Medical School Interview / University of St Andrews
University of St Andrews medicine interview: four six-minute mini interviews
Usually four mini interviews of about six minutes, at least one with an actor, and communication assessed at every one. Around 650 applicants are interviewed after a hurdle-based shortlist.
Updated September 2026The University of St Andrews selects for interview in two steps. First a set of hurdles that are not scored: a strong academic record, a positive reference and relevant medically related work experience. Then applicants who clear the hurdles are ranked on their UCAT global score, and around 650 are interviewed. For 2026 entry home applicants interview in person in St Andrews and all other fee statuses interview online. The interview is usually four 'mini' interviews at different stations, each about six minutes. St Andrews says you are expected to show an understanding of medicine as a career and the realities of a caring profession, that communication and interpersonal skills are assessed at every station, that at least one station is a role play with an actor, and that you may also be assessed on critical thinking, reflection and discussing ethical issues. Offers are based on your interview score and route, with ties broken by UCAT.
Merra is not affiliated with any medical school, the Medical Schools Council, the GMC or UCAS.
Merra: practise it out loud before it counts
Merra's St Andrews practice is a spoken, MMI-style mock: five questions, one follow-up each, about fifteen minutes, then spoken feedback and a written report. The role-play station is practised as a 'what would you say to them' question; there is no actor and no four-station circuit.
- 1Sign up free — no card, 2 free coaching sessions available until used.
- 2Practise out loud — answer unseen questions across the areas this school assesses.
- 3Get readiness feedback — see what worked and what to fix, with a recording and transcript.
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Practise the St Andrews medicine interview
An AI interviewer runs a spoken mock across the talking stations, pushes once with a follow-up, then scores you on the areas your school actually assesses.
Practise the St Andrews medicine interview2 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · no subscriptionThe interview process
- 1Hurdle-based selection (not scored): a strong academic record, a positive reference and relevant medically related work experience. Applicants who clear the hurdles are ranked on UCAT global score.
- 2Around 650 applicants are interviewed. Invitations are emailed from November to March; interviews take place in early December and then in January, February and March.
- 3For 2026 entry: home applicants interview in person in St Andrews; applicants of all other fee statuses interview online. Signed photo ID (passport, driving licence or ID card) must be sent in advance and brought; a child's passport alone is not accepted.
- 4The interview: usually four mini interviews at different stations, about six minutes each. Communication and interpersonal skills are assessed at every station.
- 5At least one station is a role play with an actor. You are expected to show an understanding of medicine as a career and the realities of a caring profession, and you may also be assessed on critical thinking, reflection and discussing ethical issues.
- 6Offers are based on interview score and route, with ties broken by UCAT. Decisions come via UCAS, mostly in line with UCAS deadlines, and UCAS Track includes some feedback for unsuccessful applicants.
Interview questions
St Andrews publishes its format and what it assesses but not its questions. The practice questions below are Merra's, written to the four things St Andrews names; they are not St Andrews' own. The actor role play is practised as a spoken talk-through.
“What's the least appealing part of a medical career you've seen, and why are you still here?”
“Tell me about a time caring for someone was boring or unpleasant. What kept you doing it well?”
“A patient in a waiting room says they're thinking of just going home because nobody's telling them anything. What do you say to them, word for word?”
“A relative is upset that their father has been moved to a different ward without them being told. Talk to them.”
“Explain to a patient why you're asking about their alcohol intake when they've come in with a sore knee.”
“Tell me about a time you had to build trust with someone quickly.”
“A headline says a new diet 'cuts heart disease by 30%'. What would you want to know before believing it?”
“What did your work experience teach you about yourself, not about medicine?”
“A patient with capacity wants to leave hospital against medical advice. What are the issues, and what would you say?”
“Why St Andrews, given that you'll finish your training at a partner medical school?”
Pricing
FAQs
What is the format of the St Andrews medicine interview?
Usually four mini interviews at different stations, each about six minutes, with communication and interpersonal skills assessed at every one and at least one station a role play with an actor.
How does St Andrews choose who to interview?
A hurdle-based first stage (strong academic record, positive reference, relevant medically related work experience), then ranking on UCAT global score. Around 650 applicants are interviewed.
Is the St Andrews interview in person or online?
For 2026 entry, home applicants interview in person in St Andrews and all other fee statuses interview online.
When are St Andrews medicine interviews?
Early December, then January to March, with invitations emailed from November.
How does St Andrews decide offers?
On interview score and route, with ties broken by UCAT. Decisions come via UCAS, and UCAS Track includes some feedback for unsuccessful applicants.
Official information
More medical school interview guides
Merra is not affiliated with any medical school, the Medical Schools Council, the GMC or UCAS. Merra’s feedback is advisory only — it is not a guarantee of any offer or admission outcome.
The medicine interview is spoken. Practise it that way.
Your first mock takes about 15 minutes: unseen questions, a follow-up, and feedback on what to fix. Free, no card.
Practise the St Andrews medicine interview2 free coaching sessions · available until used · no card needed · no subscription