Grad School Interview Tips!

by Cassidy White (2022-2023 Campus Representative Coordinator) 

As the cycle of graduate school applications are now submitted, it’s time for the best part – interviews! In this post you will find some tips and resources for a successful graduate school interview. 


Do your research

• Make sure you have a good understanding of the school and how each program works
• Read up on recent publications the mentor you’re applying to has published 
• Prepare a list of who you could be potentially interviewing with. This includes both professors and graduate students

Have questions prepared

• Faculty:
  • How would you describe your mentoring style?
  • How does one earn authorship in this lab?
  • What are the current projects in the lab and where do you expect the lab to go?
  • What do you think makes a student successful in this program? 
• Students:
  • How does funding work? Is there guaranteed summer funding?
  • Can you tell me what it’s like to live in_______?
  • Do you feel like you can live comfortably in ______?
  • What areas are the best for grad students to live?
  • What is it like to work with this mentor?
  • What kinds of support/resources are there for underrepresented groups? What is the DEI climate like? 
  • How cooperative vs competitive are the students in this program? Prepare for common questions 
    • Tell me about yourself?
      • Be sure to highlight what is unique about yourself and why do you stand out compared to others interviewing for the same spot?
• Why did you choose this school/ particular advisor?
  • Be specific! This is where your initial research will come in. 
• What is your specific area of research and why?
• What are your career goals? 
• What are your hobbies and interests?
  • Remember, most places have read your CV and now they are interested in really getting to know who you are as a person!
• Describe a project you would like to complete while you are here.

Be confident!

• Whether your interview is virtual or in-person, the days can be very long. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and breathe

Be yourself!

Don’t forget that you worked hard and were chosen to interview at this school. You got this! 

Always follow up with a thank you note/email

Resources:
 
Dr. Mitch Prinstein has an EXCELLENT handbook with all things related to clinical psychology. Section three: I just got an interview for a clinical psychology doctoral program – What do I do?! 
 
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2017/02/MitchGradSchoolAdvice.pdf
 
Practice mindfulness during breaks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-6f5wQXSu8