Applying to Graduate Applying to Graduate SchoolSchoolSuccessful InterviewingSuccessful InterviewingIGSPP Presentation

University Programs, UCI Extension

OverviewOverviewWhat is the graduate school admission

interview?Who gets to interview?What is the format of the interview?How should you prepare?What should you do during the interview?What should you do after the interview?What else should I know?Body LanguageOvercoming NervousnessResources

What is the Graduate School What is the Graduate School Admission Interview?Admission Interview?An opportunity for you to

Impress the admissions committee Show that you are serious about

attending the school Learn more about the school,

program, faculty, and students• An opportunity for the school to

Learn more about you Market itself

Who Gets to Interview?Who Gets to Interview?

Some schools interview most or all of the applicants

Most schools select the top applicants for interviews

What is the Format of the What is the Format of the Interview?Interview?

Length of Time: Usually 30 minutes to an hour, but might be a several-hour social event

Interviewers: Usually a faculty member, but could also be an alum or student, or a panel of faculty

Location: Usually an office or conference room

Schedule: Usually Welcome>>Ice-breaker>> Questions>>Chance to Ask Questions>> Conclusion

How Should You Prepare?How Should You Prepare?

Learn as much as you can about the school, including reputation, curriculum, faculty, labs; visit the school if possible—Why?

Determine your objectives: Use your Statement of Purpose as a base How to show that you are a great

match for the program How to reinforce your strengths and

address your weaknesses

How Should You Prepare? How Should You Prepare? cont’dcont’dAnticipate possible questions and

prepare answers—See handoutPractice with mock interviewsGet enough sleep the night beforeEat a good meal before the interviewDress appropriatelyPrepare business cards, copies of

résumé, copy of application, program info

Arrive early

What Should You Do What Should You Do During the Interview?During the Interview?Show your confidence and

enthusiasm through eye contact, tone of voice, gestures

Be friendlyStay relaxedMonitor your language; avoid slangMonitor cultural differencesAnswer concisely and truthfully;

structure responses; don’t ramble; summarize long answers

What Should You Do What Should You Do During the Interview? cont’dDuring the Interview? cont’dListen carefully; “read” the

interviewerAssume interviewer(s) do(es) not

remember all your fileEmphasize your compatibility with

the programMake sure you do not contradict

your application and/or SoPAsk relevant questions—See

handout

What Should You Do What Should You Do After the Interview?After the Interview?As soon as possible, send a thank

you letterIf you have not been contacted

after a week or so, politely ask for an update on your status

Use your experience to prepare for later interviews

What Else Should I Know?What Else Should I Know?

Most people do not interview well (but may think they do)—preparation is the best way to do a great job

Be careful about informal encounters before or after the interview—anyone could evaluate you

Try to talk with graduate students in the program—a great source of information!

Body LanguageBody Language

Confidence not arrogance… Up to 65% of communication comes from non verbal cues. Do not…

◦ Slouch in your chair◦ Sit with legs crossed while shaking one leg or foot◦ Stare at the floor◦ Sit with arms folded across the chest

Do… Sit up straight Give eye contact Lean slightly forward to demonstrate interest Place your hands in your lap Show your enthusiasm. Nod and make positive gestures in

moderation Make sure you address all your interviewers. Smile and appear relaxed and confident

The 'Perfect' HandshakeThe 'Perfect' Handshake

Use the right hand A complete grip and a firm squeeze (but not too

strong); A cool and dry palm; Approximately three shakes, with a medium level of

vigor, Held for no longer than two to three seconds. Eye contact kept throughout Natural smile Appropriate verbal statement

Source: Prof. Geoffrey Beattie, University of

Manchester

Role PlayRole PlayImagine you are interviewing at your dream school for

admissions into your dream program. Work with a partner to answer

each of these questions. Monitor body language and provide feedback.

1. Tell me/us about yourself.

2. Provide an example of a time when you played a key leadership role in: an event/activity, a team work unit, or a project. Were you successful as a leader?

3. What are your career goals? How will our program

help you achieve this goal?

Overcoming NervousnessOvercoming NervousnessPrepare a mental list of all the positive traits

you possess a day or two before the interview.

Take deep breaths to relax before you step into the interview room

Recall the mental list of positive traits when you start to feel the nerves.

Look over your resume to distract you from nervousness/anxiety.

Do you have any questions Do you have any questions for us?for us?Interviewers usually ask if you have any questions for them at the

end

of the interview. Be careful not to ask questions which have already

been answered in the interview. Some possible questions ...

What do you consider the greatest strength of this program?

What makes a student successful in your program?  

Where do graduates of your program typically work?

What are your current research projects? What stages are these projects in? Do graduate students work on both your on-going research as well as their own more independent, but related, projects?

Source: Boise State University Career Center

ResourcesResourcesAbout.com: Interviewing for Graduate

School Admissions, http://gradschool.about.com/od/interviews/Graduate_Admissions_Interviews.htm

Amideast: Graduate Admissions Interview, http://www.amideast.org/educationusa/grad_study/qa.htm

How to Excel in a Graduate School Admission Interview, http://www.graduateadmissionessay.com/how-to-excel-in-a-graduate-school-admission-interview

Resources, cont’dResources, cont’dRichard Montauk, How to Get into the

Top MBA Programs, 4th ed. New York: Prentice Hall, 2007. 337-386.

GOOD LUCK!GOOD LUCK!