Being a top 1% student in your medicine interviews
If you want to turn an interview invite into an offer, there’s one KEY thing you need to understand about how universities assess you. ‘Why this university?’ You have so many medical schools you could apply to, so why this one specifically?
Even if you’re not directly asked this question, the top 1% of candidates are always answering it subtly. They naturally weave it into their responses to show interviewers they’ve done their research and genuinely want that university, not just any medical school.
That’s what impresses interviewers.
You must be ready to answer ‘Why this university?’ clearly and confidently if it comes up. To help with this, I’ve created a highly effective structure you can use when researching universities and when shaping your interview answers.
Course Structure
- Does the university use prosection or dissection for anatomy?
- Is the course CBL / PBL / TBL?
- Is it integrated or traditional, and when do you get clinical exposure?
- What do you like about the teaching hospitals or clinical placements?
- How does this course structure suit your learning style?
Interactions and Research Opportunities
- Is intercalation optional or compulsory?
- Are there any intercalated degrees that genuinely interest you?
- Is there any research the university is known for that aligns with your interests?
- Have you done an EPQ or research project related to this?
- Are there any research modules within the course itself?
Societies and Work-life Balance
- Do you have hobbies that link to existing societies?
- Are there any medical, sports, or new societies you’d want to join?
- How will you look after your well-being during medical school?
Location
- What do you like about the area?
- Is there a particular culture, history, or diversity that appeals to you?
- Is it a city or rural location — and why does that suit you?
However, there is also another trick top candidates use. Not every university will ask, ‘Why do you want to study medicine here?’ So instead, top candidates weave small, relevant details into any answer they give without drifting off-topic. It’s subtle. It’s natural. And it works.
Here’s an example of weaving into a motivation question
If you’re asked:
- “Why do you want to study medicine?”
- “Why medicine and not another healthcare profession?”
As part of one of your paragraphs, you could say something like:
One of the aspects I’m really passionate about in medicine is evidence-based medicine as it is essential for patient safety and delivering the highest quality care. I enjoy the research aspect of medicine and the opportunity to contribute to improving clinical practice. At [University name], I’m particularly drawn to [specific research opportunity/intercalated degree/module], as it would allow me to further develop my skills in research and critical appraisal. Being on the frontline of research and translating evidence into patient care is something that excites me. I personally have undertaken some research at [continue your answer].
Notice how:
- You’re still answering the original question
- But you’re also showing a clear, specific interest in that university
That’s how you stand out.
To help you learn the insane volume of interview content you need to know, check out my YouTube channel using the link below, as I have videos on all the key ethics, principles and hot topics you need to know!
Pairing these videos with the Ultimate Medicine Interview Document will help ensure effective and efficient interview revision! Everything I’m sharing within this document is exactly what I used to secure 4/4 post-interview offers, with interview scores as high as 130/135, and to be in the first wave of offer holders at both King’s College London and the University of Birmingham.
If you want to master every interview topic and walk in knowing you can handle whatever comes up, you need my Ultimate Medicine Interview Document. It’s a 50+ page, all-in-one guide covering everything from ethics and core principles to NHS hot topics and research skills. The notes are written in an active recall format, so you’re not passively reading - you’re training your brain to think like an interview-ready medical applicant. With 30+ NHS hot topics and 100+ practice MMI and interview questions, this becomes your complete, strategic toolkit for interview prep.
The Ultimate Medicine Interview Guide - All in One Knowledge Pack
Ace your medical school interviews with this all-in-one preparation resource, created to give you the knowledge you need... Read more |
If you’re serious about standing out, impressing your interviewers, and securing that medicine offer, email me at loveleenj241@gmail.com to book an interview teaching session. Email me NOW - spaces are limited, and the students who act early are always the ones who walk in prepared.
As someone who received 4/4 offers and was in the first batch of offer holders at both King’s College London and the University of Birmingham, I’ve poured everything I know into creating the best possible interview resources, so you can achieve your dream of studying medicine. If you want to get your medicine offers, check out my interview resources on my website!
Additionally, you can check out my website for resources such as the A* AQA A-level psychology notes and my notes templated designed in an active recall format.
📸Here are the links to each of my social media pages, so make sure you follow! In all, I detail the advice and tips you need to help make your application to medicine so much easier! If you ever need any help, feel free to reach out to me at loveleenj241@gmail.com
