Console a Peer Who Didn't Get In
MMIMediumRole Play & Communication · 7 minSelf-marked
How to use this: start the timer and answer the question out loud (or type it). Then grade yourself 0–3 on each skill with a note of your evidence — exactly as our examiners do. Hit Reveal benchmark & score to see what a model answer scores and how you compare. Everything saves to your browser automatically.
Answer timer
7:00/ 7 min suggested
1
Answer the question
Console a Peer Who Didn't Get In
A close friend has just been rejected from their first-choice medical school. Console them.
Likely follow-ups
1
What do you say in the first 30 seconds?
2
What do you NOT say?
3
How would you check in afterwards?
Your answer
Speak it out loud and we'll type it for you (free), or type your own notes — then mark yourself below.
Resources & frameworks
- SPIKES for breaking bad news: Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Strategy.
- Listen → empathise → check understanding → agree a plan together. Calm voice, no jargon.
What strong answers doReveal the benchmark
Hidden so they don't bias your answer. Score yourself first, then reveal them to compare.
- Acknowledge before advising. 'I'm so sorry, that's really painful' beats 'You'll get in next time'.
- Avoid 'silver-lining' statements early - they often feel dismissive in the moment of grief.
- Plan a check-in for later. Single conversations rarely resolve big disappointments.
2
Mark yourself
Score each skill against the rubric, then add a line of evidence. Scale:
0Not shown1Limited2Good3Excellent
Quick mark:Completion: 0%
Empathy
0/3Emotion-centred
Communication
0/3Doesn't rush
Self-awareness
0/3Knows what doesn't help
Resilience
0/3Holds friend's grief
3
Reflect & score
What would you change next time?
Your overall score / 10
Total: 0/12(Core 0/6 • Extra 0/6 • Score 0/10)
Saved to your browser