MMI practice set: resilience and self-awareness

Checked 19 October 2026 against the sources listed at the end.

We wrote every scenario here ourselves. None is a real station, none is remembered from an actual interview, and each university sets its own criteria, so treat them as thinking practice rather than a forecast. The approach under each one is one strong way to organise your thinking, not the answer. Practise out loud, in your own words, and time yourself. Station formats are described by Adelaide University↗ (external link), UWA↗ (external link) and the University of Auckland↗ (external link), and UQ publishes a pre-interview briefing pack↗ (external link). For the standards doctors are held to, see the code of conduct that the Medical Board of Australia publishes, Good medical practice↗ (external link).

Some scenarios touch on stress and wellbeing. Anyone who is struggling, or who is worried about a friend, can phone Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800). In New Zealand, call or text 1737. For an emergency, dial 000 (111 in New Zealand).

Scenario 1: The bad mark

Prompt

You studied hard for an important test and received a mark far below what you expected. A friend who barely studied did better.

What it probes: Handling disappointment.

One strong approach

1. Allow yourself to feel disappointed.
2. Look at what happened: study methods, understanding, nerves.
3. Ask the teacher for feedback.
4. Make a specific plan and keep perspective.

Points worth reaching

• Do not compare unfairly.
• Focus on what you can change.
• Seek help early.

Common traps

• Blaming the test.
• Hiding the result.

One way an answer might sound (for Scenario 1, "The bad mark"; yours should be in your own words)

"I'd be honest that I'd feel disappointed, maybe a bit embarrassed, especially seeing a friend do better. I'd give myself a short time to feel that, then look at what happened. Did I misread the content, study in a way that didn't suit, or run out of time? I'd ask my teacher for specific feedback and look at the questions I lost marks on. Then I'd make a small plan, like practising those question types weekly, and check in after the next quiz. I wouldn't compare myself with my friend; I'd tell them congratulations and perhaps ask how they studied."

This is a worded example of one strong approach, not the answer. Notice the order: acknowledge, ask or look for facts, weigh the people involved, choose an action, and say what you would do next.

Scenario 2: Too many commitments

Prompt

You have exams, a part-time job and a sports final in the same fortnight. You are not sleeping well.

What it probes: Self-awareness and prioritising.

One strong approach

1. Notice the warning signs.
2. List the commitments and their deadlines.
3. Talk to the people involved about what can move.
4. Protect sleep and set small goals.

Points worth reaching

• Saying no is a skill.
• Ask for help before a crisis.
• Rest is part of work.

Common traps

• Doing everything until you collapse.
• Dropping everything at once.

Scenario 3: The mistake nobody noticed

Prompt

While working at a shop, you gave a customer too much change. The till will not show it until closing.

What it probes: Honesty and ownership.

One strong approach

1. Tell your supervisor straight away.
2. State what happened simply.
3. Offer to contact the customer if possible.
4. Suggest a check to prevent it.

Points worth reaching

• Own it early.
• Do not over-apologise.
• Learn from it.

Common traps

• Hoping it will not matter.
• Blaming the busy shop.

Scenario 4: A friend in difficulty

Prompt

A close friend seems low, has stopped attending activities and says they are fine. You are worried and exams are close.

What it probes: Care and boundaries.

One strong approach

1. Ask privately and listen without fixing.
2. Say what you have noticed.
3. Encourage them to speak to a trusted adult or helpline, and offer to go with them.
4. Look after yourself too.

Points worth reaching

• You are not their counsellor.
• If you believe they are at risk, involve an adult at once.
• Looking after yourself helps you help others.

Common traps

• Promising to keep a risk secret.
• Carrying it alone.

Scenario 5: A harsh critic

Prompt

A coach criticises you harshly in front of the team after a mistake.

What it probes: Composure.

One strong approach

1. Pause, breathe and listen to the content.
2. Take the useful part.
3. Later, ask to talk privately about how feedback is given.
4. Keep going in training.

Points worth reaching

• Separate tone from message.
• Raise it respectfully.
• Avoid reacting in the moment.

Common traps

• Storming off.
• Saying nothing and stewing.

Scenario 6: When you cannot fix it

Prompt

You volunteer at a hospice. A resident you have grown fond of passes away and you feel numb. The next shift starts soon.

What it probes: Coping and support.

One strong approach

1. Acknowledge your feelings.
2. Speak to a coordinator or colleague.
3. Use healthy habits such as talking, walking and rest.
4. Return when you feel ready.

Points worth reaching

• Grief is normal.
• Reaching out is professional.
• Supervisors expect it.

Common traps

• Pretending nothing happened.
• Withdrawing from everyone.

Want more? Our free sample shows how XScrubs practice works, and pricing lists what is included.

Not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the UCAT ANZ Consortium. Not affiliated with any university either. Always check the university's own page first.