2014-2015 APPIC (internship) interview thread

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4givr said:
Soooo I did something stupid.....

I went and started reading the forum of Phase II match from last year....

Now Im panicking. Perfectly wonderful applicants, with ridiculous numbers of interviews, didn't match, in either phase. My neurotic mind went straight to "If they didn't match, there is NO WAY you are gonna match..."

I need help getting out of it! Ahhhh!!!!
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Just do this. Think about the sites you ranked. Decide what you love about each of them. Picture being there and loving that. Repeat. Love the ones you're with. Each of them has something to love and learn from. There are good odds one will come through. Each one could be good. Focus on what is possible with each of them. Each one could be good. Repeat. Refocus. Mindfulness exercise and repeat.
 
bebe1986 said:
hi guys,
whilst we are waiting for matchday to come. Can someone answer this question?
What does fit mean? Is it already having clinical experience in the rotations the sites offer?
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Fit is a weird alchemy of interests, experience, and personality. Sites are juggling many variables of "fit" and so are you. It is an ineffable element of the Match and drives everyone crazy. Only the computer in Toronto knows for sure.
 
bebe1986 said:
hi guys,
whilst we are waiting for matchday to come. Can someone answer this question?
What does fit mean? Is it already having clinical experience in the rotations the sites offer?
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I think one component is have clinical experience in the site's rotations, but also career goals and/or a gap in your training in line with their opportunities. Think of it as, "I can offer you A and you have A; but you also have B and I want to learn B."
 
So my number 1 site interviewed approx 70 applicants for 7 spots and informed us they would notify students they did not rank. So, I'm guessing they are ranking about 8 per spot. I didn't receive a notification that I won't be ranked and I ranked them #1. I'm hoping that means I have a pretty decent chance of matching there.
 
Yes, in one week we will probably have our match results by now. I hope this week zips by because time has been as slow as molasses as of late.
 
ClinicStudent said:
So my number 1 site interviewed approx 70 applicants for 7 spots and informed us they would notify students they did not rank. So, I'm guessing they are ranking about 8 per spot. I didn't receive a notification that I won't be ranked and I ranked them #1. I'm hoping that means I have a pretty decent chance of matching there.
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It sounds like the odds could play to your favor 🙂. I hope my top choices rank me.
 
I don't really understand why some sites won't rank some of those they interviewed. Are they so sure of themselves that they don't fear Phase II? I found it aggrevating when one of my sites informed me that they won't rank me just a couple of days prior to rankings. I mean they selected people based on certain criteria to invite for an interview, they said during the interview that they would be happy with anyone they interviewed because we were all good, and then they decide not to rank?!! Thanks for making me spend all this money on travel/hotel/food...
 
Madkrisjazz said:
I don't really understand why some sites won't rank some of those they interviewed. Are they so sure of themselves that they don't fear Phase II? I found it aggrevating when one of my sites informed me that they won't rank me just a couple of days prior to rankings. I mean they selected people based on certain criteria to invite for an interview, they said during the interview that they would be happy with anyone they interviewed because we were all good, and then they decide not to rank?!! Thanks for making me spend all this money on travel/hotel/food...
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It does seem a bit puzzling from my perspective. I think it's more common than I would have thought, too. To me, not ranking someone is like saying that there is no way that they want you at their site. Like you'd have to do something especially heinous to not get ranked. But just going by some experiences of colleagues from last year, it sounds as if it's less severe than that. For instance, one colleague found out reasons from the TD for not being ranked, and the reasoning seemed...well, trivial isn't quite the word, but it just seemed like the site was just going to cull the bottom most people anyway?
 
DontDissTheDiss said:
It does seem a bit puzzling from my perspective. I think it's more common than I would have thought, too. To me, not ranking someone is like saying that there is no way that they want you at their site. Like you'd have to do something especially heinous to not get ranked. But just going by some experiences of colleagues from last year, it sounds as if it's less severe than that. For instance, one colleague found out reasons from the TD for not being ranked, and the reasoning seemed...well, trivial isn't quite the word, but it just seemed like the site was just going to cull the bottom most people anyway?
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Can you share what the reasons were?
 
Is there a stat that show likelihood of match by how many programs ranked you? It seems that number of interviews is more meaningless than I thought since sites do not rank all of the applicants they interview. My colleague who was not ranked by his number 1 felt the interview went well, and he is someone who is very professional, so I doubt he was inappropriate or anything like that. So puzzling.
 
Madkrisjazz said:
I don't really understand why some sites won't rank some of those they interviewed. Are they so sure of themselves that they don't fear Phase II? I found it aggrevating when one of my sites informed me that they won't rank me just a couple of days prior to rankings. I mean they selected people based on certain criteria to invite for an interview, they said during the interview that they would be happy with anyone they interviewed because we were all good, and then they decide not to rank?!! Thanks for making me spend all this money on travel/hotel/food...
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Did they give a reason?
 
People don't get ranked all the time. Sometimes they totally bomb the interview and were relatively low on the list anyway. Sometimes we find out more information from colleagues after the interview invite has been extended, etc. As a committee member, it's not all that puzzling. I've never seen a "do not rank" that was frivolous or did not make sense. Then again, I've been places where we don't go all that far into our rankings, so we really have no fear of Phase II.
 
psychrat said:
Did they give a reason?
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no reason. Just said they won't rank. All people I interviewed with replied to my thank you notes with very positive feedback. So this made absolutely no sense for me.
 
Psychwomen said:
Can you share what the reasons were?
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I'd prefer not to give specifics to protect the privacy of my colleague. What it seemed to come down to was mostly differences in opinion about how to handle certain aspects of a case. I do not believe my colleague bombed the interview at all (in fact, they did very very well with interviews in general and had 0 problems matching), but it seemed to be that issue of "fit" again. Based on the reasoning that the TD gave them, I was actually surprised they chose not to rank them based on the few reasons they did give.
 
Wow. My link to this site got screwed up and it wasn't making it clear to me there were new posts for the past week. I just thought everyone had gone underground to cope with waiting. But yay, you're all alive!

Thanks to the person who started the posts about weird interview questions. I was bummed I didn't get any really squirrelly ones, as I felt this would have made for some nice variety. I was most excited to be asked something along the lines of, "If someone got to know you, what would most annoy them about you?" Which is actually a really helpful question for the site when you think about it. I also had a question like, "Name 3 psychologists who have most influenced you and how." This wasn't really a weird question, but more of my biggest bomb by far. I could not for the life of me think of a single freaking psychologist. Total mind blank. In my head I was like, "Name someone! Just say any name! Say a professor! I can't think of one. Think of one of your textbooks! Can't picture them. Just make up any last name and put 'Dr.' in front of it!" Needless to say my answer was total BS (though I did manage to name 2 psychologists, and 1 M.D. who I managed to pass off as a psychologist).
 
aly cat said:
Distracted myself with some Valentine's Day baking too.. now the trick is seeing if I can resist eating all of the oreo truffles that didn't fit into the treat box....
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Feel free to send me some if the temptation becomes too great. I'm always happy to lighten the burden. 😉
 
I have a question to throw out there. Do you guys think that some sites "prerank" prior to interviews. Some applicants I met said their interviews were so bland and quick that they wondered if the sites just wanted to see applicants in person to make sure they were normal people. And if I'm not mistaken the APAGs workbook says something like "if you made it to the interview they want you, but they also want to make sure they can enjoy having you around for a whole year" so that kind of makes me wonder a little why they wouldn't rank every applicant.
 
whatWAISithinking said:
I have a question to throw out there. Do you guys think that some sites "prerank" prior to interviews. Some applicants I met said their interviews were so bland and quick that they wondered if the sites just wanted to see applicants in person to make sure they were normal people. And if I'm not mistaken the APAGs workbook says something like "if you made it to the interview they want you, but they also want to make sure they can enjoy having you around for a whole year" so that kind of makes me wonder a little why they wouldn't rank every applicant.
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Of course they're all different, but my current practicum assigns a number score to the written application prior to interviewing people. Then after interview, there's another number score added to that one which makes the ranking order (except for any unusual issues). The interview itself is not nearly weighted as heavily as the application. From what I could tell, it's like 90% app and 10% interview for them.
 
I am starting to become really really nervous now. I felt positive about everything after finishing up interviews but who knows. I know my school will not let me take part in the upcoming round of practicum applications this year. I asked, just in case, and they flat out said no, you can't apply. I guess I should take that as a good sign.

been telling my family members that I won't find out until March about my match results. I wanna surprise them with hopefully good news next Friday.
 
To all of you following this thread and participating in the Match this year: GOOD LUCK!
‎
Most sites are likely to have their rank orders in, and you do as well (right?).

As WisNeuro said it's logistics/ an ‎algorithm now. Just good 'ole math. It is what it is.

There's something to say about waiting one week, for one particular morning, when you know where or what, you will be doing...this March, July, or September. (WTW?!)

Best you can do is relax and enjoy your weekend...Happy Valentine's!

And have a wonderful President's Day!

Hang in there. 🙂‎
 
So did most people send thank you notes? I did not, mostly because several sites said not to send them. I'm wondering if maybe I should have...
 
jgg323 said:
So did most people send thank you notes? I did not, mostly because several sites said not to send them. I'm wondering if maybe I should have...
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I sent thank you emails to every site (just to the training directors). If a site had told me not, I would not have of course.
 
jgg323 said:
So did most people send thank you notes? I did not, mostly because several sites said not to send them. I'm wondering if maybe I should have...
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At this point it doesn't matter! Something like a thank you note shouldn't have mattered then either. Definitely not for ranking, that would be crazy and has been brought up many times on this thread that it's a nice thing to do but won't make a difference. Que sera, sera!
 
For what it's worth, I did not send thank you notes. The only time I sent a "thank you" was an email to a TD acknowledging my gratitude for being able to reschedule an interview time. That was a little different though.
 
What are people doing after receiving match results? Anyone taking the day off? I don't know if I'll be able to focus or be present for my clients (regardless of the news)..
 
I really can't take the day off. I missed so much of the semester due to traveling for interviews and this is a rather stressful time for students, so a lot of people are coming in. It would be nice though...
 
I scheduled the midterm for the class I am teaching that day, much easier than teaching.
 
MetaMuse said:
What are people doing after receiving match results? Anyone taking the day off? I don't know if I'll be able to focus or be present for my clients (regardless of the news)..
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Absolutely taking the day off and didn't schedule anything. I have no idea how it'll go or how I'll feel, so it seemed best to leave that day a giant black hole.
 
I took it off as well! If I get the news I want then I may go in anyways but I don't want to be around anyone when I find out!
 
WisNeuro said:
People don't get ranked all the time. Sometimes they totally bomb the interview and were relatively low on the list anyway. Sometimes we find out more information from colleagues after the interview invite has been extended, etc. As a committee member, it's not all that puzzling. I've never seen a "do not rank" that was frivolous or did not make sense. Then again, I've been places where we don't go all that far into our rankings, so we really have no fear of Phase II.
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How does one totally bomb an interview?

May be a stupid question, but I would like to know.

I had a few interviews where I thought I could have answered a question or two better, but I certainly don't think I bombed any…I hope lol
 
adsekhon said:
How does one totally bomb an interview?

May be a stupid question, but I would like to know.

I had a few interviews where I thought I could have answered a question or two better, but I certainly don't think I bombed any…I hope lol
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I think part of it can be odd or unprofessional behavior during the day, like interrupting people while they're talking, dominating the other applicants during group discussions, being too quiet, being too talkative. While it might seem like these are silly reasons to cut someone from ranking, this stuff is important. They want to know if they can work with you for a year and that you can easily fit into their community. This stuff is a lot more important than it may seem. I certainly saw some bad behavior during almost every one of my interviews, and you could see the negative reactions on the faces of the faculty and current interns.
 
healthpsych5 said:
I think part of it can be odd or unprofessional behavior during the day, like interrupting people while they're talking, dominating the other applicants during group discussions, being too quiet, being too talkative. While it might seem like these are silly reasons to cut someone from ranking, this stuff is important. They want to know if they can work with you for a year and that you can easily fit into their community. This stuff is a lot more important than it may seem. I certainly saw some bad behavior during almost every one of my interviews, and you could see the negative reactions on the faces of the faculty and current interns.
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I agree that there is an element of interpersonal "fit" that is probably only evident in interviews and could be or is a factor: for example, coming across as arrogant or not collaborative certainly could affect ranking for sites I know. Sometimes it is also clear that the candidate hasn't really understood aspects of the actual program and really doesn't want to do what the actual work is. A committee could feel, based on what is learned in the interview, that the candidate really would not be happy there. And if the intern isn't happy-enough with the experience everyone suffers--so it could be better for the site not to fill than to match with a candidate who wants something else.
 
On the topic of interpersonal fit, a good rule of thumb is not not come off as odd or unhappy. I didn't witness anything too bizarre this year, but last year at one of the sites I interviewed at there were a couple of people who made me raise my eyebrow. I remember one person asked some very odd, irreverent questions and made some strange comments. Such as how the color of the paint at the counseling center made them feel, of all things. Another person seemed really awkward talking about their training program--it was pretty clear they hated their program and where they lived. I've gone through some negative experiences during my training as well, but it's important in interviews to not badmouth your training or past experiences.
 
I'm a little bit late to the party, but going to throw in another: "wow, waiting is a struggle!" quip.

Anyways, we are getting pretty close.

I have been procrastinating more than usual this week, which has at least lead me to discover a couple of great recent films (Jim Jarmusch's Only Lover's Left Alive, and Xavier Dolan's Laurence Anyways). I've also been running, rock climbing, and spending quality time with friends when I'm not at work. Distractions do help the time go by, and decrease my obsession with the big match.

There's a few factors that make my top choice very appealing for me, so I'm trying to see the positive sides of alternatives, through journaling, lists, and a couple of coping statements. I am in a program that also has non-APPIC sites (actually, that is the typical route for my program, which 90% of clinical students take rather than applying to APPIC) in the city of the program (in fact, no APPIC sites around here). So, I recognize that I am lucky to have a back-up if I don't match. But, now that I am invested in APPIC and APPIC-related outcomes, I would be quite disappointed not to match.

As for match day, I've booked a massage for the afternoon. I figure I could use it either way.
 
As others have said, it's more about very odd and unprofessional behavior. We don't care as much if people don't have the "perfect" answer to all interview questions. It's more if they do things that make them appear very arrogant, say something offensive, etc. Pretty much doing something that most normal people would know not to do during an interview.
 
WisNeuro said:
As others have said, it's more about very odd and unprofessional behavior. We don't care as much if people don't have the "perfect" answer to all interview questions. It's more if they do things that make them appear very arrogant, say something offensive, etc. Pretty much doing something that most normal people would know not to do during an interview.
Click to expand...

At one of my interviews, I was making casual conversation with another interviewee and asked what she thought of the site. Loudly, and therefore now within earshot of the current interns, she said, "well, I want it but I'm obviously going to get it so I'm not worried. There's no competition here." The interns looked at her, then at each other, then at her name tag again. That poor girl.. Confidence is one thing, but that was just weird.
 
I'm seeing patients and have supervision on match day. I'm ready to accept whatever comes my way.
 
AppsAintNoThang said:
At one of my interviews, I was making casual conversation with another interviewee and asked what she thought of the site. Loudly, and therefore now within earshot of the current interns, she said, "well, I want it but I'm obviously going to get it so I'm not worried. There's no competition here." The interns looked at her, then at each other, then at her name tag again. That poor girl.. Confidence is one thing, but that was just weird.
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Wow. That's really bad!! What did you say to her when she said that? I wouldn't even know how to respond to that, lol.

As others have said, when sites choose not to rank somebody, it seems like it's something pretty bad (this is based on a few sites I am acquainted with). A person could look very good on paper, and then come in and not be able to answer any questions, almost as if they paid somebody to write their essays and cover letter for them. I would imagine they wouldn't get ranked. Or just arrogant behavior during the interview or like in the example above, cocky behavior in front of others (e.g., current interns). I know it varies among sites, but I think it's best to err on the side of caution and assume that the current interns are going to report back to the TD. As a current intern, if I'm doing a Q & A with interviewees, and something bizarre is said (like in the example above), I'm definitely going to tell my TD about that, and my TD would be very grateful I did so. If a person makes others cringe after spending 20 minutes with them, no TD is going to want to spend an entire year with them.
 
siamesekitten said:
Wow. That's really bad!! What did you say to her when she said that? I wouldn't even know how to respond to that, lol.

As others have said, when sites choose not to rank somebody, it seems like it's something pretty bad (this is based on a few sites I am acquainted with). A person could look very good on paper, and then come in and not be able to answer any questions, almost as if they paid somebody to write their essays and cover letter for them. I would imagine they wouldn't get ranked. Or just arrogant behavior during the interview or like in the example above, cocky behavior in front of others (e.g., current interns). I know it varies among sites, but I think it's best to err on the side of caution and assume that the current interns are going to report back to the TD. As a current intern, if I'm doing a Q & A with interviewees, and something bizarre is said (like in the example above), I'm definitely going to tell my TD about that, and my TD would be very grateful I did so. If a person makes others cringe after spending 20 minutes with them, no TD is going to want to spend an entire year with them.
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There was a split second where I desperately tried to search my brain for a way to get her out of what she had said. After all, I had started it by asking the question! But I couldn't come up with anything, so I half-laughed, said "good luck!" and asked another question to an intern. 8 hours of interviewing day after day can make us say some dumb things.
 
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