Graduate School Interviews

If you have been asked to come in for an interview, then congratulations on getting one step closer to being accepted into the program. The interview is the final evaluation stage in the graduate school application process. Thus, it is essential that you come prepared and leave a lasting impression on the interviewers. The purpose of the interview is to get to know the applicant more personally than what is displayed on paper. This is your chance to distinguish yourself from the other applicants and show the interviewer what makes you a better candidate than the other applicants. In other words, why should you be accepted into the program. Additionally, being granted an interview provides you with the opportunity to explore the campus and its facilities, meet professors and other faculty members, ask questions, and evaluate the program. During the interview process, you are not the only one being evaluated but you too are given the opportunity to evaluate the school and the program before you make a decision.

Because the interview is often viewed as a stressful experience and many students walk in unprepared and do not follow the proper etiquette involved in an interview, it is highly advised that you read through the following do’s and don’ts on an interview in order to have a better interview experience.

Healthcare Majors (other than Med School) click here for the SU Healthcare Graduate School Interview Guide.  Click here for more questions.

The Interview

Do:

Pre-Interview:
Be prepared.
Make a list of strengths, achievements, and recognitions received.
Know who your audience will be.
Conduct research on the school, graduate program, and faculty before the interview.
Find a list of common interview questions.
Practice answering questions with friends, family, and graduate school advisors.
Rehearse Answers.
Expect the unexpected questions.
Be ready to answer personal and thought-provoking questions.
Have enough rest the night before.

The Day of the Interview:
Arrive early (at least 15 minutes early).
Dress appropriately – Look neat and professional. (No Jeans, T-shirts, shorts, etc.).
Bring copies of your resume (or CV), papers, and/or presentations.
Relax.
Be yourself.
Be honest.
Be confident.
Be friendly.
Be polite. Shake hands with the interviewer or anyone else you meet during your visit.
Address the interviewer by their title and name (e.g. Dr. Smith).
Make eye-contact.
Be respectful and courteous.
Be alert and attentive.
Remember to have an appropriate body posture. Body language can express a lot of different moods so make sure you look interested.
Express your ideas and thoughts in a clear, intelligent, and straightforward manner.
Demonstrate your interest in the school and program in a passionate and enthusiastic manner. Let the interviewer know that you are really interested in attending their school without stating it directly.
Discuss your achievements.
Discuss your goals (career and graduate school goals).
Discuss flaws that exist on your academic record (without making excuses).
Be consistent in your answers. (Additionally, make sure your answers on the application are consistent with your interview answers.)
Ask intelligent questions. Knowledgeable and specific questions that show you have done your homework are a plus (e.g. questions about the school, program, or faculty).
Ask for clarification if you don’t understand the questions.
Sell yourself.

Post-Interview
Relax.
Remember to send a thank-you note/letter or email after the interview.
Stay Optimistic.
Use each interview experience to prepare for future interviews.

Don’t:

Pre-Interview:
Don't forget to do your research on the school, program and faculty.
Don't forget to prepare and rehearse answers.
Don't reschedule the interview unless if it is extremely necessary.

The Day of the Interview:
Be late.
Come unprepared.
Be nervous or worry. Remember to relax.
Forget the interviewer’s name.
Talk too much or too little.
Interrupt the interviewer.
Forget to smile.
Lie or exaggerate about your accomplishments.
Discuss negative information.
Make excuses for weaknesses.
Criticize yourself or other individuals.
Try to be funny.
Speak in slang.
Curse.
Take things personally.
Become emotional.
Act immature.
Talk about controversial or ethical issues (unless asked to).
Answer your cell phone (Turn it off before the interview or don’t bring it at all).
Answer yes or no only or make your answers too general. Make sure you give descriptive and elaborate answers.
Let your answers reflect what you think the interviewer wants to hear.
Forget to thank the interviewer before you leave.

Post-Interview:
Forget to send a thank you note or letter to everyone you met.
 

What questions can you expect?

Tell me about yourself.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
If you're not accepted into graduate school, what are your plans?
Why did you choose this career?
What do you know about our program?
Why did you choose to apply to our program? 
What other schools are you considering? 
In what ways have your previous experience prepared you for graduate study in our program?
Any questions? 
What do you believe your greatest challenge will be if you are accepted into this program?
In college, what courses did you enjoy the most? The least? Why?
Describe any research project you've worked on. What was the purpose of the project and what was your role in the project?
How would your professors describe you?
How will you be able to make a contribution to this field?
What are your hobbies?
Explain a situation in which you had a conflict and how you resolved it. What would you do differently? Why?
Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Tell me about your experience in this field. What was challenging? What was your contribution?
What are your career goals? How will this program help you achieve your goals?
How do you intend to finance your education?
What skills do you bring to the program? How will you help your mentor in his or her research?
Are you motivated? Explain and provide examples.
Why should we take you and not someone else?
What do you plan to specialize in?
What do you do in your spare time?
What can be determined about an applicant at an interview?
Why do you want to become a _____?
What other schools have you applied for?
Why did you get a poor grade in____?
Did you participate in any special projects in college?
Why do you think you are better suited for admission than your classmates?
What has been your most significant accomplishment to date?
Describe any research project you’ve worked on at Wartburg College.
What will you do if you are not accepted?
How do you rank among other students in your major at your school?
Have you ever worked with people, and if so in what capacity?
What made you apply to our school?
What are your weaknesses?
Describe your exposure to (subject) at Wartburg College.
If you are accepted to more than one school, how will you decide which to attend?
How do you see yourself ten years from now?
Can you explain why your admission test scores went up (down) when you took the test a second time?
What message would you like me to convey to the admission committee in your behalf?
What were your most favorite and least favorite courses in college?
Have you been interviewed or accepted at any other school?

Questions You Can Ask

There are two reasons to ask good questions. First, you should ask many questions during your graduate admissions interview so that you can gather the information that you need to determine if this is the right program for you. Remember that you are interviewing the graduate program - you must choose the program that is right for you. Second, of course, good questions impress admissions committees.

Ask away:
What characteristics are specific to this program and distinguish it from competitors?
Where are recent alumni employed? What do most students do after graduation?
What types of financial aid are offered? What criteria are used for choosing recipients?
Are there any scholarships or fellowships available? How do I apply?
Are there teaching opportunities, such as teaching assistantships and adjunct positions?
Do most students publish an article or present a paper before graduation?
What planned practical experiences are included in the program (e.g., internships)? Ask for examples of internship placements.
What is the relative importance of admissions test scores, undergraduate grades, recommendations, statements on applications, experience, and other requirements?
Does the department prefer applicants immediately out of undergraduate programs or do they prefer applicants with work experience? If they prefer or require experience, what kind of experience are they looking for?
How are mentoring and advising relationships established? Are advisors assigned?
How long do most students take to graduate? How many years of course work? How long do most students take to complete their dissertations?
Do most students live near campus? What is it like to live in this area as a graduate student (ask to other students)