group interview- what should i expect??

[blizzardnorth]

I have an interview coming up and the first order of business is a "group interview" for an hour. Does anyone know what this may be like? I've done group interviews before, where we all had to work together and solve a problem. On the other hand, I'm thinking it may be an open discussion. Any advice?? Thanks!

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[EM132]

I had a few group interviews.

In one of them, there was just 2 of us in the room and it felt like an individual interview but we took turns. That was pretty uncomfortable because the other applicant was not well-prepared. I think it made me look better.

In another, there were about 14 of us and they paired us up to interview one another about why we should be admitted and then we reported back on our partner's qualifications.

At another, there were about 6 of us and it was more informational than a formal interview. We asked questions and briefly covered our experiences.

It will vary based on the professor conducting the interview. I heard about a group interview where there were 3 applicants and they had tole role play as supervisor/therapist. That sounded unbearably awkward.

Don't worry too much. I found that the group interviews were not as stressful, in general. Make sure not to sit on either end, so that if they go down the line, you're not first or last. Good luck.

 

[Cmvramirez]

It can vary school to school. I was at a group interview yesterday where about 10 of us had to talk about two prompts given to us by professors, while they watched us. This is called a fish bowl. In another, about 16 or so of us had to interview one another and report back to the group about why the other person should be admitted to the program. In another, it was only about 6 of us talking to the professor and to one another about the program.

In any case, be aware that they are watching your social skills and how you come across to others. Don't be rude, don't interrupt (it can be hard since many people are trying to stand out at once & everyone wants to talk), don't monopolize, and don't be a silent bystander. Just be yourself, let your personality shine, & you'll be fine. Best of luck! 🙂

 

[HVD2011]

EM132,

Thanks for the heads up. This information is really great to know.

 

[leavingprov]

a few weeks ago when i was at an interview i found out it was going to be in a group and i almost ran away from the school screaming. but it not only turned out to be interesting-- I actually had a relatively fun time. applicants were broken up into small groups and taken into separate rooms. i was in a group of about 10 and we basically had to do a few things:

1) break off into pairs and 'interview' the other person (ask them questions about themselves, etc) and then 'introduce' that person to the group.

2) watch 2 different scenarios acted out by current grad students, one was a therapist/client interaction and the other was a mock consult with a community advocacy group and a hospital. then we asked the grad students questions, then finally spoke with the other applicants in a 'fishbowl' setting (where you discuss what you watched while the gradstudents/professors watch you). It sounds stressful but it really wasn't too bad as all the applicants were down to earth and you almost forget you're being watched.... almost 🙄

Hope this is helpful and good luck in your coming interviews... most important is to be aware of how you are interacting with others... don't be too overbearing but don't be afraid to speak up and offer your brilliant insights! I second the sitting in the middle suggestion and the don't stress out suggestion!