Interview of international applicants
Selection of applicants for interview
Applicants must have achieved a minimum score of 50 in each section of the GAMSAT to be considered for interview. Applicants with MCAT scores must have achieved a minimum grade of M in the writing sample and 8 in sections that are given numerical scores to be considered for interview.
Interview details
Interviews will be conducted in conjunction with the Faculty of Dentistry. Applicants who have applied to both Medicine and Dentistry will be required to attend one interview only. Interview results will be considered by both Faculties.
Applicants selected for interview, including those already in Sydney, will be interviewed via an online link using Skype. Interviews will follow the MMI format with a total of five interview stations. Applicants will be required to register online to select their interview schedule within a week. Because the interviews involve many other people, applicants must attend on the date and time specified. When making an online interview booking, applicants are also required to select their Clinical School preferences.
Correspondence will be sent via email ONLY. Some email messages/attachments may not be accepted or may be flagged as spam by some email providers (e.g. Hotmail or Yahoo). Applicants are advised not to provide a Hotmail or Yahoo or similar address for the purposes of admission and are responsible for any delays caused by the above problem. Neither the University of Sydney nor Sydney Medical School will be held responsible for unread email communication.
On the booked interview day, interviewees will need to log on to Skype and be ready at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled interview time. Interviewees should also allow at least 1 hour in addition to this time in the event that there is a delay or a need for clarification of any matter. For verification purposes, all interviewees are required to present photographic identification (passport or driver's licence) at the commencement of the interview.
Interviewers will not be provided with any information (including GAMSAT/MCAT and GPA scores) about applicants.
No references, resumes, portfolios or similar documents are to be submitted with applications or presented at the interview. Please disregard options to attach such documents when using the online application form.
Interview dates
International applicant interviews are expected to be held in August and possibly late July 2012. Further information about interview dates will be available closer to the time.
Please note dates may be subject to change.
The interview process
The interview process is designed to assess suitability based on qualities important for success in the Medical Program, including:
- good communication skills
- a sense of caring, empathy and sensitivity
- an ability to make effective decisions
- an ability to contribute as a member of a team
- an appreciation of the place of medicine in the wider context of healing
- a sense of vocation, motivation and commitment within the context of medicine
The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) aims to broadly sample the candidate's competencies in order to gain a more accurate picture of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. This is done by having several brief interviews with different interviewers.
The MMI will last 45 minutes and will consist of 5 different stations. At each station the applicant will have 7 minutes to discuss a scenario or question with a single interviewer. There will be 2 minutes at the end of each station for applicants to prepare for the next station.
View a presentation on the MMI and an MMI demonstration here.
You will not be asked at interview about any issues that are irrelevant, or contrary to equal opportunity principles, for example:
- age, religion, sexual preferences, race, nationality or ethnic origins
- marital or family status; occupation of parents
- physical disabilities, health issues or infectious diseases status
- political beliefs
The interviewers
All interviewers are volunteers who have completed a training program either by written instructions or face-to-face training sessions.
They are recruited from the following groups:
- Academic, clinical academic, and staff of Sydney Medical School or the Faculty of Dentistry
- Senior students and graduates from the Medical Program or Bachelor of Dentistry program
- Persons drawn from the wider community
The interviewers will optimally consist of 2 or 3 of each gender and at least 50% staff (academic, clinical and otherwise) of Sydney Medical School and the Faculty of Dentistry.
All interviewers are required to sign a copy of the Confidentiality Agreement (PDF).
Quality assurance and evaluation
The interview process will be subjected annually to detailed evaluation in which the interview and the reliability of rating are reviewed. After the interview, applicants are asked to complete a one-page questionnaire, which is used by the Admissions Committee solely to review and evaluate the interview process. These questionnaires are confidential and are reviewed only by the Admissions Committee.
All interviewers are asked to complete a questionnaire on aspects of each interview, and these are reviewed in confidence by the Admissions Committee only.
Appeals
An applicant who believes that his or her performance at interview has been compromised by serious illness or misadventure may appeal in writing, providing supporting documentation, within two days of the interview. An Admissions Appeals Committee established by the Medical School for this purpose shall determine if any further action is required and its decision will be final.