How do I prepare for the early-phase MMI in one week?

With one week left, the plan is: two days on structure, three days on timed recorded practice with feedback, one day on tech and delivery, and a light final day. The early-phase MMI is 8 recorded stations on Acuity, about 1 hour and 15 minutes with a rest station in the middle, so every practice session should be recorded, timed and reviewed.

Days 1 and 2: structure

Learn one reliable shape for an ethical or interpersonal prompt: state the issue, name who is affected, weigh the options, commit to an action and say what you would do after. Practise it on ten prompts. Arvin Ardakani teaches this shape because it holds under pressure and sounds natural when it is rehearsed enough.

Days 3 to 5: recorded practice

Record two or three full stations a day against a clock. Watch each recording once for content and once for delivery. Ottawa’s published qualities, critical thinking, decision making, communication, interpersonal skills, compassion and teamwork, are your checklist. Get a person who marks honestly to review at least some of them: Arvin Ardakani marks recorded answers personally and mentors applicants at every step through ExperienceMED, with direct WhatsApp access: book an interview session.

Day 6: tech and delivery

Run the setup in Early-phase MMI tech setup, then record in your real location at your real time of day. Settle your eye line using What to wear and where to look in the early-phase MMI.

Day 7: stay light

One prompt, one recording, early night.

If your date is close, confirm it first: Early-phase MMI dates. For what the exam covers, see Early-phase MMI question types and example prompts.

Related: Ottawa medicine interview format, Early-phase MMI question types and example prompts, Early-phase MMI common mistakes. Arvin Ardakani marks recorded answers personally and mentors applicants at every step through ExperienceMED, with direct WhatsApp access: book an interview session.

Last reviewed 10 October 2026. Written by the ExperienceMED team. Reviewed by Arvin Ardakani, final-year medical student, 4th quartile on CASPer four times.