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If you're like most pre-meds, preparing for an MMI can feel daunting—especially the acting stations. These stations test more than your medical knowledge; they evaluate how you navigate human emotions under pressure. But here’s the good news: you might already have the tools to succeed.

In an acting station, you'll interact with a trained actor playing someone in distress, frustration, or another intense emotion. It might be a nervous colleague afraid of flying, an angry patient, or even a family member in an ethical dilemma. Your job? Stay calm, adapt, and connect with empathy.

Sounds intimidating, right? But you’ve been preparing for this without realizing it.

Think Less Like a Doctor, More Like a Friend

One of the most common mistakes is approaching these stations with a "fix-it" mindset, trying to solve the problem too quickly. But here’s a counterintuitive truth: what MMI graders often look for is how well you listen, not how fast you find a solution.

Instead of rushing to resolve their issue, ask thoughtful questions. Acknowledge their feelings. Yes, this seems like simple advice, but it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of communication. You’re not just managing a scenario; you’re connecting with a person. Don’t do all the talking—ask questions and keep searching for more information to help them.

Channel Your Inner Improv Actor

Another unexpected tip? Think like an improv actor. MMI stations are unpredictable, and there’s no perfect script to follow. The key is to go with the flow and be adaptable.

Use the “yes, and” technique from improv, which means building on what the other person says instead of shooting down ideas. For example, if the actor expresses fear, you could validate it and say, “It’s understandable that you’re scared, but let’s see what we can do together to ease that.” By staying open and flexible, you’ll come across as collaborative and thoughtful.

It’s Okay to Not Have All the Answers

If you're worried about not knowing how to solve the problem, remember this: MMI graders don't expect you to be perfect. They expect you to navigate uncertainty. Sometimes, the best response is acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers but are committed to finding a solution.

Your goal isn’t to fix the situation immediately; it’s to show that you care and are willing to work through it. This attitude can make you stand out more than any perfect, polished answer.

A Simple Framework for Acting Stations

If you feel overwhelmed, here’s a framework you can rely on for any acting station:

1. Acknowledge the Emotion: Reflect back what the person is feeling. “I can see that this situation is making you nervous.”
2. Ask Questions: Explore their concerns further. “Can you tell me more about why you’re feeling this way?”
3. Offer Support, Not Solutions: You don’t have to “fix” everything. Sometimes, just offering to be there for them is enough. “I’m here to help in any way I can, even if we have to work through this together.”
4. Stay Calm: Your ability to stay composed under pressure will go a long way.

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You don’t need to be an expert in handling these scenarios overnight. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at reading the room, staying flexible, and responding with genuine empathy.

Remember, MMIs aren’t about finding the “right” answer. They’re about showing who you are in unscripted moments—someone empathetic, thoughtful, and adaptable. And trust us, those are exactly the qualities admissions committees are looking for.