The Multiple Mini-Interview as an Admission Tool for a PharmD Program Satellite Campus

Abstract

Objective. To assess the multiple mini-interview (MMI) as an admission tool for a satellite campus. Methods. In 2013, the MMI was implemented as part of a new admissions model at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. From fall 2013 to spring 2015, 73 candidates were interviewed by 15 raters on the satellite campus in Asheville, North Carolina. A many-facet Rasch measurement (MFRM) with three facets was used to determine the variance in candidate ratings attributable to rater severity, candidate ability, and station difficulty. Candidates were surveyed to explore their perceptions of the MMI. Results. Rasch measures accounted for 48.3% of total variance in candidate scores. Rater severity accounted for 9.1% of the variance, and candidate ability accounted for 36.2% of the variance. Eighty percent of survey respondents (strongly) agreed that interviewers got to know them based on questions they answered.Conclusion. This study suggests that the MMI is a useful and valid tool for candidate selection at a satellite campus.