Advice for preparing for DPT interview

[lillycat11]

Hello,
I am really anxious waiting to hear back from schools. I applied to 8 and I want to be prepared for the interview. What experiences have you all had? What questions did they ask? What did you do to stand out? Do you have any advice, tips, or resources for preparation? I am so set on getting in as this is my second time applying and I have done so much in the past two years to prepare for this.
Thanks!!

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[deleted797640]

Hello,
I am really anxious waiting to hear back from schools. I applied to 8 and I want to be prepared for the interview. What experiences have you all had? What questions did they ask? What did you do to stand out? Do you have any advice, tips, or resources for preparation? I am so set on getting in as this is my second time applying and I have done so much in the past two years to prepare for this?
Thanks!!

Make sure your suit is tailored. Just be friendly and don't be stiff or fake. Answer the questions honestly don't feed them BS answers you think they want to hear answer their questions with your honest opinion or experiences this will help you stand out. Most importantly show them your passion for becoming a PT, a lot of students at my interview seemed nervous to show they were willing to do whatever it takes to become a PT. When preparing don't just study questions rather think back and reflect on your life about major experiences and situation which you can apply and twist to match any question they throw at you. Answer the questions elequantly but not robotically in a sense don't practice too much you want them to see that you have the ability to think on your feet.

I applied last year didn't get in, this year I got 1 interview so far and I took it and got in.

They asked me questions like

What do you think admissions should look at when accepting schools into the program?

Tell me about a time you encountered a difficult situation and then immediately after than you went through another tough time?

Tell me 3 things that happened to you in the last year and how you handled then and how did they change you as a person?

What do you think about the use of technology in the class room?

What is the student faculty relationship in a DPT program?

 

[lillycat11]

Since I am applying to so many schools, what is a good way to differentiate the difference between each school? During research, I am only able to find minor differences. Most programs generally are the same layout.

 

[deleted797640]

Since I am applying to so many schools, what is a good way to differentiate the difference between each school? During research, I am only able to find minor differences. Most programs generally are the same layout.

Look at their mission statement page usually that has some interesting information. Also that is a great question to ask them during an interview, what is unique about your school?

 

[Never2Late4Change]

Hello,
I am really anxious waiting to hear back from schools. I applied to 8 and I want to be prepared for the interview. What experiences have you all had? What questions did they ask? What did you do to stand out? Do you have any advice, tips, or resources for preparation? I am so set on getting in as this is my second time applying and I have done so much in the past two years to prepare for this?
Thanks!!

Hello! You mentioned that this is your second application cycle. Be prepared to discuss how you have grown in the last year, what you have done to improve yourself/your application, etc. This could be asked, or there may be an opportunity for you to bring it up. I also went through two application cycles, and in one interview I was asked to describe a time that I experienced failure - this was an awesome question, because I was able to discuss how I didn't get any admission offers the previous year, how it made me feel, and how I prepared for the next year.

Also, never be afraid to take a moment before you answer a question. It's okay to pause and collect your thoughts!

Hope this helps 🙂

 

[lillycat11]

Anyone have any online resources or books that may be beneficial for the interview? What are hot topics in PT right now?

 

[Flexion500]

Anyone have any online resources or books that may be beneficial for the interview? What are hot topics in PT right now?

When preparing for my interviews, I did ALOT of reading on the APTA website concerning professionalism and hot topics. It's actually very interesting to see how the profession has grown and been challenged over the years.
The Physical Therapist Scope of Practice
I don't know if they'll ask you your opinion on a hot topic like direct access or dry needling (they didn't at the two interviews I've had), but they might give you a scenario and ask you how you'd respond.

 

[Never2Late4Change]

Anyone have any online resources or books that may be beneficial for the interview? What are hot topics in PT right now?

Hello! I think it is important to be able to have ideas/answer questions regarding your thoughts on ethics, social media, direct access, program values and overall mission statement of the program/school. Be sure to know what you like about the program, as well as any research interests that you may have. And, I know it goes without saying, but try to do whatever you can to go into the interview being as relaxed as possible. Get up with plenty of time to get ready, eat a good breakfast, review any talking points, arrive to the school early, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions or need more details!

 

[lillycat11]

Is it appropriate to bring someone with you?

 

[jblil]

Is it appropriate to bring someone with you?

So that the "someone else" can sit in your interview? That'd be crazy... Please tell me I misunderstood.

 

[lillycat11]

No not in the interview of course. I don't know what the setting is like. Is it like a open house where family is welcome or what? I have a two hour drive and was wanting my fiancée to accompany me and see what the city and campus are like since we may be moving there.

 

[freakinmeowt]

It may depend on the school, but I'd say no. Have your fiancee drop and pick you up, but it should only be you at any interview day activities.

 

[Tavi09]

I just had an interview at Walsh University in Canton, Ohio. I feel I did very well. I think the key to interviewing, not just for DPT school, but for any interview is to draw upon meaningful life experiences and shape them to any question that could be asked. I was in a group interview and we only had five questions. The five questions were almost all about past experiences of failure, adversity or how we grew as individuals. Best of luck!

 

[lillycat11]

Thanks everyone for your help. It was not as nearly stressful as I thought it would be.

 

[CoenCorydoras]

Good luck, lillycat11. You can ace your interviews!

Hello,
I am really anxious waiting to hear back from schools. I applied to 8 and I want to be prepared for the interview. What experiences have you all had? What questions did they ask? What did you do to stand out? Do you have any advice, tips, or resources for preparation? I am so set on getting in as this is my second time applying and I have done so much in the past two years to prepare for this.
Thanks!![/QUOTE

 

[DPTmangoBOY]

- Yes, know APTA's 2020 vision statement
- Back up your statements with real life examples (but don't go by a script too hard)
- Think of a problem relevant to PT or Healthcare in general, they might ask something about that
- Don't spurt out after a question if you don't have a definite answer. It's okay to ask them for some time to collect your thoughts.
- Prepare a good introduction that makes you unique and rad
- I felt like talking with my hands prevented me from keeping my hands on my lap
- Talking with staff before-hand made me less nervous during interviews
- Research the program, they will ask why do you want to attend that specific program
- Lastly, be yourself!
🙂

 

[Newptstudent88]

I would actually recommend buying this book on amazon. Its 10 bucks paperback and 5 bucks kindle. Its a great resource that helped some of my buddies get into school. I had gotten in before the book was written. Its recent also, which is a good thing.

Amazon product ASIN B0792P2719

 

[interviewingforptschool92]

Thats actually a great book! I used it myself and it helped me to get into PT school! Lots of detailed information and its a quick read