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Published on: December 23, 2025
Does applicant personality influence multiple mini-interview performance and medical school acceptance offers?
Anthony Jerant1, Erin Griffin, Julie Rainwater
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817, USA. afjerant@ucdavis.edu
Summary
Extraversion influences Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) scores, while agreeableness and extraversion impact medical school acceptance. Understanding personality traits is key for admissions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Psychometrics in Admissions
- Applicant Selection Processes
Background:
- The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) is a widely used tool for assessing medical school applicants.
- Understanding the influence of personality traits on MMI performance and admissions outcomes is crucial for refining selection processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between applicant personality traits, MMI performance, and medical school acceptance.
- To determine which personality factors predict MMI success and influence admission offers.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 444 medical school applicants at UC Davis School of Medicine.
- Utilized the Big Five Inventory to assess personality factors (agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, openness).
- Analyzed associations between personality, MMI scores, and acceptance offers using regression analyses, controlling for sociodemographic and academic factors.
Main Results:
- Higher extraversion scores correlated with significantly better MMI performance.
- Both agreeableness and extraversion were independently associated with receiving acceptance offers.
- After accounting for MMI performance, agreeableness remained a significant predictor of acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Extraversion is linked to MMI performance, while agreeableness and extraversion are associated with medical school acceptance.
- The MMI's impact on the personality diversity of medical students warrants consideration for future professional development and patient care.
- Personality assessment may offer valuable insights beyond traditional metrics in medical school admissions.
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