teams. | Use the STAR/STARR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection). Provide a concrete example and highlight what you learned about team dynamics. |
| "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" | To assess self-awareness, humility, and capacity for growth. | Discuss a genuine weakness that you are actively working to improve (e.g., public speaking, time management), and detail the steps you are taking to overcome it. Avoid disguised strengths ("I'm too much of a perfectionist"). |
B. Ethical and Dilemma Questions
These are designed to assess your moral reasoning, not your medical knowledge. You must demonstrate the ability to think logically and see multiple perspectives.
The Four Pillars of Medical Ethics
Beneficence
Beneficence is the calling to do good and to act in ways that promote the well-being and health of patients. More than merely avoiding harm, beneficence involves actively contributing to the welfare of patients.
Example in Medical Context:
An instance of practicing beneficence is providing pain management for a patient in severe discomfort or recommending a healthier lifestyle to prevent disease.
Non-maleficence
Closely related to beneficence, non-maleficence is summed up by the famous medical maxim "first, do no harm." It is a commitment to not cause harm intentionally.
Example in Medical Context:
This might mean opting not to prescribe a medication whose potential side effects outweigh the benefits for the patient.
Autonomy
The principle of autonomy respects the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, based on their values and concerns.
Example in Medical Context:
It's a patient's right to refuse a proposed medical treatment after being fully informed of the risks and benefits, even if the treatment is standard or recommended.
Justice
Justice in medicine is about fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources and respect for people's rights. It confronts social inequalities in healthcare and challenges biases within medical decisions.
Example in Medical Context:
Ensuring that organ transplants are given to patients based on medical need and suitability rather than ability to pay is a matter of justice.
Structure for Ethical Answers
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Acknowledge and Paraphrase: State the dilemma clearly to show comprehension (e.g., "The conflict here is between Autonomy and Beneficence").
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Explore Perspectives: Discuss the situation from the viewpoint of the Patient, the Doctor, and the Healthcare System/Family.
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Apply Principles: Use the Four Pillars to analyze the options. Discuss the trade-offs of each choice.
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Conclude with Action: Propose a reasoned course of action, acknowledging any necessary assumptions and the need for consultation with seniors or a multidisciplinary team.
C. Scenario-Based Questions (Role-Plays & Policy)
| Station Type | Focus | Preparation Tip |
|
Role-Play (NTU MMI/NUS FSA) |
Empathy, Communication, Handling difficult conversations (e.g., breaking bad news, dealing with an angry patient). | Practice active listening. Focus on non-verbal cues. Prioritize the patient's feelings before jumping to a medical solution. |
| Instruction/Observation | Clarity of thought, communication, and non-verbal skills. (e.g., describe a complicated diagram, teach a skill). | Practice giving step-by-step instructions. Be sensitive to the listener's perspective. |
| Healthcare Policy | Awareness of the Singapore healthcare system (3M framework: MediSave, MediShield Life, MediFund), public health issues (e.g., aging population, mental health). | Read the SMC Ethical Code. Understand the strengths and challenges of Singapore's health financing model. |
3. Interview Tips for Aspiring Medical School Students
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Know Your Application Backwards: Interviewers will test the honesty and depth of your Personal Statement and Portfolio. Be ready to elaborate on any single detail you mentioned.
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Stay Calm and Think Aloud: In MMI/FSA, your thought process is more important than the final answer. Take a deep breath and structure your response logically. It’s okay to pause; it shows deliberation.
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Be Authentic and Professional: Show your personality, but maintain professionalism. Avoid slang and overly casual language. Your passion should be evident, but your demeanor should be mature and measured.
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Practice Timed Stations: The time pressure in MMI/FSA is intense. Simulate the environment (e.g., 2 minutes reading, 5-8 minutes response) with friends or consultants to master time management.
