Download“Why have you applied here?” is common in panel interviews and appears in many MMIs too. The interviewer is checking two things: that you know what their course is actually like, and that it suits the way you learn.
What to research
- The teaching style. Is it problem-based learning, case-based, traditional lectures, or integrated? What does that mean for a typical week?
- When patient contact starts, and how much there is in the early years.
- Dissection or prosection for anatomy, if anatomy teaching matters to you.
- Intercalation: whether it is optional or built in, and what options exist.
- Where placements happen, for example in cities, rural areas or district hospitals, and the communities the school serves.
- Anything distinctive: a particular research strength, a widening participation scheme, a special study module, or a community placement.
The school’s own website, course handbook and open-day talks are the best sources. Talk to current students if you can.
A structure
- One or two features of the course, named specifically.
- Why they suit you, with evidence from how you learn or what you have done.
- One thing about the place, such as the population it serves or the hospitals and practices you would train in, and why that matters to you.
“The main reason is the case-based learning. In my EPQ I found I learn best when I start from a real problem and work backwards to the science, so a course built around patient cases suits me. I am also drawn by the early clinical contact from the first year, because my care home volunteering showed me how much I learn from actually talking to people. And the placements across both city and rural practices would show me very different health needs.”
What to avoid
- League tables and reputation. Every school hears it, and it says nothing about you.
- The nightlife or the city as your main reason.
- Facts you cannot explain. If you mention problem-based learning, be ready for “What do you think the downsides of that are?”
- Getting the details wrong. Mentioning another school’s course feature is an easy mistake when you have applied to four. Make notes per school.
Frequently asked questions
How do I answer “Why this university?” for medicine?
Name one or two specific features of the course, such as the teaching style or early clinical contact, and explain with evidence why they suit how you learn.
Should I mention rankings in my interview?
Best avoided. Rankings say little about why the course suits you. Focus on the teaching, placements and opportunities.