Getting Into Graduate School

1
Getting Into Graduate School

• The Admissions Interview
• Melissa Lugo
• Sean Cronin

2
What is the Purpose of the Admissions Interview?

• The Interview gives admission committees an
  opportunity to meet candidates and see the people
  behind the GPAs GREs 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

3
How do you prepare for the Interview?

• Learn as much about the program as possible
• Review the programs description, department Web
  site, and faculty Web sites.
• Understand the programs importance
• Be aware of the facultys research interests.

4
Common Interview Questions You Must be Prepared
to Answer!

• 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 youre most proud of.
  
• What would be the topic of your research project?
• Discuss your experiences in clinical settings.
• Tell us about yourself

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Dos Donts

• Dont memorize answers
• Do a few practice interviews with family, friends
  or in front of the mirror
• Dont forget to ask questions
• Prepare some thoughtful questions about the
  program, faculty and students
• Dont chew gum!
• Dont accept a beverage if offered to you If you
  are feeling nervous
• Do maintain eye contact with the interviewer
• Dont trash your current or previous academic
  institutions and their instructors.
• Do smile when appropriate and remain alert
  without appearing too tense
• Dont try to show off
• Dont ever look at your watch
• Cell Phones OFF or on silent

6
What Should I Wear?

• 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

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Being Accepted?

• 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
• Dont be afraid to do some negotiating, because
  theyve 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.

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Dealing with Rejection?

• Allow yourself to feel upset, acknowledge your
  feelings, and then move forward
• Reassess your goals, Dont give up!
• Questions to ask yourself
• 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?

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WEB Resources

• Graduate and Professional School Admissions

http//www.wm.edu/career/04/GradSchool/Application
Timeline.rtf

• Overviews and Timetables

http//gradschool.about.com/od/overviewtimetable/
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References

• Kuther, Tara (2003). The Psychology Majors
  Handbook. Canada,Thomson Wadsworth. Pgs 190-192
• Spiegel, Patricia (2000). The Complete Guide to
  Graduate School Admission Psychology, Counseling
  and Related Professions. New Jersey, Lawrence
  Associates.