More Than Their Test Scores: Redefining Success with Multiple Mini-Interviews

Medical schools are shifting to a holistic approach for admissions. As non-cognitive abilities become more valued in the medical field and admissions become more competitive, multiple mini-interviews (MMI) are becoming increasingly common in selection criteria. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship among admissions criteria to create a predictive model of acceptance to medical school. This article also aims to examine, among matriculated students, the relationship between MMI and traditional academic success, and the relationship between MMI scores and clinical competence and academic accolades.

This longitudinal study followed a cohort of students from the MMI process through the first two pre-clinical years at a medical school in the southeastern USA. Multiple logistic regression with backward elimination variable selection was used to examine the relationship between admission criteria and acceptance. A multivariate multinomial ordered probit model was used to assess the relationship between MMI and traditional academic success among matriculated students. Simple linear regression models were used to assess relationships between MMI and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scores and honors nomination.

MMI are among eight significant predictors of acceptance. Among matriculated students, there were weak negative associations between MMI and traditional academic success; however, all but one relationship was statistically non-significant. There was not a significant association between MMI and OSCE scores or academic accolades.

While MMI can identify students with non-cognitive skills needed to be a good physician, continued assessment needs to be incorporated in their education.