5 Step Approach to Prioritisation Tasks – The majority of prioritisation tasks do not have any specific right or wrong answers; instead examiners are looking for a methodical, systematic approach with well justified answers. For further information, attend an MMI Interview Course or review the MMI Question Bank.
​Always Justify Your Answers – Whilst the scenario may only request you to advise 5 out of 15 items, it is essential not to fall into the trap of limiting your answers to just this information. Well justified answers, including why you chose the specific items, as well as potentially why you did not choose the other items will help you immensely to stand out from other medical school applicants.Â
Consider The Specific Scenario – The items you would choose from a specified list will vary from case to case, even if the list of items remains exactly the same. For example, if the specific scenario was based in the antarctic, a thermal coat would be far more useful than if the scenario was based in the Sahara desert. Hence, make sure that you make each of your justifications as specific to the scenario rather than mentioning pre-rehearsed justifications.Â
Avoid Common Pitfalls – The most common pitfall amongst students is to rush in to answering the scenario without due planning. This is obvious for interviewers to see, with candidates often stuttering after stating their first couple of items, or even having to ask the interviewer which items they have already mentioned. Successful medical students and doctors implement thoughtful, systematic approaches. Similarly, before you start talking,ensure that you take a minute to plan your answer and are aware of the order in which you intend to complete the task, or 5 items you wish to choose, before commencing your answer.