Interviewing Strategies:
Not all graduate programs interview, but be prepared for the
possibility, especially if you're applying for a slot in a particularly
competitive program or field. First, if you're asked to interview,
congratulate yourself! Only applicants who have made it to the short
list of finalists are asked to interview, as interviews are time
consuming and costly.
The purpose of the interview is to permit members of the department
to get a "look" at you. To meet you, the person. Sometimes applicants who seem like a perfect match on paper aren't so in real life. What do they want to know? Whether you have what it takes to succeed in graduate school and the profession, like maturity, interpersonal skills interest, and motivation. How well do you express yourself, manage stress, and think on your feet?
You'll have a chance to see the facilities and lab spaces as well
as ask questions. This is your interview too! You have the chance to
learn about the school, program, faculty, and students to determine if
it's the right match for you. During the interview, you should be
evaluating the program just as they are evaluating you.
What to Expect
Interview formats vary considerably. Some programs will request
applicants to meet for half of an hour to an hour with a faculty member and other interviews will be full weekend events with students, faculty and other applicants. Graduate school interviews are conducted by invitation but the expenses are nearly always paid for by applicants. In some unusual cases a program may assist a promising student with travel expenses, but it's not common. If you're invited to an interview, try your best to attend - even if you have to pay the travel expenses. Not attending, even if it's for a good reason, signals that you're not seriously interested in the program.
During your interview you'll talk with several faculty members as
well as students. You might engage in small group discussions with
students, faculty, and other applicants. Participate in discussions,
demonstrate your listening skills, but do not monopolize the
conversation. During your interviews, the interviewers may have read
your application file, but don't expect them to remember anything about you. Because the interviewer is unlikely to remember much about each applicant, be forthcoming about your experiences, strengths, and professional goals. Be mindful of the salient facts you wish to present.
How to Prepare
Learn about the program and faculty. Understand the training emphasis and faculty research interests
Review your own interests, goals and qualifications. Note what things make you a good match for the program. Be able to explain how your goals and qualifications match what the program has to offer
Take the perspective of faculty members. What can you contribute to their graduate program and research? Why
should they accept you? What skills do you bring that will help a professor advance in his or her research
Anticipate questions and rehearse potential answers
.
Not all graduate programs interview, but be prepared for the
possibility, especially if you're applying for a slot in a particularly
competitive program or field. First, if you're asked to interview,
congratulate yourself! Only applicants who have made it to the short
list of finalists are asked to interview, as interviews are time
consuming and costly.
The purpose of the interview is to permit members of the department
to get a "look" at you. To meet you, the person. Sometimes applicants who seem like a perfect match on paper aren't so in real life. What do they want to know? Whether you have what it takes to succeed in graduate school and the profession, like maturity, interpersonal skills interest, and motivation. How well do you express yourself, manage stress, and think on your feet?
You'll have a chance to see the facilities and lab spaces as well
as ask questions. This is your interview too! You have the chance to
learn about the school, program, faculty, and students to determine if
it's the right match for you. During the interview, you should be
evaluating the program just as they are evaluating you.
What to Expect
Interview formats vary considerably. Some programs will request
applicants to meet for half of an hour to an hour with a faculty member and other interviews will be full weekend events with students, faculty and other applicants. Graduate school interviews are conducted by invitation but the expenses are nearly always paid for by applicants. In some unusual cases a program may assist a promising student with travel expenses, but it's not common. If you're invited to an interview, try your best to attend - even if you have to pay the travel expenses. Not attending, even if it's for a good reason, signals that you're not seriously interested in the program.
During your interview you'll talk with several faculty members as
well as students. You might engage in small group discussions with
students, faculty, and other applicants. Participate in discussions,
demonstrate your listening skills, but do not monopolize the
conversation. During your interviews, the interviewers may have read
your application file, but don't expect them to remember anything about you. Because the interviewer is unlikely to remember much about each applicant, be forthcoming about your experiences, strengths, and professional goals. Be mindful of the salient facts you wish to present.
How to Prepare
Learn about the program and faculty. Understand the training emphasis and faculty research interests
Review your own interests, goals and qualifications. Note what things make you a good match for the program. Be able to explain how your goals and qualifications match what the program has to offer
Take the perspective of faculty members. What can you contribute to their graduate program and research? Why
should they accept you? What skills do you bring that will help a professor advance in his or her research
Anticipate questions and rehearse potential answers
.
During the Interview
-Remember your goals during your
interview: to convey your interest, motivation, and professionalism, and to
gather the information you need to determine if this is the graduate program
for you.
In meetings with graduate students try to ask questions to learn what they really think about their advisors and the program. Most students will be forthcoming - especially in one-on-one
conversations
Don't underestimate the potential influence of current graduate students. Present your best side because current graduate students may be in a position to help or hurt your application.
-Remember your goals during your
interview: to convey your interest, motivation, and professionalism, and to
gather the information you need to determine if this is the graduate program
for you.
In meetings with graduate students try to ask questions to learn what they really think about their advisors and the program. Most students will be forthcoming - especially in one-on-one
conversations
Don't underestimate the potential influence of current graduate students. Present your best side because current graduate students may be in a position to help or hurt your application.
