Queen's Med Interview 2027: January MMI, March Panel

Every Queen’s MD applicant took the early-phase MMI, a recorded video interview on Acuity Insights that is required in addition to Casper. It had 8 stations with a rest station in the middle, took about 1 hour and 15 minutes, cost $14 CAD and was accepted in English only. This section stays as a reference for next year’s applicants.

• What it is: 8 recorded video stations plus a rest station, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, taken from home on a computer with a webcam, audio and a reliable connection. Acuity called the format tentative.
• 2026 dates: Friday, October 16 at 6:00 p.m. EDT, Sunday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m. EDT and Monday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. Acuity asked applicants to register at least 3 days ahead and made no exceptions for missed dates.
• Fee and language: $14 CAD for Queen’s, English version only.
• Same test as uOttawa: the University of Ottawa uses the same Acuity early-phase MMI ($18 CAD, in the language stream you applied to). See our uOttawa interview guide and our early-phase MMI guide.
• Who scores it: Acuity runs an initial external assessment. Queen’s then evaluates the MMIs of applicants picked through QARS.

To enter the QARS lottery for 2026-27 you need a complete application, a GPA of at least 3.0, an MCAT total of at least 500 with at least 125 in each section, Queen’s undisclosed Casper threshold and a completed early-phase MMI.

Queen’s sets how many applicants get an internal MMI evaluation and gives 90% of those spots to Ontario residents. Thresholds carry no weight in the draw.

Source: Methods of Selection, checked October 25, 2026.

Queen’s prohibits generative AI writing tools from supplying responses during assessment and warns that AI use for application components or during admissions can lead to disqualification, withdrawal of an offer or withdrawal from the program.

Read the school’s full policy on its application page. This guide does not establish permission to use AI in Queen’s preparation or assessment.

How to prepare within the rules

Write your own reflections and rehearse with a human practice partner. Do not generate application answers, read an AI-written script into an assessment or use assistance during a recorded response.

Ask admissions directly if you are unsure whether a particular preparation method complies. Later interview participants must also follow the confidentiality agreement, so use original practice prompts rather than recalled confidential questions.

A recorded interview has no live listener to ask what you meant. Your answer needs enough context to stand on its own.

That does not require a memorized speech. Practice making a decision, explaining why and recognizing what you still need to know.

Five steps for each answer

1. Identify the task. Is the prompt asking for a decision, a personal experience or a conversation? Answer that question before adding background.
2. Separate facts from assumptions. A person missing a meeting may face a barrier you have not seen. Say what you would clarify instead of inventing a motive.
3. Explain your first action. Choose a realistic step within your role, including appropriate help when a problem exceeds your responsibility.
4. Name a trade-off. Show whose interests might conflict and how the new information could change your decision.
5. Finish with follow-through. Explain how you would check whether your action helped.

Equipment and scheduling

• Equipment. All interviews are virtual. Queen’s listed a webcam, audio capability, reliable internet and a quiet private location for the early-phase MMI, so use the same setup for a January MMI or the panel.
• Before the day. Check the current technical instructions, test your equipment and confirm that your identifying details match your OMSAS application.
• Dates. Use the timeline on Queen’s Methods of Selection page and the dates in your invitation.
• Accommodations. If you’re invited to a panel and need an accommodation, email the Admissions Office when you accept your interview.

Fictional scenario: You help organize a student volunteer group. A volunteer has missed two shifts and has not answered the group chat.

Another organizer wants to remove them immediately. Explain your response.

A strong answer covers the next shift first, checks in privately with the volunteer before judging, and follows the group's written process if there is no reply. Practice a scenario like this in the app to see model answers.

Find a feature you can explain

Use the published MD curriculum to find a feature you can explain. It describes small-group learning, clinical and communication skills, community experience and regional clinical training.

It also describes Indigenous health teaching across the curriculum. A specific connection to your experience is more useful than calling the school innovative.

Build three notes

Build three notes: a feature you have verified, an experience that makes it meaningful to you and a learning goal you would bring to that setting. For example, a community volunteer experience might prompt questions about learning across regional sites.

Explain your contribution honestly and acknowledge what you still need to learn. Do not invent research experience, local ties or a professional role to sound like a better fit.

This is a suggested rehearsal sequence, not an official Queen’s schedule. Use the time available before your assigned assessment.

• Read and organize: Confirm your stage, pathway, dates and permitted resources. Make a short inventory of real teamwork, feedback, conflict and service experiences.
• Practice a scenario: Choose one original prompt. Have a partner listen for assumptions, a practical first action and a clear reason.
• Review a recording: Listen for missing context, unclear references and a conclusion that never answers the question. Change one weakness.
• Try a fresh prompt: Check whether the improvement carries over without reusing your previous wording.
• Prepare for follow-ups: If invited to a panel, have the partner ask about your contribution, another person’s perspective and what you would change.

Review each round

Use a simple review grid:

• Answer. Did I answer the question?
• Facts. Did I separate assumptions from facts?
• Perspective. Did I consider another perspective?
• Action. Was my action realistic?
• Change. Could I explain what would change my view?

A “yes” is a practice observation, not a predicted admissions score.

For more stations by type with model answers, see MMI interview questions with answers, and for a four-week plan, our MMI prep guide.