Getting Into Graduate
School:
The Admissions Interview
Melissa Lugo
Sean Cronin
What is the Purpose of
the Admissions Interview?
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The Interview gives admission committees an opportunity to
meet candidates and see the people behind the GPAs & GRE’s
scores
Gives them a chance to see you react under pressure, and
assess your verbal and non verbal communication
Ranges from half an hour with one or two faculty members to
a full day or more with meeting students and faculty
Activities might range from small group discussions to larger
group interviews and even social hours or parties
How do you prepare for
the Interview?
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Learn as much about the program as possible
Review the program’s description, department Web
site, and faculty Web sites.
Understand the program’s importance
Be aware of the faculty’s research interests.
Common Interview Questions
You Must be Prepared to
Answer!
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Why are you interested in our programs?
What do you know about our programs?
What are your career goals?
Why did you choose a career in psychology?
What are your research interests? Experiences?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your academic strengths? Favorite course & why?
What do you like best about yourself?
Who would you like to work with? Why?
Describe the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
What would be the topic of your research project?
Discuss your experiences in clinical settings.
Tell us about yourself
Do’s & Don’ts
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Don’t memorize answers
Do a few practice interviews with family, friends or in front of the
mirror
Don’t forget to ask questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the program, faculty and
students
Don’t chew gum!
Don’t accept a beverage if offered to you If you are feeling nervous
Do maintain eye contact with the interviewer
Don’t trash your current or previous academic institutions and their
instructors.
Do smile when appropriate and remain alert without appearing too
tense
Don’t try to show off
Don’t ever look at your watch
Cell Phones OFF or on silent
What Should I Wear?
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Physical Appearance, including both attire and grooming, will
influence perceptions made about you
Plan your interview outfit, try it on, be sure its clean and it fits.
Men
– A sport coat, slacks , a shirt and tie or a sweater
– Dressy Shoes
– Longer hair and a beard or moustache require special care to ensure a
well groomed look.
Woman
- Attractive but professional attire, such as a business suit or tailored
dress with sensible shoes
- Easy on the makeup ladies
Suggestion: Cover any tattoos and remove jewelry from any
piercing located anywhere other than the ears
Being Accepted
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Congratulations!
Your decision on whether to accept is due by April 15
Do not hold on to offers, if you do not plan on accepting
Each time you receive a new offer, decline your least preferred
offer
Consider your priorities, know what your accepting
– Financial aid, housing, assistantships
 Don’t be afraid to do some negotiating, because they’ve
decided they want you.
 Help them make it possible for you to accept by explaining any
financial limitations that might stop you from accepting their
offer.
Dealing with Rejection
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Allow yourself to feel upset, acknowledge your feelings, and
then move forward
Reassess your goals, Don’t give up!
Questions to ask yourself:
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Did you select schools carefully?
Did you apply to enough programs?
Did you complete all parts of each application?
Did you spend enough time on your essays?
Did you have research experience?
Did you have field experience?
Did you know your referees well, and did they have something to
write about?
– Were most of your applications to highly competitive programs?
WEB Resources
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Graduate and Professional School Admissions
http://www.wm.edu/career/04/GradSchool/ApplicationTimeline.rtf
 Overviews and Timetables
References
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Kuther, Tara (2003). The Psychology Majors
Handbook. Canada,Thomson Wadsworth. Pgs 190192
Spiegel, Patricia (2000). The Complete Guide to
Graduate School Admission Psychology, Counseling
and Related Professions. New Jersey, Lawrence
Associates.