So, you’ve got interview invites from the universities you applied to—congrats! 🎉 That means they see potential in you, and now it’s time to show them why you’re the perfect fit.
Interviews can feel intimidating, but don’t worry—I’ve got you! Let’s break it down step by step.
You and Your Feelings
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about interviews. After all, you're meeting strangers who have a say in your future—no pressure, right?
And if you're an introvert (like me), the struggle is real. We can be the funniest, bubbliest people in the right setting, but the second we have to talk to a stranger? Suddenly, the wall in front of us becomes way more interesting.
If you're feeling anxious, just know that everyone else probably is too—even the most confident-looking people in the room. The key is learning how to manage those nerves so they work for you instead of against you.
Here’s a fun fact: when you're nervous, your body pumps more blood to your brain, making you think faster. So in a way, your nerves are actually helping you ace this! 💡
Interview Prep: What to Expect
Most pharmacy schools (and other healthcare programs) use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)—a series of short stations designed to test different skills and qualities.
Some questions are predictable:
- Why do you want to study pharmacy?
- Why did you choose this university?
Others? Not so much. Universities love throwing in tricky questions or ethical dilemmas to see how you think rather than just what you know.
So how do you prepare?
👉 Know the professional framework
Every healthcare profession has regulatory bodies that outline the key skills and values expected of practitioners. For pharmacy, it's the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council), which focuses on things like:
- Patient-centered care
- Being a scholar (lifelong learning mindset)
- Leadership and teamwork
- Take some time to read up on these. That way, when you're faced with an ethical dilemma, you can refer back to these principles to guide your response. This not only shows that your values align with the profession but also demonstrates your genuine interest in the field.
👉 Practice answering questions
Websites like The Student Room or What Uni often have lists of common MMI questions. Practice answering them out loud or with a friend. Even if you don’t get the exact same questions in your interview, this helps you get comfortable with structuring your answers.
On the Day of the Interview
🚨 Reality check: Everyone in that room is nervous. Even the interviewers expect you to be! What matters is how you handle your nerves.
If you get stuck on a question:
✅ Take a breath. It’s okay to pause and think.
✅ Ask them to repeat or clarify the question if needed.
✅ Structure your answer logically—don’t rush!
Before you walk in:
✨ Do some deep breathing exercises to calm yourself.
✨ Remind yourself: I’ve worked hard to get here. I’ve done my best. Now, whatever happens is out of my hands.
✨ Remember, if things don’t go as planned, maybe there’s a better path waiting for you.
Now go in there, be yourself, and show them how amazing you are. If you stumble? No big deal. You’ve got this! 💪
Wishing you all the best! 💖