Feeling Bummed Out...

[kato3]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello everyone. I have posted here numerous times, and I just need to let go of some of my feelings right now. I have applied to 4 schools so far, and I have received 2 interview invites, but later got rejected from both of them (Rosalind Franklin and Drexel). I was not even considered for the waitlist, which hurts me so much. I did receive an e-mail from Drexel's admission coordinator today, and she said that while my academic portion of the applications were strong, she suggested improving on my communication/interview skills. I felt like I established a good rapport with the faculty member that interviewed me, but I guess he saw something that I was oblivious to.

Even though I tried to practice my interview skills, it just feels like it was all for naught right now. I have been insecure about speaking out ever since middle school, mainly because I have a difficult time articulating my thoughts, and with an accent, I have always felt misunderstood by people around me. My condition is much better now, but those thoughts still linger in my consciousness from time to time, and I admit that it affects me. I do wonder if this is what Rosalind Franklin and Drexel saw when I interviewed them, and how my inability to communicate effectively will be my downfall as a health professional. I believe strongly that physical therapy is the path I want to pursue, and I really want to do great things both locally and internationally through my profession, but these rejections are making me doubt myself. At this rate, I do not feel good my chances at UIC, and UNMC primarily accepts in-state students, so I feel skeptical about it also. I feel so helpless now.... 🙁 For those that read through all of this, I really appreciate it. I just needed to vent my thoughts out.

 

[Azimuthal]

What were some of the questions, and how did you answer? Try to keep your answers verbatim, so that we can give you better feedback.

Usually, being declined due to interviewing skills is a bad sign.

 

[kato3]

I'll send you a message in private.

 

[Rudolph Mitchell]

UIC doesn't conduct interviews so you'll have a chance there


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[gronkypatty]

I actually know how you feel.. I only got 1 invitation for an interview so far, but keep your head up cause you never know! Anything is possible!

 

[DPThopeful1859]

If you think that your communication and interview skills aren't what they should be, then definitely work on it. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but if you have insecurity about articulating your thoughts, it will show and unfortunately, it might not come across as confident during an important interview. Having the grades and scores to reflect positively on your academic history is one thing, but feeling confident and executing your answers properly to not only your interviewer, but to your future patients is another. Keep digging and doing some research on universities to apply to if you don't get in this cycle, making sure you spend your money wisely and focus on universities that you believe you have a shot at getting into. Email the other admissions coordinator and see if the interview was your downfall or if they had already filled their class up with applicants. Don't give up hope!!

 

[ScarletGray]

Don't get too down on yourself! Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Never think that you can't improve you communication skills, just continue to work hard and dont give up. Determination is key. Perhaps, if you still have the name and number of the person that interviewed you at both schools, you could reach out to them and ask if they have time to talk with you about their choices and opinions of how they viewed your interviewing skills. Maybe they can provide some insight so that you have some direction on where to improve. Best of luck to you!

 

[SloanTriumph]

Don't worry, its honestly not hard to get good at interviewing. The more you do it, the better you get at it. Just drill it like you would anything else.

 

[nd_dpt]

Hello everyone. I have posted here numerous times, and I just need to let go of some of my feelings right now. I have applied to 4 schools so far, and I have received 2 interview invites, but later got rejected from both of them (Rosalind Franklin and Drexel). I was not even considered for the waitlist, which hurts me so much. I did receive an e-mail from Drexel's admission coordinator today, and she said that while my academic portion of the applications were strong, she suggested improving on my communication/interview skills. I felt like I established a good rapport with the faculty member that interviewed me, but I guess he saw something that I was oblivious to.

Even though I tried to practice my interview skills, it just feels like it was all for naught right now. I have been insecure about speaking out ever since middle school, mainly because I have a difficult time articulating my thoughts, and with an accent, I have always felt misunderstood by people around me. My condition is much better now, but those thoughts still linger in my consciousness from time to time, and I admit that it affects me. I do wonder if this is what Rosalind Franklin and Drexel saw when I interviewed them, and how my inability to communicate effectively will be my downfall as a health professional. I believe strongly that physical therapy is the path I want to pursue, and I really want to do great things both locally and internationally through my profession, but these rejections are making me doubt myself. At this rate, I do not feel good my chances at UIC, and UNMC primarily accepts in-state students, so I feel skeptical about it also. I feel so helpless now.... 🙁 For those that read through all of this, I really appreciate it. I just needed to vent my thoughts out.

I would email the admissions coordinator back and ask for some specific aspects of your interviewing skills that could use some improvement. Was it a lack of eye contact? Was it that you didn't get your point across clearly? Did you not completely answer the questions that were asked? My first PT school interview was, in my opinion, a disaster. I fumbled with my words, completely froze up, and walked out of the interview knowing that I would be getting rejected from the school. I was accepted somewhere else and am now about to finish my first semester of PT school. Don't lose hope and don't lose confidence! You will be accepted to the place where you belong!

 

[kato3]

I appreciate everyone's words a lot. I never expected to get this much response. I'm still digesting this rejection (this one hurt so much more than Rosalind Franklin), and I'm still skeptical about my chances at UIC, but I am slowly starting to see again how blessed I am to be in the position, and whether I do get in or not this year, I feel determined to work on my communication/intervewing skills. I also want to ask you on this very question: just how can I be more articulate? What methods have you done to work on your communication skills? I do admit that I express myself better through writing, but speaking has been my weak point pretty much most of my life.

 

[nd_dpt]

I appreciate everyone's words a lot. I never expected to get this much response. I'm still digesting this rejection (this one hurt so much more than Rosalind Franklin), and I'm still skeptical about my chances at UIC, but I am slowly starting to see again how blessed I am to be in the position, and whether I do get in or not this year, I feel determined to work on my communication/intervewing skills. I also want to ask you on this very question: just how can I be more articulate? What methods have you done to work on your communication skills? I do admit that I express myself better through writing, but speaking has been my weak point pretty much most of my life.

A common problem is that people talk too fast. Focus on slowing down and speaking clearly. Talk to yourself in the mirror to practice!

 

[gotaspirations]

I appreciate everyone's words a lot. I never expected to get this much response. I'm still digesting this rejection (this one hurt so much more than Rosalind Franklin), and I'm still skeptical about my chances at UIC, but I am slowly starting to see again how blessed I am to be in the position, and whether I do get in or not this year, I feel determined to work on my communication/intervewing skills. I also want to ask you on this very question: just how can I be more articulate? What methods have you done to work on your communication skills? I do admit that I express myself better through writing, but speaking has been my weak point pretty much most of my life.

Having been a patient myself in both inpatient and outpatient, a physical therapist MUST have good communication skills. As much as anyone wants to be a health care professional in rehab and healthcare, I can't stress how important communication is.

 

[gotaspirations]

Having been a patient myself in both inpatient and outpatient, a physical therapist MUST have good communication skills. As much as anyone wants to be a health care professional in rehab and healthcare, I can't stress how important communication is.

If you don't get in this round, I do believe that working in a service industry really helps. It forces you to practice communicating with people. It's is SO important. I have had extensive rehab and it would pain me to see someone who doesn't have communication skills become a healthcare professional helping others. Do you think you're shy or get nervous in general? Maybe it is just interviewing anxiety?

...If your communication skills are not good outside an interview, that's really bad. My public speaking class and interpersonal communication class really helped me.

 

[starrsgirl]

I would video tape yourself. Get a friend to ask you questions you haven't necessarily seen before and video your whole performance. It's so awkward to watch, but I think you will be able to see some areas you can work on.

 

[thofmann]

I would video tape yourself. Get a friend to ask you questions you haven't necessarily seen before and video your whole performance. It's so awkward to watch, but I think you will be able to see some areas you can work on.

Exactly what I was going to say... I've practiced answering sample questions just in front of my laptop webcam as if I'd be answering them on interview day. Does your insecurity root from anxiety/nervousness at all? If so, this video may be a good resource:

 

[Azimuthal]

I would video tape yourself. Get a friend to ask you questions you haven't necessarily seen before and video your whole performance. It's so awkward to watch, but I think you will be able to see some areas you can work on.

For the Navy's journeyman instructor's training course (JIT), you do just that, video yourself and everyone provides critique on the review.

 

[kato3]

Well, I just received one more opportunity just this past Wednesday. I will be interviewing at UNMC on 12/20, which gives me ample time to prepare for it. I do feel a bit nervous, since UNMC primarily accepts in-state students, but I have been invited for an interview, so I know that they see something in me. Everything is pretty busy here with preparing for finals and doing some moving (I know, good timing, right?), but I will take all of your advice to prepare for this interview!

 

[FeesicalTerrapee]

I would recommend watching "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy. It's. TED talk about how power posing affects your testosterone and cortisol levels in your brain. Pretty interesting and could help when you're nervous.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[UpDownPT]

Hello everyone. I have posted here numerous times, and I just need to let go of some of my feelings right now. I have applied to 4 schools so far, and I have received 2 interview invites, but later got rejected from both of them (Rosalind Franklin and Drexel). I was not even considered for the waitlist, which hurts me so much. I did receive an e-mail from Drexel's admission coordinator today, and she said that while my academic portion of the applications were strong, she suggested improving on my communication/interview skills. I felt like I established a good rapport with the faculty member that interviewed me, but I guess he saw something that I was oblivious to.

Even though I tried to practice my interview skills, it just feels like it was all for naught right now. I have been insecure about speaking out ever since middle school, mainly because I have a difficult time articulating my thoughts, and with an accent, I have always felt misunderstood by people around me. My condition is much better now, but those thoughts still linger in my consciousness from time to time, and I admit that it affects me. I do wonder if this is what Rosalind Franklin and Drexel saw when I interviewed them, and how my inability to communicate effectively will be my downfall as a health professional. I believe strongly that physical therapy is the path I want to pursue, and I really want to do great things both locally and internationally through my profession, but these rejections are making me doubt myself. At this rate, I do not feel good my chances at UIC, and UNMC primarily accepts in-state students, so I feel skeptical about it also. I feel so helpless now.... 🙁 For those that read through all of this, I really appreciate it. I just needed to vent my thoughts out.

If it does not work out this time you should absolutely consider taking a interviewing course. There is a technique to answering behavioral based questions. You should already know the answers to most questions before you even show up, so you can simple focus on the delivery and body language.

As a business major I was required to take uncredited interviewing courses which were a lot of work but worth. It was really helpful!