With the completion of ATAR estimates and UCAT scores, students who have applied for Medicine or Dentistry may soon receive interview offers at multiple universities. Offers are usually released in November and interviews will typically be done during December/January. However this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, universities may choose to modify the interview process compared to previous years. Below are some points to consider for all applicants in 2020!
Likely changes to the interview process:
1. Interviews will likely be conducted online (e.g. via ZOOM or Skype). This was recently done for all international applicants in September/October for both Medicine and Dentistry degrees. This format will likely be used for all domestic students also (may not be for all universities in Australia)
2. Shorter interview times. Previous interviews for Medicine and Dentistry degrees varied in length from 15-20 minutes up to 45-60 minutes depending on the university. Medicine interviews typically lasted longer than Dentistry interviews with most universities taking 30+ minutes for their Medicine Interviews. This however will likely be reduced in 2020 as we switch the an online format as universities will likely streamline and condense interview times and dates. Interview times in 2020 will likely be under 30 mins for Medicine or Dentistry (estimated length would be 15-20 mins maximum).
3. Less interviewees. Typical face-to-face interviews involve a panel of 2 to 3 interviewees including university/faculty staff and someone in the profession. This is unlikely to be the case in 2020 with online interviews as setting up multiple interviewees online can be problematic and time consuming. It is highly likely that these online interviews will be conducted one-on-one with a faculty member in the profession.
4. Less scenario-focused questions. Many universities utilise scenario-based questions as part of their interview process for Medicine and Dentistry. This may be used in “station” based interviews or during longer face-to-face interviews. However with the shift to online interviews, these scenarios are unlikely to appear as it typically requires reading time prior to giving responses and text is usually involved.
These expected changes will inevitably alter the way Medicine and Dentistry interviews are conducted this year and ultimately will affect the way universities select successful applicants. Our co-director Dr Han Deng can help assist applicants through this process and provide interview training for those wanting to maximise their chances of success. For more information on Medicine or Dentistry interview training visit our training page: www.advancededucation.com.au/medicine-dentistry-interview-preparation/
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