Doctoral level interview questions?

Question

Hey there. I was invited to an interview for a doctoral program in School Psychology. As I understand it, there will be four professors asking me questions, and then I will have the opportunity to ask them questions. This is my first interview for a school. Any ideas about what questions I might be asked? Also, do you have any suggestions about the questions that I should ask?

One other question...I know this is silly, but is it a formal suit event, or more casual, yet professional attire?

Answer 1

It is casual, but they are also evaluating you so be sure that you're not *too* casual.

They'll probably ask you why you're interested in their program and how your research (or research interests) fits with their research. They will also be paying close attention to how you interact with both the faculty and the other applicants and current students (if the interview program has a time for such interactions to occur). Because these programs tend to be so small, they try to make sure everyone is a good fit. (At my program, at least, we're not allowed to ask where else you're considering or where you've applied, so that will vary by school.)

You should ask what responsibilities incoming students are given in the research process in various labs and how students are assigned to labs in the first semester. You should also ask if you are allowed to TA for the professor you've expressed an interest in working with or how students are assigned to TA positions (if that's applicable to your situation). This is important because in my program we do it randomly which really sucks if someone is assigned to TA for a neuro class but they're not familiar with neuro - it's just something you might want to know about if you have to choose between 2 programs. Just don't ask something that's easily available through the school's website or something that you should know (how may labs there are, what the professor you want to work with specializes in, how many students are accepted, etc.)

Just do your best and try to be as relaxed and as real as possible. As long as you're yourself, things will go well.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It's totally casual. Relax. The idea is to make sure you aren't some kind of nutball.

They will ask you where else you have applied, which professor you want to work with, why do you like and want to get a degree in School Psychology, whatever that is.

You should ask about the likelihood of your getting some financial support. Basically you should either be a TA or an RA, and it is far better to be an RA as often as possible.