Graduate School Bound Program

Module #6 Enrichment & Experience

Presented by:Amanda Carpenter, M.S.

Coordinator for Career Development Services &Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute Internship

Program

Graduate School Bound Program Objectives

• To provide undergraduate CI students with assistance in the exploration and preparation process for graduate school through a series of online self-guided modules

• To connect undergraduate CI students with the resources provided by Career Development Services

Module #6 Learning Objectives

1. To identify a strategy to implement during a graduate school mock interview.

2. To outline a preparation technique to get ready for a graduate school interview.

3. To list goals to strengthen your skills to be a competitive applicant to a graduate program.

Agenda

• Graduate School Interviews Overview• Mock Interview Practice• Strategies for Becoming a

Competitive Applicant• Goal Setting Activity

Graduate School Interview Invitations for Finalists: • Not all graduate programs interview, but be prepared for the

possibility. First, if you're asked to interview, congratulate yourself! Only applicants who have made it to the short list of finalists are asked to interview, as interviews are time consuming and costly.

• The purpose of the interview is to– allow members of the department to meet you in-person to

assess your ability to succeed in graduate school. – Evaluate your success in the profession, like maturity,

interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation. How well do you express yourself, manage stress, and think on your feet?

• It is an opportunity for you to see the facilities and ask questionsRemember: This is your interview too! You have the chance to learn

about the school, program, faculty, and students to determine if it's the right match for you. During the interview, you should be

evaluating the program just as they are evaluating you.

What to Expect• Time Frame: Interviews vary depending on the

program. Some will request to meet for half of an hour others will be a full weekend.

• Expenses: Almost always paid for by the applicant, it’s uncommon for the program to pay for your travels.

• Meet Faculty: Engage in meeting with faculty members as well as students.

• Participate: Be active in discussions, demonstrate listening skills, but do not monopolize the conversation.

• Be Assertive: Since the interviewer may not remember your application file, don’t expect them to remember anything about you. Be forthcoming about your experiences, strengths, and professional goals.

How to Prepare• Learn about the program and faculty. Understand

the training emphasis and faculty research interests.• Review your own interests, goals, and qualifications.

Note what things make you a good match for the program. Be able to explain how your goals and qualifications match what the program has to offer.

• Take the perspective of faculty members. What can you contribute to their graduate program and research? Why should they accept you? What skills do you bring that will help a professor advance in his or her research?

• Anticipate questions and rehearse potential answers• Prepare relevant questions to ask

Before the 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• Get plenty of 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• Be confident and sell yourself• 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 alert and attentive. • Express your ideas and thoughts in a clear, intelligent, and

straightforward manner.• Discuss your achievements and goals• Discuss flaws that exist on your academic record (without

making excuses).

Questions to Ask During Interview

• You should ask many questions during the graduation admissions interview to gave information that you need to determine the right program for you. You will want to:– Gather information– Ask questions to demonstrate research– Determine an appropriate program fit

Graduate School Interview Questions

• 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?• 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?

Graduate School Interview Questions

Continued…..• How will you be able to make a contribution to this field?

• 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?

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

The Characteristics of a Competitive Candidate

• Grade-point average (GPA)– 3.0 is often the minimum, but average GPAs of graduate

students are often much higher.  Some programs weigh grades in specific courses more heavily. For example, in medical school performance in science prerequisites counts heavily.  Check with each school to ensure you meet their minimum requirements.

• Test Scores– Test type and score requirements vary by institutions and

program.  Typically there are minimum scores you must obtain to be considered, but again, average scores of the students in the program are often much higher. 

– Some programs place more emphasis on particular sections of the test (for example, quantitative versus verbal).  Other programs use standardized tests to weed out uncommitted applicants.  Be sure to check each program of interest for specifics.

The Characteristics of a Competitive Candidate

Continued…• Relevant Experience

– Experience gained through internships, fieldwork, a practicum, volunteering, shadowing, independent studies, research, and so forth is often a deciding factor.

• Who You Know – References and effective networking with faculty

and staff members can sometimes move your application to the top of the stack.  Look for any opportunity to make contacts at your home institution, at institutions of interest, and in your field of interest.

Goal Setting Activity

• Set 3 goals to help you to become a more competitive applicant for a graduate program.

• What are the gaps in your application? GPA, GRE scores, practical experience, research experience, internships, etc.?

• How can you address the gaps to be more competitive?

Graduate School Bound Survey

See Supplemental Document Section for Survey Link

Questions on this Module?

Preparing for graduate school is a multi-staged process.

Visit Career Development Services during Drop-In Career Counseling to get your questions answered. Every Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Career Development CenterBell Tower 1548career.services@csuci.edu(805) 437-3270