Interview for Admission to the Pharm.D. Program

Interviews for 2024 Application Cycle

Fall Priority Interviews

  • Fall Interview Session I (Two Parts)
    • Part I: Interview Hour (Thursday, October 19, 2023; 7:30-8:30pm CST)
    • Part II: Interview Slot (Sunday, October 22, 2023; 2.5 Hour Slot CST)
  • Fall Interview Session II (Two Parts)
    • Part I: Interview Hour (Thursday, October 26, 2023; 7:00-8:00pm CST)
    • Part II: Interview Slot (Sunday, October 29, 2023; 2.5 Hour Slot CST)

Spring Interviews

  • Spring Interview Session I (Two Parts)
    • Part I: Interview Hour (Thursday, February 15, 2024; 7:00-8:00pm CST)
    • Part II: Interview Slot (Saturday, February 17, 2024; 2.5 Hour Slot CST)
  • Spring Interview Session II (Two Parts)
    • Part I: Interview Hour (Thursday, February 22, 2024; 7:00-8:00pm CST)
    • Part II: Interview Slot (Saturday, February 24, 2024; 2.5 Hour Slot CST)

Interview Details

Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)

What is an MMI?

MMI stands for multiple mini-interviews. Instead of sitting down with one or two individuals for the interview with a series of prepared questions, the MMI process leads you through 8 different MMI stations with one or two interviewers per station.

Each station will involve some type of scenario or activity that must be performed. Some of the stations will involve interacting one-on-one with the interviewer.

Other stations will involve interacting with an actor while the interviewer observes the interaction. Still others will involve two applicants interacting with each other with the interviewers observing.

Why MMI?

The purpose of the MMI is to assess non-cognitive qualities of interview candidates, such as:

  • Compassion
  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Ethical reasoning
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Motivation to become a pharmacist
  • Organizational efficiency
  • Problem solving
  • Relationship-building
  • Respect towards others
  • Teamwork

These qualities provide insights into a candidate’s interpersonal skills and professionalism during the interview process.

MMIs are NOT designed to evaluate specific knowledge about pharmacy or medications, but provide insights into the candidates’ thought processes and problem solving capabilities.

How do you prepare for an MMI interview?
  • Investigate information about the College of Pharmacy and its programs prior to interview day.
  • Practice giving timed responses to scenarios.
  • Understand the purpose of the MMI interview process.
  • Review current health care issues.
What to expect during an MMI interview?

The interview applicant will participate in 6 MMI stations. Each station will last 5 minutes, with 1-2 minutes between interview rooms. A break will be built into the MMI interview process. MMI interviews will be moderated by faculty, alumni and/or students affiliated with UT Austin College of Pharmacy.

Interview Day

Functions of Interview Day

Interview day serves two major functions:

  1. It allows the college to know and understand you as an individual. It adds a third dimension to the two-dimensional applicant who exists only in a file.
  2. It gives you the opportunity to learn the philosophies and personalities of the college by way of the faculty, staff and students.
Format

After you sign up for an appropriate time, be sure to remember which day and session you have chosen. Your session will be a 4-hour event.

Key Points
  • Do not underestimate the importance of the interview. The interviewers’ evaluations may tip the balance in the Admission Committee's deliberations.
  • You should be aware that you are being evaluated during your entire visit with us.
  • Awareness of the importance of the interview can induce anxiety in most students. A certain amount of anxiety is expected and understood by most interviewers.
  • Planning for the interview can reduce excessive anxiety.
  • We want your interview experience to be exciting, informative and memorable.
  • We are excited to welcome you to the UT Austin campus and show you what makes our college great!
Planning for the Interview

Etiquette
Interviews are initiated and arranged by the college. It is the candidate’s responsibility to respond to the interview invitation promptly. In the event of an irresolvable conflict, contact the college immediately.

Knowledge of the profession
Interviewees are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the current and future roles of pharmacists in the health care delivery system. Interviewees should be able to express thoughtful and insightful reasons for joining the profession of pharmacy.

Knowledge of the college
Interviewees are strongly encouraged to become familiar with general information about the college. We provide a hospitality suite hosted by current pharmacy students during the interview schedule. This gives interviewees an opportunity to meet with current students, get a flavor of the college, help ease anxiety, and ask those burning questions that only current pharmacy students can answer.

Attire
Interviewees typically wear a business suit for the interview, as this attire is most appropriate for the occasion. Overdressing (cocktail or party dresses) is as inappropriate as underdressing (jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes).

Punctuality
Arriving for the interview check-in on time is very important. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early in order to prevent tardiness. Interviewees should allow time for the unexpected (e.g., inclement weather or heavy traffic). In the event of an unavoidable delay, call the Student Affairs Office (512-471-1737) at the first opportunity.

Honesty
Interviewees should not try to “second guess” by responding with answers they think are wanted. Some interviewers play the “devil’s advocate.” When “I don’t know” is the honest reply, it should be used.

Responsiveness
Conversation is difficult if the candidate’s responses are limited to “yes” and “no.” Many questions are chosen intentionally to initiate dialogue.