What are the early-phase MMI dates?

The early-phase MMI is Acuity Insights’ recorded video interview for the Ottawa and Queen’s MD programs, and it runs once a cycle, in mid October. Applicants are contacted in early October, shortly after the OMSAS deadline, with instructions to schedule, and Acuity asks you to register at least 3 days before your chosen sitting. This cycle’s October sittings have passed, and Acuity has not posted next cycle’s dates. If your interview is still ahead, it is a school’s own MMI or panel interview, which follows that school’s schedule.

What happens now?

For Ottawa, interview invitations come from a rank-order list built from CGPA, early-phase MMI score and Autobiographical Sketch score. Interviews are typically held between February and March: a semi-structured panel interview of about 40 minutes with two Admissions Committee members and a fourth-year medical student. Read the Ottawa medicine interview format and see the Interview program to prepare for that stage.

How do you book next cycle?

Ottawa states that applicants who successfully submit an application are contacted in early October with instructions to schedule, and that only successfully submitted applicants can pick a date. Acuity states to register at least 3 days ahead to allow for identity verification and payment processing. Last-minute bookings are not recommended. If you need accommodations, request them at least 2 weeks before your sitting; see early-phase MMI accommodations.

Which slot should you pick?

Pick the one that gives you a full, quiet 1 hour and 15 minutes plus a margin. Arvin Ardakani suggests choosing the sitting at the time of day you speak best, and not the one that leaves you the fewest practice days, unless you have no choice.

What if none of the dates work?

Acuity states that exceptions will not be provided for applicants who are unable to take the early-phase MMI during one of the available test dates. Plan around the mid-October sittings as soon as you submit your OMSAS application.

Acuity describes the format (about 1 hour and 15 minutes, 8 stations and a rest station) as tentative and subject to change, so check the dates page before you book.

Related: Ottawa medicine interview format, How to prepare for the early-phase MMI in one week, Early-phase MMI accommodations. Arvin Ardakani marks recorded answers personally and mentors applicants at every step through ExperienceMED, with direct WhatsApp access: book an interview session.